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MARMOT HYPER JACKET
BY MIKE PEARL
OWNER REVIEW
February 08, 2012
TESTER INFORMATION
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NAME:
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Mike Pearl
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EMAIL:
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mikepearl36ATyahooDOTcom
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AGE:
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38
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LOCATION:
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Woodstock, Vermont, USA
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GENDER:
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M
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HEIGHT:
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5' 9" (1.75 m)
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WEIGHT:
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155 lb (70.30 kg)
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My backpacking experience began eight years ago, after years of car camping. Most trips are for two or three days, some lasting a week. I hike with a group of two to four, with plans for a multi-day solo hike this summer. I pack a tent or tarp depending on availability of trail shelters. An average day is 12 miles (19 km). While aware of weight, it is not my primary concern. I strive for enjoyable outings with functional, reliable gear. I usually travel in woodland mountain terrain. I am a three-season camper, but enjoy hiking all year.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Manufacturer: Marmot Mountain, LCC
Manufacturer's Website: www.Marmot.com
Model: Hyper Jacket (#51990)
Year of Manufacture: 2011 
MSRP: $200 US
Made in: China
Sizes Available: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large and XX-Large
Size Reviewed: Medium
Colors Available: Black, Ocean Blue, Cardinal and Lime
Color Reviewed: Ocean Blue
Listed Weight: 11.8 oz (334.5 g)
Measured Weight: 11.9 oz (337 g)
Material: 100% Nylon stretch 1.6 oz/yd (49.6 g/m) fabric
Features: MemBrain Strata lamination
Front zipper and left chest pocket zipper are both water resistant
Micro-stitched fully taped seams
Stretch fabric
Angel-Wing Movement allows full range of motion without jacket riding up
Hand Pockets with two-way zippers
Two-way hood cord adjustment
Elastic draw cord hem
Velcro adjusted asymmetric cuffs
Reflective logos
Warranty: (Quoted from website), "We warrant every product we make to be free of manufacturer defects.
Should you have a warranty issue, return the item to us. We will repair it if possible or replace all
valid warranty items."
The Hyper Jacket is a lightweight hooded jacket made of 100% Nylon stretch 1.6 oz/yd (49.6 g/m) material. Marmot uses a lamination process called MemBrain Strata that gives the 2.5 layer coated fabric a 20,000 mm waterproof and 20,000 gr breathablilty rating.
FIELD USE
I have worn the Hyper Jacket during early Spring through Autumn of 2011. It has seen light snow and rain on many day hikes. As well as three weekend backpacking trips, one with a half day of rain. And a week-long backpacking trip with a day and a half of rain. Temperatures varied greatly from mid 30's F (-1 C) to low 90's F (32 C).
A light rain or the first drops of a heavy rain bead up and roll off the Hyper Jacket. Once the beading stops the jacket appears a shiny darker color. I never felt wet inside the Hyper Jacket. In the colder temps an insulating layer was a must. Only on the warmest days did I feel clammy inside the jacket. The Hyper Jacket lacks pit vents. But opening the side hand pockets increases ventilation. The pockets are very large, running from the hem to the top of the chest. The interior lining is mesh and dissipates a fair amount of heat.
The draw cords on the hood and hem along with the Velcro cuffs close up nice to really seal out the rain. When everything is battened down tight I never felt my movement restricted, even when reaching over head. With or without a pack on the Hyper Jacket doesn't bunch up or pull at points of flexion. The fabric has a pliable quality, smooth on the outside and slick on the inside.
 
I like the way the Hyper Jacket fits and feels with the hood up. The hood has a small bill that keeps water from dripping onto the face. Depending on the conditions fully zipped or partially unzipped it is comfortable. However with the hood down the front collar becomes unruly. I just cannot find a way to make it comfortable. Fully zipped the collar pokes at my mouth or neck and bulges out. Partially unzipped the collar flays out and rest in an uncomfortable position.
When not being worn the Hyper Jacket packs down small and compresses easily. In the photo I am using a rubber band to keep the jacket rolled. (Rubber band sold separately.) It takes up very little room in my pack. The bright color makes it easy to spot in low light. The fabrics smooth finish allows it to easily slide in and out of my pack.
SUMMARY
The Hyper is a well engineered and solidly constructed jacket. It is great in the rain when warm or cold. The level of waterproofing and breathability is excellent. It allows for fluid movement while hiking.
THINGS I LIKE
Waterproof
Breathable
Packs small
Lightweight
THINGS I DON'T LIKE
Bulky collar when the hood is down.
This report was created with the BackpackGearTest.org Report Writer Version 1.5
Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
Read more reviews of Marmot gear
Read more gear reviews by Michael Pearl
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