The most important aspect of earning turns is temperature regulation. The best touring gear in the world is not going to make your up or your down enjoyable if you are miserable due to being wet, cold, or hot. Which is why the Marmot DriClime Catalyst is my most important and versatile piece of gear.

After years of constant adjustments, I finally found a pair of jackets that get me through all conditions. I paired the Catalyst windshirt with a Marmot Exum hardshell and the results this past winter were excellent. The Catalyst can be used as a mid-layer or outer layer depending upon temperature, weather, and exertion level. Even on the coldest days this past season, I was comfortable on all the ups and the downs. The windshirt is super light weight and packs down tightly.

The Catalyst is a suburb skinning jacket down into the teens with appropriate base layering. Generous venting dumps excessive heat without being too drafty. Thin DriClime lining can almost be too hot for skinning at times but unzipping the jacket can help regulate overheating.

In the single digits and below, the addition of a hardshell works best to trap warmth. The slippy exterior allows for smooth frictionless motion between the windshirt and hardshell. The jacket doesn’t ride up with high arm motion but still flows nicely with the body when rotating. As the pictures in this review can attest, the DriClime also performs well when riding the lifts early and late season.

Marmot offers two versions of the DriClime including the original without pockets and the three pocket Catalyst. For not much more money, it makes sense to opt for the versatility of having those extra pockets. Either way, the DriClime runs large so if you are usually between sizes, go smaller.

I couldn’t be more satisfied with the performance and versatility of this jacket. It keeps you dry while combining excellent breathability with reasonable warmth for active pursuits. It isn’t a one jacket quiver, but combined with good base layering and a hardshell it is perfect for northeastern turn earning. It gets packed first; even before the skins.

Full Disclosure: I paid for the jacket and have not received any freebies, schwag, or financial kickbacks from Marmot.