The Marmot Women’s Spire Jacket features a simple, versatile design that gets the job done whether you’re mountaineering, alpine climbing, or backcountry skiing. Gore-Tex Performance fabric and fully taped seams hold off the worst that Mother Nature throws your way. Marmot cut this jacket a little large to leave room for your fleece mid-layer. Pitzips and pocket vents let the air in when you need to cool down a bit, and the helmet-compatible hood and removable powder skirt seals out the weather when things get serious.
Bottom Line: For any day in the snow-covered mountains.
took this jacket with me to patagonia and it was well worth shelling out the benjamins for it. it's not lined and is fine to wear on its own if the temperature is about 50 degrees -- but, as is the norm with hiking, you need to be wearing a couple of layers if you're going to be hiking and subject to the elements (snow, rain, blowing winds - like i was). it didn't keep me from feeling dry when i was outside in torrential rain, even though it is gore-tex...
in terms of sizing - i got the medium and i found it a bit tight around the hips, so i unzipped the bottom using the second zipper. as for the chest area, it was a tad roomy. please note the weight - it's a bit heavier than other windbreakers and does not compress to a small size (i know that every ounce, every inch counts when you're backpacking.)
i don't regret buying this jacket - i've received lots of compliments on it, and the pockets are invaluable when you're traveling and want to keep your credit card, passport, and ID on you at all times. the blue is absolutely gorgeous (it's a richer, deeper blue than how it appears on the computer monitor).
mega props to backcountry.com's online customer service - they rock & the shipping is lightning fast. definitely will continue recommending fellow travelers to shop here. cheers!
Its amazing. Hood is roomy and easily adjustable for use with or without a helmet. Pit zips are a great feature. Powder skirt is super handy. Great cut for a woman. Even my guy friends are jealous of this jacket! True to size.
I just received the Marmot Spire shell in Blue Grotto / Skyline Blue and I love the colours (I hope the light blue front won't get too dirty). I also bought the Marmot Power Stretch Half zip in Skyline Blue and it looks fantastic with the shell.
Regarding the sizing, I was at the lower end of the measurement range in all measurements for a medium but in the middle of the high/weight range for a small so I ordered the small. Lots of room for a couple of layers in the arms and bust but a bit tight in the hips (maybe this will motivate me to get my butt in gear and get to the low end of the weight range).
Would have liked a sleeve pocket for my kleenex stash and a loop or something for my ski pass but all in all, it looks great!!
As usual, Backcountry gave me great service - it should be a model for all businesses.
Let it Snow!!!
