The Marmot Mica waterproof jacket got good reviews on OM, so I bought one for when Paramo is too much. It is supposed to have a similar level of breathability as eVent. At £81 from Outdoor Warehouse, it hardly breaks the bank and weighs only 209g for a medium. I already have a North Face DIAD which I use occasionally but isn’t that breathable. The Mica is bit longer and has a better hood, although it still has a stiffened visor rather than wired, which is not that good (I’ll wear a cap underneath). The cut is good and the sleeves have good mobility. I wish the pockets were at chest level rather than hip. Overall, it’s a nice light jacket at a very reasonable price. I’ll update you when I use it in anger!
Hi Robin,Bought one myself from the same place several weeks ago.Its packed in the Rucksack and ready to go with me when I embark on the Sandstone Trail in Cheshire.Not sure when I will get around to this walk as I would also like to visit Snowdonia before the kids break up.anyway,it looks a nice bit of Kit at a reasonable price.
By: Trenthamwalker on 4 July 2009
at 5:46 pm
You may get to use it before me, so I’d be interested in your experiences.
By: blogpackinglight on 4 July 2009
at 6:12 pm
I’ve only just bought a Marmot Essence, fairly similar but it has one chest pocket and half elasticated cuffs. I haven’t tied it in the rain either!!
The strange print on the inside does tend to make it less tacky than plain coated jackets although against bare skin you could feel it slightly.
Fit is fine with a dropped tail but I find the hood isn’t to my liking. I dislike hoods where the drawcord doesn’t go all the way around, I find that they tend to pull the jacket up at the shoulders rather than tighten the hood around the face. My Montane Venture is exactly the same.
By: Richard on 4 July 2009
at 6:39 pm
It looks very similar. The chest pocket rather than hip is a plus. On the other hand, I don’t like elasticated cuffs and the Mica has just velcro adjustments. The hoods look very similar. The thing that drew me was the OM comment on breathability. If it really is as good as eVent, then it will be a great summer jacket, even if I have to wear a cap under the hood! The best hood on any jacket I’ve had is the Berghaus Paclite smock.
By: blogpackinglight on 5 July 2009
at 7:44 am
I’d have preferred velcor cuff myself but in the end went in favour of a chest pocket (Single), 183g/medium
By: Richard on 5 July 2009
at 12:34 pm