Marmot Dri-Clime

No, you are not a dinosaur and I wouldn’t change a thing. I own at least a half dozen ‘Dri-Clime’ Marmot pieces (mostly in the form of Ether jackets and hoodies) and they are my favorite mid-layers in wet weather or outer shell layers in dry, breezy or cold conditions. I own every other modern fabric variant out there and the Dri-Clime stuff is as good or better than anything else. I think they totally nailed the sweet spot of wind resistance, breathability (with the help of the underarm mesh panels), easy layering (slippery), just enough warmth, reasonable durability, and a nice cut. I’m glad to see the newest hoodies have adjustable face openings. The older fixed hoods were the one thing I would have changed.

I think the Dri-Clime is still a fantastic jacket. I also think that the Houdini and Squamish are fantastic jackets.

I still wear my Dri-Clime (a variant, actually) regularly while riding to and from work and on many cold weather dayhikes. It’s a better jacket for grabbing on your way out the door, and more comfortable and simpler. If I’d bought one in anything but blaze orange I’d probably be wearing it daily.

If I expect it to spend a decent amount of time in my pack I’d rather bring the Houdini or Squamish. I also wish my Dri-Clime had a hood, to keep snow out of my neck.

Not a huge fan of Marmot but they really, really hit it out the park with this one.

+ 3 on the Dri-clime! I have several jackets.

Thanks Phillip. I didn’t know they had the Ether Hoody. I just ordered a XL from Sierra Trading for $49.

You might be interested in a Montbell Ultra Light Shell Jacket. Pretty much a Driclime Lite. 4.9 oz. for my medium (right on spec). I like it.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.   Thanks Paul – I’ll check out the Montbell Ultra Light Shell Jacket…

Is there any difference in fit between the Driclime wind shirt and the Ether Jacket?

Re: fit. They are similar, though the traditional Dri-Clime had no sort of drawstring hem on the torso, and the Ether jackets do, so I think they fit better and feel less baggy in the torso and the sleeves may be a bit narrower . They all share similar linings, but the Ether hoodies seem to have slightly lower denier shells that feel a bit more supple and breathable. I prefer the Ether hoodies to the original Dri-Clime windshirts.

I prefer a light fleece and a separate windshirt. The driclime is bascially a light fleece combined with a windshirt. I prefer the separate layers because I overheat and cool down very easily and I value having lots of adjustability.There have been many times hiking in the wind where just wearing a base layer was too cold for me but a fleece lined windshirt would have been too warm so just a simple windblocking layer worked well.

Some people overheat and get chilled less and would prefer a single layer for the simplicity and less fuss. There are a lot of different types of outdoor clothing combinations and it’s important to find what works the best for you.