Our Verdict
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Marmot PreCip Eco | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards | Comfort on a Budget | Best Bang for the Buck | |||
| Price | $135 List Check Price at Backcountry | $140 List Check Price at Backcountry | $130 List Check Price at Backcountry | $130 List Check REI (on sale!) | $100 List Check Price at Backcountry |
Overall Score ![]() |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Classic rain shells like this strike a nice balance between budget-friendly pricing and reliable protection in moderate rain | Comfortable and quality rain jackets often come at a high price, but this layer offers a less expensive alternative to premium options | Water resistance normally comes with a big price tag, but this layer’s an exception to the rule | A well-made rain jacket that carries your dollar exceptionally far | For shorter storms, this budget layer might be all you need and will save you some cash |
| Rating Categories | Marmot PreCip Eco | Rab Downpour | The North Face Antora | Helly Hansen Loke | L.L.Bean Trail Model |
| Water Resistance (45%) | |||||
| Breathability (20%) | |||||
| Comfort and Mobility (15%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Construction Quality (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Marmot PreCip Eco | Rab Downpour | The North Face Antora | Helly Hansen Loke | L.L.Bean Trail Model |
| Material and Waterproof Membrane | 2.5-layer NanoPro 100% Pre-Consumer Recycled Nylon | 2.5-layer Pertex Shield | 2-layer DRYVENT shell with a fluorine-free DWR finish | 2.5-layer Helly Tech Polyamide (proprietary material) with a PFC-free DWR finish | 2.5-layer waterproof-breathable TEK shell |
| Measured Weight | 10.3 oz | 13.3 oz | 16.5 oz | 8.4 oz | 13 oz |
| Pockets | 2 zippered hand | 2 zippered hand | 2 zippered hand | 2 zippered hand | 2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest |
| Pit Zips | Yes, 12 inches | Yes, 10 inches | No | Yes | No |
| Helmet Compatible Hood (Per Testing) | Yes | Yes, but snug fit with partial coverage | Yes, but snug fit with partial coverage | Yes, but snug fit with partial coverage | Yes, but snug fit with partial coverage |
| Stows Into Pocket | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Carabiner Loop in Stow Pocket | Yes | No | No | No | Yes |
| Hipbelt Friendly Hand Pockets | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Additional Features | Adjustable and stowable hood, DriClime-lined chin guard, adjustable Velcro cuffs, adjustable drawcord hem, 100% seam taped | Adjustable hood with stiff peak, dual sided rear hem adjustment, internal storm guards | Adjustable hood in front, front placket/storm flap, adjustable hem | Adjustable hood, front placket/storm flap, adjustable Velcro cuffs, adjustable drawcord hem | Adjustable hood in front, front placket/storm flap, adjustable hem, velcro cuffs |
Our Analysis and Test Results
We tested the Marmot Precip Eco across a wide variety of climates and activities, from above treeline scrambles to low-elevation backpacking trips. Overall, this is a great budget option, but the rubbery liner isn't the most comfortable, nor is it the most robust.
Likes
We loved the relatively low weight of the Marmot Precip Eco. At 10.3 ounces, this is a layer we didn't feel too much on our backs, and it fit into even the tightest of spaces in a stuffed bag.
The Precip Eco costs substantially less than several other rain jackets we tested, but still offers multiple features that make rainy days more enjoyable. Our favorite aspect of the Marmot Precip Eco was its hood, which offers great range of motion and can easily be rolled up and stowed in its own collar. The hood attaches at the collarbone area of the jacket, separately from the collar, and there are two drawstring cords on each side.
For being such a lightweight and affordable jacket, the Marmot Precip Eco offers great water resistance. For lighter rains or brief downpours, the Precip's 2.5-layer build kept us dry, though you'll need to shell out more cash if you need a jacket that'll fight the roughest of storms.
Dislikes
The Marmot Precip Eco has a 2.5-layer build with a painted/sprayed liner that just wasn't as comfortable against the skin. Even with a fleece or long-sleeve shirt under it, the rubbery texture didn't feel as comfy around the neck and wrists. Fortunately, this layer at least affords great mobility.
The Marmot Precip Eco's breathability was also somewhat lacking, with the liner trapping in more heat than other builds. However, it has effective pit zips and mesh hand pockets for improved airflow.
One of our biggest qualms was with the overall build quality of the painted liner of the Marmot Precip Eco. It's just a bit more delicate than some of the competition, and was quick to show wear and tear, with underlayer zippers and pants belts causing some holes in the liner.
Should You Buy the Marmot PreCip Eco?
If you're seeking a reasonably affordable rain layer and don't want to lug around a bunch of extra weight, the Marmot Precip Eco is worth a look. It isn't the most comfortable, and we wouldn't recommend it for sustained severe rainstorms, but it's got a decent range of motion and is likely to fit in even the most crammed backpack.
What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?
If you'd prefer an even lighter jacket for a “just-in-case” piece, the Outdoor Research Helium UL is a great option. If you're seeking a more comfortable jacket in this price range, the Rab Downpour has a more supple material and a softer liner.











