OMM Kamleika Jacket – Test and Review

I’m a relatively new ultra runner; completing my first in 2017 in the form of Race to the Stones 100k after Damien Hall suggested I was capable of the distance! That endorsement gave me the confidence to try more ultras ranging from 50k to the Centurion Running 50 Grand Slam in 2021, and this year I’ll be attempting my first 100 miler on the South Downs Way.

With mandatory kit being essential for ultras the need for the items be be light, yet completely functional is important. Jackets that are minimal in weight and waterproof (for rain harder than a shower) are hard to find. A waterproof jacket doesn’t always mean breathable and you often end up just as wet inside the jacket, as it is outside! I’m also tall at 5ft11 so a good women’s fit isn’t easy to find. Jackets are a key piece of kit that is potentially expensive so you want to get it right first time.

After going on a few runs I found the waterproofing of the jacket was great. The sizing was true to the chart and enabled me to select the correct fit for my body shape, which as a consequence meant the water beaded well on the jacket and ran off the material. The weight of the jacket for the quality of the waterproofing meant that it didn’t slow me down once the rain had stopped and it had to go into my backpack on race day.

The fit is really flattering without being tight so movement when running isn’t restricted – I had complements from other runners when wearing it which made me feel good. The jacket is quite soft to touch so you know this is made from quality materials.I have a number of jackets for various levels of wind and rain, but I wanted one that could cover a range of weathers so it didn’t matter what Mother Nature threw at me; I knew I was covered!

OMM have really thought about the specifics of this jacket to make it better than others on the market. The peaked hood with internal cradle to keep the elements off your face, the long tail to keep your back drier for longer, and the fitted cuffs with a thumbhole for a comfortable fit are it’s more unique features. It has all the usual taped seams, adjustable drawstrings to improve the fit, and breathable pockets to aid extra ventilation that you’d expect from a jacket. The overall durability of the jacket is excellent; I’ve worn it multiple times and it still looks new, however the pockets are not meant to deal with the weight of a phone (it says hand or map in the description), and it promptly fell straight through the bottom before my race started! The price tag is in the upper-mid of the OMM range at under £200 and is reflected in the quality of the product.

The Kamleika is a versatile piece of kit that is an essential in anyone’s mandatory equipment list for its durability, flexibility in a variety of conditions and its comfortable fit. When you can rely on your kit it’s one less thing to worry about on race day so you can just do what you came to do – run!

Review by Paula Williams

OMM Kamleika (Womens)
£200.00
Visit here

View their video…