Looks pretty good, some nice prices out there. Anyone have this as their rain gear?

I have one. It works great and, good price, but it won't pack down super small if that's your thing.

Yep. Bought first 10-12 years ago (although maybe under a different model name) and it was my go-to lightweight jacket for everything from cold weather runs to camping. Pretty shredded now, and some delamination, after lots of hard use, so I bought another one about a year ago.

To make it a minimalist you just take the hood and leave the rest at home. Haha. I think over time that has been the most respected amongst paddlers I know.

I have their Optima jacket which is also made out of the paclite gore tex and really like it. To me, seems to have better water repelling than the E-vent models that are a little less expensive (ex: Aegis). Always find myself wanting the body fit of a L, but the extra body and arm length of an XL. This XL seems to have a slimmer fit which works for me.

Have some on Sierra Trading Post, and with an emailed coupon, I think it's a good deal. Marmot Optima - STP

My son and I both use them. Could not be happier

I bought one on sale recently at Sierra Trading Co as a splurge for rain gear. Turns out I love the jacket and it's just enough over a hoodie for the current 20-40F weather. The only downside I've found is that it retains smells. The pits smelled like BO just after a single day over a hoodie. I had deodorant on, but I do sweat, and when I drink coffee, I sweat more.. the smell fades gradually but it seems to go away after wearing. It may be that there was just sweat left on it, so it smelled like sweat, and if I wiped down the pit areas, it wouldn't smell - I'll try that. That's my only complaint about it.

I've used a preCip jacket for a number of years and have been very pleased. It would be interesting to see a comparison of the Nanopro fabric and the GoreTex (minimalist jacket). Both waterproof/breathable membranes- but I wonder if one performs better? About an $80. difference in price.