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Marmot Minimalist - Women's Review

A superbly durable and water-resistant rain shell, though less breathable and packable than some models
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Marmot Minimalist - Women's Review (Testing the Marmot Minimalist while making camp coffee.)
Testing the Marmot Minimalist while making camp coffee.
Credit: Claire Lawrenson
Price:  $220 List
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Manufacturer:   Marmot
By Jessica Albery ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 4, 2022
76
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#8 of 16
  • Water Resistance - 45% 9.0
  • Breathability - 20% 5.0
  • Comfort and Mobility - 15% 6.0
  • Weight - 10% 8.1
  • Construction Quality - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Marmot Minimalist boasts fantastic water resistance to keep outdoor enthusiasts dry even in the heaviest downpours. The hood provides great coverage, and the Gore-Tex fabric sheds water like a duck in a storm. The relaxed fit offers plenty of room for layers, and we love the deep pockets for stashing our phone, keys, and snacks. The fabric is not very breathable, but the vents help when moving and sweating. The name says it well: this minimalist design has all the essentials and nothing unnecessary. This jacket is perfect for those looking to get outdoors for light to moderate activities even in torrential downpours. To see our favorite women's raincoats, check out the full review.
REASONS TO BUY
Great water resistance
Durable
Deep pockets
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
No stow pocket
Poor breathability

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Rain Jacket for Women
Top Pick Award
Best for Ultralight Adventures
Best Buy Award
Best Value for Active Use
Best Buy Award
Best Value for Everyday Use
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$180 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line Great water resistance and coverage but poor breathability and does not stow in a pocketA quality rain jacket offering exceptional water resistance and performance that will hold up to the wildest weatherThis super lightweight rain jacket focuses on water-resistant performance within an ultra-light, stretchy design that's perfect for fast and light alpine missionsA reliable rain jacket that offers great value and solid performance at a reasonable priceA highly wind and waterproof design that is perfect for urban commutes or low-output chores during inclement weather
Rating Categories Marmot Minimalist -... Patagonia Torrentsh... Black Diamond Finel... Marmot PreCip Eco -... Helly Hansen Moss -...
Water Resistance (45%)
9.0
8.5
8.0
7.0
8.0
Breathability (20%)
5.0
7.0
7.5
7.0
4.0
Comfort and Mobility (15%)
6.0
7.5
8.5
8.0
7.0
Weight (10%)
8.1
8.1
8.9
8.8
5.1
Construction Quality (10%)
8.0
9.0
7.5
7.0
7.0
Specifications Marmot Minimalist -... Patagonia Torrentsh... Black Diamond Finel... Marmot PreCip Eco -... Helly Hansen Moss -...
Measured Weight (Size Small) 11.9 oz 11.8 oz 8.6 oz 9.0 oz 24.3 oz
Number of Fabric Layers 2.0 3.0 2.5 2.5 1.0
Waterproof Fabric Material 2-layer Gore-Tex Paclite with a PFC-free DWR finish 3-layer 50D H2No Performance Standard ECONYL (proprietary material) with a PFC-free DWR finish BD.dry 2.5L waterproof/breathable technology 2.5-layer PFC-free NanoPro (proprietary material) 100% polyurethane
Pockets 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest 2 zippered hand 2 zippered hand 2 zippered hand 2 hand with button closure
Pit Zips Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Pit Zip Length 12 in 11 in 11 in 10 in N/A
Stows into Pocket No Yes Yes Yes No
Carabiner Loop in Stow Pocket No Yes Yes Yes No
Helmet Compatible Hood No No Yes No No
Hipbelt Friendly Hand Pockets No No Yes No Yes
Additional Features Adjustable hood, adjustable drawcord hem, adjustable Velcro cuffs Dual adjustable and stowable hood, microfleece-lined neck, external and internal zipper storm flaps, chin zipper guard, adjustable Velcro cuffs, drawcord hem, carabiner clip-in loop Adjustable cuffs and hem, Waterproof YKK AquaGuard center-front zipper, stretch fabric for increased mobility Adjustable stowable hood, DriClime-lined chin guard, adjustable Velcro cuffs, adjustable drawcord hem Back yoke with ventilation holes, front placket with hidden snap button closure and YKK zipper, welded waterproof seams

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Marmot Minimalist has great water resistance and functionality in a clean, simplistic design. It has all the key components you need and nothing unnecessary. The Gore-Tex Paclite 100% recycled polyester fabric features a PFC-free DWR coating that can withstand a pretty heavy deluge.

Performance Comparison


marmot minimalist for women - the marmot minimalist has great water resistance capabilities.
The Marmot Minimalist has great water resistance capabilities.
Credit: Jessica Albery

Water Resistance


The Minimalist excelled in field and lab tests, thanks to its Gore-Tex Paclite fabric and DWR coating. The fabric competed well with the top contenders in the shower test, managing to keep underlayers dry for an extended period of time under heavy pressure. We found that the fabric will take up water after a while, appearing damp on the outside, without saturating through to the jacket's interior.

One weak spot is the zippers, which were water resistant with a storm flap, but not as watertight as the sealed zippers featured on some other contenders. In our paper towel test, the paper towels in our pockets got wet a lot sooner than our baselayers. The hood also does not cinch around the face, which allows water to run down into the jacket.

marmot minimalist for women - the marmot minimalist offers excellent water resistance.
The Marmot Minimalist offers excellent water resistance.
Credit: Jessica Albery

Breathability


Breathability was one category where the Minimalist's performance was a little disappointing. The 3-layer fabric's membrane did not seem to efficiently vent internal moisture when we were working hard and sweating. The pit vents helped to dump excess heat when they were open, but not as efficiently as some of the jackets with longer vents.

marmot minimalist for women - testing breathability on a warm walk.
Testing breathability on a warm walk.
Credit: Jessica Albery

Comfort and Mobility


The pockets are large on the Minimalist and are comfortable for keeping hands out of the elements. We found the longer zipper pulls on the center and pocket zips easy to use even with gloves on. The Gore-Tex Paclite fabric is a bit more flexible than some of their other offerings and moves well with the body.

While the jacket is roomy in the sleeves and torso, it is somewhat narrow in the shoulders, which limits mobility slightly. The neck was also a bit stiff and uncomfortable under the chin. The inside of the lining feels slightly plasticky against bare skin, as well.

marmot minimalist for women - the gore-tex paclite fabric of the marmot minimalist is flexible...
The Gore-Tex Paclite fabric of the Marmot Minimalist is flexible, but the inner lining can feel plasticky against the skin.
Credit: Jessica Albery

Weight


The Minimalist does not live up to its name when it comes to weight. Even without additional bells and whistles, this jacket weighs in at 11.9 oz, nearing the higher end of the spectrum we tested. The garment is one of the few in our test fleet that doesn't pack into a stow pocket. It's also bulkier and less packable than some others.

marmot minimalist for women - the minimalist does not have a stow pocket but fits easily into its...
The Minimalist does not have a stow pocket but fits easily into its own hood.
Credit: Jessica Albery

Durability


The Minimalist is built to last, made with quality Gore-Tex fabric which held up well in testing with no signs of abrasion. Center and pocket zippers all ran smoothly and consistently. The drawcords and toggles were easy to use, worked well, and are quality components, holding up well over months of testing.

marmot minimalist for women - the marmot minimalist uses quality components like this colorful...
The Marmot Minimalist uses quality components like this colorful drawcord and low-profile toggle.
Credit: Jessica Albery

Should You Buy the Marmot Minimalist?


The Minimalist offers a functional, simple design with superior water resistance that will keep outdoor enthusiasts on the trail even when storms roll in. It will keep you dry for an extended period of time even in heavier rain. We also really love the deep pockets on this jacket.

What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?


The Outdoor Research Aspire II, another jacket that utilizes Gore-Tex Paclite fabric, also moves well with the body and provides a wider range of motion and better venting capabilities. If an ultralight, packable emergency layer is more aligned with your needs, check out the Outdoor Research Helium jacket.

Jessica Albery