Marmot Red Star and Starfire Hardshells
Breathability, durability, and design combine for year-round protection in this versatile hardshell.
Brand: Marmot Gear Reviews
Model: Red Star and Starfire Hardshell Jackets
Weather protection
“This shell could handle an Alaskan expedition,” says a tester who used it during desert monsoon rains, hail, and 30-mph winds. “I wore it on a rim-to-rim trip in the Grand Canyon in heavy rain, walking under water pouring off the cliff bands above me, and stayed completely dry,” she says.
Breathability
This year, Marmot upgraded its highly breathable, 2.5-layer NanoPro Membrain to a three-layer version for added durability. The membrane’s millions of air-permeable micropores effectively let heat escape, and generous pit zips boost venting in mild weather. We didn’t feel clammy backpacking when it was 65°F and raining—the pit zips extending about three quarters of the way down the torso helped a lot.
Features
You get the full suite: an adjustable, helmet-compatible hood; a fleece-lined collar that reaches up over the chin; adjustable cuffs cut for extra hand coverage; pack-friendly hand pockets and an interior pocket; and articulated elbows. Ding: Hand pockets are too small for storing gloves.
Fit
An extended hem never rode up under a hipbelt, and the sleeves are on the long side. Slight two-way stretch in the athletic cut means you can layer a medium-weight puffy under it, too.
Durability
The 40-denier nylon face fabric handled abuse from steep scree and log hauling.