Gearhead: Marmot's minimalist rain jacket does it all

Hiking in the rain, unless it’s a full-on deluge, can be an exhilarating experience - especially if you’re wearing a rain jacket designed to keep you dry while you stay fully active.

Marmot’s Minimalist, with versions for men and women, is such a jacket.

A lightweight shell made from Gore-Tex with Paclite technology - providing waterproofing and breathability - it’s great for rainy days when you’re hiking, biking, cycling and engaged in other activities. And if it stops raining, it rolls up neatly and takes little space in your pack.

The Minimalist’s helpful PitZips let you increase airflow and regulate temperature, seams are 100 percent taped to prevent leaks, the chest pocket has a water-resistant zipper (there are also zippered hand pockets), the front zipper has a storm flap to keep water out and you can utilize an elastic drawcord at the hem.

The hood is adjustable to provide whatever facial coverage you might need.

Colors for women: black, Arctic navy, Glacier grey, deep plum, blue tint and burnt ochre. Men’s colors are black, denim, cilantro, storm cloud, fox and cinder. $189.

In Sonoma County, Marmot products are carried by Eraldi’s Mens Wear & Shoes (Sonoma) and Dick’s Sporting Goods (Petaluma and Santa Rosa), REI (Santa Rosa) and Sonoma Outfitters (Santa Rosa).

For more information, visit marmot.com

Suzie Rodriguez