In the world of hardshell jackets, Gore-Tex is the gold standard. Let’s get that out of the way right now.
But Gore-Tex is a material, and material only goes so far. What separates a good jacket from a bad one is function, style, and utility. And for a solid all-around jacket that is lightweight, packable, and well-designed, I’ve become partial to Marmot’s Orion.
I have been testing the Orion Gore-Tex jacket (as well as the bibs) for the past few months, and have become a big fan. It’s an excellent choice for touring thanks to its packability, performance, and protection. I’ve been testing it out in the Coast Range of British Columbia during a winter that has seen pretty much every kind of weather system come through, and in each case, whether freezing rain, downpour, cold smoke powder, and sunny bluebird, the jacket has performed well.
Read on to find out why I find this jacket to be a winner and well worth the investment.
Marmot Orion Gore-Tex Jacket: First Impressions
Bottom Line: The jacket packs well and still protects you from the elements, while being versatile enough to wear on the resort or in the backcountry.
Weight: 522g
Features: Internal stash pocket, pass pocket on the arm, powder skirt, Gore-Tex mebrane
Pros: Lightweight, packable, waterproof
Cons: Only one internal stash pocket
The first thing that really stood out was the bright color. It’s a cosmetic detail, but in the world of backcountry snowboarding and skiing, its a safety feature. The trend has been for dark and drab, so to see a jacket look tastefully bright, I appreciated the difference.
Another aspect is how lightweight it is. At just over a pound, it really has a “barely there” feeling when putting it on. The relaxed fit also helps with movement, as many other brands seem to trend on the slimmer side. However I found that this fit was a bit more suited to those with broad shoulders and torso, such as myself, despite being a size M.
Notable Features of the Marmot Orion Gore-Tex
There isn’t anything that stands out as being a feature other jackets don’t have, but the features it does offer are very well-made. The hood fits over the helmet, and and all adjustments (like the waist and wrist cuffs) are easy to manage, even with gloves on.
The zipper pocket on the inside fits a large smartphone (namely my Samsung S25 Ultra) without worry. All in all, you have everything you would expect in a good hardshell jacket.
Drawbacks
Chest pockets are large enough to carry skins, but aren’t ventilated, so although they may warm up, won’t dry out. This is a bit of a shame but the fact that you can warm your skins while riding down is still a possibility makes this jacket still worthy of backcountry use.
I’m also a fan of two internal pockets for this reason, but the jacket only has one on the inside to save space on the other side for a zipper pocket. I get that they wanted to be minimal, but a second stash pocket goes a long way to keeping skins warm and dry when not on the bottom of the skis or splitboard.
Final Thoughts
The Marmot Orion Gore-Tex jacket is a great option for people who spend a good chunk of time in the backcountry but also want something that will protect them from the elements, even on days when not skinning up. It is a lightweight shell that has just enough pockets to be convenient without bogging you down.
The packability is excellent, and nothing gets in the way. So far this season the stitching has held up, even though I’ve been tossing the jacket in and out of the pack and going for long missions in the sun.
It’s an excellent hardshell jacket for a price that is much lower than comparable models. That’s the bottom line. It would be hard to find a jacket that protects as well as it does, is as light and packable as it is, for the price that it offers.
Want to see more? Check out our Gear Review page for more in-depth reviews that aren’t bought and paid for by big companies. We use affiliate links, but never get paid to hawk gear, only get a commission if you end up buying. Check out our Gear Review Policy for more info. Support independent media! Cheers!
