Marmot Ether DriClime Hoody Review
I’ve been a big fan of Marmot’s DriClime Windshirt. It has been a staple of my outdoor clothing system for years. I think it is one of the best layers for shoulder-season canoe trips. It’s warm, breathable, and blocks the wind. You can use it as a base layer against your skin, as an insulation layer under a hardshell, or as an outer layer to block the wind. Over the last two or so decades, I’ve owned multiple and have worn them constantly and year-round. I usually wear them so much that they become threadbare. Earlier this year, I went to buy a new one and discovered that Marmot discontinued the windshirt version. I was bummed but found that they offered a hoody version called the Ether DriClime Hoody.
What is the Ether DriClime Hoody?
I like hoodies, so I decided to give it a try. The Ether DriClime Hoody, like the windshirt version, combines Marmot’s DriClime material with a nylon shell. This results in a two-layer jacket. The layers aren’t laminated together, so each layer floats seperately from the other.
The DriClime is made from two different denier yarns and weaved in a way that pulls moisture away from the skin to the outer layer. By keeping the moisture away from the skin, you end up feeling more comfortable and less clammy over a wide range of conditions and temperatures. The outer layer of the coat remains breathable but primarily functions as a windbreaker. By combining the two layers, Marmot designed what was considered the first softshell.
Weight and Comparison to Alpha Direct 90 Plus a Windbreaker
Interesting, it’s still lighter than most modern softshells. My large weighs 9.6 ounces. By comparison, I also have a Senchi Designs Lark Hoodie – Alpha Direct 90 and a Montbell Tachyon Hooded Jacket. I often use those combined. That combo performs nearly the same way as the Ether DriClime. The combo weighs 8.4 ounces.
I will note about the combo that it is a bit more versatile, but it isn’t as warm for paddling. The Ether DriClime hoody is significantly warmer. The combo does move the sweat better during high output activities, such as backpacking or bicycling. Whereas with paddling, I find I don’t sweat as much and find I’d rather have a warmer coat. Under a life jacket, I’d rather wear the Ether DriClime, plus the hood on the Ether fits better.
Anyway, that was a bit of a sidetrack.
Differences from the Windshirt Version
If you know the older windshirt version there are some differences that you should know about. I’ll start with the outside and work inside.
First, the chest pocket is built in a vertical instead of a horizontal orientation. This pocket also works as a stuff bag for the entire shirt. The downside is that whenever you put something inside the pocket, it sags down to your belly. The horizontal version didn’t (To fix this issue, I hand stitched the inside upper pocket furthest from the zipper into the outside part of the coat). This is/was annoying and if you want to use the pocket to store anything heavy, you’ll likely want to do the same. I never use stuff pockets anyway.
Second, there are zippered hand warming pockets on the jacket now. While I like them, it does make the jacket slightly bulkier than the old windshirt.
Third, the Driclime on the inside of the jacket seems different than the old version. The version used now has a tendency to stick to other fabrics, such as fleeces or wool shirts. The older version of DriClime slid over clothing easily when wearing the jacket over another layer.
How Does It Perform?
Other than the “sticky” DriClime, it performs much the same as the old windshirt — that’s excellent. It breathes well, wicks the sweat away, blocks the wind and keeps you warm. Even in warmer temps, such as the 60s, it’s the jacket that I almost always reach for first.
I think it excels on canoe trips. Unless it is raining, it’s nearly always the perfect outer layer to wear while paddling for the shoulder seasons. When it is raining, it’s perfect insulation for under your rain jacket. In the summer, it’s too warm for paddling. But, it works great when night falls and it starts to get cold. While I didn’t get to use this version for much xc skiing, I did use it some.
While I’d love to see a version of this jacket without the handwarmer pockets and with a horizontal chest pocket, I’m satisfied with the Ether DriClime Hoody.
If you are looking for a versatile coat for canoeing that serves many functions but would primarily work as a warm jacket for chilly fall days, I highly recommend it.
