1. Keeping rain out is never the problem; a $2 poncho can do that. But if you want a jacket that also holds up the other end of the bargain, letting moisture out, it’s going to cost you—usually around $200. Which is why we were so impressed with the Aegis. Unlike most jackets in this price range, it’s decked out with thoughtful features, and it breathes as easily as a Buddhist monk.
2. Staying dry on the inside is all about the fabric, and Marmot uses a proprietary and slightly stretchy 2.5-layer membrane (most jackets are made with three layers). The result: a comfy—testers loved the subtle stretch—and respectably lightweight jacket that kept us dry and happy in everything from the clammy, constant rain of southeast Alaska to a drenching Colorado thunderstorm.
3. A pared-down price usually means pared-down features. Not here. Pit zips and mesh-backed front pockets take care of active temperature regulation, and the hood can be rolled up and stashed in the collar. Soft, fleecy patches around the chin and behind the neck prevent chafing—and, as one tester pointed out, “are surprisingly luxurious when it’s cold and nasty.”
(14 oz)