Marmot Cloudlight Shell Jacket - Waterproof (For Women)

I've worn Marmot products for years - I currently own a small Marmot - & this is way too small, and the stiff, high neck would be very uncomfortable to wear on a long hike.

I purchased this jacket for my wife for casual wear, recreational hiking, and canoeing in mildly cold and wet weather. It is perfectly suited for these activities, in that, it is very lightweight and allows her to layer appropriately. The jacket is probably more than she needs, but I have found it is better to spend a little more and have a comfortable wife than spend less and have the alternative.

I was really looking forward to this jacket based on the other reviews. Unfortunately, I returned it because the neck came up too high for my liking. If the jacket were zipped up completely, the neckline fell just below my nose; if it were zipped to the beginning of the neckline, it was too open, and there was not really an in between since the final 3 inches were very stiff. I did find the zipper rather stiff, as well as the jacket fabric in general (though I think it probably would keep you dry in a down pour.) Because of the neck length issues I felt it was impossible to adjust the hood properly. My final complaint about this jacket is its velcro closures in addition to the zipper. Because the zipper is stiff I found the jacket closing on the velcro while I was trying to zip it up--totally annoying. At this price I don't see why this jacket can't have a secondary closure utilizing snaps instead of velcro.

I'm 5'8", around 130lbs - ordered a medium and fits well enough for up to 3 layers underneath for those sub-zero days. Also fits great alone as I basically wanted a 4 season waterproof jacket. We'll wait and see how it holds up to the spring and summer rain showers - whether hiking with the dogs or at rainy agility trials. Water did bead nicely in the one winter rain that I've worn it. Sleeve length might be quite long for someone with arms on the shorter side, but great for us gals with "monkey" arms - perfect length! The only drawbacks are that there are no inside pockets and no liner of any kind. Also, I really wanted to be able to zip in a fleece layer. This was as "perfect" as I could find. Love the green color! Ordered both the Marmot Flashpoint Jacket - Polartec® Fleece and the Marmot Jacket - Supernova Fleece to wear underneath (was only planning on keeping one, but kept both). The greens are a good match to this shell.

I agree with just about everything in the previous review. I'd emphasize that this is a very lightweight piece--I wouldn't rely on it during the winter. It's extremely well made and thoroughly waterproof. I would have liked to see an inside pocket or two. I'm a size 10-12 and ordered the Large, which is a good fit. The sleeves are very long, but I find the velcro does a good job holding them up.

I have been trying to replace my old rain parka for years, but until now, have not found a new one to satisfy me. Something was missing in every case until the Marmot Cloudlight came along. I wanted a LIGHTWEIGHT, breathable jacket with a stowable hood, pit-zips, a 2-way main zipper, with a fairly long length, especially in back. Most jackets are too heavy and/or lack one or more of my desired features. Also, I wanted a jacket that would fit well with or without a fleece or sweater underneath. This jacket is just right. It serves well at a variety of temperatures and is nice enough for city or backcountry. It packs light and small. The sleeves are a little long on me and the velcro can't be made tight enough to cuff them at the wrists, but then my hands stay cozy in the rain and the sleeves can be rolled up fairly easily. The waterproofness is excellent, the jacket dries in no time and the fabric has a nice soft hand. I am very satisfied with the comfort, look and performance of this jacket.