Trail-Tested in Yosemite | Trusted for 50 Years
The Sierra doesn’t ease into fall. It snaps into it.
One day you’re basking in granite heat; the next, you’re digging through your pack for a layer that actually works. That’s where Marmot steps in.
This year, the legendary brand—celebrating 50 years of outdoor innovation—introduces two standout collections designed for fall’s unpredictable rhythm: the Aerothermal Collection and the MonoQuilt Collection. Both are built to support high-output hikers, slow sunrise wanderers, and everyday adventurers who want warmth without weight and comfort without compromise.
We’ve been putting these layers to the test in the Sierra, from chilly trailhead mornings to early October breezes, and we’re convinced: Marmot nailed fall layering.
Marmot Active Aerothermal Hoodie
Hybrid Performance for Cool Mornings, Windy Summits, and High-Energy Movement
Fall mornings in the Sierra aren’t subtle. They bite—just enough to remind you that summer is gone. And when that breeze cuts in at 7,000 feet, having the right layer can make all the difference between comfort and compromise.
That’s where the Marmot Active Aerothermal Hoodie shined during our early season field test. While it stayed behind for our warmer Yosemite backpacking loop, it’s quickly become a daily favorite now that the cooler shoulder-season air has returned.
With 700-fill WarmCube® down mapped across the core and PrimaLoft® Active Evolve fleece in the hood, arms, and sides, this piece adapts to your body heat. It traps warmth when still, breathes when moving, and sheds that sticky feeling traditional down layers create under exertion.
Standout Features:
- Sleek, stitch-free design (we tested Thunderhead—steely blue, sharp, and understated)
- Logo blends into the fabric, keeping it low-profile and stylish for camp or town
- Fleece-lined pockets add real warmth for cold hands
- Comfortably breathable ripstop face fabric (30 CFM) that blocks wind without overheating
If you’re looking for a mid-layer that transitions from coffee on the deck to snowshoeing above Blue Lakes, the Active Aerothermal Hoodie has that rare mix of tech and comfort. It’s ideal for high country trail days, cool camp mornings, and fast-moving fall outings.
Marmot MonoQuilt Collection
Ultralight Warmth, Reimagined for Peak Efficiency
For those who count ounces but refuse to compromise on warmth, the MonoQuilt Collection hits the sweet spot. Marmot re-engineered traditional insulation patterns, using an innovative quilting design that maximizes warmth while minimizing bulk.
Our test model, part of Marmot’s full-zip lineup, proved ideal for packing into tight trail bags and quickly layering up when Sierra shadows turned cold.
Key Technical Elements:
- PrimaLoft® Gold 60g insulation for efficient, packable warmth
- Recycled polyester shell with CO DWR treatment to shed light precipitation
- Minimalist aesthetic for those who want technical function without flash
Whether you’re layering under a shell at Frog Lake, sipping coffee in Kennedy Meadows, or chasing golden aspens near Virginia Lakes, the MonoQuilt series delivers reliable warmth and weather resistance in a feather-light package.
Available in hoodies, full-zips, and vests for both men and women, this collection is built for both performance and everyday wear.
Why It Matters: Layers That Work, Stories That Stick
The gear we carry into the Sierra isn’t just for function—it’s part of our story. On morning walks past trailheads you’ve seen a hundred times, or while watching sunrise mist roll over a still lake, your layer becomes part of the memory. You remember the quiet warmth. The way the wind didn’t win. The feeling of being just right in the elements.
That’s why we test gear like this. Not just for numbers—but for real-life performance in the places we love.
As Marmot puts it:
“Outside never grows old… and neither does the gear that keeps up with you.”
This fall, the Aerothermal and MonoQuilt collections don’t just meet the demands of Sierra adventures—they embrace them.
