Marmot Alpinist Lightweight Parka Review

"Marmot is my favorite shell out there...I love the Arc'Teryx but not the price...anyway, if you're talking Gore-Tex shells and Lightweight, you really can't mean any lighter than about 2 pounds, because anything less is far too flimsy (see NORTH FACE ULTRALIGHT) and you should just have a poncho. This jacket is usually available on sale for ~ $250.00 US, and is an incredible bargain in my book. It weighs right at 2 lbs., has a very respectable hood design, nice pit zips and nap. pockets on the chest, and doesn't have those atrocious frat-boy TNF symbols all over it!!!"

"My alpinist is a one piece ski suit, and it's THE BEST one I've ever worn. I've sent it back twice for patches and repairs (Marmot charges a reasonable fee for non-warranty work) so that I can keep (ab)using it. This version (at least ten years old) has pit zips, thinsulate lining, a great hood, and is perfect for everything but very warm spring skiing. For whatever reason Marmot doesn't make this as a suit anymore, but if I ever need a parka for cold weather I know where I'll go."