The OMM Kamleika

Me at the finish of the Lakeland 50 Ultra 2022 – Photo by Olivia Crankshaw

The Kamleika jacket is a waterproof running jacket produced by the brand OMM, a brand embedded in the mountain running and orienteering industry that provides top quality kit to keep you safe and protected from all types of mountain weather. For those interested in stats, this jacket has a hydrostatic head of 20,000mm and a breathability of 20,000g/m2, allowing it to keep the water out but also stops you from overheating and feeling clammy. It’s 4-way stretch nylon fabric allows the jacket to move with you and offers a silent and soft touch.

My OMM Kamleika story starts back in 2021 when I was first introduced to fell/trail running by my brothers in law Matt and Andy, both avid runners that have been at it for a good 10+ years. Having shown an interest in running, Matt kindly donated some kit that was no longer any use to him and this starter pack contained his faithful 8+ year old OMM Kamleika. Due to family that swear by this jacket and always having one in their kit, it wasn’t long before I upgraded my Kamleika to a newer one (2 years old now). I still switch between the 2, using the older one for shorter runs through the week before/after work and my newer one for longer days and races. The donated older jacket still manages to keep me dry in small showers, even with some slight injuries to the chest that has been patched up with tape, I tend to use this as a windproof or extra layer in colder temperatures.

Me (left) and Andy (right) on the Haworth Hobble 2024 – Photo by Pete Riley

Since acquiring my latest Kamleika jacket, I have dragged it around 2 Lakeland 50’s, The George Fisher Tea Round, 2 Haworth Hobbles, multiple Yorkshire 3 Peaks, countless Lakes trips, I mean the list goes on. Whenever I go on a run, this jacket will most likely be in my bag. It packs down to a decent size and doesn’t seem to add much weight to my bag (265g), but when I have it on I am 100% confident that I will be protected. Even after a few snags on sharp bushes, the jacket remains undefeated and still has plenty of life left.

The fit of the jacket allows you to create a good layering system should you need to in colder conditions. I was recently in the Lakes doing a recce of the Bob Graham leg 4 with Andy and the conditions took a turn for the worst once we had summited Yewbarrow. Underneath my Kamleika I had on a Helly Hanson long sleeve baselayer, Rab Sonic Tee and my Mountain Equipment Lumiko Zip T and yet I still felt like I wasn’t restricted in any way. But when I have been running in warmer conditions, I have just had a t shirt on underneath and it doesn’t feel like it’s drowning me with space, I can only say that the jacket is magic in some way.

Me heading up Skiddaw to catch the sunrise – Feb 2023

In conclusion to my review of the OMM Kamleika, to me this jacket that I was very lucky to be introduced to as my first bit of running kit, and it will be a jacket that I will forever carry in my kit bag. It is versatile and can be used all year round for multiple activities, but will most importantly keep you safe and protected when out in the hills. This vital piece of kit has a great fit and offers multiple features including an adjustable peaked hood, 2 deep hand pockets that can allow you to carry things such as maps, buffs etc, and also a drop tail to give you a little more protection around the bottom of the jacket. I do feel like the OMM Kamleika is a perfect all rounder for all mountain adventures and is definitely worth investing in.

Me and Liv at the Lakeland 50 start line in Dalemain – 2022