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Marmot DriClime Catalyst Jacket

Marmont Driclime Catalyst Jacket
Marmont Driclime Catalyst Jacket

I got turned onto the Marmot DriClime Catalyst Jacket  when I was winter backpacking in the White Mountains. Several very experienced hikers on our trip had the DriClime Catalyst and they raved about it.

Whenever you carry a backpack in winter, sweat accumulates on your back under your pack. What you need is a layering system that will wick that moisture away from your skin because you burn extra calories to evaporate moisture if it is touching your body. That’s one reason why you get so run down in winter during active sports.

What I like best about the DriClime Catalyst Jacket is it’s wicking liner, which is a thin, gossamer material that lines the entire jacket, including the arms and collar. It’s soft to the touch, but very porous, so it can transport sweat to the outer layer of the jacket where it can evaporate.

Weight-wise the jacket is 14.9 oz in an XL, saving me a few ounces of gear weight and a little backpack space. In addition to the liner, it has a good DWR to keep me dry in light rain and mist, two lined zippered pockets, a lined collar, and a zippered chest pocket large enough to store a hat or map.The external fabric is polyester with stretchy panels along the side of the jacket, along the underside of the arms, and up the sides of the back. These help eliminate extra fabric and make the jacked more form-fitting for active use, but don’t make it a tight fit. At most, I will wear two Capilene 1 jerseys under it, and since these are thin, I still have plenty of space and freedom of movement.

For $110, I feel that this jacket is a good buy and a valuable layering option.

Disclosure: The author owns this product and purchased it using their own funds.

2 comments

  1. I love the idea of breathable wind/water resistance. My current rain gear feels like I am wearing trash bags and duct tape.

    That being said, I should probably start a blog called:

    "Section8Hiker: for the frugal outdoor enthusiast"

  2. I like that – have to scarf up that domain.

    Just to be clear, I wouldn't classify the Driclime Catalyst Jacket as a substitute for a rain shell. For one, it doesn't have a hood. It's really optimal for winter backpacking when precipitation will be in the form of snow.

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