Marmot Guides Down Sweater

I am always looking for a good deal when buying new gear and here I found another one. I needed a fairly light but warm and simple jacket and that is what I found. At $74 on the Internet I thought I would give it a try.

Almost perfect for what I needed. No hood and not a true parka for any real cold weather use but great for 3-season hiking or around town to keep warm anytime. The only thing I would prefer would be 800 fill down but for this price I am very satisfied.

Two hand warmer pockets with zippers and an inside zippered chest pocket with its own built in stuff sack. Has a backing flap behind the main zipper and soft lining around the chin area, forget what Marmot likes to call this material.

Weight is 1 lb 6 oz, so it is not the least heavy out there, but once again for the money I am very pleased.

I didn't need another jacket but the $74 sale price was too good to pass up. I expected a skimpy jacket but...wow...was I surprise when this big, fat, puffy jacket came out of the box. It is as warm as any down jacket I have owned. But it stuffs smaller than any other.

It shed some down. No hood. Not waterproof. Just warm. And lite. And wonderful. I have a great North Face Mt. Erebus Parka hanging here, and a North Face Nuptse next to it. Great coats. But I believe the Marmot is the warmest. The down is very high quality. Why they call it a 'sweater', I don't know.

I should mention that the 'hand' i.e. the feel of the nylon is very soft and luxurious. It's not an all purpose garment for extreme weather, but if you need light and warm, this Marmot is the one.