The award-winning Marmot Mica Jacket (2010 price £100 and available in our Peebles branch) is aimed squarely at the lightweight gear enthusiast; incredibly it weighs only 198g. This is thanks, in part, to the minimalist design featuring attached adjustable hood, two zipped pockets and adjustable Velcro cuffs and to the Angel-Wing Movement™ cut, which gives a neat fit whilst retaining excellent freedom of movement. But the really clever technology is in the fabric used. Marmot’s own Membrain®Strata™ a waterproof, breathable 2.5 layer fabric that weighs only 2.2oz per square yard (the imperial units used there are explained by Marmot’s US heritage!)
The geeky bit:
MemBrain® Strata™ employs Marmot’s own lightweight waterproof / breathable technology. It’s a laminated fabric, rather than a coating, that rates a 20,000mm hydrostatic head and 20,000 gr in breathability. This level of performance is comparable to, or exceeds, many more expensive fabrics in this area of the marketplace. It does not require a lining nor a 3-layer construction like many similar lamination processes, MemBrain® Strata™ products are by far the lightest, most breathable garments in their categories.
Marmot’s proprietary 2.5 layer MemBrain® Strata uses micro non-organic particles on the inside of the lamination to increase durability and provide a dry touch instead of that clammy feeling you get from some other products. (That’s the 0.5 layer in the product name). This 3-dimensional back print pattern is carefully designed to achieve the maximum durability and breathability. Abrasion tests rate 4-5 times better than regular MemBrain® (which is why regular MemBrain, as well as all 2-layer laminates require a separate lining).
Marmot claim that compared to 2.5 layer coatings in the market, their 2.5 layer lamination is about 100% more breathable.
For a refreshingly non-geeky review of the Mica’s performance look at Jack Geldard’s review on UKClimbing here. The jacket’s performance has also been reviewed on OutDoors Magic here and by Trail magazine here. (The Trail magazine review is less helpful because it has been written in comparison to other jackets which aren’t mentioned in the text) All these reviewers were impressed by the breathability and waterproofing properties of this jacket. If you’re a lightweight enthusiast or you’re looking for a pared-down summer alternative to your winter waterproof, the Mica deserves serious consideration.
This product is currently highlighted in our Peebles branch window displays where it will be on view until 30th June 2010. Prices and data may not be accurate after this time and inclusion on this blog entry does not indicate availability. Please contact our Peebles store directly to check before travelling in anticipation of a purchase.