Marmot Mica Jacket?

[sherpaxc]

Anyone used one?  I did a search on Backpackinglight and found a good thread but none of it is very bike specific.  It is so dang light I just have to give it a chance.  Any thoughts?

http://marmot.com/fall_2009/mens/outerwear/shells/mica_jacket

[Pivvay]

No experience yet but I'm looking at one too. Pretty similar to my older DIAD that's slowly dieing.

[Rob]

Looks like a winner.  According to some the reviews it's just as if not more breathable than eVent. 

[WillyK]

Doesn't seem to have any vents, that would probably be a deal killer for me.

I've been eyeballing the NF Diad for a while now, and the website says it has Mini-pit zips. Chris.....How mini are they? Do you notice the venting or are they more of a marketing tool?

[Pivvay]

I doubt it's as breathable as EVENT, I wouldn't get your hopes up. That being said, I'd probably still buy it.

The marmot essense has underarm vents.

I have always liked the mini pitzips in the DIAD. They're small but make some difference to me. My modded DIAD is 6.1oz so I hate to buy something new that's heavier with less features. Full zip is mandatory for me in a biking jacket.

[jonesy792]

I was about to write something positive about my sierra designs jacket but then I noticed that I ripped the seams on the pit zippers on my last ride 

[sherpaxc]

Looks like REI is now carrying the Mica.  I'm gonna go check them out soon and see how I like it.  I'm probably going to wait until my dividend and 20% off coupon come in to buy it.

[MrsPivvay]

I wonder if it's in stores. I want to try one on.

EDIT: Doh this is really Pivvay

[nyounie]

While were on the topic of Jackets, how would the Mica stack up against the Showers Pass Elite 2.0. The weights higher but nothing seems to match it's breathability. Is the extra weight/Cost worth it? Any thoughts?

[Rob]

I like how the Showers Pass hoods are designed to be used under a helmet.  Also check out the Mountain Elite, which has the nonslip shoulder panels for the backpack.

[sherpaxc]

I don't think there is enough in the field info to compare the two (at least on this site and for the purpose of bikepacking).  I'm going to try to get one sometime in the next week or two.  Hopefully by buying a rain jacket it'll stop raining.

[mattinaustin]

Does the Mica have a 2-way front zipper?  I think that is a good feature if it does.

I am learning that it is really nice when the temperatures aren't super cold.  My old eVent jacket had one and the new one does not.  It is amazing how much temperature regulation I could do by opening up the bottom of the jacket a little bit.  I think I generate a lot of heat in the core area and opening the jacket a little there has a big impact.  Also it doesn't cause the jacket to puff up from wind coming in.  That area is not as exposed to rain either so having it more open doesn't cause too much of an issue.

+1 on the 20% REI coupon and dividend :-)  (and the great return policy)

[sherpaxc]

I don't think it does Matt.  It would be a nice feature for sure, but not detrimental to me.  I'm most concerned with weight vs. breathability/packability.

Gotta love the REI guarantee as well!

[sherpaxc]

I ordered one from REI today.  Should have it in about a week or so.  Hopefully after buying a rain jacket it will stop raining.  If not I'll post up a review of it.  REI had a total of 13 in mediums...total.  Crazy.

[howrad]

I just noticed there's a new pit-zipped Super Mica.  It's a little heavier at ~8 oz (246g), but it seems to be reinforced for backpacking type wear.

http://marmot.com/products/super_mica_jacket?p=110,170

[sherpaxc]

Got it in the mail on Saturday.  Holy light jacket Batman!  Folds super compact, but not as compact as my Marmot Windshirt.  Got to walk around in the rain yesterday with it and yep, it works.  Haven't got to ride in it yet.  The hood was a little funky at first cause it was so big, then I realized there is velcro on the back that you can attach the upper part of the hood to make it smaller and more form fitting sans helmet.

The left side zip doesn't bother me at all, that's what my Louis Garnaue (sp?) stuff uses.  I wish the arm length was a little longer so when on the bike it covers my wrists better but when standing they fall to the top of my palms and would be to long otherwise. 

When on the bike it covers my back side just fine, though not as much as a showers pass jacket would I'd imagine (never used one but have seen them).

For $130 bucks from REI and a return guarantee it was worth the shot.  In the end I got an extremly lightweight and compact WPB jacket.  Time will tell how well it holds up.

BTW, I'm 5'10 and weigh 155 and got a medium.