Best for: Mountain running and alpine rock climbing.

224g (m) 200g (w)

What we liked

Tough for its feather-like weight, great breathability, versatile cut, strong feature set.

Limitations

Expensive, thumb loops leak when not in use, limited protection in severe weather. 

Overview: The Aether is for mountain runners and gram-conscious fast movers. It has a three-layer Dyneema-reinforced nylon shell (20,000mm H/H rated) that is highly tear resistant and breathable. There’s an adjustable hood, a water-resistant two-way main zip and large mid-position hand pockets, cuff thumb loops and reflective detailing. The fabric has a slight stretch. Rolled up, it’s about the size of a hot dog and packs easily into a running vest.

Performance: It’s a technically cut jacket with slim sleeves and a more regular torso, allowing room for layers and it’s cut long at the back for coverage. With thumb loops engaged, the cuffs covered much of my hands, but when not in use the loops let heavier rain in. The excellent hood has a head-hugging profile and generous peak and is fully adjustable for a protective fit. It can just fit over a helmet too, but with limited coverage.  

There are no pit zips yet breathability was very good, except for some condensation build-up on the non-breathable pocket-lining panels. With its toughness and adjustability the Aether offers better weather protection and breathability than many other jackets in this weight range, but less than heavier shells.

Why buy the OMM Aether?

This costly, specialised jacket is optimised for hard-and-fast outings by the gram-conscious. Although it has good features, the less robust weather protection makes it best for day missions or moderate rain rather than peak storm, but it outclasses other running jackets.