Bastione Component Jacket

I live in Minnesota where the winters can get a little chilly, I bought this coat 2 years ago and have not once been cold in it while outside. Believe it or not, I have actually had to unzip the coat (pit zips and all) on many occasions to help cool down in close to 0 degree temps. Great coat, looking forward to buying more Marmot clothes in the future.

I was on the market for a good jacket that is versatile enough to be used in more than one weather condition. Component jackets were the obvious choice. However, the problem with most component jackets (even decent brands like north face) is that they tend to be extremely bulky.

Then I found the Marmot Bastione. This jacket is awesome and is a must have outerwear for anyone serious about maintaining comfort in any weather condition. You can wear just the shell when it is rainy or in mild to moderate cold (or even warm) weather, when things get chilly you can put on the insulated liner, and when it get really cold you can put on the shell and liner together. The jacket is very light (the lightest component I have seen so far) and has very little bulk. I am 5' 8'', 160lbs, athletic build, and I bought a small for an athletic--read perfect--fit (the sizing chart would suggest a medium for my build, but I suggest to go one size smaller if you don't like a baggy fit). The insulted liner is extremely warm, given how light and thin it is, and is sufficient to keep you warm in mid to low 20s weather without layering (I just wear it over a t-shirt and I'm not one of those winter jockeys). The liner is also completely windproof and water resistant (can withstand light rain). The shell comes into play when temps drop to teens or single digits. It repels water like nothing I've seen before. The brimmed hood is removable and there are plenty lined pockets for all your stuff. The jacket seems to be quite durable, although I have yet to put it through the durability tests.

There are some minor problems with this jacket. The chin guard is too high. The angel wing movement (that prevents the jacket from riding up when you lift your arms) doesn't seem to work for me. The insulated liner can be too warm at times (anything over 40F...like when you get indoors), but fortunately both the shell and liner have pit zips.

Overall, this is the best piece of cold weather equipment I own. Light, easily packable, highly customizable and very (very) good looking. If you are thinking about buying a jacket that is highly versatile and keeps you warm/dry, and you came across this jacket, STOP. Your search is over. Don't think about it, just buy it. Seems pricey but very good value for money when you consider you get two highly capable jackets for this price. Like me, you'll be glad you did.