Marmot Alpinist Primaloft

What really separates this jacket from the competitors (TNF, MH, etc.) in this category is simple: pit zips. Marmot included them in the design; the others have not. Since synthetic fill (whether it's Polarguard, Primaloft, or whatever) is not highly breathable, the pit zips greatly increase the comfort range of this jacket -- especially nice for those hard uphill hikes with a pack on.

I've had this piece three or four years. It hasn't been abused and has held up well. Washing it is a hassle -- I recommend doing the cleaning chores using a front load machine without an agitator.

Although this particular model jacket has been discontinued by Marmot, they still make the same piece using Polarguard 3D rather than Primaloft. The current version is called the Alpinist Trango Sweater.