Off Season in the Easter Sierra with Marmot's PreCip

It’s the shoulder season along California’s scenic highway 395 in the Eastern Sierra. If you’re unfamiliar, that means plenty of snow, mud, rain mixed with sleet, and really high winds. Like 65+ mph gust, high winds. Unpredictable weather is the name of the game. But the views make this incredible area worthwhile adventuring in any season.

So when my friends at the Outbound asked me to test out Marmot’s new version of the classic PreCip Stretch Jacket, I thought, “perfect timing! Have I got the perfect place to put this outer layer thru its paces.” 

I have lived on the road for the last 3 years with my wife and pups, and as a landscape and active lifestyle photographer, having the right gear is super important to me. Marmot has long been one of the trusted brands that I will go to for the highest performance clothing.

The Marmot PreCip Stretch is no exception. The quality is evident immediately. To the touch, the Marmot® Stretch NanoPro™ Waterproof/Breathable Fabric is as high quality as you get. It is super durable with its microporous coating for all of the varied landscapes I frequent, and it is incredibly breathable for how dry it kept me.

The jacket boasts 100% seam taped, 2.5 layer construction design so no droplets get in, but movement isn’t hindered. It has clean lines and an athletic fit to it, and my wife said I looked “hot” in it… so there’s that ;)

It has side vents to release your body heat when the rain lets up, and concealed inside, protected from any outside moisture are zipped pockets. I loved these for my phone and extra memory cards. Super handy. Well protected out of the elements.

I have to admit, the internal pockets took a bit of getting used to for me, as I’m more accustomed to traditional pockets accessed from the jacket’s exterior, but the more I put this jacket to use, the more I appreciated its design.

The first day I tested the PreCip, we were blasted with 60 mph gusts and 40 mph sustained winds, along with a driving, albeit brief, rains. The jacket preformed just as I would have expected from Marmot… keeping me dry and comfortable. 

The sleek look and light weight should be mentioned as well. This jacket comes in at just barely over 10 oz, so it’s not a bad outer layer/ rain option for backpacking and/ or international travel. It is stylish and comfy, and performs the way I want.

The Marmot PreCip Stretch jacket is a welcomed new addition to my gear repertoire. And I’m already dreaming of the wonderful, wet places this new jacket will get to go.

Back in Bishop, CA, the weather is undulating between sunny 70’s and frigid north winds with patchy precip. It reminds me a bit of Scotland. So as my lady and I head in to town for a burger and beer, I’ve got the PreCip slung over my shoulder. You never know this time of year. I have a feeling this jacket’s gonna come in handy.