OMM Core Vest

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How much insulation value can you expect from a garment that weighs about 80grams? We suspect you’ll be surprised. Its an excellent addition to anyone’s kitlist for those occasions when a bit more insulation is needed.

OMM says

A new concept in active insulation, the OMM Core Range is made entirely from PRIMALOFT NEXT ultra-light insulating fabric. Built from a synthetic plume woven through a knitted mesh, Core offers the warmth of a fleece but less-than half the weight. Paired with a shell, the Core is an incredibly effective insulator; but, thanks to near-total air permeability, the lightest breeze can take away that heat. This allows you to keep your Core layer on even when you have warmed up and you can thermoregulate by removing/unzipping your low bulk shell (eg. Sonic windproof at 49g). A true valley to summit piece. Core works wet or dry with incredible wicking properties to ensure you won’t stay wet for long.

Wear the Core Vest as a super warm first layer in the coldest of events and challenges from the OMM to the Spine and the Yukon Ultra.

The Core Vest uses the 75g PRIMALOFT NEXT Insulating Fabric Technology, the lighter version of the 125g PRIMALOFT NEXT fabric used in the Core Jacket.

Our Verdict

OMM’s Core Vest feels warm and is fluffy to the touch, hold it up to the light and you can see the open weave construction which traps air to provide insulation, you can also see that it won’t perform well if exposed to a breeze. As OMM points out, its designed to be used in conjunction with a shell garment which can be used as a regulator by allowing or disallowing air to pass through.

The best bit we like is its weight – how much insulation value can you expect from a garment that weighs about 80grams – we suspect you will be suprised. Its an excellent addition to anyone’s kitlist for those occasions when a bit more insulation is needed.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• Continues to insulate even if wet
• Flatlock seams positioned away from shoulders
• Soft rolled collar
• Reflective logo

Specifications

• Small weighs: 69g
• Medium weighs: 75g
• Large weighs: 79g
• XLarge weighs: 88g

Materials

• PRIMALOFT® NEXT Insulating Fabric Technology – 75g
• Stretch fabric

Help & advice:

• The Ultimate Guide to Lightweight Baselayers
• OMM Core Technology Explained