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The Marmot Moblis is a good-looking windproof layer that's great for casual excursions and colder outings where you will be moving but not sweating too much. It's heavy and more restrictive than many other options in our review, but it's also decently featured, well-tailored, and warm. This is a good introductory jacket for adventurers who are more laid-back than aerobic, and who value warmth over breathability. If the hood were helmet-compatible, we might recommend it for downhill skiing or ice climbing, but it's too snug to allow proper head movements when a helmet is involved. Overall, it's an excellent introductory softshell for someone who plans to play outside but not get too technical.
REASONS TO BUY
Windproof
Good mobility
Soft inner liner
Nice torso length
Harness/backpack compatible pockets
REASONS TO AVOID
Hood is small
Arms slightly short
Water resistance not great
Not very breathable
Color Updates
The fuschia shade we tested is no longer offered, but you can get the Moblis in black and several other colors. Besides this, nothing else about the jacket has changed. February 2019
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Moblis is one of only four fully windproof models in our review. This makes it less breathable and a bit heavy, but if you're not working up a sweat and want to stay warm, this jacket will do you right.
Performance Comparison
While not quite as technical a jacket as others we tested, we appreciate the warmth and good fit of the Marmot Moblis.
Credit: Penney Garrett
Weather Protection
When it comes to wind, the Moblis is a champ. One of only four fully windproof models in our review, this layer is a welcome friend for chilly adventures. However, this level of excellence does not extend to water resistance. During our water test (which involved getting in the shower while wearing each jacket), the Moblis soaked through quickly next to the zipper and around the waist. The material seems to pull water in more than repel it.
The bonded ripstop nylon exterior of the Moblis seemed to suck water in more than repel it. You can see it soaked into the surface on the left, and bleeding through to the interior on the right.
Credit: Penney Garrett
Despite this issue, we still scored the Moblis generously because it provides excellent windproofing and warmth. When hiking on icy days with blowing snow and cycling in frigid temperatures, we stayed comfortable and insulated. This just isn't the jacket to bring if rain is predicted.
This jacket did great on a very windy hike up to St. Mary's Glacier in Colorado.
Credit: Penney Garrett
Breathability
The Moblis suffers in this category, as do most of the other windproof models in our review. Thicker lining and windproofing tend to mean better weather protection, but they also impede a jacket's ability to breathe. In frigid temperatures, we didn't notice or care that the Moblis couldn't breathe very well. But as soon as we were in warmer sunnier situations, we felt sweaty and stifled. Once we wore this jacket without a long sleeve underneath, and sweat caused our arms to stick to the inner lining, making it very uncomfortable and hard to remove. It's important to think about exactly what you need your softshell for before purchasing because they are about as varied as the snowflakes we went tromping through during our tests.
In windy cold conditions, this model is fantastic - but it isn't the best for aerobic, sweat-inducing activities.
Credit: Penney Garrett
Mobility
With a special "Angel-Wing" underarm design to increase mobility, the Moblis is a solid performer in this metric. However, we bumped it down a point due to a bit of tightness across the back. The arms are also a bit short, and they ride up when raised overhead. In general, though, the mobility of this jacket is just fine.
Except for a small bit of snugness across the shoulders, the mobility on the Moblis is quite good.
Credit: Penney Garrett
Weight
The Moblis, at 21.4 ounces, is among the heaviest in our review — only one other jacket weighs more. While it doesn't feel cumbersome to wear, the extra mass is noticeable when trying to squash this sucker into a pack — it's definitely bulky compared to other models. And while the warmth and windproofing may be worth a little extra weight for some, there are other insulated options available that are considerably lighter.
The Moblis was on the heavier end of all our contenders, but it kept the wind out and the warm in, so we mostly didn't mind.
Credit: Penney Garrett
Versatility
Our score for versatility is determined by looking at features, style, durability, and how readily each jacket moves from activity to activity. While there is some versatility to the Moblis, overall, it's kind of relegated to fall and winter activities that aren't too exertive. It's durable and relatively stylish with a decent amount of features for the price point: windproof material, a two-way adjustable hood with brim (though it is not helmet compatible), a zippered chest pocket and arm pocket, an adjustable drawcord hem, adjustable cuffs, a unique underarm design to increase mobility, and zippered hand pockets that are accessible with a harness or backpack on. It also zips high up on the face, so if you're leaning over while biking or scrambling, your chin will stay covered.
The Moblis is nicely cut and ended up being a favorite of several of our testers.
Credit: Penney Garrett
Value
This contender has some less than perfect aspects, but at the end of the day, the pros outweigh the cons — especially for the relatively low price point. The Moblis is a good jacket that can easily become a favorite layer for the right person. It protects from the wind, allows movement with relative ease, and adjusts in all the right places.
A windy day of alpine hiking is the perfect setting for the Moblis.
Credit: Penney Garrett
Conclusion
We like this basic softshell a lot and feel like it provides a good fit and some decent features for the price. It's disappointing that it doesn't have better breathability and that the hood isn't bigger, but its ability to combat wind and cold mostly make up for that. Overall this is a great jacket to invest in for cold-weather activities that don't get too technical or sweaty.
We had a great time exploring the snowy backcountry in the comfy Moblis.
