Gear Review: Marmot PreCip Rain Jacket

[best all-around]
Breathability can make or break a budget shell, and the Marmot PreCip outperformed all others when it comes to that key measure. “Best in class,” says one tester who wore it during a three-day trek with 1.7 inches of rain in Washington’sAlpine Lakes Wilderness. The secret sauce: Marmot’s PreCip coating, which has more and smaller pores per square inch than competitive fabrics, enhancing breathability.

Ventilation is also excellent, thanks to 15-inch pit zips, chest-high pocket vents, and a Velcro storm flap that repels rain even when the front zipper is open. Despite all of the venting features and the use of durable 50-denier ripstop nylon, the jacket is still lighter than most in its price range.

All testers loved the fit, thanks to 15 (!) sizes and tapered side panels that let us reach and stretch without causing the hem to ride up.