About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the jacket, which I purchased with my own money in February of 2023.

My take

The high-quality Men’s GORE-TEX Minimalist Pro Jacket from Marmot is ideal for those warm and wet days on the mountain where staying dry is a must and breathability is appreciated.

About the piece

• Model: 2023 Marmot GORE-TEX Minimalist Pro Jacket
• Size: Large
• Fit: True to size

About me

• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 165lbs
• Experience: 20+ years of skiing and snowboarding

Test conditions

• When I bought this: February 2023
• Days tested: 10 days on the hill
• Where I’ve used it: East Coast Mountains, Sugarbush
• Conditions I’ve used it in: Rain, Fresh Snow, Warm Sunny Days, Cloudy Overcast, Cold Weather

How it performs

What I was looking for

When I got the GORE-TEX Minimalist Pro Jacket from Marmot, I was looking for an outer shell jacket that would be used as a final layer to keep me dry on a wet East Coast day. I was also searching for a breathable layer that could also be packed easily in case of unpredicted weather in the backcountry.

Why I chose this gear

I chose the GORE-TEX Minimalist Pro Jacket because of its waterproof material and lightweight construction. The simplicity of this jacket is what attracted me the most.

What I love about it

• Fit: The Jacket fits perfectly over other layers I like putting on. I’ve been wearing an insulator jacket underneath this shell. It seems a perfect size all around.
• Range of Motion: I don’t feel any restriction in my range of motion, with this shell acting as a final layer. In most cases, that final barrier typically restricts movement, but in this case, the lightweight construction makes for a perfect range of motion.
• Quality of Materials: GORE-TEX is one of the highest quality and most waterproof materials on the market. Overall I am extremely impressed with the fully taped seals and high-quality product put together by Marmot.
• Durability: I have only had this jacket for a few months now, and I can tell it is holding up. I took it through some tight trees with zero scratches or any signs of wear. I look forward to seeing how this jacket performs down the line.
• Waterproofing: Going back to GORE-TEX, the technology is unmatched, allowing zero water in while maintaining a breathable membrane. I can run this jacket underwater, and nothing will soak through.
• Breathability: GORE-TEX is known for not letting any water in while allowing sweat and other moisture trapped underneath to breathe. PitZips are armpit vents that allow some extra heat to escape and regulate body temperature. They fully open with no mesh for a very breathable jacket.
• Weight: This is more of a shell jacket that is very lightweight and easily packable for backcountry adventures or storing in the pack while riding around the resort.
• Features: The Minimalist Pro features GORE-TEX water-resistant material, VELCRO adjustable cuffs at the wrists, an attached hood with cord adjustment, PitZips, and 100% seam taped.
• Comfort: The lightweight construction of the Minimalist Pro Jacket allows for a comfortable fit that goes almost unnoticed when worn as a final layer. This jacket is easy to move around in and lift the arms without any restraints.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Design: One component I wish the jacket had is insulation. It is designed to be a shell, but even a second layer of mesh would help with some of the comfort and rigidness of GORE-TEX. Wearing a jacket with a long-sleeved shirt is not the most comfortable. I personally want a layer in between.
• Pockets: The one thing I can’t help but notice is the pocket placement on this jacket. It seems to be more on the front and higher up compared to some other jackets I wear. It takes a little getting used to when reaching for that pocket location. I also wish the Minimalist Pro had some interior pockets to keep important items extra protected from the elements.
• Warmth: The Minimalist Pro is a shell jacket with no insulation. I put on multiple layers underneath to stay warm in the winter conditions.
• Any workarounds? The pocket system is manageable, don’t let my opinion discredit how nice this jacket is. For what it’s designed to do, this jacket is great. I would like some mesh on the armpit vents so that my insulator jacket is not exposed/fresh snow does not get in.

Favorite moment with this gear

My favorite moment with this gear was using it on one of the best powder days I’ve experienced in Vermont. I was lucky enough to get first tracks on two lifts that morning, and this jacket kept me dry the entire time.

Value for the money vs. other options

The Minimalist Pro jacket sits in the middle of the field when it comes to price. I’ve seen a few options that look similar and cost almost double and others that are more basic but still GORE-TEX coming in for almost $100 less. I am happy with landing somewhere between those two categories. A more premium option like the Verglas Infinity Outdoor Shell from Helly Hanson starts at around $450, while a more budget-friendly option like the Volcom Stone GORE-TEX Jacket can be found closer to $200 or even less on sale.

Final verdict

Overall the Marmot GORE-TEX Minimalist Pro Jacket does exactly what I expect it to do. This jacket acts like a membrane keeping me completely dry in the elements while remaining breathable and lightweight. From wet rainy conditions to snowy powder days, this jacket will remain in my kit to keep me dry.