Marmot Quasar Jacket

Available in 5 colours, the Quasar doesn't just feel good, it looks good as well with a proper cut to ensure function and fashion work together. Marmot's well known angel wing movement allows the user to outstretch their arm without shifting the torso of the jacket. For an extra thirty dollars you can buy the Quasar Hoody with a hood that closes the gap between your neck and beanie, and adds only 141 grams to this already super lightweight jacket.

The angel wing design ensures that heat in retained and comfort maximized.

The boxed construction will prevent down migration over the years and is a much warmer construction technique. The jacket is water resistant, but over time long exposure and abrasion, will eventually let water in, so take good care and abide by the manufacturers recommendations for cleaning, as down will not be as effective when wet.

Inside each hand warmer pocket is the draw cord for your hem around the waist. These cords can be tightened inside the pockets and released inside the jacket on either side of the front zipper. A napoleon chest pocket is sported on the left side, this is where the entire jacket can compressed into. Fully compressed, the Quasar is about the size of a 750mL water bottle.

These release tabs are easy to locate and work with the pull cords located inside the hand warmer pockets to tighten around your waist.

The elastic cuff on the Quasar is comfortable, functional and nearly tailored to my wrist. A single napoleon check pocket is located on your left side and is quite large.

The chief complaint from most users is the tightness in the armpit. This is one of the major heat transfer centres of the body and it is important to reduce negative space here. 

• Ultralight and Durable 10 Denier Pertex Quantum Fabric
• 850 Fill Power Goose Down
• Compacts into napoleon chest pocket
• Two hand warmer pockets
• Adjustable hem
• Elastic cuffs
• Angel Wing Movement

This jacket is certainly effective in keeping body heat around the torso. It is lightweight but still warm, very compact and durable enough to toss in your adventure bag without worrying about damage. When you pay this much for a jacket you should be able to use it as much as possible. I would recommend the hooded model of the Quasar unless your outer layer already has you covered. The jacket is roomy enough to layer underneath, but with 850-fill power of goose down, you probably won't need to. It also still remains slim enough to fit under any shell.  

The fit seems to be of biggest concern and most noteworthy is in the armpits. Some complain that it is too tight here, but for me the snug fit does well in containing body heat, as the armpits are one of the biggest areas for heat loss. Another complaint is that the jacket hangs too low and isn't covered enough by a ski shell. Try to avoid this by using a larger size shell than mid layer.

I like this jacket and have no issue with the fit, but I would recommend finding your local Marmot dealer to try one on before you buy it.