The Moran jacket combines Marmot’s own M1 soft-shell fabric with Polartec’s Windbloc fabric for a soft-shell that is ideally suited to cold, winter conditions. The jacket oozes of quality workmanship and the face fabric feels bomb proof. Furthermore it is treated with a DWR coating that proves effective in light showers. The inside is lined in microfleece to add some additional warmth too. It features a short technical cut, but is still large enough to fit a baselayer and a mid-layer underneath for when the temperature really plummets. However due to the presence of the Windbloc fabric, which features a polyurethane membrane that completely blocks out the wind, the breathability of the garment is significantly reduced making the jacket too hot and clammy for use in warmer environments or for use in high aerobic activities. To this effect, pit-zips would have been a welcome addition to help with ventilation on more arduous climbs. Although for use around town and for casual wear, the Moran remains very comfortable and stylish.
The jacket features two large fleece-lined chest pockets that are able swallow OS maps, snacks, gloves and hands in. However as these pockets are quite deep, access is limited whilst wearing a rucksack. Therefore, it would be preferable to have these pockets higher up on the torso. The left sleeve also has a small pocket, which is a particularly nice addition as it remains unobstructed from harnesses and may be used to store a mobile phone or GPS in. It is a shame Marmot did not decide to put an additional pocket on the other sleeve too to increase the jacket’s versatility.
A deal-breaker for some may be the lack of hood on this jacket. There is a draw-cord on the collar that may be tightened around the neck to prevent hot air escaping, but the collar becomes un-shapely and can be uncomfortable when tightened.
The Moran is stylish, warm and very tough. It may lack pit-zips and a hood, but it redeems itself with its outstanding quality and finish. It finds itself used on every trip to the shops and every climb up the Ben just so long as it’s cold and dry.
