User Review: Sierra Designs Omni Jacket

Summary

Cold weather bomber jacket. Outstanding construction means it's high quality and waterproof. It's as good as (if not better than) many of the higher priced softshells out there.

I already have a Sierra Designs Vapor Hoody (unlined) that's nearly indestructable and totally waterproof but I was looking for something a little warmer and and needed pit zips for added ventilation. Based on my experience with the Vapor, I decided to try the Omni.

First, the construction on this bomber jacket is outstanding. Rather than taped seams, Sierra Designs uses welded seams that are completely waterproof and stand up well to abuse. I fell while snowshoeing last week and slid down the trunk of a pine tree without leaving so much as a mark on the shell.  

The jacket is also very breathable with a two way zipper and pit zips, adjustable rip and stick cuffs allow for any glove, drawcords on the hood and hem allow you to dial in warmth (the hood easily accommodates a helmet), and exterior and interior pockets offer lots of storage.

I ordered a size Medium with the hope it wouldn't be too small to accommodate a base and midlayer and I couldn't be happier with the fit. The shell is stretchable and super comfortable for all levels of activity.

There are two minor drawback I can live with;

1. When putting the jacket on, the fleece lining grabs almost anything you're wearing as a base or mid layer, and
2. The external zippered chest pocket sits directly on top of the internal zippered gear pocket — if you've got stuff in both pockets, plan on some major bulk. When the fleece lining finally starts to pill, the issue with the lining hanging up on anything underneath disappears.

Overall, this is a terrific jacket! It's warm, comfortable, and almost bulletproof and best of all, it'll cost you a whole lot less than many other softshells out there.