Marmot PreCip Full Zip Pants

Stood up to more than a decade of moderately frequent use, and have done what I needed 'em to do several times in severe weather far from modern conveniences

I purchased my Marmot PreCip Full Zip Pants well over a decade ago to replace those of another outdoor clothing maker with which I was less than satisfied. I have yet to buy more—these have done the jobs asked of them, and then some.

I use them around home when working outside in rainy weather, walking dogs in rain, etc. A fair bit of use right there. But their primary purpose is and has been that of keeping me dry (and thus warm) in the backcountry, in wet weather. They have performed superbly in that task, keeping my lower half dry through severe thunderstorms, monsoon-like rains, traipsing through wet brush, hiking in continuous light rain, and more.

One of the key features that attracted me was the full-zip feature. My first thought was that this was key in allowing me to put the pant on without taking off boots—and that proved true, though perhaps still with a bit of tugging and fumbling about. But it also makes them much easier to put on/take off inside a tent. Huge plus there. And finally, they also allow for access to inner garments, to a leg to scratch an itch, etc., without taking the pants off. I had no idea how convenient that would prove to be at times.

These are, if I recall correctly, approaching two decades old—obtained in about 2002/3. The breathability, which I considered very good to excellent at the time, remains good enough that I haven’t yet felt it necessary to replace them. Their age also gives one a sense of their durability. Now, I try to take good care of my gear, and rain gear especially, since when it doesn’t work, lots of things start not working. So, when not on me, the pants are in a stuff sack when on a trip, and folded neatly in a drawer at home.

They dry quickly, even though now, with age, it’s become harder and harder to replenish the DWR characteristic of the fabric, and they have a tendency to wet out more than they use to. They have one small hole that I sewed closed, inside aspect of one leg just below knee—caught on nasty thorn and tore. No other holes/tears in spite of sitting on innumerable rocks, tree stumps, logs, etc. A bit worn on the butt, though.

Point re: size. I am 5'8", 160 lb. I often wear a size Small, but these are size Medium, and it’s a good thing they are. Legs are slightly long, but fit is otherwise good, and this includes over a moderately heavy layer of pants/fleece, etc. underneath.

Today I caught some fabric in one of the front pocket zippers, and I can’t get the thing undone. So I’m using that as an excuse to get a new pair of these, if I can.

Background

See review for more info. Too many trips to count, more rainy days than Noah saw.

I own these and love them. They do the job well of keeping the rain out. I'm not over the top hard on any of my gear, but I've sat on everything from mud to rocks and not one problem with these pants. It's kind of odd how you cool down so quickly after you put these on. No sticking to you when you're sweaty.

I do think they run small in size. I'm 5'2" and a size 8 and had to get a large. Which was shocking considering I can wear kids clothes. I'm short so they are a little long, but that's nothing new.

I like those rain pants very much so far. They are water proof as far as I can tell. I can get in them with boots on very easy. I unzip the sides and tuck the legs in under the waistband when I wade over a creek.

I would like it if they were a little lighter as I am trying to go as light weight as possible.

The fabric is not very rugged so after sitting on a log by a camp fire one night I found a very small hole in my pants. Now I understand that I have to be more careful when I use them. This goes for everything made from lightweight material of course.

I have used these pants 4 to 5 times snowshoeing and camping. All in all they are great pants for the money and the waterproofing seams fine. I tried to glissading down Mt. Ellinor in them and ripped the pants in two different spots. I would not recommend these pants if you are hard on your clothes.

Great piece of cra........p

Just 2 weeks of use and the membrane strata is broken.