Winter hiking jacket- Marmot Vinson or?

“I'm looking for a good jacket to hike in the Northeast, such as the Poconos in Pa where winter temps can vary from single digits to the 40's. I like the idea of a versatile waterproof breatheable jacket where you can zip in and out a fleece lining to allow for the varied temps. I glanced at the Marmot Vinson in the local EMS and it looked impressive, and also on sale. Anybody have any experience or thoughts on this jacket? Or better yet, what will you be using this winter? Thanks!”

“Nothing about that jacket in particular but the zip in thing ain't all that. If you zip it in, it's just more of a pain to take it off if you get too warm. Zippers add weight too. Just layer and you'll be every bit as warm.

Marmot clothing is first rate.”

“I agree - avoid the zip in type - get a good shell and just use enough layers to be warm - I use a variety of polypro fleece type things but I am thinking of taking a close look at a puffball type jacket or vest - they sound good on the weight vs warmth ratio.”

“I agree with Violin and HOI, I've had a couple of jackets (or are they called systems) with the ability of zipping in a fleece liner. I've found that I never zip them in. Also, by treating them separate, you can shop around and find the ideal shell and insulating layer.”

“Also, Feathered Friends has Helios jackets and vests on sale. I picked up the vest (10oz.) for $96.”

“I've got the Alpinist by marmot. A++. I've had it now for about 4 years and it's as good as the day I bought it. Marmot makes great stuff.”

“Thanks for the advice guys. That's the type of info I am looking for. Pete, I checked out the Alpinist and it looks super. Very pricey though, holy cow! I now have my eye on the Marmot Eldorado (no zip in/out feature) and my EMS guy is hopefully getting me a 25% discount card for this weekend.”

“I hike in northeast PA too. I usually use lightweight capilene or polypro as a base layer, then a Patagonia R1 or 100 weight microfiber and then if necessary a microfiber or activent jacket. These 3 layers get me through the winter 95% of the time since I generate a lot of heat when hiking especially carrying a pack. Since everyones metabolism is different, experiment and see how many layers you need. You may find that a very breathable layer that cuts the wind will work better than something very waterproof in winter. I did.”

“Hi Pennsy,

I'm in Penns Woods too - and not far from the Poconos.

I recently bought a Columbia Titanium shell at Gander Mountain on sale for $59. Its OmniTech waterproof/breatheable. Has a hood, pockets all over the place, plus pit zips. Great for cool weather (Fall/Spring) dayhiking, but with a layer or two underneath, can easily serve as a winter shell too.

Personally, I don't see what the advantage of a zip-in fleece liner is, as opposed to layering that doesn't zip-attach to the jacket.

For colder weather and snowy conditions here in the northeast, last year I bought a Campmor winter shell and pants set for under $200. Although it's not very fancy, so far I like the quality The jacket is like the Columbia (above), only heavier and more durable. The pants are also waterproof/breatheable with full length side zips for easy on/off, and heavy duty elastic at the cuffs to keep the snow out. When my legs get too hot, I can unzip the pant sides for ventilation gaps between the velcro strips on the zipper baffle. When the temps go lower, I wear a $29 Campmor fleece jacket under the shell. When the temps get really cold, I'll have winter underwear (inexpensive at the local Army-Navy store) under all that. Works for me.”

“I use the SD Alpine Jacket (W-S, 12.6 oz)for hiking if its cold or windy. I don't like to get real sweaty with a pack on, so I wear the jacket backwards and snap it around my neck so the back can get airflow. If its really cold I wear a capilene Expedition Wt layer under. Then I have a REI fleece jacket for at night around camp. I also have the Marmot Precip pants (6 oz), that works well. I didn't get the jacket since I already had the SD Alpine.”