Marmot Men's ROM Jacket

I was looking for a great jacket that would satisfy many needs. I found what I was looking for in the Marmot ROM.

There are only two negatives to this jacket. The first is the large price tag. I was very hesitant to purchase this jacket because of the price, but I bit the bullet and went with the Blue one. Now the money is long gone, I have moved on financially and am a left with a fantastic article of clothing. I do not regret it one bit. The second issue is the claim of water resistance. I sometimes use this jacket for off road biking (since I live in Wisconsin I can't truthfully call it "Mountain Biking") in cooler weather. A couple of times now I have been rained on while wearing this jacket on the trail, one time was a very heavy rain. The water did not run off the jacket, it did not collect into droplets on the surface of the jacket, it just soaked right into the jacket and I was WET within minutes. This is a soft-shell and I did not buy it for its water resistance capabilities, but they also should not have claimed water resistance as a feature of this jacket. To be fair, the rain I was in with this jacket was a heavy downpour and I should have had on a rain jacket.

There are numerous positives to this jacket. The wind proofing on this jacket works very well. The fit is great. I can move around, raise my arms, bend over and all the while the jacket stays where it should. The hood fits over my bike helmet just fine, and I assume it would fit over a climbing helmet just fine as well. The multiple pull cords on this jacket work flawlessly. I especially like the waist cords that are inside the hand pockets. This jacket packs very nice. I have taken it on many hikes and it does not use up much room in my pack. I did have trouble accessing the main hand pockets with a large pack on, not a big issue, but I noticed it. I have not used this jacket as a base layer but I have worn it over a fleece as an outer layer. The wind proofing of the jacket along with the insulation of the fleece is an excellent combination. If worn by itself or over just a t-shirt you will get cold if you are standing around. This is a thin jacket made for aerobic activity.

**Note** I bought the blue jacket and it has a red zipper not a green one like in the picture. I don't know if the one in the picture is a different year than mine but it definitely is not green. I was not disappointed but some people may be. I actually like it better.

This is absolutely, hands-down, without a doubt my favorite jacket. If anything ever happens to my ROM, I'm going to buy three more of them just to be on the safe side. If I could give it six stars, I would do just that.

What is it? Well, it's a windproof hoody with a bunch of technical features -- pockets for ventilation, breathable side panels so you don't roast in it, adjustable cuffs and hood. It's tremendously comfortable and fits just like a regular hoody, but it works perfectly in a surprisingly wide range of temperatures. In spring and fall, you can wear it over a tech tee and it cuts the wind and provides enough warmth for most activities.

In legitimately cold weather (freezing or just above), I hike with nothing but a Capilene 2 or Capilene 3 base layer and my Marmot ROM jacket, which is both incredibly comfortable and incredibly breathable. The first time I tried that, I was honestly surprised at how warm the ROM kept me! It's seriously a swiss army knife, perfect for a very wide variety of non-precipitating conditions.

Most importantly, it breathes really well. You just never build up sweat inside this jacket, unless you're wearing a cotton t-shirt underneath (or it's just too warm for a jacket). It doesn't have pit zips because it flat-out doesn't need them; the side panels are really stretchy and breathable, and keep your body ventilated in places where you're already protected from the wind. "Body-mapping" and "air permeable" are trendy phrases right now, but Marmot has absolutely nailed it with the ROM.

This is the perfect solution for me when it comes to high-output activities in cold weather, and the hood just adds to the versatility. It's a much more comfortable hood than most hard shells, too.

Being a softshell, of course, you don't really want to wear it when it's raining or snowing because the fabric will wet out (even though the windproof laminate itself is basically waterproof). It doesn't have a DWR coating to bead up water. But if the skies are clear, for winter hiking or the approach to a climb or ski run, this is THE jacket to have... especially if the wind is ripping and you're going to be using some energy!

After some disbelief in the sizing comments I read on the reviews here, I had to go to the store and see for myself. Since I've not worn a medium in just about anything for the last 20 years, I initially dismissed the comments and went for a large: seemed ok. For the heck of it I tried the medium and voila! (heavenly music plays in the background), this was indeed the perfect fit! So, for anybody else out there that's 6'0 175-180 lbs and an athletic build with a moderately high ape index (sleeve length of 35-36), medium is the way to go. Just a couple other notes: the jacket is overall fantastic and has been almost grafted to my skin since buying several weeks back. Fit is trim enough to easily wear as a mid-layer under a shell, but also on its own, although you'd have a tough time getting anything much more than a thin baselayer underneath it. Breathable: just wore it on a 50 mile trail ride this weekend and barely noticed any sweat build-up. Surprisingly water resistant: of course not up to par with a purpose-built shell, but I got caught in a 20 minute shower on a bike ride and only noticed a couple very small areas near the seams that didn't just bead up and shake off. I also had a full glass of wine spilled directly into the front of me as I was sitting and watched it just roll right off the jacket (and unfortunately into my pants), so wine-proof as well. Goretex windstopper, check. Material is thinner than most softshells but has an excellent 'hand' to it, is stretchy, and has a very nice overall look to it. The trade-off is that its not quite as warm as a many other softshells.....but the hood is excellent and helps trap some add'l heat if needed. And finally, this jacket just looks like a million bucks. My 2 sports are cycling and climbing and this jacket has so far been stellar for both. Bottom line is I wish I'd found the ROM about 3 softshells ago: would've saved me some $$!

This is an incredibly versatile jacket, and probably the best soft shell jacket I own. The trick is knowing how to use it. On its own, this jacket isn't particularly warm. However, when you are generating your own excess body heat through moderate aerobic activity, like winter running, biking, hiking, or snowshoeing, then this jacket is perfect over a base layer. Its stretchy side panels vent excess heat and the windstopper fabric prevents cool breezes from chilling you. The water-resistant material won't protect you from a true deluge but it will keep moderate precipitation at bay.

When worn over a mid layer, the ROM is perfectly suitable as a cold-weather shell for activities like skiing, snowboarding and so on.

The best thing about this jacket is the fit. It is a true athletic fit that stays close to the body which, when combined with the stretchiness of the material, gives you a superior range of motion and degree of comfort when compared to traditional hard shells. There is no excess bagginess or bunching, and just enough room to comfortably fit a warm mid layer. If you're rocking a keg instead of a six-pack, this jacket may be too trim of a fit. For long and lean body types, though, this jacket is the best fit I've ever encountered in a shell of any kind.

This jacket won't replace a winter parka or a hard shell for those who really think they need them. Nor is it a sufficient as a standalone winter jacket unless you are engaging in moderate aerobic activity. But for the price, this is a ridiculously versatile soft shell that can serve you in a wide variety of circumstances if you know how to use it.

This is a great jacket for moderate to high activity in cool to cold weather. It is lightweight, but keeps warmth in pretty well. The hood is really nice, and the fabric is stretchy. The overall fit is "average". I would not call it "trim" (i.e., it is not like a typical Arc'Teryx fit). I am 5'10" and 175 and the medium is the right fit. It could take a baselayer plus a light insulating layer underneath. Worn alone, it is loose, but not baggy.

This is a shell, not an insulated jacket, but the interior of the jacket has a nice soft peach fuzz type of finish that is comfortable and non-clammy if worn next to skin, such as with only a t-shirt underneath.

Read the description carefully - it is not 100% Windstopper. The side panels are a tight woven stretchy material that is not as wind-resistant as Windstopper, so you will get some air circulation inside on windy days. This is a plus when you are working hard, such as going uphill, but if you are sitting still in a cold wind you will notice the air coming through.

I think an ideal use is an activity like backcountry skiing, where you are active most of the time and want the breathability over absolute wind-proofness. I have not worn this yet for resort skiing on a day when it is cold and windy and you want wind-proofness to stay warm while standing in line and sitting on the lift. I would probably wear a wind proof mid-layer, like a Patagonia Nanopuff or a Mtn. Hardwear Compressor jacket underneath. Or, just use a hardshell instead.

I bought this jacket to use on chilly days (45-65 degree weather) while i work (door-to-door sales) and I don't think I could have picked a better one! I didn't want something too heavy or too warm that I would end up needing to take off and carry around halfway through the day.

On cold days (45-55 degrees) I will usually wear warm Underarmor or another warm thermal, a polo shirt, jeans and some light gloves and this jacket keeps the cold wind out and keeps enough heat in to keep me comfortable and warm until the sun goes down.

On warmer days (60-70 degrees) I can wear this jacket over a polo t-shirt with jeans and I stay nice and warm all day without getting too hot or uncomfortable.

Other jackets I have owned keep me warm, but when the sun comes out and the temperature raises a few degrees, I get hot and uncomfortable. This Marmot solves that problem.

Also, I did go sledding with my kids in this jacket. It does a great job keeping you dry and warm as long as you wear the right gloves and under gear. it alone just isn't enough to keep you comfortably warm even over a long-sleeve button up shirt, but with the right gear and warm Underarmor, it does the trick. I love the hood that fits snug over my head and chin, even up over my mouth.

All in all, I recommend this to everyone and wish i had one of these in every color. In fact, my next jacket will definitely be a Marmot

Marmot really did well with this soft shell! It has exceeded my expectations.

The key to buying this jacket is knowing what it is for and how to use it. For aerobic activity, the ROM is incredible. For standstill warmth, not so much.

The fit is superb for active use. I'm 6'1" , 175 lbs and I got the medium. It's roomy enough to wear a base layer and a fitted insulation layer, but you can still wear it with a t-shirt and it looks great. The sleeves are for once long enough for those ape types like myself, but not so long that someone with average length arms wouldn't be just as stoked as I am to wear this jacket. The material also has a bit of stretch to it which is awesome when you need a good range of motion. It breathes really well, but still shears off wind with ease. It also stops light rain showers from ruining your day. The ROM's durability is great so far.

I have used this jacket for snow shoeing and alpine climbing to date. I'm sure it would be great for skiing too. If you need a jacket with a great range of motion (like climbing) that blocks wind and light precip this jacket will deliver! Buy it!

Love this jacket. I needed a packable jacket for both overseas travel and hiking in cold and windy spring/fall weather. Took it to Africa for six weeks. Pack-ability was great - just fold it up into the hood and stick it in your backpack or suitcase. Loved the convenience of the inside zipper pocket for my wallet & passport and the outside chest zipper pocket for my iPhone. The hood is very adjustable and works great in the wind and rain.

The jacket works great for backpacking. I was looking for a packable jacket to wear over a merino wool base layer to stay warm and dry in cold, windy and drizzly conditions. The jacket is perfect for that and gives me much more breath-ability while wearing a backpack than I was expecting. Just remember that it is not designed to be a rain jacket - it works well in light drizzle but you will be soaked in about 20 to 30 minutes in a downpour because it is not waterproof.

And finally, it looks great - goes well with jeans or shorts - and has a quality feel to it.

All in all, a very nice quality jacket and a great value.

Just used this jacket on a 5 day climbing trip. Did some multi pitch and sport climbing in the cold howling wind. The jacket breathed very well on the approach and proved to be 100% windproof on the climb.

It's definitely designed for active pursuits so you will want to wear some insulation underneath in the cold. The angel wing design is great especially while climbing. The jacket didn't ride up over my harness (it's nice and long too). Doesn't get in the way when you are wearing a pack either. Nice sized hood that fit over my helmet and fit well when tightened up without the helmet.

This jacket is extremely versatile and well designed. I was concerned with the durability of the material but after being rubbed on the rocks for four days it doesn't show one bit of wear. It's not waterproof but it does bead the water nicely if you get into a little light rain. So far so good!

This is another quality Marmot product! Solid jacket. I have the Marmot leadville also and that turned me on to getting another shell, it is a medium and great. This one however, the medium was huge on me! So I went with a small and that is the only problem I have with this jacket. Everything functions well on this jacket, the hood keeps you warm, all the wonderful pockets (2 hands, 2 chest [one inside one outside]) are fully accessible even in gloves. My favorite part though, is the non-elastic cuffs, they are terrific! I have had this jacket in some pretty adverse snow, rain, wind and cold and it holds up and does what it is told. It is not completely waterproof, but will keep you dry for quite a while. Also the stretch is great, this coat has wonderful full range of motion and honestly there is no end to the uses of this jacket. From casual to extreme, this will cover you up.