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Marmot Solar Flare Jacket Review
Description:
click to zoom
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Super Fleece jacket with increased windproofness and water repellency and excellent breathability
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Last Update:
December
31, 2008
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Displaying Reviews:
1 - 1
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Submitted to category:
Backpacking > Backpacking Clothing Reviews
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(Review ID: 31)
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Super Fleece in a stylish, performance jacket, June 30, 2008
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Reviewer: roblyon from San Juans
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roblyon
saw things this way
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Durability
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(5) |
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Functionality
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(5) |
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Quality
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(5) |
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Value
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(4) |
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Design
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(5) |
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Overall
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(5) |
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Pros:
Super Fleece!
Cons:
Check sizing, runs large
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Marmot Solar Flare
A ReviewThe old grind about fleece is how the wind whistles right through it, making it tough to waltz out of camp (or house) on an iffy looking day without a shell stashed somewhere on the person. Marmot’s Solar Flare fleece jacket solves the problem, apparently, with a tightly knit fabric called Wind Pro (by Polartec). AKA Super Fleece, word is this stuff is FOUR times more wind resistant than traditional fleece while providing 85% of the breathability AND it’s water repellent! That about defines ‘Super’ in my book.
But proof is in the pudding; let’s give her a spin. The UPS lady just happened to drop off a Super Flare on the front step and it is currently 64 degrees outside. I’m going to hike to the mailbox and back (2 miles) and see how it goes.
I’m back with the mail AND completely won over by this jacket. It has extraordinary breathability; I was sure I’d be wearing it around my waist coming back up the hill, but there’s like ZERO moisture buildup, only the faintest hint of overheat, and that from a regular furnace of a guy! If it repels a bit of rain as well, that’s icing.
I’m not a fan of nylon shells in the first place , nor of windblocking membranes in general, as they don’t breathe enough for my liking. Give me something comfortable and quiet with great venting and a little weather hedge. If it blows like hell or rains in buckets and I’m stuck out in it, I’ll endure (but a little common sense about what you pick from the coat rack goes a long way to obviate that scenario); the rest of the time I’m gold. Looking ahead, I can see Super Fleece being an excellent match for most of what I do! Super Fleece, of course, is not proprietary to Marmot, but Marmot has a design sense and superior production values that I respond to; the Solar Flare is no exception.
The jacket has what looks like a faux, small wale, corduroy outer and a standard soft-to-skin fleece inner. Cut slim to fit over a light layer, it has articulated sleeves and Angel-Wing Movement, zip handwarmer pockets and an all important inner chest pocket.
My only caveat here is sizing. A small fits me perfectly when I near always take medium.
Finally, when it comes to recognizing/supporting the world they live in, Marmot is about as green as an Irish holiday. A short list of causes/orgs they support reads like this: dZi Foundation, Access Fund, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Winter Wildland Alliance, Leave no Trace, et al.MSRP: $160
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Top of Page
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Extremely Honest Gear Reviews
Ashland, Oregon |
; "Marmot Solar Flare Jacket Review")
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