I had the Marmot equivalent of this jacket for years. That jacket was highly recommended by the people at EMS, so I just figured that was the best these types of jackets had to offer. That Marmot had a weird rubbery sort of lining that cracked and peeled basically from the moment I got it, until it was completely ridiculous this fall. That jacket didn't breathe well in hot weather and I retrospect always felt like I was wearing a trash bag, and I do question how waterproof it even was. That jacket costed me $100.

I know all of thatnow because I purchased this Columbia jacket. The difference is night day. This Columbia feels more substantial and well-made, but also has an interior nylon layer covered by a layer of mesh (both extremely light) so its not going to stick to your skin and trap in body heat. Like I said, the Marmot felt very trash-baggy but this feels like a proper jacket made withstand some rainy and windy weather. I have been wearing it around the last few days of crappy rainy weather here in Boston and I could not be happier. This thing blows the Marmot away in terms of quality and I got it for less than half of the price of that highly recommended Marmot jacket.

When my old jacket got basically unwearable, I hesitated because I thought these types of jackets were just expensive and not as useful as Id hoped. Im glad I checked this one out, and I would have no problem buying another one if anything happens to this one. Ill be bringing this to Costa Rica this summer for 17 days, Ill update the review after that!