Marmot Mica Vs Essence

The 2008 and 2009 Essence Jackets are completely different and use a different fabric. From specs only, the 2009 jacket is much more breathable.

The Micra has hand pockets while the Essence has a Napoleon pocket and under arm vents instead. I would choose the essence as the hand pockets might be in the way of your hipbelt, and the underarm vents help with temperature regulation.

If you get one, post back as to how well you like it. It looks like the best lightweight jacket on the market now.

You're on the right track with these jkts. Both look to be a very nice piece of equipment. I was checking out the Mica and the womens version (Crystalline) in a local store. I'm using DriDucks right now because I can't justify the money on a new coat, but if I was in the market I'd buy one of these.

Comparing these two, I'd opt for the Essence. I believe both jackets are bang on 7 oz, so it depends on whether you'd rather have more front pockets or pit zips. For me, pit zips are more useful than front pockets because it allows you to use the jkt as a wind shirt as well. I don't carry a windshirt, so a more breathable and well vented rain shell is a plus.

Besides, the Essence still has the one breast pocket which should be plenty for carrying whatever you need to. I rarely use my pockets in my rain shell because I forget I put stuff in there and don't remember until hours later when the jkt is stuffed way in my pack. I prefer to use the hipbelt pockets in my pack.

" For me, pit zips are more useful than front pockets…"

I don't think the Essence actually has pit zips, but rather 'vents,' which seem to be a horizontal flap under the armpit covering, I would imagine, some kind of mesh. Haven't seen one, but that's what I'm getting from the pics and description (which always uses the term 'vent' instead of pit zips.

FWIW.

I have the Mica, and like it quite a bit. Used it last weekend on the Black Forest Trail in PA. It was a cool day that started raining lightly. Put on the Mica over an Icebreaker Bodyfit200 LS zip, and it took the chill off without over-warming me. Even used the hood, folding the brim under to keep it out of the way. I'd say it performed well.

It looks like Marmot stopped offering the Essence for the fall. The web page for it on Marmot's site says it's a spring 2009 item.

"It looks like Marmot stopped offering the Essence for the fall. The web page for it on Marmot's site says it's a spring 2009 item."

I know. I did a google search for the Essence after reading this thread, and could hardly find one anywhere (at least not a medium). Same thing with the Patagonia Houdini. I guess they're phasing them out?

I have a Mica (Medium 6.8 oz.) and my wife has the Crystalline (Small 5.6 oz.) and so far we are pleased. Used them on a few trips in the Sierras this summer but didn't get a good opportunity to test how they handle rain or breatheability. Mostly wore them around camp to help with warmth or bug protection. I will say this, nicely made with just the right features including hem and hood drawcord, adjustable cuffs and even a little loop that tucks the tail of your hem drawcord out of the way. Quality and fit is a serious step up from Frogg Toggs. My wish list to Marmot… please build an anorak version of the Mica with single Napoleon pocket.

I thru hiked the AT with the Mica this year. Its really breathable when used as a wind jacket, and its waterproof. Any reasonable amount of rain made the jacket wet through, where it stops breathing all together. Most other jackets have the same problem, but it doesnt happen nearly as quickly as with this one. If I had to do it over again, I would have preordered 3 or 4 sets of dri ducks. On the upside, the Mica is very durable for the weight, and like Robert said it has a great fit and perfect feature set. Only 2 pin point sized holes and it looks brand new still after over 2000 miles. The zipper pockets do get in the way of the hipbelt, but its not a big deal.

I think this is a great jacket if you hike in dry to moderate areas, snow, or do well to avoid the rain when planning trips; its soooo light. The AT and climates like Oregon/Washington are too wet for this jacket though. the tendency to always be wetted through is a real pain when you hike in the rain day after day.

I would also not recommend it in white. when it wets through, it becomes transparent. its like its letting you know when it stopped working. It scores a 3/5 IMO

Regarding wetting through, why not just apply a new DWR to the jacket so it wets out much slower?

Regarding availability, I think both the Mica and Essence are from Marmot's summer line. So they may not be available right now on their website etc but I would expect them to re-appear in the spring.

When I finally discarded my 20 oz goretex 'bombproof' pullover several years ago, I tried the Marmot 'precip' products and several others before settling on a Patagonia Specter pullover, which I found less condensation prone than the precip products, not to mention other porous unrethane coated products. This may be because it has a better coating, or better DWR, or both. It also slips easily with a raincap and trowel into a small top pocket on my pack where I can get at it quickly, something the bomber could never do. I tried a "2.5" layer product from Beans because it came in a size long and provided more coverage below the belt. It wetted out after just a couple days in the rain in the Rawahs, left me 'all wet,' and I sent it back. One thing about Beans – they have a very customer friendly return policy.
The Specter has weathered many days of rain with no sign of wetting out, so seems to have a much better 'DWR' coating than many other brands, and it weighs only around 8 oz. for my size XL. The condenation is no worse than the Goretex bomber, and I do not get wet from condensation when hiking here in the Northeast, or at higher altitudes in the Rockies (I hike only at a moderate pace).
If I really thought that the new Marmot products approached the performance of E-vent, as has been claimed, and would not wet out and thus become worthless, I would jump at these newer products, even though there appears to be no significant weight savings over the Specter.
But are they really significantly better? Taking the comments on this and other threads as a whole, it really doesn't sound like it. If anyone who has tried several of these products feels otherwise, it would be helpful to hear from you.
Thanks.
Sam Farrington, Chocorua NH