Ingus45As long as it's seam-taped properly any Gore-tex or similar garment will be totally waterproof. Some people sweat and think that the jacket is leaking and then cry foul. Some people are unlucky and get a dud jacket. But by and large all waterproof gear is going to be 100% rain proof. Online reviews naturally select for people who have had bad experiences, whether from misunderstanding the nature of a "breathable" fabric or from a genuinely faulty product. Marmot sells thousands of these jackets every year and most of them work exactly as expected.
That said, it is a pretty basic jacket and not the most breathable or durable or best featured jacket around by any means. But at this price it's a great deal.
Ingus45I have a TNF paclite for 4 years now. It is absolutely waterproof, but you might not want to wear it unless it's less than 50 outside. Even though it is theoretically breathable, it doesn't really work that well, meaning that if it even warm outside and you are doing physical activities (hiking, backpacking) you will feel hot and sweaty. But if you are looking for a very light jacket as a storm layer in cooler weather or even skiing/snowboarding, it works great.
Pretty much what Joomy had said.
JoomyThanks for the clarification. I've been using eVent jackets for the last two years and gortex / paclite before that. Ditched paclite specifically because eVent feels more breathable. The reason I pointed out the bad reviews is because REI users are typically a little better informed than your average amazon reviewers, and when the general consensus there says this jacket leaks, I tend to worry more.
Ingus45Marmot don't have the best quality control, but if it's faulty it'll be pretty obvious and be covered by warranty. My advice would be to test thoroughly in the shower when you get it.
JoomyI just bought this jacket looking for a moderately priced gore tex rain jacket. I went out in a LIGHT rain and noticed the water beading well. As I continued to walk for about a mile, my arms started to get cold. I took the jacket off when I got home and the shoulders had soaked through. I don't get it, how many “duds” are out there with gore tex material? I am going to get a replacement tomorrow.
EvsunIt certainly could be a batch problem with the fabric or seams. Like any product there is a non zero failure rate. But before you return it I would do the elementary test of running it under the shower or a tap and seeing if any moisture comes through.