Tested in the pouring rain this morning on a 6mile trail run. Excellent at shedding water, great freedom of movement and the drop tail is ideal. I could leap my usual fences and gates with no riding up. The hood is compact but I would recommend wearing a beanie or buff to stop the condensation wetting your head as it is close especially at the high neck.
I wore a short sleeve running top under but would recommend a long sleeve top to stop the condensation on the forearms. You can always roll it up.
Overall a brilliant top and even better than I expected. Might have to get the pants now!
Concur with the above. This item has been worn either training or commuting in Glasgow at least twice a day, 6 days a week for about 2 months now.
The fit is relatively close; so, as recommended - no fatties! The material feels 'soft' on the exterior - a bit like a really thin softshell - and has a nice bit of give in it. On the inside, it feels more like a traditional unlined, taped hardshell. The outer seems pretty tough - it hasn't worn noticeably from my backpack straps.
The styling is very good for the new 2009/2010 version. I really like the thumb-loop cuffs and the reflective details. The orange zips also give it a much more contemporary feel and it looks good on the rack in comparison to other outdoor clothing items.
Not sure how the smock really differs in function from the jacket - the only difference seems to be the extra pocket and the fact you can zip the front right down. I don't really see the advantage of this for a running top as, if you had it unzipped all the way, you may as well not be wearing it. I guess the jacket is styled more to be an all-round outdoor garment, rather than the lightweight, lean'n'mean smock. I bought this for running/biking/adventure racing and so I guess I made the right choice between the smock and jacket.
It's comfy in use and about as breathable as any other waterproof jacket I've had. Clearly, condensation will build up inside if you are active - the deep chest-zip helps ventilate but the bottom line is that no-one 'likes' running or biking hard in a waterproof. This smock is, however, about as good as it gets.
The only other thing I'd say about the hood is that, whilst it's great when it's over your head but, when rolled round your neck, it suffers from that traditional problem of flapping about and bashing your ears and neck when the front zip is undone a bit. This happens with every lightweight wind/waterproof jacket I've ever had so I assume it's unavoidable.
I reckon that the cinch cords on the waist are actually the first ones I've ever used that can truly be operated properly using only one hand. Frankly, if I were being facetious, I'd say it was worth the money for this reason alone!
I rate this jacket very highly and will be taking it on the LAMM in June. It's lightweight, looks good, robust (so far), good value and pretty Ronseal - does what it says on the tin. If you want a lightweight waterproof top for outdoor activities, look no further ...
Thanks for a helpful review that doesn't just cut'n'paste the OMM graphics and description. Have been labouring through the search online for a distance-running weatherproof simply because the range and prices aren't remotely available here in Australia. Just a couple of things, because I'm pretty much wavering between this, the Rab Demand, or the Haglofs Oz - OMM's own testing gives a breathability rating of 15,000 g/m2, which is way down on eVent or even Paclite. But the testing results aren't bulletproof. Did the Kamleika feel in practice almost as breathable as these fabrics, which I'm guessing you've also tested?
Just curious because with the condensation around the forearms and hood, it sounds like breathability might be an issue, and that's without putting it through a run of 6 hours or more up mountains more than hills. Would really like to get your feedback, even if it's just yr predictions based on what you've noticed in use. Am thinking this looks to be hardy and good for warmth and rain protection, but if it sweats up inside, that undoes everything over a long wear because of the whole body-heat-loss-evaporation-recondensation thing.
Also, does it require any kind of annual treatment to maintain its properties, or is it like eVent in that they're in the fabric, rather than like Goretex, where they're in the process?
Final Q. - how did you find the sizing? It looks like that fitted you about right - L/M? 5'6"? 6'4"?
I've used the older OMM Kamleika pants for 3 winters and I like them in every respect but not breathability. I've asked this question in other posts but no reply - is the newer fabric more breathable than the older fabric?
The new Kamleika has been described by users as 'like day and night' in contrast with the breathability of the old Kamleikas, so i think yes is the answer to your q, Nigel Healy. Have read too much about waterproof fabrics in action over past 3 weeks but would have still liked an answer in this forum. O well. I guess that being out running is a retty good reason to not be responsive on internet.
