Just In - Marmot Zion Jacket - Gear news - OutdoorsMagic active network: Golfmagic : OutdoorsMagic : Visordown Email Password Forgotten your password? Join free Sign in Have an account? Home News Reviews Blogs Features Gallery Routes Forum Shop Ask Us Gear news You are looking at: Home : Gear news Just In - Marmot Zion Jacket New and intriguing waterproof soft shell using Polartec NeoShell fabric from Marmot. Tweet Posted: 27 October 2011by Jon Crisp North American good looks and classic alpine cut. Water-resistant zips all round. Two hand-warmer, one chest and one sleeve pocket. Subtle shoulder reinforcement for happy pack use. Soft backer adds a little insulation but is fully taped for waterproofness. Just arrived is a Marmot Zion Jacket, a waterproof soft shell made using Polartec's new, impressively breathable NeoShell fabric and it's a seriously interesting bit of kit, not least because of the questions it inadvertently raises. Questions, Questions... For example, why has Marmot chosen to use Polartec's new waterproof fabric for a soft shell, rather than a conventional waterproof 'hard shell jacket', which is what Rab has done with its Stretch Neo? The bottom line is that Marmot felt that the waterproof performance of NeoShell – a hydrostatic head of 9,000mm – was better suited to a soft shell than a full-on waterproof. Fabrics like Gore-Tex and eVent are generally twice that level. But as the Zion is fully taped, it's also completely waterproof. So in a sense, it's lightly insulated, stretch waterproof jacket... Er, but if it weren't taped, then the even more breathable PowerShield Pro would arguably be a better option. The way we see it is that you're getting a functional soft shell, that should work well in cold, snowy, soft shell friendly conditions, but with added waterproofing insurance if the weather turns to wet. Or for the odd day in just above freezing, wet conditions in lieu of a conventional waterproof. NeoShell, if you've been following the story, is a development of Polartec's PowerShield and PowerShield Pro fabrics, in this case being a little more weather resistant and a little less breathable. That said, it's still arguably the most breathable waterproof fabric on the market. First Impressions So what's it like? Well, it's a like a classic, alpine soft shell, but with taped seams. The fabric feels tough, thick and stretchy and has a thin micro-velour backer for a bit of added insulation on cold days. There's subtle shoulder reinforcement too, for pack use and abuse. The Zion is cut neat and medium short, Marmot's Angel-Wing cut means that you can raise your arms without the jacket pulling up and works nicely. All the zips, one main with back-up storm flap, two harness-friendly, handwarmer pockets and sleeve and chest pocket are water resistant and the cuffs and hem are fully adjustable in classic style. The hood – roomy but not helmet compatible – is generally good. It fits nicely and moves with your head, plus gives decent protection to the lower part of the face. Jury's out on the peak which is laminated, but not as stiff as a classic wired peak, we suspect it may get floppy in really fierce conditions. All Mountain Shell? At a not ridiculous 660g in weight, we reckon it could make a really capable all-mountain shell for cold conditions. Cold, because that inner scrim adds a little bit of extra warmth, perhaps enough to wear it over just a baselayer if you run hot and move fast or a lighweight fleece if you don't – the cut is fine for both on our classically medium frame. We figure it'll be good in snow – drag it out for skiing or boarding too – but where the waterproofness should score is on those vile days when it's just above freezing and wet in the valley, then gives way to snow and sub-zeroness higher up the mountain. No need to carry an additional lightweight waterproof as you would with a conventional soft shell in those conditions.In fact, put like that, it seems like a very good idea. And of course you get that pleasant soft shell, stretch feel. What you also get are clean-cut, American good looks, which you'll either appreciate or not. We quite them – but if you're shy and retiring, there's a black version with blue zips, which might be a bit more 'British'. Last but not least, recommended retail is £280, though as usual, you can find cheaper deals on line. That's about the same as a top level waterproof shell, so a viable alternative if it ticks your other boxes. We reckon it's an interesting winter option and we're looking forward to trying it out when the going gets gnarly. More information at www.marmot.com Previous articleJust In - Salomon XA20 M Pack Next articleJust In - Columbia Peak 2 Peak Jacket Marmot, NeoShell Related Content Marmot Spire Jacket - First Take Women's Marmot Venus Down Jacket Tested Marmot Midweight Baselayer First Look Marmot's New Waterproof Jackets Scoop Marmot's Sub-200g Waterproof Marmot Gets Innovative For Winter Just In - Marmot's Mad New Hybrid Jacket Marmot Announces 'Most Technologically Advanced Bags On The Market' First Look - Marmot Variant Jacket Marmot's New ￡130 Gloves... Related Products Marmot Zion Jacket Discuss this story Mikel von Dundeeski It was looking good till the weight was mentioned. That's Paramo territory, and arguably a Paramo Aspira would be more comfortable. And the lack of a wired hood rules it out for me. I can't believe the OM 404 error meant i had to Google this article to be able to read it, as i couldn't access it from the forum! Posted: 27/10/2011 at 19:46 Nick P 10 Why the obsession with wired hoods? I have a wired peak on one jacket and it is a pain! The others are laminated and work perfectly in all conditions including stormy weather. If you are a gram counter, surely a thick wired peak just adds to the weight? Posted: 28/10/2011 at 08:54 Metric Kate Nick P 10 wrote (see)Why the obsession with wired hoods? Cos they're actually quite useful for keeping rain, sleet, hail and snow from being driven in your ears and down your neck by strong winds. Posted: 28/10/2011 at 09:38 See more comments... Talkback: Just In - Marmot Zion Jacket Most popular articles Latest 1 Aquapac launches 100% waterproof Toccoa Daysacks 2 MCofS Deliver Hypothermia Advice 3 Cotswold Exclusively Stock Lowe Alpine Rucksacks 4 inov-8 Win Three ISPO Awards 5 In Shackleton's Footsteps... 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