Marmot

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Marmot

51 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 30, 2025

  what am i missing? $130 on Amazon, $300 on Marmot

  I know this post is hella old, but what happened to you happened to me last night. I’ve been looking for a winter coat to replace my 10 year old. I don’t put it “big brother Bezos” has been tracking my searches and how long I’m spending on each page. They could obvi surmise that I’m looking for a reputable brand, at least 650FP down filling, black, water proof, below the hip, and faux fur hood. Last night I’m on my nightly research, reading reviews, comparing price to value… then this listing popped up and I gasped. Marmot Chelsea Down Coat for $134! I did not even hesitate. Put in my cart and checked out. I went to the same listing and my size and color combo is back up to $350. I feel so “lucky” or I feel creeped out that the algorithm finally gave me what I had been researching for the past 2 weeks.

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• #2Dec 24, 2025

  Marmot Men's Winter Down Jacket

  I have tried to buy a new rain jacket for 5 years but my 10 year old Marmot Minimalist will not die.

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• #3Dec 22, 2025

  Skiers/snowboarders- most longstanding piece of gear?

  Bought my marmot ice-climber bibs in Dec 2002 and I Still wear them every time I’m out. They are 26yrs old and still in perfect condition. I don’t think they make anything like them anymore tbh but I will probably ski in them until I can’t ski anymore.

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• #4Dec 21, 2025

  Is there a name for brands that only focus on highest quality?

  After GF bought me a tshirt with OLD NAVY blazoned across the front, I swore I'd never advertise another product. (I'm ok with Marmot and Arcteryx.)

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• #5Dec 6, 2025

  What winter gear do you recommend?

  I suggest buying as much as you can from Sierra Trading Post. I've gotten so many great deals on name brands from them, often just in last season's colors. I just yesterday ordered a new down coat (the Marmot Montreal). I was looking at buying it from Marmot's site anyway and then found it on Sierra for way less. I've even bought wool socks for the homeless from them.

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• #6Dec 4, 2025

  Something you didn’t expect to be BIFL but outlasted your expectations?

  Marmot backpack I purchased in 2000. It's been with me all over the United States and the world. Used as a book bag in college. Day trip traveler. Beach bag. Random weekend road trip adventures. And everything in between. Surprisingly isn't very worn at all and could easily go another 25 years.

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• #7Nov 7, 2025

  Traveling to Seattle in 2 weeks, I need a good/reliable rain jacket.

  Marmot PreCip

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• #8Nov 6, 2025

  Traveling to Seattle in 2 weeks, I need a good/reliable rain jacket.

  Lived in Seattle for nearly a decade: I wore my marmot many many days of the year. Can't remember the specific model, but any of them should be find as marmot is a great brand. My secondary/emergency one that I kept in my backpack in case I forgot my marmot was an H2No

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• #9Nov 5, 2025

  Why is it so hard to find well-made clothes that aren't insanely priced?

  Patagonia, Marmot, Orvis, LLBean (admittedly hit or miss), Barbour, Eileen Fisher (for women), check Irish import stores. Look at thrift stores for older Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic, even Gap.

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• #10Oct 11, 2025

  Ultra compact sleeping bags that cover me down to 45 degrees, are Amazon generics adequate or can I nab quality for $1-200?

  Agree with you! I've tried a couple of those random Amazon bags in the past for quick trips, and while they're great for price and size, the temp ratings are super optimistic at best. Ended up freezing on one chilly night when the bag was supposedly "comfortable down to 40°." Lesson learned. I finally bit the bullet and got a used REI bag off their garage sale rack. The difference in build quality and accurate warmth is night and day. Also seconding Sierra Trading, they randomly have amazing deals if you keep an eye out. My buddy swears by his Marmot bag from there too.

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• #11Oct 11, 2025

  Ultra compact sleeping bags that cover me down to 45 degrees, are Amazon generics adequate or can I nab quality for $1-200?

  Agreed on potential counterfeits. Besides, you’ll rarely find the best deal on Amazon compared to steep n cheap, REI sales or recycle, ExpertVoice if you have access, and Sierra (though I’ve gotten a few things of questionable quality here, my marmot bag is not one of them - seek out name the brand gear and it’s effectively a one-stop outlet store).

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• #12Oct 10, 2025

  Ultra compact sleeping bags that cover me down to 45 degrees, are Amazon generics adequate or can I nab quality for $1-200?

  I would steer clear of Amazon unless you find something from a big-name outdoor brand on there (marmot, big Agnes, mountain hardwear, Nemo, to name a few). A no-name Chinese brand bag is probably not going to meet quality or temperature expectations. Your local REI would be a good resource. Their house branded stuff is trustworthy. SierraTrading (TJmaxx for outdoor gear) usually has a decent selection of name brand options. I have a 20° marmot bag from there that was $80. Buy a bag that’s at least 10° colder than the temperatures you expect to encounter. Caveat is that like most camping equipment, no modern sleeping bag is going to be truly BIFL, they are wear items at the end of the day. In a hammock, the compression of the bag underneath your weight will always hinder the insulation ability. This can be mitigated with a foam or air-filled sleeping pad. You may have to experiment to find one that fits your hammock, fits your dry bag, and keeps you warm enough, so I would say this is something you could grab on Amazon for ~$20.

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• #13Oct 10, 2025

  Best winter jackets?

  Apparently Uniqlo's down jackets are really good. My husband literally only wears that and he's used it through both Chicago and Boston winters. It's lightweight, so easy to travel with and folds down into a bag so, it's very convenient. It looks really nice too. And for the extremely cold days, just layer the down jacket with a wool sweater. Marmot has great jackets as well but they're really bulky. I have a Ralph Lauren one from Macy's that looks nice and pretty good for harsh winters but it's so bulky. Honestly if you can wait till after winter around February/March, Macy's has sale on their heavy winter jackets and you will get great deals on some expensive ones.

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• #14Oct 10, 2025

  Best winter jackets?

  I'll second Marmot. I live in upstate NY, have spent long periods of time outdoors in the winter with it and it holds up great.

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• #15Oct 9, 2025

  Best winter jackets?

  I bought a Marmot jacket 22 years ago. I keep waiting for it to die so I can buy another but it’s still kickin’.

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• #16Oct 8, 2025

  Is there such thing as a “good” tent?

  I am also partial to Big Agnes, but my current car camp tent is a North Face, and it is built very well. Go to REI and have a look at their various offerings. Nemo, MSR, Big Agnes, the REI brands (half dome series of tents have a great reputation for value) Mountain Hardwear, Marmot, etc... all have great products.

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• #17Oct 8, 2025

  Is there such thing as a “good” tent?

  Of course there are good tents. They aren't sold at WalMart and will cost more than $100, but there are tons of options out there. I'm still using some I bought in the 1990s or early 2000s, including Marmot, North Face, REI, Kelty, and Eureka. (We own a lot of tents, from a 1-person bivy to a 12x16 cabin tent.) If you're just a casual camper you could do worse than stopping by REI and asking for help there. Or if you're camping from a vehicle and want comfort, look at [WhiteDuck ](https://whiteduckoutdoors.com/collections/wall-tents)or similar. I've used those elk hunting and for work sites in Alaska, they will last a lifetime for family tenting.

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• #18Oct 8, 2025

  Is there such thing as a “good” tent?

  +1 Marmot. If that's too expensive then go with an REI branded tent

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• #19Oct 8, 2025

  Is there such thing as a “good” tent?

  I was a guide for 10 years and slept in a tent ~150 nights a year. The only tent I owned that entire time was a Marmot Limelight 2p. I think I broke one pole the entire time ( a non-necessary pole that gives you more headroom) and marmot was able to send me a replacement. It's a good middle ground tent, not heavy, but not ultralight. Reasonably priced. Rugged enough to keep up with the elements (used through many severe mountain storms). I have backpacked with it, but it's a bit too heavy to use it for that solo. I longer guide, but my family's tent is now a Limelight 4p (which is huge IMO). On the other hand. If you want true BIFL, don't care about weight, and are willing to spend a bit of money for the last tent you will ever buy, get a canvas wall tent as others have mentioned (Springbar or Kodiak).

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• #20Oct 8, 2025

  Is there such thing as a “good” tent?

  Yes there are good tents. REI co-op branded tents would be a good place to start - quality tents with good warranties ranging from beginner level to ultralight. Any other brand sold at REI will also be good quality though probably more expensive. You might also look at Kelty - they tend to be on the less expensive/ entry level end of the market, with heavier but more robust tents. Big Agnes, North Face, Marmot, MSR, Nemo, Eureka! To name some of the higher end brands. Even the baseline products here will be MUCH lighter than what you can get at a big box store, but get very expensive as you add features and reduce weight. There are a ton of boutique companies out there that mostly cater to the ultralight market but it sounds like that’s not what you’re after.

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• #21Oct 8, 2025

  Is there such thing as a “good” tent?

  Love Marmot tents

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• #22Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  Lands End. Don’t think I ever saw a brand fall further from where it was. Nautica same thing. Brands that I saw mentioned in this thread but I have had very good recent experiences with their products: ll bean, marmot, arc’terex

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• #23Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  Marmot.

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• #24Sep 2, 2025

  Is a second hand Patagonia jacket worth it?

  If torrentshells are still too pricey, look at Marmot Precip, Columbia Outdry, or even Decathlon’s Quechua line. Not as "lifetime" as Patagonia but decent budget-friendly rain gear

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• #25Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  I’m really into marmot, but have a few Vineyard Vines that are truly waterproof

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• #26Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  Look for one with a 3-layer membrane (like Gore-Tex or eVent), not just a DWR coating that wears off in two washes. Bonus if it has taped seams and a storm flap over the zipper. Patagonia and Rab have solid options, but even some Columbia and Marmot shells hold up decently in storms without breaking the bank.

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• #27Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  I have a marmot one that goes past my knees. Found it at winners for 120 cad instead of 400. I never get wet with it. I’ve even showered with it just to test it out, nothing. You need a high performance brand jacket . Try to find it on sale. Check the seems to make sure they are well done and zippers are leak proof too

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• #28Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  Marmot

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• #29Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  Look for jackets with Gore Tex and a good DWR coating. Top brands: Arc'teryx, Patagonia, The North Face. Budget options: REI, Columbia, Marmot. Keep DWR maintained for best waterproofing.

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• #30Aug 8, 2025

  Men's rain jacket that's actually waterproof

  The most important factor on a rain jacket is the dwr (durable water repellant) coating. DWR is a coating applied to a fabric like Gore-Tex which makes the water bead up and roll off the surface instead of soaking into the fabric. DWR does not make the fabric waterproof but it prevents the surface fabric from being saturated which traps moisture inside the jacket. Most waterproof fabrics will not lose their waterproofness but the DWR wars off and the jacket will "wet out". If you feel wet in a waterproof jacket, it is more than likely moisture or condensation coming from your body which is not able to escape the jacket. Maintaining your DWR finish is critical for the life of a jacket. Check out this link from Goretex for some illustrations on how it works. [https://www.gore-tex.com/support/care/dwr](https://www.gore-tex.com/support/care/dwr) All that said, focus on the durability, fit and features of the jacket. You wont go wrong with anything from Arcteryx, Patagonia, The North Face or Mammut but they are not inexpensive. For more budget friendly options look at REI, Columbia, or Marmot. If you have a jacket that you liked in the past, there are ways to revitalize the DWR finish and can make the jacket feel like new.

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• #31Aug 6, 2025

  what winter coat are yall using?

  Marmot was my brand, but now I'm wearing REI.

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• #32Aug 4, 2025

  what winter coat are yall using?

  I have a hooded Mountain Hardwear windbreaker with a medium weight lining and a hoodless Marmot puffy. The windbreaker is good for down to the low 50s, but lower than that I wear the puffy, and when it’s truly freezing I wear both. Both are more than ten years old and holding up great.

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• #33Aug 4, 2025

  what winter coat are yall using?

  Marmot

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• #34Jul 1, 2025

  Eddie Bauer still reputable?

  If you want something of similar aesthetic as Eddie Bauer with high quality and ironclad guarantee, go with Patagonia. Their warranty is no joke. If you are not satisfied with their gear or it don’t perform to your satisfaction, return it for a repair, replacement or refund. Also check out Fjallraven, Kuhl, Arc’teryx, Marmot and Outdoor Research.

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• #35May 10, 2025

  Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products

  - Darn Tough socks 🧦 - Bullhide Leather Belts - Wolverine 1000 mile boots - Petzel headlamps - Marmot Tents

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• #36May 3, 2025

  With GoreTex now illegal, what is generally considered the best alternative?

  Tell that to my 25 year old Marmot jacket that refuses to quit. Lived 10 years in the PNW cycling 7 days a week for a messenger service in that jacket in the early 2000s. I still wear it to this day to cycle to work on rainy days.

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• #37May 3, 2025

  Did Marmot discontinue the Minimalist, and if so what did they replace it with as their flagship Gortex shell?

  https://www.marmot.com/men/jackets-and-vests/mens-minimalist-pertex-rain-jacket/AFS_195115302146.html alpinist has always been their top looks like c-knit is the new gt fabric but it has less features than an alpinist

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• #38May 3, 2025

  Did Marmot discontinue the Minimalist, and if so what did they replace it with as their flagship Gortex shell?

  The European store has the Minimalist with Pertex membrane.

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• #39May 3, 2025

  Did Marmot discontinue the Minimalist, and if so what did they replace it with as their flagship Gortex shell?

  There was a thing with goretex, basically the type of gore used wasn’t able to be pfas free iirc. Wasn’t a good substitute material so they made the Minimalist Pertex rain jacket. That’s on the website, no reviews yet. Haven’t used it myself or seen the spec sheet but I believe it’s the same waterproof rating on paper. What I love about og minimalist with gore is it lasted a lonnnng time in salt water conditions (with proper care).

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• #40Apr 9, 2025

  Need assistance with Marmot warranty service instructions

  They covered my minimalist paclite jacket when the seam tape started coming undone. It's probably my fault, maybe I washed it or dried it too hard, but they covered it.

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• #41Mar 1, 2025

  What used to be buy it for life but is now more questionable?

  I thru hiked with a marmot 1 man tent. It wasn't ultra light, but was decently light and made very well. It was bomb proof and I was always dry. For me, It was a much better tent than some of the competitors ultra light tents. I broke a pole(my fault) about half way. Marmot did everything they could to get me a replacement for free. That was 10 years ago and I've been a Marmot fan over anything else since.

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• #42Feb 5, 2025

  Anyone know any brands where you can buy puffer-jackets that have "Cinch Cords"

  Patagonia has several models, you'll have to check them out individually. But their photos are really good and you'll see it pretty easily. Marmot is another good outdoor brand for puffers.

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• #43Feb 1, 2025

  Ski gloves recommendations?

  i’ve a pair of marmots i’ve loved for years, my other pair of mittens are hestra i believe

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• #44Feb 1, 2025

  Warmest, most durable parka?

  https://www.marmot.com/women/jackets-and-vests/insulated-and-down/womens-prospect-coat/AFS_195115266967.html I'm a man and bought a Marmot Goretex 2 years ago. They stopped selling my exact one sadly. It's the greatest cost I've ever had. Keeps me warm at every temp. Coldest it's been used is -7F.

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• #45Jan 9, 2025

  In need of warm winter coat with a budget of $350-400

  Second the Marmot Chelsea!!

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• #46Jan 8, 2025

  In need of warm winter coat with a budget of $350-400

  I’ve found most marmot coats to have fairly long sleeves. Generally longer than Patagonia for the same size/similar style.

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• #47Jan 7, 2025

  A Good Waterproof Insulated Jacket/Coat

  I often look at Sierra Trading Post - it used to be a real gem until it was bought out but you can still catch some really good stuff from time to time. Steep and Cheap also got bought out and they use different suppliers but you can still catch some good stuff there, too. I’ve scored several Marmot and Patagonia items for clearance prices.

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• #48Jan 3, 2025

  Looking for a particular style of down coat

  Marmot Mammoth Parka?

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• #49Dec 6, 2015

  Camping suggestions?

  I've recently bought a lot of this stuff after doing a good amount of research. Here are my recommendations: **Tent** - I would get an Alps tent if you want a good value tent but aren't as worried about weight. How many people will you be going with? **Sleeping Bag** - I have [this](http://www.columbia.com/reactor-35-mummy-ii-sleeping-bag-UU9907.html) sleeping bag which I absolutely love, but I haven't been able to find it online since I bought it. It packs as small as down sleeping bags but costs a fraction of the price and will still keep you warm in 30 degree weather (which it's done for me). **Pack** - I just bought the [Osprey Volt 75L](http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B008RB37S6?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00) which I think is a great value even though I haven't used it yet. I got it for $140 on amazon and the 60L version is less expensive than that. I'm not sure if this pack is bulletproof but it has great reviews and Osprey products are known for their high quality. **Cooking**- I use [this pot](http://smile.amazon.com/Outop-Camping-Backpacking-Cookware-Outdoor/dp/B00FQZEYWE/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1449429681&sr=1-4&keywords=camp+pot) which works perfectly with a pocket rocket. I'm not sure what you mean by fire making equipment but if it's not below freezing or at a high altitude, the gas canisters are the most efficient and reliable way to cook food. Also, they're extremely light. If you're using a fire to cook you'll need a heavier duty pot/pan. **Clothes** - I just look for good deals and buy when I find one. Get a good shell that's waterproof and breathable. I have a [Marmot Nano AS Jacket](http://www.campsaver.com/nano-as-jacket-men-s) that I love. Just make sure you have a baselayer that wicks sweat away and other layers that can pack down. DON'T USE ANY COTTON CLOTHES! **Tools** - Other than a knife I have found any tools that are useful for their weight. If you have a solid knife you should be good. **Misc** - Here's other things in my list for camping/backpacking: **Sleeping Pad** - I use the [Alps Sleeping Pad](http://smile.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Lightweight-Self-Inflating-Regular/dp/B001LF3FQE/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1449430367&sr=1-2&keywords=alps+sleeping+pad). You definitely need a sleeping pad if you're camping in colder weather for the insulating properties. You'll lose a significant amount of heat through the cold hard ground without a pad. The Alps pad is a little heavier but they're very durable and a great value. **Paracord** - It's always useful to have paracord for different things. **Water Filter** - You need this if you're going to the backcountry. It's not realistic to bring enough water with you for a weeklong trip. I have use [this MSR water filter](http://smile.amazon.com/MSR-56425-MiniWorks-EX-Microfilter/dp/B000BBF2RY/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1449430619&sr=1-1&keywords=MSR+water+filter) and the [Sawyer Squeeze](http://smile.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP126-Filtration-System/dp/B00FBGCFZG/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1449430657&sr=1-5&keywords=water+filter). The MSR filter costs more, but works very well and is fairly durable. The Sawyer Filter weighs almost nothing, but it's a little more difficult to use and definitely more difficult if you're trying to filter large quantities of water. Not everyone will agree with everything on my list, but I try to find the best value in my gear. I look for the best value in terms of price, quality, weight, and packability. There are higher quality options that weigh less but cost more. There are other lower quality options that cost less. You'll have to decide what your balance is, but this should be a good list to get you started.

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• #50Dec 3, 2015

  0 degree sleeping bag

  I have a Marmot down bag and a Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad (without the pad, you'll just pull cold air from where your lower body compresses the bag and touches the ground). You should consider a sleeping bag insulation from air temps but a sleeping pad insulation from ground temps. A sleeping bag will not insulate you from ground temps because a sleeping bag works by having the air in the bag act as an insulator, and the bag beneath you has all the air squeezed out, so no insulation.

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• #51Dec 3, 2015

  0 degree sleeping bag

  I have that marmot, very nice bag. Very warm but I've used it in spring and fall and just keep it unzipped.

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