Marmot Precip Eco Rain Jacket Evaluation

Bottom Line

The Marmot Precip Eco stands out as a solid low-cost option among our favorite rain jackets. It is well worth the money for an entry-level coat. Those shopping on a budget will appreciate this quality shell at an accessible price. A quality flap over the front zipper protects from water penetration, adjustable cinches allow you to tighten down the fit, and it’s packable enough to zip into its own pocket.

We tested this jacket in the alpine of Alaska’s Chugach Range. Light enough to act as a windbreaker, we enjoyed using this coat in uncertain weather on cool days. Though it does wet through faster than other jackets we tested, it still offers reasonable protection at a decent price. This jacket is best suited for misty days with light rain as well as front-country camping.

Comfort & Mobility

With many entry-level coats, manufacturers often sacrifice comfort and mobility for the sake of keeping prices low. This is not so with the Marmot Precip Eco. With tapered arms and a torso that fits slender bodies well, the Precip Eco avoids the oversized trashbag feeling of other entry-level jackets. We particularly appreciate cinching the jacket snuggly around the waist and hood for a secure fit.

The separate collar and hood did have a slightly more awkward fit around the neck than expected. With the hood up, the collar fits seamlessly with it, but with the hood down, it was sometimes in the way or popped up around the chin and mouth. This is different than other jackets we tested where the hood and collar are one integrated system and does take some getting used to for those not accustomed to this cut.

Weather Resistance

In our initial tests, we were impressed with the weather resistance offered by the Precip Eco. With further use, we noticed that the waterproofing wore down faster than the others we tested. In heavy rain, it wetted through at the seams, collar, and cuffs faster than expected.

When using this coat in windy and lightly rainy conditions, we found it to provide more than enough protection in light rain. It quickly dried off between showers and we kept the jacket on for the entire hike on a cool and windy day where it blocked the wind well. 

While this may not be the heaviest-duty option to bring out on an all-day adventure in the rain, it works well enough for exposure to wind and passing showers. Don’t expect this jacket to be the one to perform the highest on the rainiest days but will do the job for those moving in and out of light precipitation.

Ventilation

The Precip Eco comes equipped with pit zips that were sufficient but we wish they were slightly longer. The zippers on the vents were also harder to reach than others and we even tested adding a zipper pull extension to make them easier to access.

With a laminated interior, we found that the Marmot Precip Eco held onto sweat and internal moisture more than other jackets. This often left us slightly damp and clammy on higher exertion activities. More often than not, we opted to hike with the jacket partially unzipped to get more ventilation. While it is likely not the one for higher output or sweaty hikes, it does work well enough for light movement and lower exertion where excess sweat is not a problem.

Durability

While the durability of the Marmot Precip Eco is average for an entry-level coat, it will require retreatment more often than other premium models. After testing it on a few hikes, we noticed the waterproofing decreasing after successive uses.

We also noticed the external material held onto dirt more than other jackets which contributed to its lower durability (and would require more frequent washing at home). The storm flap over the front zipper comes with velcro tabs to protect the zipper which we found started to pull away at the edges after repeated use. With an entry-level jacket such as this, it’s important to recognize its boundaries and to expect that it is best for lighter use.

Weight

With a measured weight almost three ounces lower than the stated for a men’s medium, we are impressed with how this jacket measures up. When hiking uphill and across ridgelines, we did not feel like it was a hindrance to bring along on longer days.

The Precip Eco packs down easily into a zippered pocket and compresses much smaller than some of the other burlier multi-layer options we tested. This jacket is great to throw in a day pack in case the weather turns and forget you’re carrying it all day.

Should You Buy the Marmot Precip Eco?

If price is your number one metric for measuring your rain jacket, it’s hard to beat the Marmot Precip Eco. With this low price, the jacket does come with some trade-offs for durability and weather resistance. It lacks some of the long-lasting characteristics of more expensive jackets but does well enough for those not exposed to heavy rain or expect heavy use out of their equipment.

We were pleasantly surprised with its attention to detail with cinches and cuffs that tightened down the fit and we appreciate how lightweight the jacket is. With the ability to zip into its pocket, this is a great layer to stash in the bottom of the back on uncertain weather days. Those on day hikes or in intermittent rain will enjoy this jacket for moderate use from town to trail.

What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?

REI Rainier Review: If budget is your number one factor, the REI Rainier is competitively priced with solid construction to keep you dry on the trail.

Outdoor Research Foray II Review: Ventilate like no other rain jacket with the Foray II providing some of the biggest vents on the market.

Montbell Versalite Review: For those after a jacket even lighter than the Precip Eco, the Versalite is one of the lightest we’ve tested.