New waterproof for ultras - advice, please?

The time has come to get a new jacket, I think - I have a very light showerproof (Ronhill Trail MIcrolight) and a heavy uber-cold jacket that's far too big since I lost weight (Paramo Velez).

Kind of thinking between an OMM Kamleika or a Montane Minimus. Worried the Minimus might be a bit light, and also that the Kamleika might be a bit heavy - also not clear how they'll stand up to extended use wih a pack. First use in anger will be The Wall in June, and the training for that.

Any experience with those two, or something different would be ace.

Would have put this in the gear thread, but seems more likely to get a response here...

Hagloffs LIM is one of my prized items of kit. The one thing i haven't changed for quite a while.

Thanks WiB - which do you think is the more robust? Just reckoning if I'm going to be running 69 miles with a pack (and presuming I keep on with the ultras, which I hope I will), would you think one a better choice than the other? Assuming eventually I'll aim to have a pop at the Bob Graham round or something similar...

Nice one - thanks again - think you've just helped me decide - Minimus it is. Costs less and in stock at my local running shop.

I personally use an Arcteryx alpha smock. I have taken a few tumbles in it and slid down some muddy banks with no adverse consequences.  I will give you a couple of thoughts about what makes a good ultra running jacket. 

The hood is the feature that makes or breaks any waterproof jacket for me.  You should be able to rotate your head in any direction, without it impairing your vision.  Try it on with the hood fully toggled up at your local running shop before you buy it. 

Both the jackets you have mentioned are excellent choices on paper, but for my money personal compatibility is the key. 

Arrangment of pockets is also important.  Will you be able to conveniently acess them while you are moving and wearing a pack?

Weight should be less than 300 grams.

When you try the coat on, tighten the cuffs around your wrists.  Can you reach upward to a point above your head without the cuff pulling back, or the jacket lifting over your midriff?  If not then you might be able to find one with a better fit. 

Went to check out the Minimus - was impressed, but the waist is quite short - hands over head means it rides up above Mr Tummy Button. Can't find a real shop with a Kamleika in to try, thinking about ordering one for a check - did try an XL which was way big on me - shop said they wouldn't be getting any more in as they were thinking about replacing it with something else. 

Checking out the stats, the Minimus is mildly more breathable, which is a plus... intersting to hear that the Kamleika makes less noise...

Decisions, decisions...

I have, and like, the Minimus, but haven't tried the others, so can't give any comparisons, I'm afraid. But I first wore the Minimus on New Year's Day in 2012, in pouring rain, and got back to the car with my top half dry and comfortable... It's also light enough that I don't mind carrying it in my backpack on pretty much all my long runs, as a "just in case" (for either rain, or prolonged period immobile while waiting for rescue, if I get injured).

Got the OMM Kamlieka and love it! Soft, stretchy (in 4 directions!) and above all quiet...no russling

How packable is the Kamleika?

Touie2. You mean theoetically, right?

I got caught in falling wet snow at about 0.5C yesterday in a 3+ hr long run. After getting gradually wetter even with a Montane Featherlite (windtop) I popped in home for 5 mins, put on some dryer clothes, including a Kamleika smock, and the rest of the run for the last 75 mins was a pleasure. It's quiet, a decent length, thumb loops (which I used over gloves to help keep them dry) and one breast pocket.

It's news to me it would pack into its breast pocket. I doubt that but I will try. I usually carry it in a small stuffsack to prevent rubbing in the rucksack spoiling the water-repellent surface. In the same sack I usually have a pair of OMM trousers and I have used that combination also for long-distance walking tours.

The Ron Hill Trail Tempest jacket gets a good write up in the latest Trail Running magazine.

In fact, there is a whole section reviewing waterproof jackets in the magazine.

Might be worth checking out.

+1 for the minimus. very light, doesn't get too hot as its very breathable, good hood with easy to use toggles and a good front pocket which fits an OS map no problem. it does rustle though!

Haven't tried many jackets because I very rarely wear them. Most of them do seem to be too short. I have the Kamleika jacket (latest version) and like it for stretchiness 4-ways and quietness.  It does get a bit clammy inside so eventually I will be looking for something more breathable ('extremely' rather than 'very').  I find folding it into the hood most convenient. 

To save weight and for potentially better waterproofness (less zip), buy the smock rather than the jacket.

Also got the OMM Cypher jacket (eVent) which is the most breathable jacket I've ever worn but it is more suitable for hillwalking than running, I feel.

Something you definitely want to consider though are the Kamleika trousers.  They are superb.  Again stretchy and quiet and feel like ordinary running tights when wearing but completely waterproof.