Marmot Oslo Review

Likes

When it comes to construction quality and weather resistance, the Marmot Oslo is simply a show-off. For this coat's size and weight, it really packs a punch in these two key metrics.

Goretex-lined fabric and impenetrable seams are this jacket's most impressive design features. This often goes unnoticed, but proper stitching is key to blocking out wind, trapping heat, and protecting your body from rain and snow. Reversed stitching makes each seam nearly undetectable, but the best part is that every inch of seam is taped, giving you ultimate leak-proof protection. Waterproof zippers seal the deal on this jacket's incredible weatherproofing.

Taped seams and waterproof zippers keep water from passing through the stitching and zipper teeth. We really noticed a difference on rainy, snowy days.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

We found consistent stitching all throughout the jacket.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

Watertight zippers will keep you, and the contents of your pockets, bone dry.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

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The Oslo can take the brunt of winter weather, handling everything from heavy winter winds to wet snowstorms without skipping a beat. Its protective shell is also very effective at keeping the 700-fill down insulation dry.

Key to this jacket's weather-resistance is a two-layer GORE-TEX barrier membrane. We didn't make it to Oslo, Norway for testing, but we wore this jacket at home in northern Utah and on the city streets of Slovakia in late December and found it to be waterproof and windproof enough to be comfortable in both climates. In particular, its extended bill, combined with a large, attached, insulated hood, was a rock star at keeping relentless precipitation off of our heads and faces.

Water rolled off the hood of the Oslo, directed away from the face by the wide brim.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

Water beads up and immediately rolls off the Gore-Tex shell, never soaking into the fabric of the jacket.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

Quality materials and construction make the Oslo jacket a worthy winter storm companion.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

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To counter the durable outer shell, the Oslo has a plush interior that is soft and cozy. This jacket fits well, and it's easy to wear all day. It hangs just below the hips, but we would have liked the hem to have stretched a bit lower, like a winter parka. As for its sleeves, this jacket fits well under the arms and rides nicely on the wrists, not pulling short even when you extend your arms.

Arms fully extended, the sleeves of the Oslo still came down to the wrist.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

We liked the Oslo's comfort and feel it could be worn all day.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

While it could be a bit longer, the hem of the Oslo still managed to fully overlap with the waistband of our pants, even when we bent over to get a closer look at Christmas market goodies.   Credit: Jason Wanlass

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Lastly, we loved this jacket's pockets. They are well-placed, large, secure, and plentiful. And, when temps got really cold, we loved covering our noggin with its large, warm hood.

Dislikes

When considering its total weight, the Marmot Oslo is impressively warm; however, its warmth ratings just don't compare against the insulating power of the top-ranking jackets in our lineup. It has an impressive 700-fill power rating, but its fill weight is on the lighter side, meaning that it provides a thinner layer of insulation between you and the winter chill.

While it does great in places with wet and humid winters where temps stay right around, this coat simply doesn't have the staying power when it comes to seriously cold winter weather. Part of its problem is the lack of a drawstring waist and hem, and it doesn't have cinchable wrist straps. Not a problem when you're mainly worried about staying dry, but this allows cold air to creep in from below. However, for basic warmth, the Oslo is certainly up to the task.

What Other Winter Jackets Should You Consider?

The Patagonia Stormshadow has a similar design to the Oslo, and is just as weatherproof, and packs more of a punch when it comes to warmth. We would choose it for more intense cold, but it's also more expensive. The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka is also warmer, and it has more of a parka length with a more stylish vibe. The REI Co-op Stormhenge Down Hybrid Parka is similar to the Oslo in its style, warmth, and waterproofing, but it costs less and is our favorite budget pick.