Marmot Minimilist vs Precip vs Essence: How Do They Stack Up?

If you are looking for a rain jacket to protect you in the next sudden downpour then Marmot has some great options to choose from.

From the more simple, but waterproof Essence and Precip, to the top of the line Goretex Paclite Minimalist, Marmot have you covered.

All you have to do is figure out which one is right for you.

That is why in this review I am going to break down all the features so that you can quickly and easily decide which one is your next best friend in the rain.

You can use the Quick Navigation to jump to the section that interests you, or be my guest and read the whole thing.

There is no fluff in this review, just the facts :>

Features Comparison

Taking a look at the most important features first, and breaking each one down in detail, this section reveals everything I can find on each model and how they differ.

Waterproof

Let me start off by saying that all of these jackets will keep you dry. So, if you are concerned about that, don’t be. You can move on to the next section already.

But, there are some slight differences in how they do it.

The best of them all (in theory) is the Minimalist with its industry-leading Goretex Paclite material. This will last you for years and years and is the kind of material outdoor enthusiasts drool over. Light, waterproof, breathable, and durable.

Note: Although I would normally totally recommend a jacket like the Minimalist, I wanted to let you know that a lot of people on the Marmot website have complained that it does not hold up in the long run. After some weeks of use, the waterproof coating on the material stops working. So, if you plan on using this a lot. A better alternative seems to be another model from Marmot – the Exum Ridge.

The favorite amongst most people is the Marmot Precip. It combines a nylon waterproof layer with Marmot’s own NanoPro breathable material. The benefit of this option is that it is lightweight.

The Essence is the lightest of them all and also incorporates a little stretchiness in the fabric.

Winner: Precip (or Essence if you want super-lightweight)

Breathability

There are a couple of important factors when it comes to the comfort of a rain jacket. The first is how breathable it is.

The Minimalist uses Goretex, which is renowned for its breathability. No question there.

The other two (Essence and Precip) use Marmot’s own Nanopro material. You can see the details either via that link or in this video.

Although this is not as well-known as Goretex, all the reviews I have read online suggest that everyone who wears it is more than happy with the breathability. So, it is head-to-head with the Minimalist.

Winner: None

Comfort

The Essence has perhaps the most comfortable fabric because it has a little stretch to it. It is also the lightest, so does not feel like a burden to wear all day. It also has elastic cuffs and some vented areas under the arms to help you stay cool when doing the hard miles. To keep this jacket light there are zero pockets and the hood does not stow.

The PreCip is somehow similar to the Essence but has no stretch in the fabric. It does however have pit zips which are the ideal solution to sweaty sports. Open them under your arms when you are hot and sweaty, keep them closed otherwise.

There are also some handy hand pockets and one on the chest with a water-resistant zipper. The chin guard is also a welcome addition, especially if you need to zip it all the way up in the rain and wind. The cuffs on the arms are velcro – never ideal, but usually durable.

The Minimalist is the heaviest fabric of them all, but also comes with pit zips to help reduce the heat and sweat. There are also a few pockets to help keep your hands warm and a chest pocket for some smaller items.

The hood is adjustable but does not stow. And the arms are also velcro fastened.

All models come with an elastic drawcord hem which is essential for keeping the wind from sneaking up under the jacket.

Winner: Precip

Essence

Precip

Minimalist

Packability

Weight

Essence6.3oz (179g)

PreCip:11oz (312g)

Minimalist:15oz (425g)

The Minimalist is the heaviest of the bunch and takes the most space.

The Precip comes next. Then the Essence.

The reason the Essence is so small and light is that it is designed as a lightweight adventurer’s best friend. And at just over 6 oz, it wins hands down.

Note: Just be aware that with weight-saving comes feature loss (pockets, chin guard) or durability loss (different materials).

The Precip is designed to fold up and be stowed in its own pocket, which is a handy bonus for those needing to pack and carry!

Winner: Essence

Price

Goretex is a top-quality material that always comes at a price. So, it’s no surprise that the most expensive jacket on this list is usually the Minimalist.

The Essence is also quite a specialized model, so is often a bit higher in price too.

If you are looking for the most cost-effective model, that is also super waterproof and breathable, it appears that you just can’t beat the Precip!.

Tip: You never know the exact price of each model and color, so it always pays to check out each and see what they are going for on the day!

Winner: Precip

Essence

Precip

Minimalist

Which One Is Right For You?

The Precip is the best option in most situations because it has a great combination of features, weight, waterproofness, and price.

I would also seriously consider the Essence if I was worried about overall pack size and weight because it is a seriously light-weight jacket. It also has the added advantage of being made from stretchy material.

The Minimalist loses out in most categories, and the complaints of loss of waterproofing over time really concern me. If you are really after a Goretex jacket (and they are great) then have a think about another model from Marmot that gets way better reviews, like the Exum Ridge.