OMM Sonic Smock Men's Windbreaker

Product detailed description

This jacket is not only completely windproof, but also features a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish. While it isn’t waterproof, it definitely offers better protection against light rain than your sports T-shirt. The DWR finish also enhances stain resistance. The jacket can be packed into a pocket in the collar. The waterproof version from OMM is the Halo Jacket. Since 2014, OMM has switched to a new in-house material “Point Zero”. The jacket is even lighter than before, now weighing 52 g. The material is just as durable and breathable and is reportedly even more water-resistant. So far, I haven’t found any reviews on British websites (where the Sonic is sold in large quantities) that would contradict this. On the contrary, it usually gets 4 to 5 stars out of 5. The main criticism is that the sizes run a bit small... And the color is a distinct lighter blue. I’m 182 cm tall and weigh 66 kg; size M is very tight on me, while size L is slightly larger. I estimate that the ideal build for size XL is 185–190 cm and 80–90 kg.

The OMM Sonic jacket was, aside from my T-shirt and shorts, the piece of clothing I used the most during my 4,200 km hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. I wore it every morning and evening, and after a few weeks, I replaced the fleece hoodie I’d been using with it. It’s just as breathable, protects against the wind, and most importantly, unlike a sweat-soaked fleece, it dries in literally 5 minutes. So I don’t have a half-kilogram pile of sweaty fleece lying around in the evening that I’m afraid to put on in the morning…

At altitudes over 3,000 meters, the sun is strong, but the air is cold, and like everywhere in the mountains, it’s quite windy—the Sonic paired with a T-shirt is the perfect choice.

The jacket is so small that you can actually carry it with you in your pocket at all times. It’s also perfect for cycling on chilly morning rides or late-evening returns. The same goes for cross-country skiing. Smokers might be pleased to know it even fits inside a cigarette pack :-) A minor downside of the jacket: while the durable DWR finish prevents the jacket from getting dirty easily, it also makes it harder for the reflective prints and logos to stay on. So after hundreds of hours in my backpack and many washes, only about half of the reflective elements remain. According to the manufacturer, more intense heat-sealing of the prints (using higher temperatures) would damage the fabric. This doesn’t affect the jacket’s functionality, but if you care about its appearance, don’t wash it too often :-)

In 2012, the OMM Sonic Smock jacket won an award from The Great Outdoors magazine!

Women's version of the OMM Sonic Smock

OMM Sonic Smock:

• Weight: 52g.
• Material: Point Zero.
• Strategically placed shoulder seams.
• Long sleeves with thumbholes.
• Elasticated lower sides of the jacket.
• Numerous reflective elements.
• A pocket in the collar where the jacket can be packed away.
• Half-zip with a “garage” – a flap that covers the end of the zipper so it doesn’t scratch under the chin.
• Extended back.
• Slim fit.