What a wonderful review Stephen! I used to work as a product developer for Paramo and this jacket was one of my projects. I drafted the pattern, engineered the pocket design and made up the first proto sample etc. It was one of my favourite jackets that I worked on. I also own 2 Paramo jackets that I've had for at least 10 years and they still work really well. I can't believe Rab said that about the lifespan of their waterproof jackets. I'm quite shocked by that. Paramo analogy jackets are also made by a Fairtrade factory in South America. Another great pro of this brand.
Oh wow that’s class, thanks for sharing! Well thank you for an excellent (if somewhat controversial 😂) design! Can you clear something up. A few people claiming that you should never wash in the nikwax. They say it should only be sprayed on. What’s the reply to that?
The advisor on the Paramo shop in the lakes said you can over-proof their gear. She said to use the Nikwax wash and if the water is beading when you take it out then you won't need to re-proof it. She said in her experience it was a re-proof every three washes. Mine is 18 months old and has had one wash and it's bone dry.
@pipcooper7034 my wife passes on a huge thank you to you! We pretty much live in Paramo on Dartmoor but this smock is her favourite piece of gear by far. She traded in my Valez smock from 2007 for this jacket and I then bought a new Valez smock😊
I've used an older Velez smock on and off for about 15 years doing forestry work. It gets hammered, has plenty of snags, burns, oil, sap and grease marks. Very rarely gets washed or proofed. I sent it in to Paramo UK to replace a faulty zip and the bite tabs (free), and they recommended that I needed an entire new front panel and a new back panel. So they completely dismantled and rebuilt my jacket and included a factory wash and reproof, all for £50 which really gets you absolutely nowhere with skilled labour and materials these days. Fantastic company, great ethics and a credit to UK innovation. I've also got a couple of older shirts, the original being at least 20 years old. They've outlasted many generations of hoodies and sweatshirts- they absolutely shrug off minging filth and dirt.
Excellent and truthful review . I have two of these jackets,the older one I've had for almost 30 years and the newer one only 11 years. I've always followed the care instructions and kept them clean. I only bought the newer one because it's longer down the back, whereas the old one is short . As you say, the price is a bit heavy, but, as they say. 'You gets what you pays for', and this stuff is brilliant for mucky weather. I'm 78 now so I probably won't need to buy another one before I pop my clogs.
I've got the same jacket myself and I love it, its always on my back when out for a walk. I bought it because I'd had a Paramo Pajaro for many many years without any issues until I went to a bonfire party in November, unfortunately when I got home I discovered a cigarette burn hole in the middle of the back panel, I sent it off to Paramo they charged me £30.00 to replace the whole back panel in a 15 to 17 year old jacket. I was really happy with the service and cost of the repair and decided to buy a new jacket as well. Big up Paramo, really good company.
My Paramo Taiga fleece is over 20 years old and still going strong - used on the hills, for cycling, for dog walking and everyday wear - I wash and reproof it once or twice a year and it's never let me down - the same goes for my other Paramo jackets. Yes, they're expensive but they last a lifetime (if you look after them). The other important thing about Paramo is their ethical manufacturing stance!
They sell second hand and seconds stuff on ebay, I bought a brand new velez adventure they had used at a German outdoor show and offered them £130 for it and they accepted, in my favorite blue as well. In fact I don't think I've ever bought Paramo new, their loss is my gain. Again, like many here, a long time Paramo user.@@StephenJReid
Completely agree. My heavier Paramo jacket (can’t remember the name) is over 25 years old, used for everything outdoors as previous comment, except motorcycling, and I also wash and WP it once or twice a year. I might send it in for repair this year as there is some wear on the cuffs, and maybe needs a new main zip, but they do all that as a matter of course and with a standard set of charges. In the time I’ve been wearing this my wife has gone through three or four ‘conventional’ jackets with very light use (she doesn’t walk as a hobby!). Paramo is a winner as far as I’m concerned, and ‘ethical’ and ecological to boot! Les in UK
There's a reason many mountain rescue teams wear paramo. Paramo do lightweight gear too. I have smock for winter and lightweight for sumner/autumn. Just wear merino base. Carry on wearing after rain stops, you dry out, unlike a goretex. After 20 years still love it, only paid £80 back then too 😊
The lakes mountain rescue wear Keela. My three year old Keela fell apart in the washing machine when being cleaned. My 8 year old berghaus goretex is still going.
You say mountain rescue teams wear Paramo. Does Paramo make hi-vis jackets for rescue work? I work with paramedics; we need high-viz bright yellow jackets. They're generally Gore-Tex, & you get as wet inside as it is outside.
I worked as an outdoor insructor and wore my jacket almost everyday. It lasted about 20 years. Replaced it with another one. Another benefit is that in the winter it retains it's soft feel whereas goretex jackets become almost like stiff cardboard. There is a reason that so many Mountain Rescue teams wear Paramo.
It would appear apart from Paramo saying that … that a lot of mountain rescue teams wear a lot of different brands… and paramo wouldn’t be the most common. HH, ME, etc seem more popular
@chrismccannIRL I'm going on what I have seen people wearing. I was initially recommended Paramo by a friend who at the time was head of one of the Lake District rescue teams.
@jav.7611 in your initial reply you argued that most rescue teams were not actually wearing Paramo. Now you seem to be saying that they are forced to wear it. Doesn't seem to make sense. Whatever I have no wish to argue. You believe what you want and wear what you want. I'll stick with my Paramo. Best wishes.
I have been using Paramo for 20 years, tried Goretex and it always failed, in keeping me dry and its lifespan. I feel membranes only really work in alpine conditions when the temp gradient between inner and outer helps drive moisture out...ish. Paramo outperform membranes in virtually every aspect as far as I'm concerned. My oldest coat is still being used by my son and is nearly as old as him (20years), and still works. I totally agree with your review, just dont understand why people still buy the alternatives. Another point is Paramo will take back garments reclean, reproof and sell them on at a discount, giving you a voucher to spend against new kit. It really is a no brainer.
@timwelsh9849 hi have you used paramo in alpine conditions. And if so do you feel it outperforms gordtex style membranes in these conditions. Also do you layer of have alternative when using paramo ?
@@jjrrruper just Lake District winter, which is wetter than true alpine. Yes it worked better and I do layer, generally with standard thermals and fleece. This doesn't seem to have a detrimental effect. Did use it on Toubkal (High Atlas, Morocco) in Jan, worked perfectly, but we did have good weather, so no precipitation snow or rain. I feel with sensible use, a little adjustment of layers it absolutely outperforms membrane waterproofs. Lifetime guarantee, reparability, (I think) really easy reproofing, quiet, comfortable in use...there are a lot of positives.
I have been an outdoors enthusiast for the last 40 years and I bought my first Paramo jacket last month. I was sick and tired of replacing expensive Gore-Tex jackets on average every 4 years. A good friend has been using his Paramo for 20-25 years and although old and faded it still keeps him perfectly dry. I bought the Velez for £300 and so far it has been a revelation. Yes it’s heavier and bulkier than a packable shell, but I can wear it over a T-shirt and against bare arms and it’s so nice and comfy to wear. The venting is great, the hood is the best I’ve ever owned and it has kept me bone dry in some very wet conditions. I went for the Velez, as it has the lowest level of insulation. I run warm and I intend to wear it on wet summer outings too, so time will tell if I find it too warm. Overall I look forward to a long and happy partnership with my new pride and joy!
Paramo describe these jackets as not really suitable for warm conditions. I get very hot when I walk and am still a bit confused about what jacket to buy... I have a Paramo parajo but it's too warm for proper mountain climbing for me
@rfs94 Like you, I find all waterproofs too warm for proper mountain climbing in the UK. It's always a compromise, but this jacket doesn't seem to produce the amount of internal condensation that a Goretex shell would, and there's a host of venting options. It's early days for me yet, but I'm hopeful it will out-perform my previous Outdoor Research she'll.
I have the Halkon jacket and wore it last week while hiking up to a WWII plane wreck in the Mournes. Gale force winds and a few scattered showers with a feels like temp of 3 degrees. I was very very warm hiking and perfect sitting eating lunch. I had a t-shirt and light fleece on but would have been better with just a long sleeve t-shirt. I have found Paramo to be fantastic in windy winter conditions. When it rains you get this odd damp sensation which I guess is the rain cooling the warm material however I remain bone dry underneath. It also feels like you are wearing a great big hug. Very reassuring. I am thinking of the Velez light smock for spring or autumn as I really don't think I would get on with a membrane jacket. There is still a farm/shop retailer outside Coleraine that sells Paramo. Great inspirational channel Stephen by the way.
I have 3 T-shirt layers, two shirt base layers, one smock base layer, one windproof smock and a full zip fleece. The oldest piece is at least 23 years old and the newest is 15 years old. Well looked after they still perform brilliantly.. very truthful review.
One important thing to add: you have to wash and retreat conventional waterproofs to get them to behave at their best too. A grubby Gore-Tex jacket with no DWR will wet out, get cold because it's wet, and fill up with condensation because you're warmer than it is and the moisture inside can't get through the slick of water that's soaked into the fabric. So, even if it doesn't actually leak, it may as well be leaking: it's wet outside and wet inside. The membrane sandwiched between the layers is then neither use nor ornament. Having to maintain Paramo isn't really a downside then - you have to maintain whatever you use. Lovely to see the quarries! Last time I was around Dinorwic in the pouring rain (something I've done a lot...but I don't live there any more) I used pile and Pertex. So, not the same thing as Paramo...but something based on capillary action - shifting moisture through to the outside. And I agree - it's a lot better than relying on a barrier system that can fail. If you're perhaps a bit damp on occasion but staying comfortable, well, then you're comfortable.
Absolutely, my Rab jacket delaminated after 2 years, which is shocking! My Paramo smock is 15 years old and works like new. Yes, it is warm but I also have one of their windproof smocks, only one layer, which is almost as waterproof and I don't overheat when I'm running.
Agree I went through a jacket every 2 years, unsustainable. I live in the lakes and in the mountains alot. I went back to Paramo velez evolution smock and the adventure smock. So worth the money. The adventure smock is the best all round activity instructor jacket for all activities. Most versatile kit.
Interesting. My son's RAB jacket has also delaminated after two years. Pretty rubbish really, as I have an 8 year old gore tex berghaus and 20 year old goretex North Face jacket that are both still waterproof.
As a film-maker, we are often in rainy conditions all day, for days on end. Sometimes, we even create our own special effects rain & since I bought my first Paramo gear in 1998, it has NEVER let me down. My first salopettes lasted 17 years & included 2 service trips back to the factory for repairs until there was no more material left to stitch back. I am part of their MEDIA PRO programme & when I was looking to acquire a new set of salopettes & a waterproof smock top, I asked them to modify them for me. No problem! Sent them an extra £30 & waited for the mods to go through the factory & voila. I wash them regularly & especially if the garments get muddy & they are back to new. Expensive? Not if amortised over 26 years of health & comfort.
I purchased a Paramo walking/hiking/climbing jacket late 2017 and the waterproofing technology was explained to me at the time so didn’t bother me. The quality of the stitching was to fail drastically around the cuffs and had to be returned within the year and again the following year and has since failed again. It doesn’t get overused or abused. The waterproofing is so bad I’ve tested it with proofing often and not often but sadly I still get wet and uncomfortable on not so wet days in the Mournes. So for me it’s a definite warm jacket only used on dry/damp days. Customer service was as good as the waterproofing in that it wasn’t at all good. They refused to believe my complaint even with photos until it landed on their desk for repair.
That’s not good. My experience with the quality has been the opposite so far. Does seem to be the case that some people find they don’t work for them and others love them. Same with most things really
I had a similar experience - only wear the jacket now if there's no chance of heavy rain, cos it just gets soaked. Tried refreshing the coating but it's simply not waterproof enough.
I had the same problem. I bought an expensive Paramo “waterproof” jacket about 5 years ago and after a couple of weeks out in heavy rain I was absolutely soaked through. Either the Nikwax protection wasn’t supplied or I have heard that they are often left in the warehouse for a while and the protection breaks down. Treated it several times since and it it’s ok but not entirely waterproof. I now use a far cheaper jacket with another manufacturer.
I bought a previous version back 2007. My mate bout a 3 layer gortex at the same time. We spent the summer hiking which was a wet one. I was dry each day. He was not so much. Also the paramo dried out much quicker. Still got it and it works well. Great ventilation with the side zips. Great to see the revised version under going some great testing. My only con I had was it needed you to be active to work properly. I spent a day as on site security at a festival, very slow paced walking, sitting and riding a golf cart. End of the day I was soaked through.
Works very well when active. Rab Vapour-rise does similar job as does Biffalo Special 6 shirt [which is even warmer] You can drench the Buffalo shirt and it will feel warm and dry in 30 seconds.
@@TheGreatAmphibian I stand corrected...Paramo jackets are terrible...they don't work very well when active, they don't keep the rain out, they don't wick away moisture and they're not more breathable than goretex and you can't wear them comfortably all day either sat down or running up and down hills...but they do gradient wick...whatever that is. Don't waste your money folks....go gary goretex.
My Velez bought in the mid 1990s is still superb. The only sign of age is the high viz piping has degraded in a few places. It’s one of the warmest pieces of kit I have, often worn with just a base layer underneath. In conjunction with the Cascada trousers (if I recall the name correctly) it’s a complete answer to foul weather. I bought it for its quietness when pursuing my wildlife photography hobby. It was expensive initially of course but it’s lasted nearly 30 years and counting! I’ve never found it high maintenance, I probably only retreat about every three years.
Absolutely love Paramo ❤ Switched in 2007 and actually still have the Cascada trousers I bought back then. It’s just brilliant and will never go back to a GoreTex shell again. Anyone who says they get wet or cold I don’t think has layered properly or perhaps used a merino base layer. I’ve even been swimming and then put the Valez smock straight on my skin and been dry and warm in no time. And the Torres insulation smock works exactly as you said, amazing 😊 We actually traded in my 2007 Valez smock for this discount off this jacket. What’s not to love 😊
That’s a fair and accurate review and is also my experience of using Paramo gear in 30 years. One thing to note is that having done away with PFC coatings they are now less stain resistant and require proofing more often. They are much more comfortable than any other jackets tho I wouldn’t choose one for a multi day hike and deffo not suitable for summer use. Should last for at least 15 years and excellent customer service which is more than I can say forFjallraven ( don’t ask!)
@@StephenJReid Hi Stephen sadly it's a heavier weight goretex for Scotland and something like Packlight for summer in moderate climate. I have experimented with the lightest Paramo jacket's and taken an extra windproof to put over the top to slowdown absorbing the rain this actually seems to work quite well, a comfy highly water resistant jacket and windproof it extends the seasons you can use Paramo in. The reason I wouldn't use Paramo for multi day Trek's ( more than 3 or 4 days) Is because of the probability of having to store a wet jacket (The wet outer) in the tent plus the possibility of it needing to be reproofed on route. Some day there will be a perfect solution tho not anytime soon I suspect. What's your thoughts?
I did the Cape Wrath trail with a light weight Paramo over 17 days and it worked perfectly. I did take a light weight Rab to wear if the weather got too bad but didn't need it. I found that the Paramo dried easily at the end of the day even when it had been very wet all day.
I'm trying to remember when I bought my Paramo Cascada jacket, I know it was a few years before we moved from the Harrogate area and that move was 2009. So I suspect it was around 2006, so it's getting on for 18 years old. It went back for a new zip and to replace a ripped panel about five years ago but is still waterproof and used regularly. It will last my lifetime.
@@steamdrivenandy6880 The Guy who ran it then handed over to his Daughter and Son in Law Pat, who played in a band. Funny enough I called about a year back to get some Tech wash & TX 10 direct. 23 year old Alta jacket and still works.
I spent 3 years living on the Isle of Harris. I had all sorts of jackets Gore-Tex , pile fleece smocks and Páramo. I spent days on end up in the hills in wind and rain that was absolutely brutal and my go to became a paramo alta jacket and velez trousers. They kept me dry and comfortable in those kind of conditions better than top of the range goretex jackets. I washed them regularly (as I do with all my gear) and reroofed about every 3 washes. After living in Asia for the last decade I’m now going to be spending more time in the UK and it’s interesting to see the Paramo range and what they have to offer a decade later. The only thing I preferred a goretex shell for is in warmer weather when It would mainly be in my pack.
I have a paramo coat over 30 years old. I wash it an treat it and I always stay dry and comfy. It still looks good. My most enduring piece of clothing I've ever had.
Cheers, Stephen. This review could not have come at a more fortuitous time. Only last week, I was in an outdoor retailer looking at Paramo as an alternative to my previous GoreTex and eVent apparel. I reckon my next jacket will be a Paramo offering. I laughed at your Rab story as I have one similar. I dropped £200 on their Mryiad neo-stretch waterproof jacket. Having bought it in Summer, it sat unused in my pack for months. The first time I had cause to use it was on an ascent of Helvellyn in biblical rain. Without a word of a lie, within half an hour of setting out from the B&B in Glenridding, I was soaked to the skin. I may as well have been wearing a giant teabag. I did not want to leave the party and abort the hike so I continued for the rest of the day drenched. Keeping moving was the only reason I avoided hypothermia. When we got back to base in the evening I was ringing water out of my underwear as that much rain had soaked down from above. Back home, I contacted Rab and explained the jacket's catastrophic failure on it's first outing. I was politely told the warranty period had expired so, in a nut shell, it was tough luck. £200 down the toilet and the last Rab item I ever purchase.
Yup, I've been onto Paramo now for about 10 years, and that first bit of Paramo kit is still performing as good as new. I'm always the most comfortable person on the hill as I go full Paramo now.
I have owned and used the same Velez smock for over 15 years and it has been absolutely bomb proof in wintry weather on the hills - both running and walking, as well as a lot of use skiing. I do carry a second hardshell jacket in my pack for emergencies but don't find myself using it - even in prolonged driving rain.
Been using paramo for many years. I love their durability, comfort and practicality, especially their lovely pockets. Not 100% waterproof, but waterproof enough for my needs.
I have several Paramo directional jackets. The oldest at 30? years is still waterproof but the polyester has UV degraded and falls apart. Next is a big heavy coat 20 yeears and still waterproof but now patched and dirty. Then a lighter weight yellow which I use as a deep winter cycling jacket. Any amount of rain and I'm almost dry. And a lighter weight yellow cycling jacket with loads of ventilation zips. I expect to wear all of them until they are unrepairable. Tear them just sew a patch on. The only waterproofs that you can comfortably sleep in (in the snow once) and I often run in foul weather wearing just the jacket on top. Again really comfortable. Expensive but decades of use.
I moved over to Paramo in 96 after two Goretex jackets failed on me. In those days they had a three year guarantee and I was on my 3rd jacket. My first Paramo lasted over 20 years when I handed it back to Paramo for £50! For me Paramo works. It is all about being comfortable not necessarily completely dry but comfortable. I run hot so it works for me. In the Summer I have warn a Paramo Bentu windproof in some heavy rain over a base layer in rain and it has been enough.
Goretex is so overrated. I had a great "MVP" (military goretex) Dutch army jacket that failed on me at the beginning of a heavy downpour once. Never used any kind of MVP or Gore clothing since.
Great video again Stephen. I've used Paramo kit for over two decades, including search and rescue operations at all hours of the day and night in all conditions. On balance, would agree it's great kit; bombproof, waterproof, breathable, over layering insulation actually works despite my initial scepticism. Unfortunately some garments just consistently fail to perform despite appropriate (meticulous) care. My Velez Light smock and Cascada jacket and my wife's Velez smock are infallible. My Velez smock and my wife's Alta jacket consistently leak water into the shoulder area despite appropriate care, regular reproofing and without rucksack wear. Trousers seem more consistent, we've got a mix of cascada and aspira and they're 100% reliable for warmth and dryness. 100% if I had to buy a waterproof to last 10 years+ there is no competitor in my opinion, I just wish we could understand the (in)consistency in performance. Hope to randomly run into you again at the Outdoor Expo at the NEC in March 🙂
Definitely does seem to be a bit of inconsistency some people are experiencing. Someone else commented and said neither of the 2 jackets they bought worked 🤷♂️ strange. I might ask paramo if I ever get a chance. I will indeed be at the National Outdoors show and rumour has it I might be giving a couple of talks at the trail running zone
I have a Cioch jacket from same material, made to measure on the Isle of Skye. It most be 15 years old now and still going strong with no repairs etc. Truly brilliant.
My 20 year old Paramo jacket is still going strong and has never let me down even on the fells in the depths of winter in heavy rain. The winter weight trousers have proved to be excellent in the same conditions and the lighter weight trousers are great in all except warm conditions (although even then the vents are very effective). My only reservation is that paramo waterproofs are too warm for very warm conditions). Paramo is expensive and cheaper waterproofs are available but this applies equally to most top end waterproofs. I have not needed to reproof my paramo clothing more than a couple of times a year. Also as this video says, paramo lasts forever unlike membrane jackets.
Paramo is like Marmite - some people love it- others hate it I had a Paramo Velez - and I cooked in it apart from really cold weather - and when it got wet you had to keep moving otherwise you end up freezing cold (as the water exchange doesn’t work when you are not moving) - so I sold mine - which is gutting as I really really want them to work for me 🤬 Another good video though - thanks
But would you put Paramo on toast? 😂 This is why I bought the overcoat as concerned about getting cold once I stopped, so far seems to be doing the trick.
I found using the side zips to vent and pushing the sleeves up helped me when it was too warm in my Velez, but we are all different. Some folk run hotter than others. Fair play for trying Paramo, though. The best kit is always the best kit for you. Not everybody gets that.
I tried for years to convince myself that my Páramo stuff was working. Sadly, I just had to admit that I was drenched in sweat, even when just wearing a mesh baselayer underneath and I was carrying this sweat around all the time I was wearing my Páramo. This meant I was soon chilled when my pace dropped and even on freezing weather I'd get home and find I had to change as I was soaked in sweat. Moving to Ventile cotton outer layers means sweat can evaporate and I'm not only much more comfortable whilst out but I can keep my DRY baselayers and midlayer (as I'm now not wearing the 'pump liner' as my midlayer) on for the rest of the day. The sweat issue, quite apart from carrying around much of any rain that had entered the material, until it could start to run out of the hems of my jacket and trousers through gravity, eventually led to sell ALL my Páramo and replace it with Ventile and waxed cotton items. I'll never go back.
@@danceswithbadgers - thanks for those comments as I thought it was only me. I love the idea of Paramo and bought one of the originals (Velez? not sure). It was great in cold and damp Lakes or Scottish winter conditions but I found that I cooked in heavy rain if moving uphill and battened down, then became chilled if I opened up the vents and rolled up the sleeves. On centre gully of Ben Lui in winter conditions about 15 years ago I got into a bit of trouble when waiting for my partner to summit - I was shivering and a wee bit the worse for wear even though I'd put a belay jacket over the top. I have returned to Ventile or other jackets. They are not completely waterproof, but my layers work well and I find that I don't become chilled when the fabric is drying out. As others have said, Paramo can be a bit marmite - but not for use on toast! - depending on your physiology. I still really like the idea of the products and am impressed that the kit has retained its popularity; it's just not for me.
@@robertgriffiths9605 Hi Robert, yes it's good to have alternatives to the plastic bag stuff. I simply can't wear Gore or any other membrane/coated fabrics without overheating dangerously, being generally miserable in it and tried with Páramo but same issue in the end. I reckon Pàramo was just the perfect thing to wear less than 5% of the time - not good enough. Ventile, with similar levels of weather resistance, is much more comfortable and I don't worry about a bit of damp since it's still comfortable and dries quickly. I made the decision to dump the plastic, even the softshell/ fleece stuff, as far as practicable, in favour of wool under cotton.
i've got 2x paramo jackets. got my first one 20+ years ago, one of the very first smock jackets they did (came with a backpack to put it in). Its still used and is wonderful, treatment isn't an issue. Considering all the other gortext jackets i've had in the same time ...its amazing how well its lasted. My new paramo jacket is a ultalight weight jacket that i use for fast moving , go out running in heavy rain and recently snow. Both jackets are warm but able to be well ventilated . ... Great summary and yes they do need some cold conditions to work best.
I bought a smock off the 2nds site 10 years ago with 'cosmetic issues' which I have never found. As you have said it is an autumn/winter jacket and mine with only one reproof keeps me as dry and warm as it did when new. I wore it on a horrendous day in the lake district a few weeks ago and was able to go from mountain to café without having to change unlike my gortex layered friends who had to strip down and dry themselves before putting fresh clothes on. Worth every penny!
I've had a Paramo Aspira mountaineering Jacket for 13 years now. Used it several times in winter, in Scotland and the lake district , in atrocious weather, and also did 10 hours in torrential rain through the lakes from Ennerdale to Borrowdale on the high level route version on the coast to coast. Always kept me dry and warm. Wash and proof it regularly and it's still going strong.
Hi, great review! Thanks. I bought a Paramo jacket too many years ago to remember. I think it was 2007. As you say, surprisingly warm, considering the thin material. I used it more or less every day until the zip gave up in around early 2020. Paramo were not doing repairs at that point because of Covid. Due to the subsequent long lead time for repairs I replaced the zip myself. This was super easy because the teeth of the old zip could be cut away (only the teeth). This left the zip backing material to which to attach the new, £6, zip. Easy sewing!
I'm a convert too. 18 years now since I bought my Cascada which is still in amazingly good nick. One of the things that's buried quite deep within the Nikwax Care instructions is that when washing, you only need to use the TX Wash-In Direct - the waxing reproofer, every 8 to 10 washes. Just use the Tech Wash when it starts feeling muggy and losing its breathability. Tumble dry to restore beading if you have one, or line dry if you don't. If you overdo the wax (reproofing) it'll wet out, accumulate water and be generally rubbish. I'd reckon the weakest links are the zips, which are starting to fail after 10 years of heavy use on my daily wet weather Halcon for the colder days out. Like you mention, venting is exceptional. For anyone who describes themselves as a heavy sweater, get one of these. They handle sweat like no other jacket I know. And unlike laminated jackets - eVent, Gore-Tex, etc, if you tie it around your waist you won't ruin the repellancy. And even though it's not as compressible as others, and is bulkier, when going on a mission, you can get away with this rather than a shell, a mid and several base layers, so it equalises out. Just don't sit (or lie down) down on something wet, as that'll defeat the capillarity of the 'analogy' pump liner and water will get through.
Great review Stephen. My Paramo jacket must be getting on for 20 years old, and has been well used and washed and 'treated' several times over that period. I put it on to walk down to the village post office (about 2 miles round trip which took the best part of an hour) in last Wednesday's storm force gales and driving rain. Had to hang it in the shower when I got back as it was dripping water everywhere, but my shirt and tee shirt underneath were both still bone dry. My only comment is that if not expecting to be particularly mobile in cold icy winter winds, I always wear a fleece mid layer - not yet having had the chance to explore the Torres overjacket.
I’ve had my Velez for 15 years. For the first seven I wore if cycling into and out of work every day for 6 months of the year, then I’ve used it often but less frequently. Apart from fading its in excellent condition. I’ve only needed to reproof it when it needed a wash from becoming smelly due to active use, perhaps twice a year. The only con is that for long days, I find I can only wear it at up to 3C or I get too hot. For winter backpacking it is unbeatable as it triples up as windproof, waterproof and light thermal layer. In cold weather it goes on when I wake up and only comes off when I get ready for sleep
My Velez served me well for many years. After putting weight on and wanting a jacket rather than a smock, I gave it to a friend. It serves her well. Now I have a Pajaro, another cracking piece of kit!
Stephen, Thanks for that very honest review. I concur with all your thoughts. I live in one of the wettest parts of Scotland (NW Highlands) and have used Paramo kit for years for work and play. Used hard they eventually wear through with rucksack movement at rub points, but even then keep you dry. My biggest gripe is with zip quality. The very first Alta came with excellent big chunky zips but later iterations (and other models also come fitted so) with inferior lightweight zips. This is the brand's weakest link IMO. From time to time Paramo do cash back offers on old jackets for recycling. I note your concerns about being too warm and I totally agree. For a while they had a model called Quito which was very light and perfect for cycling, rolled up tiny in a small rucksack but this version seems to have disappeared from the shelves. I stripped the lower arm material off my Quito in a gravel bike fall. It looks dreadful now but it is still my favourite and leeps me dry for a long time.
Right. You’ve persuaded me. I’ve had too many membrane jackets fail over the years, be they Berghaus, ME or RAB. I’m currently using a Keela Munro for heavy weather and a Paramo Fuera for summer with a Torres gilet if it gets a bit nippy. Thank you. I know the Munro won’t last for ever. That looked a very slim fit on you. But I’ll go for a preloved Velez or Aspira. £360 is a bit steep for me I think (I’m a tight hit!). 👍🏻
My brother worked for Nikwax for many years so I have had gallons of their waterproofing liquid, which has always done a very good job of waterproofing various garments. Now for Paramo jackets. Yes, they can be 'waterproof' IF you keep it proofed on a regular basis, but the biggest problem I have with their jackets is the appalling quality of the zips used in them. Every one of the jackets I have had has suffered from zip failure within twelve months of purchase. Because of that I will not use them again.
I have paramo jackets and trousers and love them, I sweat far too much for any membrane waterproof to work! I bought my first Paramo smock over 30 years ago and it’s still waterproof! Probably the great great grandad of yours😂 great honest video of their pros and cons.
I’ve Paramo gear over 20 years old. Till looks and works like new . Got the salopettes too, and they are brilliant. Another plus feature is that if you fall on a snow or ice covered slope, it quickly stops you sliding
Good review. Like many other comments I have owned my smock for many years and would not part with it. I would like the front zip option like yours but I cannot justify swapping due to the cost. The moisture system really works well, the first time I used mine was a walk in Derbyshire and I started off with the jacket and a wool hat as my outer layers. The rain eventually soaked the wool hat and got worse so I pulled up the Paramo hood over the hat. By the time I finished the walk the hat was completely dry as the jacket had literally sucked the moisture out of it. My body was also completely dry even though, as you point out the jacket looked soaked.
Paramo Halcon Jacket and trousers and a buffalo smock fur lined shirt. I work all day and night sometimes up on the Yorkshire Dales in the middle of winter. I found this combo can withstand any weather I throw at it and keep me very warm and comfortable. Even whilst digging and working up a sweat internally. That's the hardest thing to get right when working outdoors.
Great review, I still have my paramo jacket (much older design) from 25years ago! (the only thing that's starting to go is one popper on a cuff ... because i fidget). The waterproofing care can be a faff, but I probably only do that once a year unless it gets dirty. I've never been wet on the inside unless I got sweaty... need to keep vents open on almost every trip out. I normally just wear a thin breathable t-shirt underneath, even on a colder day. Just put the paramo on early so ur body heat warms it up inside. Amazing jacket. I only needed an extra very thin layer even up on a glacier!
Good honest review Stephen I prefer Buffalo kit have been using them for nearly 30 years,my first one is still going although fleece is worn flat lol,bought a second special 6 10 years ago still wearing well.
Thanks for the content. I purchased a Jottnar waterproof coat which initially was amazing but a few years down the line water is seeping in around the neck area which basically means it will have to be thrown out. Definitely considering a paramo jacket as my next!
Got mine in Keswick, they do a NHS discount and had a protional weekend after COVID, got 30% off for NHS. Thanks paramo, it is a lovely jacket I sweat a lot and having the massive vent options is great. As you say it takes some getting used to but well worth the time. Did striding edge on worst day ever and as you say felt comfortable all day but looked drenched 😊
Hi Stephen, sorry I’m a late comer to this video I’ve only discovered your channel about a month ago. I’ve used Paramo for years and mentioned the fact I too get too hot in anything approaching 10C to a fell running friend. He recommended the Paramo Fuera smock. It’s lighter, thinner and although only advertised as windproof if you wash it in Nikwax it’s waterproof too. At less than £100 in the sales it’s a great choice for warmer temps. Cheers!
So to keep the jacket working it needs to be regularly washed in Nikwax waterproofing products. Without them it doesn't work. How often does it need reproofing? I found that Nikwax waterproofing can stop working after a single heavy rainfall on conventional jackets. In fact it can stop during the rainfall. I'm guessing it simply is washed off by the rain. With a goretex jacket no water beading isn't an issue for a while but eventually the jacket will start wetting out. Generally this isn't an issue if you have some kind of fleece material as your next layer. You can stay reasonably dry but will need to vent your garment. I've often looked at the Paramo jackets but I'm still not convinced. They're an expensive gamble. Having said that a top of the range goretex (or other membrane) jacket from the likes of Arc'teryx is similarly priced and may not be as durable. Not convinced about the position of the vents on the arms either. Might be okay if all you do is hike with a pack but I could see it not working so well for some other activities like cycling or working. Anyway just my thoughts. If I find one on offer I might give one a try. My last attempt to use an alternative jacket was Schoeller, I even bought their trousers too. That wasn't a good experience, well it was okay for a few weeks.
Just took the plunge with a £35 vintage Paramo Cascada jacket I spotted on eBay. I'm not a fan of how most modern gear looks and given the 'buy it for life' reputation of these, I'm looking forward to trying it out. I also have a Patagonia Torrentshell (which cost me £10 more) so I'll see how the Paramo performs against it. Spotting the little Paramo badge on so many hikers I've walked past has convinced me it's less marmite than the internet portrays!
I’ve got the exact same jacket and absolutely love it after being converted from gore tex I will never go back. Brilliant review and totally agree with your appraisal. Love paramo kit great customer service and ethics. I have since bought the lighter weight velez for warmer months and the thermal insulating jacket and can say they all perform amazingly well.
Bought the Bentu jacket and fleece almost a decade ago and they're still going strong. No membrane or taped seams to fail.. Each offers a degree of wet protection on their own , but together they do keep it all out. I do however get slightly damp in a complete downpour, but it's a 'warm' damp and not unpleasant.
Looks a great smock. Paramo have made some great stuff over the years and I have a very light waterproof and mid layer that I use, but never fully crossed over from the now 30 year old Buffalo special six that I have covered many miles in.
I have used paramo for 15 years and still use it ! My torres insulation smock is still the best insulation I have and that's including my rab, and montane insulators , my velez light smock is still bomb proof after 11 years ,and my overtrousers are still doing the biz, just keep on top of re proofing and they won't let you down !,,
I used to own a jacket (not Paramo) that you had to maintain with products to retain the waterproofing. It was $35 a bottle and you only got 2 treatments, I was buying about a bottle a year, it felt like a jacket tax. What would you estimate the cost might be to maintain this jacket? P.S. love your videos!
Sounds similar to Buffalo, who do heavy, medium, light and no fleece inside mostly Pertex type stuff. Even with rain running down inside the Special 6 has kept me warm for six years now :)
Very good review. A few years ago after a lot of research I bought the Paramo Halcon jacket, which is marketed for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, mainly for the insane (9) number of pockets. Things I agree with are that these jackets run warm. I can't venture out in this beyond a base layer and will stay warm in high winds where friends are layered up and looking like Bibendum. Second. I've no clue how these jackets work in practice, but when it is utterly soaked outside the jacket is dry inside, but I can feel a bit clammy in my base layer. I tried the Velez Adventure smock, similar to yours, but found it short in body length and the kangaroo pouch was surprisingly small. Yes Paramo jackets are expensive, but if you look around and be patient you will get bargains. They do need maintenance for sure. All that said; is this the only jacket I have? Hell no. I have jackets which are way cheaper and seriously waterproof, and suit different days out. But...if I were to lift one jacket as 'a do it all' it would be the Paramo.
Good video. I agree with your analysis. I use a Paramo Velez smock and Velez light smock. They are superb. You have to wash and reproof them; but not ridiculously often. The velez light is not as warm as the jacket you were testing so I can use it in slightly warmer weather.
I bought a similar Paramo for mountain biking after a Mountain Equipment single layer type stopped being waterproof in about 18 months. When it arrived, I decided it was too thin to take a decent bike crash, so I wear it year round, waking the dog and hiking o hills and it’s been excellent. Re-proofs nicely. Only downside really is that the cuffs have Velcro adjustment and seem to get wetter than the rest of the jacket.
This is why I wear Fjällräven gear. It’s not Gore-Tex and most of their clothing isn’t waterproof off the bat, but it’s *adaptable* with wax. So in winter I wax my stuff, and in summer I wash it out. That means the gear is way more versatile and, just like Paramo, the fabrics are extremely straightforward to repair. They also feel a lot nicer to wear than crinkly, plasticky tech fabrics. The endless chasing of high tech clothing is a false economy because you’re going to have to keep replacing it. Fjällräven gear is made to last a lifetime, just like this. It’s “buy once, cry once” over the price and then you have an item of clothing forever. Also, being PFC free means it’s better for the planet. I really hope that this video helps spread the word about the world of better alternatives out there.
I’ve thought about buying Fjallraven kit a few times but I was put off by a conversation in an outdoors shop where I was told it “wasn’t designed for the climate in UK/Ireland”. 🤷♂️ Maybe worth another look
I personally wouldn’t agree with that at all! Their trousers, in particular, are absolutely the best outdoor trousers out there, especially the Keb ones. They have vent zips so in warmer weather you can get air in, but they’re tough as nails and, again, adaptable with wax in exposed areas. I also have a couple of their anoraks (if I was being cheeky I’d say Paramo copied some of Fjällräven’s features of their Anorak No 8). These are quite heavy duty and perhaps not suitable for summer but they do a range of summer gear too. Being a Nordic brand, this is gear made for an entire culture that embraces outdoor life. Definitely give them another look. I’m often dressed almost entirely in their gear these days, I just love their fabrics, their ethos and their adaptability. I’ve slowly replaced most of my outdoor clothing with Scandi brands, especially Fjällräven.
I have several items of fjallraven clothing but gotta say that when my backpack hip belt started to wear through the Keb jacket in the middle of my back I was very surprised and even more surprised when the Fjellraven rep I met flagged it up to the company and heard nothing from them. I then contacted them and got fobbed off. Parramo was the complete opposite with excellent service pity it’s not possible for them to make lighter products.
@@davidhale1568 wow that’s really dispiriting to hear. I’ve thankfully not had cause to contact them myself about anything (yet), but hope that I would have a better experience. Was it the stretchy fabric that wore through?
@@peakandpaddleukyep the trousers are great and it was the stretchy fabric that almost wore through I was just carrying a Osprey day pack the jacket was nearly new I should have taken it back to the retailer rather then try to sort it myself. But having said that if you ever get to Oslo you need to head for the fjallraven shop but take plenty of money!
I have a paramo smock which I bought in the early eighties,( See my avatar). I love it. I maintain it with Nikwax products every year. It has a few marks on it, but no damage at all. I have used it for skiing, mountain walking and hiking. I love the smock. It feels so soft, light and comfortable to wear. The venting system is superb. the hood fits over a ski helmet as well Thank you for your video. I thought about replacing it with a new one, but my jacket is as good as new, despite the hard wear it has had over the 20 plus years I have owned it. But I am not replacing it there is a lot of life left in it still.Hats off to Paramo. Alan Mather
Only ever had one goretex last more than 3 years a really heavyweight Patagonia 3 layer, the seams were unbreakable, eventually the fabric delammed. I have a paramo that was given to me used, must be 15 years old, still going strong.
I have a paramo jacket since 1999. Used it walking, ice climbing alpine climbing, never been wet, always comfortable. Bought a lightweight one for warm weather and cycling. Love the products.
I bought a 2nd hand velez smok over ten years ago and it’s still going strong, thought many times about replacing then thought why! It’s been tried and tested in the Cheviot hills in the most extreme conditions these hills can offer
Outside layer is a windproof with Nikwax coating. Inside is a reverse fleece. This fleece has longer and shorter hairs so is denser on inside than out. This also has a wax coating. Since water is repelled by wax it pushes itself out of the fleece. This ' works like animal fur ' is all very well but in prolonged heavy rain when water soaks the 'pump liner' the fleece that was full of air is now full of water and so you have lost your insulation. If you're wearing the jacket in warm weather or doing high energy activity you'll probably be just wearing a base layer underneath and so could end up pretty cold. ( As I did wearing a Valez smock on a winter MTB ride ). Also, sticking an oversized jacket on top of everything isn't some ingenious Paramo invention, people have been doing it for years.
I've had Paramo waterproofs for 18 years. What has to be pointed out is some garments out of the factory are more waterproof than others - varying quality of the fabric. You can get lucky or unlucky. Bad reviews often are tied to unlucky. I've got 2 smocks, 4 jackets and 3 sets of their fleece+windproof combos, and 2 waterproof pants. Correct it's cheaper. My 2006 Paramo Velez is still working fine, looks as new apart from a bit of bobbling around the back near the hips. Warmth is very garment specific. The Velez Jacket has mesh pump liner throughout and a thin outer, mine is still waterproof but its chilly, but the Velez smock with solid liner and original thicker outer is much warmer. The warmth is part of what makes it "waterproof" as whatever damp gets near your skin is evaporated so a bit over-warm helps keep you dry. As it's very breathable you don't get the claminess if you over-insulated under a shell. I have the Torres over-layer gilet from 2006. I wore it today! It's still going strong, the only part beginning to fail is the bottom of the zip, which would be an easy repair. It indirectly dries you out as it warms your waterproof so it dries through the breathable over-layer. If you're biggest complaint is too-warm check out the Velez Jacket. However as it's quite cold it's useful to pair with one of their fleece+windproof combos as you can layer under+over to get 6 combinations. Their combo Fleece+windproof are not as waterproof as their actual waterproofs but their still handy to own to complement in a layer system.
Thanks for this, have been looking for a new jacket after my Musto Jacket was nicked from my car and only recently came across Paramo. Think this had made up my mind to get the PÁJARO photography jacket.
I love the principal behind Paramo and have both a jacket and smock - I work outdoors so it gets well tested in all weathers and I'm out 3/4 days a week. The fabric is durable, repairable, quiet but ultimately it's the reproofing which makes it difficult - all fabrics wet out eventually but Paramo products need re-application of a DWR more frequently and this adds to the overall cost. The jackets are also very warm which limits their use to late autumn/winter/early spring for me. I prefer the Keela Dual Protection System which is also on the warm side but I find it doesn't need reproofing as much and is probably a good compromise between Paramo and a traditional hardshell, and it's way cheaper!!
I've used Paramo for years now, I have 3 jackets, I have the velez for the summer mtbing , I have two aspira jackets the smock and the normal jacket,i also have winter salapetts for climbing but also winter trousers for general walking in wet weather. Paramo used to do a water proof zip off trousers/shorts which are superb for the summer and the last but not least I have paramo boxer pants, I've had these for easily 18 years and they're still going fine 😊
Professional working sea fishermen should test these Jackets? But there not so foolish to be duped into buying any jacket thats has to be constantly reproofed with nikowax and washed to keep it waterproof. I hiill walk in Scotland and sail the scottish coast east and west , and wear waterproofs that cost between £25 & £80 , there well ventilated, totally waterproof and never need reproofing.
I really want to try a Paramo windproof/fleece combo! I am always jealous of the venting zips and ninja Paramo hoods. I have manged to stay dry and warm in light rain using a Rab windproof and base layer/fleece in winter so I know paramo works in light rain. I would never buy an all in one jacket like the Velez. I prefer my windproof seperate from my fleece so I can use it year round. Main reason I haven't tried Paramo is in heavy rain I need the goretex jacket/pants otherwise I get cold even in summer. Heavy rain just goes straight through the windproof and fleece and wets my base layer which sucks for camping. I would love to see a video of your Paramo in heavy rain. And if you base layer gets wet/how long it takes to dry out. I am glad you mentioned membrain jackets only lasting a couple of years. Hopfully more people start using windproofs in the UK. Keep making the great videos!
Im a relatively recent convert to Paramo, and its been a revelation! I hate wearing crunchy crisp water proofs, I just cook! Inuse the older Velez smock. Its great ventilation. I think its all about expectation, have a I been damp? Yes. Have I been uncomfortable? No. I would be jist as damp in a goretex waterproof - sweat/condensation. Think they can be a bit marmite, but ive bought into the analogy stuff for definite. Love it.
After decades using top end gore-tex I decided to try a paramo for a season. I climb, snowboard, cycle, fish and hike, have done for over thirty years. It was best for static fishing, on cold days, when the bulk, weight and over heating were not an issue. In all other cases, the lighter, goretex jackets do a better job of heat regulation, freedom of movement and moisture management. In some cases, I had to retire the jacket and swap back to goretex for fear of boiling away. Horses for courses and all that. Paramo are a fairly good choice but, it depends on your needs and wants. Personally, I like the flexibility, a lightweight, well thought out gore-tex offers. That said, I suspect the paramo fans are correct in their assumption that a paramo will last forever. They are tough, heavy and thick compared to a lighter weight, outer 'shell'. More akin to waxed cotton, than modern ultralights.
I have both the paramo and Gore-Tex, and I enjoy using both. I will say that a winter in snowdonia with a Buffalo mountain smoke underneath is unbeatable for this weather. Gore-Tex is just more of a barrier and a four day trip to Budapest in December it was my Gore-Tex with a primaloft jacket underneath for convenience against sleet, rain and snow. You look outside it's raining and you're shopping quick walk with the dog or Christmas markets in Hungary it's Gore-Tex
Had my Paramo Pajaro for 10 years. Dartmoor wind and rain, never let me down. Traded it in for a Velez Adventure Smock last year with their recycle scheme and I'm very happy with it. Agree 100% on keeping it maintained with Nikwax.
Yeah I'm a very tactile person and for years I refused to pay the price for something I likened to a 90's shell suit. I eventually caved in and bought my Velez light smock and it was a game changer. Still going strong 7 years later.
I’ve the Velez ultralight smock. Well over 15 years old. Still waterproof. Upper arm has been repaired after ripping on a thorn dog handling. The only thing I don’t like is it’s very short in the length, a boxy fit so requires waterproof trousers for weather coverage. I’ve the velez ones of those too. I also owned Rab kinetic jacket - nice and stretchy but absolutely useless in the rain.
I’ve been wearing Paramo for years. Hill walking, skiing, and when I worked on wind turbines in the Scottish winter. They’re perfect for British / Irish weather and last forever. I will always recommend them
I have a helki which has never let me down in bad conditions over the years, but is too warm for anything over 10 degrees. For most my hiking trips I now use a paramo enduro fleece and windproof together are just as good, actually was out walking today in constant rain for 4hrs in them and was bone dry also more versatile. I can't go back to sweaty bin bag jackets again after using paramo.
I spent £360 for Montane Goretex Pro jacket and after 2 years it started to delaminate which was very disappointing. Problem with Paramo is that the look is only the mother could love. Went for the Swedish alternative Fjallraven :)
I remember reading a magazine test of several waterproof jackets. The Paramo was declared as the only jacket that remained 100% waterproof…but it still wasn’t the winner! I’ve owned a Velez Light for a decade…terrific.
I’ve got an Alta 3 and maybe I should send it back to paramo as it definitely doesn’t do the job properly for me. I love it and wear it most days and it’s great in windy conditions, but if it’s tipping it down I grab something else
Sadly, I have never owned a Paramo jacket, but I have had numerous membrane jackets all of which failed after 2-4 years (despite reproofing the outer layers). My main issue with the membrane jackets is the build-up of condensation on the inside despite utilising the pit zips to dump heat.
I honestly think that people that insist Paramo keeps you dryer are drinking the cool-aid. But, I will agree, you'll be warmer and more comfortable. and once the rain stops, those things dry out unbelievably well, and they dry out the kit underneath as well. on day's where it might rain, I take my goretex. on days where it WILL rain, I take my paramo.
That's exactly how it is. If you know you are wearing it all day, then go Paramo, but if you taking a waterproof just in case then take something else.
I am on my second set of pants and jacket with Nikwax Analogy. Mine are made by Cioch direct, on the Isle of Sky. They offer custom made to order waterproofs, which is rare, and valuable. I’ll echo what others have said: it keeps me dry. It breathes and moves liquid moisture. It is very reliable;, both because it can handle moisture on the inside (like from the cuffs or collar), and because if you rip it or puncture it, you can simply pin or sew it tougher, and it still works. It has a soft and supple feel, and is quiet. It is too warm for me for 3 season use. In fact, for many winter days, I still find it too warm. After all, you are basically wearing a wind shell over a thin micro fleece layer, in addition to any base layers underneath that. For more active winter use, I usually wear only a base layer and thin wind shell. Like he mentions here, the benefit is that when you open venting zippers, you are doing so through both your wind shell and the “fleece layer, so you do get better temperature regulation that way. It is great for winter backpacking, because of all this. It is very comfortable to wear.
Convinced me and the best explanation of how Paramo works that I've seen. Will be looking for one of these to replace my mountain equipment gortex pro jacket when it gets tired and that was almost as dear so Paramo not really that expensive for a quality waterproof. It sounds more versatile too. I really want one now!
Love my Paramo. Had my trousers and Cascada and Alta jackets over 20 years. I agree with you on the heat so am limited to winter and part of autumn. Havi g said that my paclite gore tex jacket has lasted over 29 years - probably using the Nikwax products to clean and reproof it.
@@StephenJReid it is in either work or fell walking rucksack most of the time so perhaps wear it couple of times a week during winter but rarely in the summer.
I'm still regularly using a very garish (blue/green/purple) Velez smock I bought in 1998 for a climbing trip to the alps. It's not as good a design as the Evolution Hybrid model featured in this video, but it all still "works". It's only been very infrequently washed and re-proofed with the recommended Nikwax products, but is still waterproof (at least for the short bike trips it's generally worn for). As I recall, it was about £90, in a clearance sale in a shop in the Lake District, so it's cost me under £3.50 a year so far :-)
I own two Páramo Jackets and love them. I totally agree with you! The Velez light Jacket is my commuting Jacket for 10°C and cooler and the heavier one for dayhikes, nature and wildlife photography. Because it’s so difficult to buy these in Germany, I decided to sew my own pants and they worked, a whole wet winter on my bicycle. Regularly washing and proofing is essential. I can’t see problems with overproofing.
I've had a Cascada smock and trousers as my winter mountaineering set for nearly 20 years as well as Velez adventure for nearly as long. I do like the Paramo concept of layering on top than under (brilliant on long belays) and the jackets are in good condition after all this time. I run hot so the cascada only gets used for cold or high conditions, but I get more use out of the Velez, particularly if I am not moving much (foraging, bushcraft, shooting etc). However the proofing needs to be done right - first time I wore my Cascada it wetted-out in foul conditions on top of Cadair Idris (not nice in late November) as it had not been proofed in the factory. I also find that my sweat drips out of the arms (I sweat a lot!) if I am working hard (I accept this could be me getting the proofing wrong, but I can't see how). The question I have is "have Paramo managed to bond the top layer to the other layers now?" as it looks like the jacket in the video doesn't have that saggy look that my (old) Paramo jackets have.
I love my Polartec Neoshell rain jackets. It was the original electrospun membrane and it kicks Goretex's ass for breathability and comfort. It's soft, quiet, feels more like a light softshell, has some air permeability and is super breathable. The only downside I've found is that it's not as durable as GTX Pro and is bloody expensive due to small production numbers. I hear Polartec are working on updates to make it easier to manufacture and I sure hope so. Neoshell claims only 10k hydrostatic head but that doesn't appear to matter because I've yet to see it wet out. 7 hour hikes in the rain and I'm still dry. The small amount of air permeability helps the fabric dry out with body heat. I love it
What a wonderful review Stephen! I used to work as a product developer for Paramo and this jacket was one of my projects. I drafted the pattern, engineered the pocket design and made up the first proto sample etc. It was one of my favourite jackets that I worked on. I also own 2 Paramo jackets that I've had for at least 10 years and they still work really well. I can't believe Rab said that about the lifespan of their waterproof jackets. I'm quite shocked by that. Paramo analogy jackets are also made by a Fairtrade factory in South America. Another great pro of this brand.
Oh wow that’s class, thanks for sharing! Well thank you for an excellent (if somewhat controversial 😂) design!
Can you clear something up. A few people claiming that you should never wash in the nikwax. They say it should only be sprayed on. What’s the reply to that?
@@StephenJReid Good question.
The advisor on the Paramo shop in the lakes said you can over-proof their gear. She said to use the Nikwax wash and if the water is beading when you take it out then you won't need to re-proof it. She said in her experience it was a re-proof every three washes.
Mine is 18 months old and has had one wash and it's bone dry.
I think I remember working with you, Pip. I was one of the web developers who built the current website around 2014-2015.
@pipcooper7034 my wife passes on a huge thank you to you! We pretty much live in Paramo on Dartmoor but this smock is her favourite piece of gear by far. She traded in my Valez smock from 2007 for this jacket and I then bought a new Valez smock😊
I've used an older Velez smock on and off for about 15 years doing forestry work. It gets hammered, has plenty of snags, burns, oil, sap and grease marks. Very rarely gets washed or proofed.
I sent it in to Paramo UK to replace a faulty zip and the bite tabs (free), and they recommended that I needed an entire new front panel and a new back panel. So they completely dismantled and rebuilt my jacket and included a factory wash and reproof, all for £50 which really gets you absolutely nowhere with skilled labour and materials these days.
Fantastic company, great ethics and a credit to UK innovation.
I've also got a couple of older shirts, the original being at least 20 years old. They've outlasted many generations of hoodies and sweatshirts- they absolutely shrug off minging filth and dirt.
Excellent and truthful review . I have two of these jackets,the older one I've had for almost 30 years and the newer one only 11 years. I've always followed the care instructions and kept them clean. I only bought the newer one because it's longer down the back, whereas the old one is short . As you say, the price is a bit heavy, but, as they say. 'You gets what you pays for', and this stuff is brilliant for mucky weather. I'm 78 now so I probably won't need to buy another one before I pop my clogs.
What size are you?
@@josmond3504 My current jacket is size 'L' I'm getting smaller as I age. 😁
I've got the same jacket myself and I love it, its always on my back when out for a walk. I bought it because I'd had a Paramo Pajaro for many many years without any issues until I went to a bonfire party in November, unfortunately when I got home I discovered a cigarette burn hole in the middle of the back panel, I sent it off to Paramo they charged me £30.00 to replace the whole back panel in a 15 to 17 year old jacket. I was really happy with the service and cost of the repair and decided to buy a new jacket as well. Big up Paramo, really good company.
My Paramo Taiga fleece is over 20 years old and still going strong - used on the hills, for cycling, for dog walking and everyday wear - I wash and reproof it once or twice a year and it's never let me down - the same goes for my other Paramo jackets. Yes, they're expensive but they last a lifetime (if you look after them). The other important thing about Paramo is their ethical manufacturing stance!
Yeah their ethical practices were worth a mention but I totally forgot 🙈
I have a Velez, its lasted well for 20 years, outlasting a lot of others I have had.
They sell second hand and seconds stuff on ebay, I bought a brand new velez adventure they had used at a German outdoor show and offered them £130 for it and they accepted, in my favorite blue as well. In fact I don't think I've ever bought Paramo new, their loss is my gain. Again, like many here, a long time Paramo user.@@StephenJReid
Completely agree. My heavier Paramo jacket (can’t remember the name) is over 25 years old, used for everything outdoors as previous comment, except motorcycling, and I also wash and WP it once or twice a year. I might send it in for repair this year as there is some wear on the cuffs, and maybe needs a new main zip, but they do all that as a matter of course and with a standard set of charges. In the time I’ve been wearing this my wife has gone through three or four ‘conventional’ jackets with very light use (she doesn’t walk as a hobby!). Paramo is a winner as far as I’m concerned, and ‘ethical’ and ecological to boot! Les in UK
Same here. We've had our Paramo jackets, fleeces, & trousers for over twenty years & will last longer than us!
There's a reason many mountain rescue teams wear paramo. Paramo do lightweight gear too. I have smock for winter and lightweight for sumner/autumn. Just wear merino base. Carry on wearing after rain stops, you dry out, unlike a goretex. After 20 years still love it, only paid £80 back then too 😊
The lakes mountain rescue wear Keela. My three year old Keela fell apart in the washing machine when being cleaned. My 8 year old berghaus goretex is still going.
You say mountain rescue teams wear Paramo. Does Paramo make hi-vis jackets for rescue work? I work with paramedics; we need high-viz bright yellow jackets. They're generally Gore-Tex, & you get as wet inside as it is outside.
@@jamesthompson7282 they make bright coloured stuff but no hiviz ppe. I bet if you contacted them with your requirements they may be able to assist 👍
I worked as an outdoor insructor and wore my jacket almost everyday. It lasted about 20 years. Replaced it with another one.
Another benefit is that in the winter it retains it's soft feel whereas goretex jackets become almost like stiff cardboard.
There is a reason that so many Mountain Rescue teams wear Paramo.
It would appear apart from Paramo saying that … that a lot of mountain rescue teams wear a lot of different brands… and paramo wouldn’t be the most common. HH, ME, etc seem more popular
@chrismccannIRL I'm going on what I have seen people wearing. I was initially recommended Paramo by a friend who at the time was head of one of the Lake District rescue teams.
@@chrismccannIRL Seem?
@jav.7611 in your initial reply you argued that most rescue teams were not actually wearing Paramo. Now you seem to be saying that they are forced to wear it. Doesn't seem to make sense. Whatever I have no wish to argue. You believe what you want and wear what you want. I'll stick with my Paramo. Best wishes.
@@jav.611 I'd be curious to get some actual quotes or info about that.
I have been using Paramo for 20 years, tried Goretex and it always failed, in keeping me dry and its lifespan. I feel membranes only really work in alpine conditions when the temp gradient between inner and outer helps drive moisture out...ish. Paramo outperform membranes in virtually every aspect as far as I'm concerned. My oldest coat is still being used by my son and is nearly as old as him (20years), and still works. I totally agree with your review, just dont understand why people still buy the alternatives. Another point is Paramo will take back garments reclean, reproof and sell them on at a discount, giving you a voucher to spend against new kit. It really is a no brainer.
I’ve heard a few people say this now that membranes only work in certain temps. That makes total sense.
Didn’t know about the voucher!
@timwelsh9849 hi have you used paramo in alpine conditions. And if so do you feel it outperforms gordtex style membranes in these conditions. Also do you layer of have alternative when using paramo ?
@@jjrrruper just Lake District winter, which is wetter than true alpine. Yes it worked better and I do layer, generally with standard thermals and fleece. This doesn't seem to have a detrimental effect. Did use it on Toubkal (High Atlas, Morocco) in Jan, worked perfectly, but we did have good weather, so no precipitation snow or rain. I feel with sensible use, a little adjustment of layers it absolutely outperforms membrane waterproofs. Lifetime guarantee, reparability, (I think) really easy reproofing, quiet, comfortable in use...there are a lot of positives.
@@timwelsh9849 thanks so much for you’re response. I’m going to take the plunge. Many thanks 👍
I thing I've found with gortex and others is you have to be in real cold for them to vent, UK weather is to mild.
I have been an outdoors enthusiast for the last 40 years and I bought my first Paramo jacket last month. I was sick and tired of replacing expensive Gore-Tex jackets on average every 4 years. A good friend has been using his Paramo for 20-25 years and although old and faded it still keeps him perfectly dry. I bought the Velez for £300 and so far it has been a revelation. Yes it’s heavier and bulkier than a packable shell, but I can wear it over a T-shirt and against bare arms and it’s so nice and comfy to wear. The venting is great, the hood is the best I’ve ever owned and it has kept me bone dry in some very wet conditions. I went for the Velez, as it has the lowest level of insulation. I run warm and I intend to wear it on wet summer outings too, so time will tell if I find it too warm. Overall I look forward to a long and happy partnership with my new pride and joy!
Paramo describe these jackets as not really suitable for warm conditions. I get very hot when I walk and am still a bit confused about what jacket to buy... I have a Paramo parajo but it's too warm for proper mountain climbing for me
@rfs94 Like you, I find all waterproofs too warm for proper mountain climbing in the UK. It's always a compromise, but this jacket doesn't seem to produce the amount of internal condensation that a Goretex shell would, and there's a host of venting options. It's early days for me yet, but I'm hopeful it will out-perform my previous Outdoor Research she'll.
I have the Halkon jacket and wore it last week while hiking up to a WWII plane wreck in the Mournes. Gale force winds and a few scattered showers with a feels like temp of 3 degrees. I was very very warm hiking and perfect sitting eating lunch. I had a t-shirt and light fleece on but would have been better with just a long sleeve t-shirt. I have found Paramo to be fantastic in windy winter conditions. When it rains you get this odd damp sensation which I guess is the rain cooling the warm material however I remain bone dry underneath. It also feels like you are wearing a great big hug. Very reassuring. I am thinking of the Velez light smock for spring or autumn as I really don't think I would get on with a membrane jacket. There is still a farm/shop retailer outside Coleraine that sells Paramo. Great inspirational channel Stephen by the way.
I have 3 T-shirt layers, two shirt base layers, one smock base layer, one windproof smock and a full zip fleece. The oldest piece is at least 23 years old and the newest is 15 years old. Well looked after they still perform brilliantly.. very truthful review.
One important thing to add: you have to wash and retreat conventional waterproofs to get them to behave at their best too. A grubby Gore-Tex jacket with no DWR will wet out, get cold because it's wet, and fill up with condensation because you're warmer than it is and the moisture inside can't get through the slick of water that's soaked into the fabric. So, even if it doesn't actually leak, it may as well be leaking: it's wet outside and wet inside. The membrane sandwiched between the layers is then neither use nor ornament.
Having to maintain Paramo isn't really a downside then - you have to maintain whatever you use.
Lovely to see the quarries! Last time I was around Dinorwic in the pouring rain (something I've done a lot...but I don't live there any more) I used pile and Pertex. So, not the same thing as Paramo...but something based on capillary action - shifting moisture through to the outside. And I agree - it's a lot better than relying on a barrier system that can fail. If you're perhaps a bit damp on occasion but staying comfortable, well, then you're comfortable.
Absolutely, my Rab jacket delaminated after 2 years, which is shocking! My Paramo smock is 15 years old and works like new. Yes, it is warm but I also have one of their windproof smocks, only one layer, which is almost as waterproof and I don't overheat when I'm running.
2 years really isn’t good enough for something that likely cost £150+
Agree I went through a jacket every 2 years, unsustainable. I live in the lakes and in the mountains alot. I went back to Paramo velez evolution smock and the adventure smock. So worth the money. The adventure smock is the best all round activity instructor jacket for all activities. Most versatile kit.
Interesting. My son's RAB jacket has also delaminated after two years. Pretty rubbish really, as I have an 8 year old gore tex berghaus and 20 year old goretex North Face jacket that are both still waterproof.
Patagonia lifetime warranty 1/3 price
As a film-maker, we are often in rainy conditions all day, for days on end.
Sometimes, we even create our own special effects rain & since I bought my first Paramo gear in 1998, it has NEVER let me down.
My first salopettes lasted 17 years & included 2 service trips back to the factory for repairs until there was no more material left to stitch back.
I am part of their MEDIA PRO programme & when I was looking to acquire a new set of salopettes & a waterproof smock top, I asked them to modify them for me. No problem! Sent them an extra £30 & waited for the mods to go through the factory & voila.
I wash them regularly & especially if the garments get muddy & they are back to new.
Expensive? Not if amortised over 26 years of health & comfort.
I purchased a Paramo walking/hiking/climbing jacket late 2017 and the waterproofing technology was explained to me at the time so didn’t bother me. The quality of the stitching was to fail drastically around the cuffs and had to be returned within the year and again the following year and has since failed again. It doesn’t get overused or abused. The waterproofing is so bad I’ve tested it with proofing often and not often but sadly I still get wet and uncomfortable on not so wet days in the Mournes. So for me it’s a definite warm jacket only used on dry/damp days. Customer service was as good as the waterproofing in that it wasn’t at all good. They refused to believe my complaint even with photos until it landed on their desk for repair.
That’s not good. My experience with the quality has been the opposite so far. Does seem to be the case that some people find they don’t work for them and others love them. Same with most things really
I had a similar experience - only wear the jacket now if there's no chance of heavy rain, cos it just gets soaked. Tried refreshing the coating but it's simply not waterproof enough.
I had the same problem. I bought an expensive Paramo “waterproof” jacket about 5 years ago and after a couple of weeks out in heavy rain I was absolutely soaked through. Either the Nikwax protection wasn’t supplied or I have heard that they are often left in the warehouse for a while and the protection breaks down. Treated it several times since and it it’s ok but not entirely waterproof. I now use a far cheaper jacket with another manufacturer.
@@StephenJReid "Same with most things really"
Indeed. I say that the best kit is the kit that works for the individual using it.
I bought a previous version back 2007. My mate bout a 3 layer gortex at the same time. We spent the summer hiking which was a wet one. I was dry each day. He was not so much. Also the paramo dried out much quicker. Still got it and it works well. Great ventilation with the side zips.
Great to see the revised version under going some great testing.
My only con I had was it needed you to be active to work properly.
I spent a day as on site security at a festival, very slow paced walking, sitting and riding a golf cart. End of the day I was soaked through.
Why does being active make it more waterproof?
@yetidodger6650 i think I'd read at the time that it's to do with the wicking process and body heat.
Last comment re inactivity is very interesting
I think I'll stick to ventile + merino underneath
Works very well when active. Rab Vapour-rise does similar job as does Biffalo Special 6 shirt [which is even warmer] You can drench the Buffalo shirt and it will feel warm and dry in 30 seconds.
This is completely wrong. Paramo doesn’t depend on movement: it uses gradient wicking.
@@TheGreatAmphibian I stand corrected...Paramo jackets are terrible...they don't work very well when active, they don't keep the rain out, they don't wick away moisture and they're not more breathable than goretex and you can't wear them comfortably all day either sat down or running up and down hills...but they do gradient wick...whatever that is.
Don't waste your money folks....go gary goretex.
My Velez bought in the mid 1990s is still superb. The only sign of age is the high viz piping has degraded in a few places. It’s one of the warmest pieces of kit I have, often worn with just a base layer underneath. In conjunction with the Cascada trousers (if I recall the name correctly) it’s a complete answer to foul weather. I bought it for its quietness when pursuing my wildlife photography hobby. It was expensive initially of course but it’s lasted nearly 30 years and counting! I’ve never found it high maintenance, I probably only retreat about every three years.
Absolutely love Paramo ❤ Switched in 2007 and actually still have the Cascada trousers I bought back then. It’s just brilliant and will never go back to a GoreTex shell again. Anyone who says they get wet or cold I don’t think has layered properly or perhaps used a merino base layer. I’ve even been swimming and then put the Valez smock straight on my skin and been dry and warm in no time. And the Torres insulation smock works exactly as you said, amazing 😊 We actually traded in my 2007 Valez smock for this discount off this jacket. What’s not to love 😊
Do you think a merino baselayer would make you cold under a Paramo jacket?
That’s a fair and accurate review and is also my experience of using Paramo gear in 30 years.
One thing to note is that having done away with PFC coatings they are now less stain resistant and require proofing more often.
They are much more comfortable than any other jackets tho I wouldn’t choose one for a multi day hike and deffo not suitable for summer use. Should last for at least 15 years and excellent customer service which is more than I can say forFjallraven ( don’t ask!)
You’re one of the early adopters then! What would you recommend for multi-day hikes?
@@StephenJReid Hi Stephen sadly it's a heavier weight goretex for Scotland and something like Packlight for summer in moderate climate.
I have experimented with the lightest Paramo jacket's and taken an extra windproof to put over the top to slowdown absorbing the rain this actually seems to work quite well, a comfy highly water resistant jacket and windproof it extends the seasons you can use Paramo in.
The reason I wouldn't use Paramo for multi day Trek's ( more than 3 or 4 days)
Is because of the probability of having to store a wet jacket (The wet outer) in the tent plus the possibility of it needing to be reproofed on route.
Some day there will be a perfect solution tho not anytime soon I suspect.
What's your thoughts?
I did the Cape Wrath trail with a light weight Paramo over 17 days and it worked perfectly. I did take a light weight Rab to wear if the weather got too bad but didn't need it.
I found that the Paramo dried easily at the end of the day even when it had been very wet all day.
@@michielvangulik6698 Hi, Can I ask what month that was? Or what time of year( Am seriously thinking of buying a Paramo)
I'm trying to remember when I bought my Paramo Cascada jacket, I know it was a few years before we moved from the Harrogate area and that move was 2009. So I suspect it was around 2006, so it's getting on for 18 years old. It went back for a new zip and to replace a ripped panel about five years ago but is still waterproof and used regularly. It will last my lifetime.
And di you get it from "Out and About" in Harrogate. That's where I got mine from 23 years back and still it does its job.
Absolutely right, in Bower Road. I've just looked on Streetview and it looks like they're still there.
@@steamdrivenandy6880 The Guy who ran it then handed over to his Daughter and Son in Law Pat, who played in a band. Funny enough I called about a year back to get some Tech wash & TX 10 direct. 23 year old Alta jacket and still works.
I spent 3 years living on the Isle of Harris. I had all sorts of jackets Gore-Tex , pile fleece smocks and Páramo. I spent days on end up in the hills in wind and rain that was absolutely brutal and my go to became a paramo alta jacket and velez trousers. They kept me dry and comfortable in those kind of conditions better than top of the range goretex jackets. I washed them regularly (as I do with all my gear) and reroofed about every 3 washes. After living in Asia for the last decade I’m now going to be spending more time in the UK and it’s interesting to see the Paramo range and what they have to offer a decade later.
The only thing I preferred a goretex shell for is in warmer weather when It would mainly be in my pack.
I have a paramo coat over 30 years old. I wash it an treat it and I always stay dry and comfy. It still looks good. My most enduring piece of clothing I've ever had.
I love old school paramo jackets built to last and much better pockets....
Cheers, Stephen. This review could not have come at a more fortuitous time.
Only last week, I was in an outdoor retailer looking at Paramo as an alternative to my previous GoreTex and eVent apparel.
I reckon my next jacket will be a Paramo offering.
I laughed at your Rab story as I have one similar. I dropped £200 on their Mryiad neo-stretch waterproof jacket. Having bought it in Summer, it sat unused in my pack for months. The first time I had cause to use it was on an ascent of Helvellyn in biblical rain. Without a word of a lie, within half an hour of setting out from the B&B in Glenridding, I was soaked to the skin. I may as well have been wearing a giant teabag. I did not want to leave the party and abort the hike so I continued for the rest of the day drenched. Keeping moving was the only reason I avoided hypothermia. When we got back to base in the evening I was ringing water out of my underwear as that much rain had soaked down from above.
Back home, I contacted Rab and explained the jacket's catastrophic failure on it's first outing. I was politely told the warranty period had expired so, in a nut shell, it was tough luck.
£200 down the toilet and the last Rab item I ever purchase.
I bought a paramo puffy vest in 2012 to bring to Afghanistan with me. That is still the best thermal layer I own, and I wore it *through a war*
Thanks for your service... unless you were Taliban!
@@vaguelyright6833 honestly, part of my job depended on me looking a bit local!
Yup, I've been onto Paramo now for about 10 years, and that first bit of Paramo kit is still performing as good as new. I'm always the most comfortable person on the hill as I go full Paramo now.
I have owned and used the same Velez smock for over 15 years and it has been absolutely bomb proof in wintry weather on the hills - both running and walking, as well as a lot of use skiing. I do carry a second hardshell jacket in my pack for emergencies but don't find myself using it - even in prolonged driving rain.
Been using paramo for many years. I love their durability, comfort and practicality, especially their lovely pockets. Not 100% waterproof, but waterproof enough for my needs.
I have several Paramo directional jackets. The oldest at 30? years is still waterproof but the polyester has UV degraded and falls apart. Next is a big heavy coat 20 yeears and still waterproof but now patched and dirty. Then a lighter weight yellow which I use as a deep winter cycling jacket. Any amount of rain and I'm almost dry. And a lighter weight yellow cycling jacket with loads of ventilation zips. I expect to wear all of them until they are unrepairable. Tear them just sew a patch on. The only waterproofs that you can comfortably sleep in (in the snow once) and I often run in foul weather wearing just the jacket on top. Again really comfortable. Expensive but decades of use.
I moved over to Paramo in 96 after two Goretex jackets failed on me. In those days they had a three year guarantee and I was on my 3rd jacket. My first Paramo lasted over 20 years when I handed it back to Paramo for £50! For me Paramo works. It is all about being comfortable not necessarily completely dry but comfortable. I run hot so it works for me. In the Summer I have warn a Paramo Bentu windproof in some heavy rain over a base layer in rain and it has been enough.
Goretex is so overrated. I had a great "MVP" (military goretex) Dutch army jacket that failed on me at the beginning of a heavy downpour once. Never used any kind of MVP or Gore clothing since.
Great video again Stephen. I've used Paramo kit for over two decades, including search and rescue operations at all hours of the day and night in all conditions. On balance, would agree it's great kit; bombproof, waterproof, breathable, over layering insulation actually works despite my initial scepticism. Unfortunately some garments just consistently fail to perform despite appropriate (meticulous) care. My Velez Light smock and Cascada jacket and my wife's Velez smock are infallible. My Velez smock and my wife's Alta jacket consistently leak water into the shoulder area despite appropriate care, regular reproofing and without rucksack wear. Trousers seem more consistent, we've got a mix of cascada and aspira and they're 100% reliable for warmth and dryness. 100% if I had to buy a waterproof to last 10 years+ there is no competitor in my opinion, I just wish we could understand the (in)consistency in performance. Hope to randomly run into you again at the Outdoor Expo at the NEC in March 🙂
Definitely does seem to be a bit of inconsistency some people are experiencing. Someone else commented and said neither of the 2 jackets they bought worked 🤷♂️ strange. I might ask paramo if I ever get a chance.
I will indeed be at the National Outdoors show and rumour has it I might be giving a couple of talks at the trail running zone
I have a Cioch jacket from same material, made to measure on the Isle of Skye. It most be 15 years old now and still going strong with no repairs etc. Truly brilliant.
My 20 year old Paramo jacket is still going strong and has never let me down even on the fells in the depths of winter in heavy rain. The winter weight trousers have proved to be excellent in the same conditions and the lighter weight trousers are great in all except warm conditions (although even then the vents are very effective). My only reservation is that paramo waterproofs are too warm for very warm conditions). Paramo is expensive and cheaper waterproofs are available but this applies equally to most top end waterproofs. I have not needed to reproof my paramo clothing more than a couple of times a year. Also as this video says, paramo lasts forever unlike membrane jackets.
Iv been to skye and have never seen so much rain.so if it works there........
Paramo is like Marmite - some people love it- others hate it
I had a Paramo Velez - and I cooked in it apart from really cold weather - and when it got wet you had to keep moving otherwise you end up freezing cold (as the water exchange doesn’t work when you are not moving) - so I sold mine - which is gutting as I really really want them to work for me 🤬
Another good video though - thanks
But would you put Paramo on toast? 😂
This is why I bought the overcoat as concerned about getting cold once I stopped, so far seems to be doing the trick.
I found using the side zips to vent and pushing the sleeves up helped me when it was too warm in my Velez, but we are all different. Some folk run hotter than others.
Fair play for trying Paramo, though.
The best kit is always the best kit for you. Not everybody gets that.
I tried for years to convince myself that my Páramo stuff was working. Sadly, I just had to admit that I was drenched in sweat, even when just wearing a mesh baselayer underneath and I was carrying this sweat around all the time I was wearing my Páramo. This meant I was soon chilled when my pace dropped and even on freezing weather I'd get home and find I had to change as I was soaked in sweat. Moving to Ventile cotton outer layers means sweat can evaporate and I'm not only much more comfortable whilst out but I can keep my DRY baselayers and midlayer (as I'm now not wearing the 'pump liner' as my midlayer) on for the rest of the day.
The sweat issue, quite apart from carrying around much of any rain that had entered the material, until it could start to run out of the hems of my jacket and trousers through gravity, eventually led to sell ALL my Páramo and replace it with Ventile and waxed cotton items. I'll never go back.
@@danceswithbadgers - thanks for those comments as I thought it was only me. I love the idea of Paramo and bought one of the originals (Velez? not sure). It was great in cold and damp Lakes or Scottish winter conditions but I found that I cooked in heavy rain if moving uphill and battened down, then became chilled if I opened up the vents and rolled up the sleeves. On centre gully of Ben Lui in winter conditions about 15 years ago I got into a bit of trouble when waiting for my partner to summit - I was shivering and a wee bit the worse for wear even though I'd put a belay jacket over the top. I have returned to Ventile or other jackets. They are not completely waterproof, but my layers work well and I find that I don't become chilled when the fabric is drying out. As others have said, Paramo can be a bit marmite - but not for use on toast! - depending on your physiology. I still really like the idea of the products and am impressed that the kit has retained its popularity; it's just not for me.
@@robertgriffiths9605 Hi Robert, yes it's good to have alternatives to the plastic bag stuff. I simply can't wear Gore or any other membrane/coated fabrics without overheating dangerously, being generally miserable in it and tried with Páramo but same issue in the end. I reckon Pàramo was just the perfect thing to wear less than 5% of the time - not good enough. Ventile, with similar levels of weather resistance, is much more comfortable and I don't worry about a bit of damp since it's still comfortable and dries quickly. I made the decision to dump the plastic, even the softshell/ fleece stuff, as far as practicable, in favour of wool under cotton.
i've got 2x paramo jackets. got my first one 20+ years ago, one of the very first smock jackets they did (came with a backpack to put it in). Its still used and is wonderful, treatment isn't an issue. Considering all the other gortext jackets i've had in the same time ...its amazing how well its lasted. My new paramo jacket is a ultalight weight jacket that i use for fast moving , go out running in heavy rain and recently snow. Both jackets are warm but able to be well ventilated . ... Great summary and yes they do need some cold conditions to work best.
I bought a smock off the 2nds site 10 years ago with 'cosmetic issues' which I have never found. As you have said it is an autumn/winter jacket and mine with only one reproof keeps me as dry and warm as it did when new. I wore it on a horrendous day in the lake district a few weeks ago and was able to go from mountain to café without having to change unlike my gortex layered friends who had to strip down and dry themselves before putting fresh clothes on. Worth every penny!
I've had a Paramo Aspira mountaineering Jacket for 13 years now. Used it several times in winter, in Scotland and the lake district , in atrocious weather, and also did 10 hours in torrential rain through the lakes from Ennerdale to Borrowdale on the high level route version on the coast to coast. Always kept me dry and warm. Wash and proof it regularly and it's still going strong.
Hi, great review! Thanks. I bought a Paramo jacket too many years ago to remember. I think it was 2007. As you say, surprisingly warm, considering the thin material. I used it more or less every day until the zip gave up in around early 2020. Paramo were not doing repairs at that point because of Covid. Due to the subsequent long lead time for repairs I replaced the zip myself. This was super easy because the teeth of the old zip could be cut away (only the teeth). This left the zip backing material to which to attach the new, £6, zip. Easy sewing!
I'm a convert too. 18 years now since I bought my Cascada which is still in amazingly good nick.
One of the things that's buried quite deep within the Nikwax Care instructions is that when washing, you only need to use the TX Wash-In Direct - the waxing reproofer, every 8 to 10 washes. Just use the Tech Wash when it starts feeling muggy and losing its breathability. Tumble dry to restore beading if you have one, or line dry if you don't. If you overdo the wax (reproofing) it'll wet out, accumulate water and be generally rubbish.
I'd reckon the weakest links are the zips, which are starting to fail after 10 years of heavy use on my daily wet weather Halcon for the colder days out. Like you mention, venting is exceptional. For anyone who describes themselves as a heavy sweater, get one of these. They handle sweat like no other jacket I know. And unlike laminated jackets - eVent, Gore-Tex, etc, if you tie it around your waist you won't ruin the repellancy.
And even though it's not as compressible as others, and is bulkier, when going on a mission, you can get away with this rather than a shell, a mid and several base layers, so it equalises out. Just don't sit (or lie down) down on something wet, as that'll defeat the capillarity of the 'analogy' pump liner and water will get through.
Great review Stephen. My Paramo jacket must be getting on for 20 years old, and has been well used and washed and 'treated' several times over that period.
I put it on to walk down to the village post office (about 2 miles round trip which took the best part of an hour) in last Wednesday's storm force gales and driving rain. Had to hang it in the shower when I got back as it was dripping water everywhere, but my shirt and tee shirt underneath were both still bone dry.
My only comment is that if not expecting to be particularly mobile in cold icy winter winds, I always wear a fleece mid layer - not yet having had the chance to explore the Torres overjacket.
Thanks Peter! Yeah it’s definitely a jacket that’s warmest when moving. I suppose the water dripping off could be a downside if using it when camping.
I’ve had my Velez for 15 years. For the first seven I wore if cycling into and out of work every day for 6 months of the year, then I’ve used it often but less frequently. Apart from fading its in excellent condition. I’ve only needed to reproof it when it needed a wash from becoming smelly due to active use, perhaps twice a year. The only con is that for long days, I find I can only wear it at up to 3C or I get too hot. For winter backpacking it is unbeatable as it triples up as windproof, waterproof and light thermal layer. In cold weather it goes on when I wake up and only comes off when I get ready for sleep
My Velez served me well for many years. After putting weight on and wanting a jacket rather than a smock, I gave it to a friend. It serves her well.
Now I have a Pajaro, another cracking piece of kit!
Stephen, Thanks for that very honest review. I concur with all your thoughts. I live in one of the wettest parts of Scotland (NW Highlands) and have used Paramo kit for years for work and play. Used hard they eventually wear through with rucksack movement at rub points, but even then keep you dry. My biggest gripe is with zip quality. The very first Alta came with excellent big chunky zips but later iterations (and other models also come fitted so) with inferior lightweight zips. This is the brand's weakest link IMO. From time to time Paramo do cash back offers on old jackets for recycling. I note your concerns about being too warm and I totally agree. For a while they had a model called Quito which was very light and perfect for cycling, rolled up tiny in a small rucksack but this version seems to have disappeared from the shelves. I stripped the lower arm material off my Quito in a gravel bike fall. It looks dreadful now but it is still my favourite and leeps me dry for a long time.
Right. You’ve persuaded me. I’ve had too many membrane jackets fail over the years, be they Berghaus, ME or RAB. I’m currently using a Keela Munro for heavy weather and a Paramo Fuera for summer with a Torres gilet if it gets a bit nippy. Thank you. I know the Munro won’t last for ever. That looked a very slim fit on you. But I’ll go for a preloved Velez or Aspira. £360 is a bit steep for me I think (I’m a tight hit!). 👍🏻
My brother worked for Nikwax for many years so I have had gallons of their waterproofing liquid, which has always done a very good job of waterproofing various garments. Now for Paramo jackets. Yes, they can be 'waterproof' IF you keep it proofed on a regular basis, but the biggest problem I have with their jackets is the appalling quality of the zips used in them. Every one of the jackets I have had has suffered from zip failure within twelve months of purchase. Because of that I will not use them again.
I have paramo jackets and trousers and love them, I sweat far too much for any membrane waterproof to work! I bought my first Paramo smock over 30 years ago and it’s still waterproof! Probably the great great grandad of yours😂 great honest video of their pros and cons.
Grandad jacket 😂
I’ve Paramo gear over 20 years old. Till looks and works like new . Got the salopettes too, and they are brilliant. Another plus feature is that if you fall on a snow or ice covered slope, it quickly stops you sliding
Good review. Like many other comments I have owned my smock for many years and would not part with it. I would like the front zip option like yours but I cannot justify swapping due to the cost. The moisture system really works well, the first time I used mine was a walk in Derbyshire and I started off with the jacket and a wool hat as my outer layers. The rain eventually soaked the wool hat and got worse so I pulled up the Paramo hood over the hat. By the time I finished the walk the hat was completely dry as the jacket had literally sucked the moisture out of it. My body was also completely dry even though, as you point out the jacket looked soaked.
Paramo Halcon Jacket and trousers and a buffalo smock fur lined shirt. I work all day and night sometimes up on the Yorkshire Dales in the middle of winter. I found this combo can withstand any weather I throw at it and keep me very warm and comfortable. Even whilst digging and working up a sweat internally. That's the hardest thing to get right when working outdoors.
Great review, I still have my paramo jacket (much older design) from 25years ago!
(the only thing that's starting to go is one popper on a cuff ... because i fidget).
The waterproofing care can be a faff, but I probably only do that once a year unless it gets dirty.
I've never been wet on the inside unless I got sweaty... need to keep vents open on almost every trip out.
I normally just wear a thin breathable t-shirt underneath, even on a colder day. Just put the paramo on early so ur body heat warms it up inside.
Amazing jacket.
I only needed an extra very thin layer even up on a glacier!
Good honest review Stephen
I prefer Buffalo kit have been using them for nearly 30 years,my first one is still going although fleece is worn flat lol,bought a second special 6 10 years ago still wearing well.
Thanks for the content. I purchased a Jottnar waterproof coat which initially was amazing but a few years down the line water is seeping in around the neck area which basically means it will have to be thrown out. Definitely considering a paramo jacket as my next!
I have a paramo bentu and i absolutely love it , it breathes really well and it works great with a fleece underneath when its colder
Got mine in Keswick, they do a NHS discount and had a protional weekend after COVID, got 30% off for NHS. Thanks paramo, it is a lovely jacket I sweat a lot and having the massive vent options is great. As you say it takes some getting used to but well worth the time. Did striding edge on worst day ever and as you say felt comfortable all day but looked drenched 😊
Hi Stephen, sorry I’m a late comer to this video I’ve only discovered your channel about a month ago. I’ve used Paramo for years and mentioned the fact I too get too hot in anything approaching 10C to a fell running friend. He recommended the Paramo Fuera smock. It’s lighter, thinner and although only advertised as windproof if you wash it in Nikwax it’s waterproof too. At less than £100 in the sales it’s a great choice for warmer temps. Cheers!
So to keep the jacket working it needs to be regularly washed in Nikwax waterproofing products. Without them it doesn't work.
How often does it need reproofing? I found that Nikwax waterproofing can stop working after a single heavy rainfall on conventional jackets. In fact it can stop during the rainfall. I'm guessing it simply is washed off by the rain. With a goretex jacket no water beading isn't an issue for a while but eventually the jacket will start wetting out. Generally this isn't an issue if you have some kind of fleece material as your next layer. You can stay reasonably dry but will need to vent your garment.
I've often looked at the Paramo jackets but I'm still not convinced. They're an expensive gamble. Having said that a top of the range goretex (or other membrane) jacket from the likes of Arc'teryx is similarly priced and may not be as durable.
Not convinced about the position of the vents on the arms either. Might be okay if all you do is hike with a pack but I could see it not working so well for some other activities like cycling or working.
Anyway just my thoughts. If I find one on offer I might give one a try. My last attempt to use an alternative jacket was Schoeller, I even bought their trousers too. That wasn't a good experience, well it was okay for a few weeks.
I’ve treated mine about every six months but I guess it depends how often it gets used in all day rain.
Just took the plunge with a £35 vintage Paramo Cascada jacket I spotted on eBay. I'm not a fan of how most modern gear looks and given the 'buy it for life' reputation of these, I'm looking forward to trying it out.
I also have a Patagonia Torrentshell (which cost me £10 more) so I'll see how the Paramo performs against it.
Spotting the little Paramo badge on so many hikers I've walked past has convinced me it's less marmite than the internet portrays!
I’ve got the exact same jacket and absolutely love it after being converted from gore tex I will never go back. Brilliant review and totally agree with your appraisal. Love paramo kit great customer service and ethics. I have since bought the lighter weight velez for warmer months and the thermal insulating jacket and can say they all perform amazingly well.
Bought the Bentu jacket and fleece almost a decade ago and they're still going strong. No membrane or taped seams to fail.. Each offers a degree of wet protection on their own , but together they do keep it all out. I do however get slightly damp in a complete downpour, but it's a 'warm' damp and not unpleasant.
Looks a great smock. Paramo have made some great stuff over the years and I have a very light waterproof and mid layer that I use, but never fully crossed over from the now 30 year old Buffalo special six that I have covered many miles in.
I have used paramo for 15 years and still use it ! My torres insulation smock is still the best insulation I have and that's including my rab, and montane insulators , my velez light smock is still bomb proof after 11 years ,and my overtrousers are still doing the biz, just keep on top of re proofing and they won't let you down !,,
I used to own a jacket (not Paramo) that you had to maintain with products to retain the waterproofing. It was $35 a bottle and you only got 2 treatments, I was buying about a bottle a year, it felt like a jacket tax. What would you estimate the cost might be to maintain this jacket? P.S. love your videos!
Sounds similar to Buffalo, who do heavy, medium, light and no fleece inside mostly Pertex type stuff. Even with rain running down inside the Special 6 has kept me warm for six years now :)
Very good review. A few years ago after a lot of research I bought the Paramo Halcon jacket, which is marketed for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, mainly for the insane (9) number of pockets.
Things I agree with are that these jackets run warm. I can't venture out in this beyond a base layer and will stay warm in high winds where friends are layered up and looking like Bibendum.
Second. I've no clue how these jackets work in practice, but when it is utterly soaked outside the jacket is dry inside, but I can feel a bit clammy in my base layer.
I tried the Velez Adventure smock, similar to yours, but found it short in body length and the kangaroo pouch was surprisingly small.
Yes Paramo jackets are expensive, but if you look around and be patient you will get bargains. They do need maintenance for sure.
All that said; is this the only jacket I have? Hell no. I have jackets which are way cheaper and seriously waterproof, and suit different days out.
But...if I were to lift one jacket as 'a do it all' it would be the Paramo.
Good video. I agree with your analysis. I use a Paramo Velez smock and Velez light smock. They are superb. You have to wash and reproof them; but not ridiculously often. The velez light is not as warm as the jacket you were testing so I can use it in slightly warmer weather.
I bought a similar Paramo for mountain biking after a Mountain Equipment single layer type stopped being waterproof in about 18 months. When it arrived, I decided it was too thin to take a decent bike crash, so I wear it year round, waking the dog and hiking o hills and it’s been excellent. Re-proofs nicely. Only downside really is that the cuffs have Velcro adjustment and seem to get wetter than the rest of the jacket.
This is why I wear Fjällräven gear. It’s not Gore-Tex and most of their clothing isn’t waterproof off the bat, but it’s *adaptable* with wax. So in winter I wax my stuff, and in summer I wash it out. That means the gear is way more versatile and, just like Paramo, the fabrics are extremely straightforward to repair. They also feel a lot nicer to wear than crinkly, plasticky tech fabrics. The endless chasing of high tech clothing is a false economy because you’re going to have to keep replacing it. Fjällräven gear is made to last a lifetime, just like this. It’s “buy once, cry once” over the price and then you have an item of clothing forever. Also, being PFC free means it’s better for the planet. I really hope that this video helps spread the word about the world of better alternatives out there.
I’ve thought about buying Fjallraven kit a few times but I was put off by a conversation in an outdoors shop where I was told it “wasn’t designed for the climate in UK/Ireland”. 🤷♂️
Maybe worth another look
I personally wouldn’t agree with that at all! Their trousers, in particular, are absolutely the best outdoor trousers out there, especially the Keb ones. They have vent zips so in warmer weather you can get air in, but they’re tough as nails and, again, adaptable with wax in exposed areas. I also have a couple of their anoraks (if I was being cheeky I’d say Paramo copied some of Fjällräven’s features of their Anorak No 8). These are quite heavy duty and perhaps not suitable for summer but they do a range of summer gear too. Being a Nordic brand, this is gear made for an entire culture that embraces outdoor life.
Definitely give them another look. I’m often dressed almost entirely in their gear these days, I just love their fabrics, their ethos and their adaptability. I’ve slowly replaced most of my outdoor clothing with Scandi brands, especially Fjällräven.
I have several items of fjallraven clothing but gotta say that when my backpack hip belt started to wear through the Keb jacket in the middle of my back I was very surprised and even more surprised when the Fjellraven rep I met flagged it up to the company and heard nothing from them. I then contacted them and got fobbed off.
Parramo was the complete opposite with excellent service pity it’s not possible for them to make lighter products.
@@davidhale1568 wow that’s really dispiriting to hear. I’ve thankfully not had cause to contact them myself about anything (yet), but hope that I would have a better experience. Was it the stretchy fabric that wore through?
@@peakandpaddleukyep the trousers are great and it was the stretchy fabric that almost wore through I was just carrying a Osprey day pack the jacket was nearly new I should have taken it back to the retailer rather then try to sort it myself.
But having said that if you ever get to Oslo you need to head for the fjallraven shop but take plenty of money!
I have a paramo smock which I bought in the early eighties,( See my avatar). I love it. I maintain it with Nikwax products every year. It has a few marks on it, but no damage at all. I have used it for skiing, mountain walking and hiking. I love the smock. It feels so soft, light and comfortable to wear. The venting system is superb. the hood fits over a ski helmet as well Thank you for your video. I thought about replacing it with a new one, but my jacket is as good as new, despite the hard wear it has had over the 20 plus years I have owned it. But I am not replacing it there is a lot of life left in it still.Hats off to Paramo. Alan Mather
Multiple Paramo owner here, great kit. SWMBO has a jacket that must be getting on for 30 years old still going strong.
Only ever had one goretex last more than 3 years a really heavyweight Patagonia 3 layer, the seams were unbreakable, eventually the fabric delammed. I have a paramo that was given to me used, must be 15 years old, still going strong.
I have a paramo jacket since 1999. Used it walking, ice climbing alpine climbing, never been wet, always comfortable. Bought a lightweight one for warm weather and cycling. Love the products.
I bought a 2nd hand velez smok over ten years ago and it’s still going strong, thought many times about replacing then thought why! It’s been tried and tested in the Cheviot hills in the most extreme conditions these hills can offer
Outside layer is a windproof with Nikwax coating. Inside is a reverse fleece. This fleece has longer and shorter hairs so is denser on inside than out. This also has a wax coating. Since water is repelled by wax it pushes itself out of the fleece. This ' works like animal fur ' is all very well but in prolonged heavy rain when water soaks the 'pump liner' the fleece that was full of air is now full of water and so you have lost your insulation. If you're wearing the jacket in warm weather or doing high energy activity you'll probably be just wearing a base layer underneath and so could end up pretty cold. ( As I did wearing a Valez smock on a winter MTB ride ).
Also, sticking an oversized jacket on top of everything isn't some ingenious Paramo invention, people have been doing it for years.
I've had Paramo waterproofs for 18 years. What has to be pointed out is some garments out of the factory are more waterproof than others - varying quality of the fabric. You can get lucky or unlucky. Bad reviews often are tied to unlucky. I've got 2 smocks, 4 jackets and 3 sets of their fleece+windproof combos, and 2 waterproof pants.
Correct it's cheaper. My 2006 Paramo Velez is still working fine, looks as new apart from a bit of bobbling around the back near the hips.
Warmth is very garment specific. The Velez Jacket has mesh pump liner throughout and a thin outer, mine is still waterproof but its chilly, but the Velez smock with solid liner and original thicker outer is much warmer.
The warmth is part of what makes it "waterproof" as whatever damp gets near your skin is evaporated so a bit over-warm helps keep you dry. As it's very breathable you don't get the claminess if you over-insulated under a shell.
I have the Torres over-layer gilet from 2006. I wore it today! It's still going strong, the only part beginning to fail is the bottom of the zip, which would be an easy repair. It indirectly dries you out as it warms your waterproof so it dries through the breathable over-layer.
If you're biggest complaint is too-warm check out the Velez Jacket. However as it's quite cold it's useful to pair with one of their fleece+windproof combos as you can layer under+over to get 6 combinations. Their combo Fleece+windproof are not as waterproof as their actual waterproofs but their still handy to own to complement in a layer system.
Thanks for this, have been looking for a new jacket after my Musto Jacket was nicked from my car and only recently came across Paramo. Think this had made up my mind to get the PÁJARO photography jacket.
I love the principal behind Paramo and have both a jacket and smock - I work outdoors so it gets well tested in all weathers and I'm out 3/4 days a week. The fabric is durable, repairable, quiet but ultimately it's the reproofing which makes it difficult - all fabrics wet out eventually but Paramo products need re-application of a DWR more frequently and this adds to the overall cost. The jackets are also very warm which limits their use to late autumn/winter/early spring for me. I prefer the Keela Dual Protection System which is also on the warm side but I find it doesn't need reproofing as much and is probably a good compromise between Paramo and a traditional hardshell, and it's way cheaper!!
Costs maybe £3/4 to wash and reproof, I suppose that could add up if you are doing it really regularly
I've used Paramo for years now, I have 3 jackets, I have the velez for the summer mtbing , I have two aspira jackets the smock and the normal jacket,i also have winter salapetts for climbing but also winter trousers for general walking in wet weather. Paramo used to do a water proof zip off trousers/shorts which are superb for the summer and the last but not least I have paramo boxer pants, I've had these for easily 18 years and they're still going fine 😊
Professional working sea fishermen should test these Jackets?
But there not so foolish to be duped into buying any jacket thats has to be constantly reproofed with nikowax and washed to keep it waterproof.
I hiill walk in Scotland and sail the scottish coast east and west , and wear waterproofs that cost between £25 & £80 , there well ventilated, totally waterproof and never need reproofing.
I really want to try a Paramo windproof/fleece combo!
I am always jealous of the venting zips and ninja Paramo hoods.
I have manged to stay dry and warm in light rain using a Rab windproof and base layer/fleece in winter so I know paramo works in light rain.
I would never buy an all in one jacket like the Velez. I prefer my windproof seperate from my fleece so I can use it year round.
Main reason I haven't tried Paramo is in heavy rain I need the goretex jacket/pants otherwise I get cold even in summer.
Heavy rain just goes straight through the windproof and fleece and wets my base layer which sucks for camping.
I would love to see a video of your Paramo in heavy rain. And if you base layer gets wet/how long it takes to dry out.
I am glad you mentioned membrain jackets only lasting a couple of years. Hopfully more people start using windproofs in the UK.
Keep making the great videos!
Im a relatively recent convert to Paramo, and its been a revelation! I hate wearing crunchy crisp water proofs, I just cook! Inuse the older Velez smock. Its great ventilation. I think its all about expectation, have a I been damp? Yes. Have I been uncomfortable? No. I would be jist as damp in a goretex waterproof - sweat/condensation. Think they can be a bit marmite, but ive bought into the analogy stuff for definite. Love it.
After decades using top end gore-tex I decided to try a paramo for a season. I climb, snowboard, cycle, fish and hike, have done for over thirty years. It was best for static fishing, on cold days, when the bulk, weight and over heating were not an issue. In all other cases, the lighter, goretex jackets do a better job of heat regulation, freedom of movement and moisture management. In some cases, I had to retire the jacket and swap back to goretex for fear of boiling away.
Horses for courses and all that. Paramo are a fairly good choice but, it depends on your needs and wants. Personally, I like the flexibility, a lightweight, well thought out gore-tex offers. That said, I suspect the paramo fans are correct in their assumption that a paramo will last forever. They are tough, heavy and thick compared to a lighter weight, outer 'shell'. More akin to waxed cotton, than modern ultralights.
I have both the paramo and Gore-Tex, and I enjoy using both. I will say that a winter in snowdonia with a Buffalo mountain smoke underneath is unbeatable for this weather. Gore-Tex is just more of a barrier and a four day trip to Budapest in December it was my Gore-Tex with a primaloft jacket underneath for convenience against sleet, rain and snow. You look outside it's raining and you're shopping quick walk with the dog or Christmas markets in Hungary it's Gore-Tex
Yeah membrane jackets have their place definitely for throwing over other clothes. haven't tried buffalo kit yet
Had my Paramo Pajaro for 10 years. Dartmoor wind and rain, never let me down. Traded it in for a Velez Adventure Smock last year with their recycle scheme and I'm very happy with it. Agree 100% on keeping it maintained with Nikwax.
Did you have any experience in very cold, very wet conditions when the temperature dropped below zero? I haven’t tried mine yet in those conditions
Yeah I'm a very tactile person and for years I refused to pay the price for something I likened to a 90's shell suit.
I eventually caved in and bought my Velez light smock and it was a game changer.
Still going strong 7 years later.
I’ve the Velez ultralight smock. Well over 15 years old. Still waterproof. Upper arm has been repaired after ripping on a thorn dog handling. The only thing I don’t like is it’s very short in the length, a boxy fit so requires waterproof trousers for weather coverage. I’ve the velez ones of those too. I also owned Rab kinetic jacket - nice and stretchy but absolutely useless in the rain.
I’ve been wearing Paramo for years. Hill walking, skiing, and when I worked on wind turbines in the Scottish winter. They’re perfect for British / Irish weather and last forever. I will always recommend them
A couple of people have said they don’t work when you stand still, any thoughts on that?
I wear a Paramo smock when I'm sailing and not had any problems with getting wet, or cold. (unless I fall in that is :) )@@StephenJReid
Great vid. Two of my mates, who go ice climbing in Scotland in March, swear by them..
Great review Stephen. Both my wife and I have Paramo jackets that are over 20yrs old. Any other jacket is a waste of money.
I have a helki which has never let me down in bad conditions over the years, but is too warm for anything over 10 degrees. For most my hiking trips I now use a paramo enduro fleece and windproof together are just as good, actually was out walking today in constant rain for 4hrs in them and was bone dry also more versatile. I can't go back to sweaty bin bag jackets again after using paramo.
I spent £360 for Montane Goretex Pro jacket and after 2 years it started to delaminate which was very disappointing. Problem with Paramo is that the look is only the mother could love. Went for the Swedish alternative Fjallraven :)
I remember reading a magazine test of several waterproof jackets. The Paramo was declared as the only jacket that remained 100% waterproof…but it still wasn’t the winner!
I’ve owned a Velez Light for a decade…terrific.
I’ve got an Alta 3 and maybe I should send it back to paramo as it definitely doesn’t do the job properly for me. I love it and wear it most days and it’s great in windy conditions, but if it’s tipping it down I grab something else
Sadly, I have never owned a Paramo jacket, but I have had numerous membrane jackets all of which failed after 2-4 years (despite reproofing the outer layers). My main issue with the membrane jackets is the build-up of condensation on the inside despite utilising the pit zips to dump heat.
I honestly think that people that insist Paramo keeps you dryer are drinking the cool-aid.
But, I will agree, you'll be warmer and more comfortable. and once the rain stops, those things dry out unbelievably well, and they dry out the kit underneath as well.
on day's where it might rain, I take my goretex. on days where it WILL rain, I take my paramo.
That's exactly how it is. If you know you are wearing it all day, then go Paramo, but if you taking a waterproof just in case then take something else.
I am on my second set of pants and jacket with Nikwax Analogy. Mine are made by Cioch direct, on the Isle of Sky. They offer custom made to order waterproofs, which is rare, and valuable.
I’ll echo what others have said:
it keeps me dry. It breathes and moves liquid moisture. It is very reliable;, both because it can handle moisture on the inside (like from the cuffs or collar), and because if you rip it or puncture it, you can simply pin or sew it tougher, and it still works.
It has a soft and supple feel, and is quiet.
It is too warm for me for 3 season use. In fact, for many winter days, I still find it too warm. After all, you are basically wearing a wind shell over a thin micro fleece layer, in addition to any base layers underneath that.
For more active winter use, I usually wear only a base layer and thin wind shell.
Like he mentions here, the benefit is that when you open venting zippers, you are doing so through both your wind shell and the “fleece layer, so you do get better temperature regulation that way.
It is great for winter backpacking, because of all this. It is very comfortable to wear.
Convinced me and the best explanation of how Paramo works that I've seen. Will be looking for one of these to replace my mountain equipment gortex pro jacket when it gets tired and that was almost as dear so Paramo not really that expensive for a quality waterproof. It sounds more versatile too. I really want one now!
Love my Paramo. Had my trousers and Cascada and Alta jackets over 20 years.
I agree with you on the heat so am limited to winter and part of autumn.
Havi g said that my paclite gore tex jacket has lasted over 29 years - probably using the Nikwax products to clean and reproof it.
Interesting your gore tex jacket has lasted that long. How often do you use it?
@@StephenJReid it is in either work or fell walking rucksack most of the time so perhaps wear it couple of times a week during winter but rarely in the summer.
I'm still regularly using a very garish (blue/green/purple) Velez smock I bought in 1998 for a climbing trip to the alps. It's not as good a design as the Evolution Hybrid model featured in this video, but it all still "works". It's only been very infrequently washed and re-proofed with the recommended Nikwax products, but is still waterproof (at least for the short bike trips it's generally worn for). As I recall, it was about £90, in a clearance sale in a shop in the Lake District, so it's cost me under £3.50 a year so far :-)
I own two Páramo Jackets and love them. I totally agree with you! The Velez light Jacket is my commuting Jacket for 10°C and cooler and the heavier one for dayhikes, nature and wildlife photography. Because it’s so difficult to buy these in Germany, I decided to sew my own pants and they worked, a whole wet winter on my bicycle. Regularly washing and proofing is essential. I can’t see problems with overproofing.
For warmer weather I use the Bentu wind proof jacket and as long as it's kept clean and proofed it works incredibly well as a waterproof layer
I've had a Cascada smock and trousers as my winter mountaineering set for nearly 20 years as well as Velez adventure for nearly as long. I do like the Paramo concept of layering on top than under (brilliant on long belays) and the jackets are in good condition after all this time. I run hot so the cascada only gets used for cold or high conditions, but I get more use out of the Velez, particularly if I am not moving much (foraging, bushcraft, shooting etc). However the proofing needs to be done right - first time I wore my Cascada it wetted-out in foul conditions on top of Cadair Idris (not nice in late November) as it had not been proofed in the factory. I also find that my sweat drips out of the arms (I sweat a lot!) if I am working hard (I accept this could be me getting the proofing wrong, but I can't see how).
The question I have is "have Paramo managed to bond the top layer to the other layers now?" as it looks like the jacket in the video doesn't have that saggy look that my (old) Paramo jackets have.
I love my Polartec Neoshell rain jackets. It was the original electrospun membrane and it kicks Goretex's ass for breathability and comfort. It's soft, quiet, feels more like a light softshell, has some air permeability and is super breathable. The only downside I've found is that it's not as durable as GTX Pro and is bloody expensive due to small production numbers. I hear Polartec are working on updates to make it easier to manufacture and I sure hope so.
Neoshell claims only 10k hydrostatic head but that doesn't appear to matter because I've yet to see it wet out. 7 hour hikes in the rain and I'm still dry. The small amount of air permeability helps the fabric dry out with body heat. I love it