Marmot Maxima Softshell Jacket - Men's - 2008 BCS

This is a very nice softshell with the gore windstopper technology, but it's sized a little weird. When I tried it on, it was really long in the arms. That being said, it's perfect for backcountry touring. It's thicker than other softshells I have, which makes it a nice piece to have when it's too cold for a thin softshell but too warm for the insulated jacket.

First let me start by saying that softshell jackets aren't made for standing around in a howling snowstorm. Many reviewers miss the point of softshells by saying they "aren't warm enough" even though they are just made to keep you reasonably dry and wind protected and not much more.

The Marmot Maxima is a very close fitting jacket...I'm 6'1 170 and ordered a medium and there isn't much room for layers underneath but I'm ok with that. These kinds of softshells were meant for aerobic activities in mildly cold weather and this one fits the bill perfectly. The fit is snug (beer bellies size up or look elsewhere) without being restricting and breathability seems to be good when I put a few miles on my mountain bike yesterday. I haven't tested the water repellency but I expect it will hold up to brief periods of snow/light rain.

Quality of materials and construction appear to be high. I have products from MHW, TNF, Rossignol and Arc'Teryx and this Marmot either meets or exceeds the quality of those makers. Zippers are tight but work smoothly, the inner microfleece lining doesn't insulate much but feels really good nonetheless. The cinch cord around the hem is pretty much useless since the jacket is snug as-is but may be useful if you get a size up for layering. The cut and styling are really great....the "mahogany" is a little darker and more maroon/brownish that it appears in the pics. I love the color though and have gotten compliments already.

The one con...and the reason I only gave 4 stars, is the lack of pitzips. Maybe they aren't really needed if the shell fabric is breathable enough, but still should have been included considering the asking price.

Bottom line is that this is a great addition to your winter wardrobe even if it isn't an all conditions jacket. It does do it's intended job very well...and looks really sharp doing it.

This jacket looks great and keeps me very warm between about 40-60 degrees. When I layer under it it keeps me warm to much colder temperatures.

My one problem with it is that my fabric has started to fray. I had it for about 6 months before it started. It could have been a manufacturer defect and it doesn't affect the performance of the jacket but it still sucks that it is fraying.

Just got this a few days ago, sizing is typical. I'm 5'7" 175 with broad shoulders. I got the large and the athletic cut fits well. I still have room for a couple of layers. Sleeves are long enough that when I reach up, they don't pull. The microfleece liner is perfect so that the jacket feels substantial instead of a thin shell. The length is a little longer than a ARC Gamma sv. I got the Jacket in Raven, its BROWN. I really like the fact that this jacket has windbloc. CONS- THE ONLY thing I don't like about this jacket is the zipper and the ridge/tube right next to the zipper. The zipper construction makes the front of the jacket (ZIPPER) really stiff. If you look at the close up picture of the jacket (front zipper) you'll see the big tubes that run along next to the zipper on both sides of the zipper. This construction makes the jacket really stiff in the zipper only.

I wear this baby every day. Office, bar, or trekking. I'm always impressed by its wind-breaking ability and it does really well layered for warmth. I've worn it skiing and it actually does well as long as you're not deep in pow (no skirt or hood). The mahogany color is definitely a bit more maroon than shown in the picture, but not a bad color. Comfy, warm and stylin. A good quality soft shell.

Great athletic cut. It's close fitting, but give your arms full range of motion when reaching above your head. It looks well made, but the softshell isn't as burly as some other's i've seen. The biggest turn off was the color. The mahogany is nothing like the picture. Like someone said below it's more of a dark pink - looks kinda like a girl's jacket.

Be advised, Mahogany is a rusty, reddish brown.

Overall its ok, it has windbloc so that is nice. The fit is outstanding for me (5'9" 180lb with wide shoulders - I bought the large). It fit nicely as an outer coat so that I can still layer under the jacket. MY MAIN problem is that the fabric sux eggs. The soft shell snags. My finger nail caught the fabric and pull a thread on the jacket so now I have a snag hanging off the coat. I do not recomend this jacket for rockclimbing at all. I would use my BC Shift Welder for climbing as that fabric is BOMBER!

I got this jacket on Steep and Cheap and it is a quality jacket. I'm impressed with the feel and solid construction. However, I got the mahogany color and it is more like a modified dark pink. Not impressed with the color at all, and Backcountry won't let me exchange for another color. For this reason, I give the product 2 stars. Basically, I don't think it is worth returning and spending $120 more to get a different color. I'm returning mine, and holding out for something else.