OMM Core Fleece Jacket £110
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Amazing breathability, ultralight, good price
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No wind protection, very thin and flimsy, no hood
This jacket is very specialist, with a niche approach that will polarise opinion. The main benefit is near-total air permeability and unrivalled breathability (the fleece is almost see-through, with an open, airy structure), meaning you can dump heat quicker than ever before when you’re working hard. For fast hiking, where excellent breathability is crucial, this jacket is phenomenal.
At 200g it is by far the lightest jacket on test too. The big drawback is that the airy structure feels thin and flimsy (how long will it last before wear and tear cause damage?), and even the slightest wind will blow through it, meaning you get precious little warmth in blustery conditions and will be reliant on pairing it with a hard shell.
All of this high-tech yarn wizardry comes courtesy of a PrimaLoft Active synthetic plume. Traditionally plume insulation is found loose between two outer layers. Here, however, the loose plume is knitted onto a single-layer mesh, with a high-volume, open structure designed to trap pockets of insulating air when you need warmth, but to also allow a breeze to disturb these air pockets and remove the insulation effect. If you move quickly, are prone to overheating and need first-rate breathability, it’s a game changer. If not, look elsewhere.
■ MEN’S SIZES XS-XL
■ WOMEN’S SIZES XS-XL
■ WEIGHT 200g (men’s medium)
■ FABRIC PrimaLoft Active (100% polyester, 68% recycled), 125g/m²