The Liquid Steel jacket is a technical shell designed to not only keep out the worst weather, but to be breathable and as lightweight as possible. In fact, Marmot claims that their Liquid Steel jacket is the lightest, more breathable, and most durable waterproof jacket on Earth. While I haven't made the effort to check out this claim, my own experience with this jacket has proved that it is the best one I have ever worn.

The Liquid Steel jacket is made out of Gore-Tex XCR three-layer fabric, which is considered by most experts to be the most breathable shell material available. While no hard shell is as breathable as you would like, Gore-Tex XCR comes as close as you can currently get with existing technology. The advantage of this is that not only does Gore-Tex XCR keep water out, it reduces the amount of moisture that builds up within your jacket, making it much more comfortable over a wide range of temperatures.

Some of the other key features of the Liquid Steel jacket include:

• The shell fabric is micro-stitched or welded for a tight fit, and then seam taped to ensure that water can't seep in between seams.
  
  
• Potential high abrasion areas, such as the shoulders and elbows have been reinforced for durability.
  
  
• A flexible, attached storm hood makes it easier for the hood to move with your head when you turn. There is also a single hand hood adjustment that allows the hood to fit snugly around your face in order to reduce wind and moisture from getting it. When you zip up the hood all the way, the bottom of the hood covers your chin, keeping it warm. In addition, the part of the jacket that touches your chin is covered with Marmot's DriClime material for additional warmth and comfort.
  
  
• Pit zips are built-in to improve ventilation when the weather is not so bad that sheets of rain prevent you from opening them.
  
  
• On the front of the jacket are two pockets that sit high on the front so that they won't interfere with harnesses, should you be wearing them. The pockets have a fleece lining to help warm frozen hands.
  
  
• Inside the right side of the jacket is a single mesh pocket that is big enough to hold a water bottle, just in case it is so cold outside that your water bottle will freeze on your pack. On the inside left side of the jacket is a mesh pocket with a zipper to keep objects from falling out.
  
  
• All zippers are waterproof.
  
  
• Cuffs have a Velcro strap that can be adjusted open for more ventilation, or closed to keep out cold air and moisture.
  
  
• At the bottom of the jacket is an elastic draw card that can be cinched up to prevent drafts from coming up into the jacket.

The Liquid Steel jacket weighs about 24 ounces. While you can find jackets that weight less, they won't be as breathable. So you have to decide if you want breathability or less weight. I generally choose more breathability myself.

Using the Liquid Steel Jacket in the Real World

The Liquid Steel jacket is best used when the temperature drops below 60 degrees (when being active), and all the way down to the coldest temperatures you can imagine. It is great for blocking wind, rain, sleet, and snow. I have found that between temperatures of 30 and 60 degrees, I keep the pit zips open to let out extra moisture. But below 30 degrees, I seal up the jacket to keep dry and warm. Even if it is raining, keeping the pit zips open won't let any water in, unless it is blowing horizontal sheets of rain.

Under heavy exertion, and depending on the temperature, moisture will build up inside the jacket, despite the Gore-Tex XCR material. But compared to some other jackets, moisture buildup is much less of a problem, and with the proper base or insulation layer, the moisture is absorbed and you rarely feel it on your skin. In addition, opening the pit zips, loosening the wrist straps, loosening the waist cord, or lowering the zipper will increase air circulation and prevent many moisture buildup problems.

As the temperature drops, the jacket is sized to leave lots of room for your base layer and insulation layer(s). I have found that a light-weight base layer and a fleece jacket for insulation works well. I have also had success using a wind shirt as insulation layer in less extreme cold weather. While a light-weight down jacket can fit under the jacket, a heavier-duty puffy down jacket will not. But in really cold weather, where a down jacket is too much for walking, but is just right for rest stops or camp, many down jackets will fit nicely over the Liquid Steel jacket for additional warmth.

When you are not wearing the jacket, it folds down to about the size of grapefruit, not taking up too much space in your pack, although you can find jackets that will even take up less space, they will not be as breathable.

Recommendation

If you need a tough, breathable, waterproof jacket to wear in cool or cold weather, then you should consider the Marmot Liquid Steel jacket. If you will be in warm weather, or feel that you will rarely, if ever need to wear rain gear, then you might want to consider a lighter weight jacket, such as Marmot's Precip jacket.

Product Notes

The Liquid Steel jacket is available for both men and women in a variety of colors and sizes. The jacket retails for $375.00. Marmot also offers the matching Liquid Steel pants, which is also reviewed on this website.