I realise that on paper the Cypher Smock/Jacket sounds like a great piece of kit, but from personal experience I'm now a little sceptical of eVent (or at least the quality of eVent fabric used here). Don't get me wrong, I like OMM's stuff (e.g. I have their Classic 32 pack, which is great) but I'd be wary of relying on the Cypher for anything more than very casual, weekend wear... I bought a yellow one (jacket) in August 2011 - on back of this^ Best in Test in Trail and similar reviews. I was initially very impressed with the lightness, apparent toughness and definite waterproofness/breathability on the hill (although the fit does leave a bit to be desired if you have a remotely athletic/V-shaped chest and normal-length, humanoid arms...). Anyway, I took it for a week of Munro-bagging in October half term. It was a bit cold and wet - but nothing crazy for Scots west coast and certainly the kind of weather a £150/200 jacket should cope with. However, the Cypher came home black around key stress points and generally knackered in terms of the laminate. I took back to the retailer, who sent it to OMM and a good few weeks later, it was replaced. The new one lasted a bit longer - I am out quite a bit (but no more than 1 or 2 times a week and obviously the jacket only comes out in the rain) but suffice to say it suffered the same (if more slowly - but to be honest worse) problems. The laminate is knackered in several places and deteriorating all over. I returned this and the same process - although the sales person suggested a full refund might be an option. On reflection and looking at the options (heavier eVent / lighter Pertex DS), I think I'll be going for that... Now, aside from several irritations here (UK prices, the need for the retailer to send to manufacturer and not just refund the buyer - in short the general poor idea of customer service that seems to go with buying expensive outdoor kit), I mention all of this just to balance actual experience versus one day reviews. On paper / after a couple of wears the jacket seems really good: light, pretty tough, waterproof, very breathable. In practice (such light) eVent delaminates quite easily (and I've heard similar from other experienced users of heavier jackets - as well as some positive reviews for this jacket too). Either way, in short, buyer (who wants a usable jacket) beware. Maybe go for a heavier eVent or a similarly light but less complicated fabric (Pertex DS)?
(Written by: winst0n)