Best Insulation Layer Jacket - Marmot TR6 Jacket - Best Insulation Liner Jacket
I have had a chance to spend some more time in my new TR6 Jacket from Marmot. As my regular readers know, my favorite insulation layer jacket has been the Cirrus Jacket from Moonstone but Moonstone is out of business and the Cirrus is no longer available. I like the Cirrus because it is a no non-sense, short waisted liner, no hood, just two pockets and pit zips. The Cirrus has performed admirably for me in many, many situations. But since this site exists to recommend great gear to you, I had to find something comparable that is available.
The TR6 jacket is a little longer then the Cirrus Jacket. Man, I gotta cut some weight. Pizza and chips and salsa are my weakness. Not together. Well, sometimes. No ice cream though. Never ice cream.
There are a lot of these kinds of jackets on the market but dam few of them have pit zips which is a big deal with me. In fact, the TR6 might be the only liner jacket currently available with that feature. Why? I don't know but it makes no sense to me. Well, actually, I think it is because most designers are not hardcore users and have never had to keep their insulation layer on why they broke a sweat. But the whole designer thing is a much bigger issue that requires it's own rant, er, article. Don't worry, it is coming and I can assure you that it is going to ruffle some feathers.
Anyway, the Cirrus Jacket is 20 ounces and insulated with Thermolite. The TR6 Jacket is 26 ounces and uses Marmaloft. It is not as short as the Cirrus but it does have elastic draw cords at the hem so you can blouse it if you need to. The TR6 has two hand pockets and a Napoleon pocket on the left chest. I like the Napoleon pocket for keeping batteries warm or my IPod or cel phone close. The TR6 is not as light as the Cirrus because it has more insulation and I am just fine with that. It is not belay thickness, I would go with a Western Mountaineering Meltdown Jacket or a Nunatak Torre Down Parka (Microlight) but it is not liner wispy either. For that I would go to the Mont-Bell U.L. Thermawrap Jacket which uses synthetic insulation. It is a very nice piece but would be better if I can get them to put pit zips in this year like they did with some of their other products.
The Marmot TR6 Jacket fits nicely under the Carhartt Waterproof/Breathable Jacket. Those are 5.11 TRT Pants, Danner Quarry GTX boots and Hanz Nomex Gloves. It was cold but I was warm even at speed.
The TR6 is a nice tweener and it fits beautifully under any of my shells. By-the-way, I have grown fond of my Carhartt jacket and I have decided that if they want it back, they are gonna have to come and get it, if they can find it. The TR6 comes in black or a stealthy tan color called Burnish. So far, I like this jacket. It is warm, efficient and flexible.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
The TR6 jacket is a little longer then the Cirrus Jacket. Man, I gotta cut some weight. Pizza and chips and salsa are my weakness. Not together. Well, sometimes. No ice cream though. Never ice cream.
There are a lot of these kinds of jackets on the market but dam few of them have pit zips which is a big deal with me. In fact, the TR6 might be the only liner jacket currently available with that feature. Why? I don't know but it makes no sense to me. Well, actually, I think it is because most designers are not hardcore users and have never had to keep their insulation layer on why they broke a sweat. But the whole designer thing is a much bigger issue that requires it's own rant, er, article. Don't worry, it is coming and I can assure you that it is going to ruffle some feathers.
Anyway, the Cirrus Jacket is 20 ounces and insulated with Thermolite. The TR6 Jacket is 26 ounces and uses Marmaloft. It is not as short as the Cirrus but it does have elastic draw cords at the hem so you can blouse it if you need to. The TR6 has two hand pockets and a Napoleon pocket on the left chest. I like the Napoleon pocket for keeping batteries warm or my IPod or cel phone close. The TR6 is not as light as the Cirrus because it has more insulation and I am just fine with that. It is not belay thickness, I would go with a Western Mountaineering Meltdown Jacket or a Nunatak Torre Down Parka (Microlight) but it is not liner wispy either. For that I would go to the Mont-Bell U.L. Thermawrap Jacket which uses synthetic insulation. It is a very nice piece but would be better if I can get them to put pit zips in this year like they did with some of their other products.
The Marmot TR6 Jacket fits nicely under the Carhartt Waterproof/Breathable Jacket. Those are 5.11 TRT Pants, Danner Quarry GTX boots and Hanz Nomex Gloves. It was cold but I was warm even at speed.
The TR6 is a nice tweener and it fits beautifully under any of my shells. By-the-way, I have grown fond of my Carhartt jacket and I have decided that if they want it back, they are gonna have to come and get it, if they can find it. The TR6 comes in black or a stealthy tan color called Burnish. So far, I like this jacket. It is warm, efficient and flexible.
Thanks.
Wade Nelson
Editor
Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.
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