OMM Kamleika Race Clothing Review

We’ve just received the updated 2009 version of the OMM Kamleika race clothing at Head to the Hills. An update to the range has been a long time coming but it’s been worth the wait...

I had the jacket and pants out of the box as soon as it arrived and headed off for a trot around Red Screes with the dog after work. The weather obliged with perfect testing conditions and I was strafed with drizzly clag most of the way around. The Kamleika Jacket and pants held up well, as expected and have been standard wear during my bike trips into work most days thanks the our great Cumbrian weather!

I’ve had an OMM Kamleika Smock for a few years now so I’m used to the great comfort and performance of the Gelanotts fabric that is used in the new OMM Kamleika clothing too.

It works as well as you could expect of any laminated shell designed for running (and we’ve tried them all believe me!) and there is always a trade off between how well it keeps out the rain –vs- how well it allows condensation to escape during intense exercise.

Where the OMM Kamleika scores over other shells is in its out and out fabric flexibility; it’s great to wear and is genuinely the most versatile waterproof system I have experienced, whether you’re running, fast hiking or on the bike – nothing flaps, nothing pulls.

Comparing old with new, the fit of the new stuff seems the same to me in the jacket and smock with what seems to be an improved hood setup.

The biggest improvement is in the fit of the Kamleika Pant; they fit a bit like a well used pair of Tracksters and have a good quality zipped pocket on the hip.

Overall the new Kamleika is a lot more attractive (as if that mattered eh?!) and is a better fit, the lining of the membrane is now a more tasteful charcoal, rather than white and the contrasting orange splashguard zippers finish off the cool looks. 360 degree reflective trim is a nice addition for night runners and riders too.

The price has gone up of course, but with Head to the Hills online discount it’s just about bearable, there is also up to £10 cash back for published reviews you send in making it positively cheap for a top notch product like this – if you are going to suffer for your sport you might as well look good!

Good luck with training to all this year’s OMM competitors, we’ll see you in Wales.

Pete Kelly, Sept 09.

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