Review of Marmot Ascend Soft Shell Jacket
By Matt Smith

As soft shell jackets have improved and diversified over the last several years, they have become much more specialized, and correspondingly functional. Rather than being constructed with a single shell fabric, multiple fabrics are being combined to provided the needed protection from the elements, while altering the desired level of warmth and breatheability. The Marmot Ascend Jacket is a new offering that combines excellent protection with moderate breathability.

I found the Ascend to provide excellent protection from light rain and gusty winds. With a hood, the Ascend could be perfectly functional as an all weather shell. The proprietary Marmot M1 fabric is extremely comfortable as is has just the right amount of stretch. The welded seems eliminate potential leak points and provide a clean look. I appreciated that Marmot has traded soft velcro cuff closures for the typical stiffer rubber ones popular of late. The collar is lined with Marmot's DriClime fabric, which is very comfortable, even with the collar fully zipped. The mirco fleece lined pockets are large enough to accommodate a glove, and gps unit with not problem.

The pit zips open easily with one gloved hand; however, because the zippers are waterproof, the rubber is a little resistant, making it more difficult to close the pit zip. With the pit zip protected under the arm most of the time, I'm not sure there is a lot of mileage to making it waterproof. I also felt like the pit zips could have gone a little deeper on the torso to allow better ventilation, but they are functional. The napolean pocket is perfect for car keys or chap stick on a morning trail run, or cross country ski day trip

I found the overall fit of the Ascend to be excellent. The M1 fabric allows for plently of stretch across the back, shoulders, and elbows, which I loved, having somewhat broad shoulders. The cut under the arms is loose enough that the jacket doesn't bind on base layers. I found this to be a refreshing change, as many athletic cut garmets seem to leave no room for base layers. It is athletic enough to stay close to the body during areobic activities, but comfortable, and unrestrictive enough that it serves well as a multi-purpose 4 season jacket.

Summary: The Ascend Softshell is a perfect jacket for cold, wet days. It breaths / vents well enough to be suitable to aerobic activities, particularly when worn with a light base layer. The Marmot M1 fabric makes this jacket much more affordable the similar jackets with Gore fabrics. It can be purchased online for about $250.

For more information contact:
Marmot Mountain Ltd.
www.marmot.com
2321 Circadian Way
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
707-544-4590
info@marmot.com

Matt Smith is the canyoneering specialist at GearReview.com, and dislikes having fish in his sleeping bag.