The Driclime Jacket is a long-standing model in Marmot's collection. Over the years it's received a few updates, but it hasn't changed much, with just a few subtle tweaks here and there. Why the continuity? Because at its core, the Driclime is a blissfully simple jacket. You've got a windproof outer, a fleece lining, and that's about it. The end result is both lightweight and adaptable, capable of being used in a wide variety of conditions. I've had a Driclime in my gear cupboard for the best part of 15 years and it's been used for just about everything: walking, running, climbing and mountaineering. What's all the more remarkable is that they continue to go on and on and on, even after hard use, because here's the best bit - the holes just make them more breathable. The major development in the latest version is its adoption of more sustainable fabrics. The big question for a fan of the original though is how this has affected its performance, and what else may have changed.

Functionality

The Driclime Ether 2.0 is a fantastically versatile jacket, capable of doing a wide variety of activities in a wide variety of conditions. Its windproof shell helps keep the cool breeze out, which is great for when it gets cold. On warmer days its breathability is a blessing, but when you don't want to wear it the fact that it's both light and packable means it can be stowed away easily.

For the new version, the ventilation that was previously under the arms has now been removed, which definitely gives it a warmer feel. Whether or not this is a good thing depends on what you're looking to use it for. It's realistically made it a better lightweight belay jacket for climbers and a mid/outer layer for hillwalkers on cooler days, but for higher output users such as runners - or for use on warmer days in general - its predecessor was arguably superior.

Fit

The Driclime Ether 2.0 is available for both men and women. The cut is a little on the boxy side, with quite a lot of room around the chest and shoulders. It's also quite big for its size, with the medium feeling a little more like a medium 'plus' (although not quite an outright large). These two factors definitely give it a roomy fit, so if you do get a chance to try one on in store it'd be worth doing so. When trying it on also consider how you're going to use it, because the Driclime works both next to skin and over a baselayer. These aren't mutually exclusive, and I've done a blend of both with the one on review, but it's worth bearing in mind.

The Driclime features a relatively low stretch material, so cut is key in terms of hem lift, and when raising my arms above my head I do get some - but not a lot. In real terms I don't tend to notice this, apart from occasions where I find myself having to pull it back underneath my harness.

Weight

At 260g in a size M this jacket sits at the lighter end of the spectrum, especially when you consider the fact that it potentially straddles three categories: base layer, mid layer and windproof. 

Features

One of the major updates to the new Ether Driclime is that it is now made from 100% recycled materials, which is a fantastic move from Marmot, as it sets a high benchmark as far as sustainability is concerned. In terms of its performance it is barely distinguishable from its predecessor, both in terms of usage and durability, so it seems like a win-win as far as both consumer, brand and environment are concerned.

The Driclime features three pockets - two handwarmer pockets and one internal pocket. Personally, I would have preferred to have had the internal pocket on the outside, simply because it's an accessible place to store topos and snacks whilst climbing, but that's very much a personal preference. One of the handwarmer pockets doubles as a stuffsack, which has always been a feature of the Driclime, as it makes it quick and easy to store on the back of your harness. One thing I would have liked to have seen is the clip in point beefed up a bit with extra stitching, as I've had them fail before (albeit with fairly rough use) and it's a sad thing to see your £140 jacket plummeting into the sea below. For a workaround I tend to put a key fob through the zipper, which acts as a more sturdy and reliable solution.

The hood of the Ether Driclime is another feature that makes it feel like a warmer jacket, both when in storage and whilst deployed. In storage, the extra volume around the neck means that it feels quite snug, pushing the lining up against your neck, to give a warm and comforting feel when the elements come in. The extra volume won't be to everyone's tastes, and neither will the extra insulation around the neck, but it's in keeping with the generally warmer feel of the update. When deployed the Ether Driclime features a minimalist under-helmet windproof hood. Due to the stowaway nature, the hood doesn't come all the way round to the front of the face, so isn't the best in the worst weather, as it leaves a lot of your face exposed, but it's better than nothing on more marginal days.

Summary

The Ether Driclime 2.0 is - much like its predecessor - a fantastically versatile jacket that's capable of doing pretty much anything: walking, scrambling, running, cycling, climbing, or mountaineering. It's also a jacket that can be worn year-round, albeit in different ways (i.e. on its own, or as part of a layering system), which further adds to its adaptable nature. The fact that it's now made from 100% recycled materials, and that this hasn't had any discernible effect on either its performance or its durability, makes the Ether Driclime 2.0 a strong update. The only thing to be aware of is the cut and sizing, just to make sure it fits properly, as the sizing is definitely on the large side.