Paramo

[Red Adder]

Had a morning browsing for a new outdoor jacket and came across a new company to me - Paramo. In the shop the jacket felt very soft and warm (and light - so ideal for building up layers). Has anyone any experience with it with regard
a) water-proofness
b) wind-proofness
c) rain/wind performance after reproofing via Nikwax laundering

Any thoughts appreciated as its not particulary cheap - esp as the likes of NorthFace and Beghause are more reasonable than a few years ago.

[Strider]

I have had two Paramo jackets (the heavy duty Aspira and the lighter Velez, both smock types) and the walking trousers for the last four years or so and they're all showing very few signs of wear at the moment. For me, they are great pieces of kit for walking in the hills. Very warm (but a touch too warm for late spring through to autumn), comfortable and waterproof, so long as you follow the proofing guidelines. Absolutely rock solid in windy conditions and you don't need many other layers underneath. The smock pocket is great for carrying a map and keeping yourself hands free.

I like the trousers, especially from the point of view of not needing to carry additional waterproof trousers in a rucksack, and tend to wear them in the winter if you think the weather is going to be a 'mixed bag'.

Hope this helps

S.

[binman]

I got one a few years back and think it's fab. My partner's had one for 10 years or more and it's still good as knew (after a periodic re-proofing).

[Eeyore]

I've had a Velez Adventure smock for 2 years and it needs reproofing now as it lets a little water in when rain is very heavy. Completely windproof and very versitile. Wore it in the summer over a short sleeve top in Skye and wasn't too warm when the wind was blowing, otherwise as mentioned a wee bit warm when you go quickly uphill in the warmer months. Definitely recommeded and much more versitile than at first sight.

[ricardito]

Had a morning browsing for a new outdoor jacket and came across a new company to me - Paramo. In the shop the jacket felt very soft and warm (and light - so ideal for building up layers). Has anyone any experience with it with regard
a) water-proofness
b) wind-proofness
c) rain/wind performance after reproofing via Nikwax laundering

I've got both jacket and trousers from Paramo and found them very waterproof and windproof. Some people find them a touch on the warm side, but many models have vents you can open up if you need to. I haven't needed to re-proof mine yet as they have been strictly reserved for foul weather walking - which is not as common as we might think!

[lindseyk]

I've been a convert for almost 10 years and have 2 of the velez jackets plus a pair of waterproof trousers. Very little sign of wear on any of the them, excellent waterproof-ness so long as you wash in the tech-wash first before you reproof them. Reasonably lightweight to carry and on iffy days I just wear the trousers rather than carry them. Paramo pride themselves on their customer service - so if you tear a hole in your garment I think they would endeavour to patch it up for you. The gilet is also an excellent garment, and should be slipped on over your jacket when you stop for any length of time to keep the heat in. Combined with a buff around your neck it's the best way to keep warm. I had a Buffalo previously but could never keep warm at the lunch stop, although my other half swears by his (2nd) Buffalo.

[SAL]

I've been using a Paramo jacket and trousers for a couple of years, and have been very impressed with wind and water resistance, as well as general comfort. I haven't had to reproof them yet, so can't comment on that. I wear them for winter hillwalking, or if I'm going to be standing around in cold weather helping at events - I agree that the trousers are a bit warm for the spring, but they do have zips at the sides to let some air in, and it's great not having to put overtrousers on and off in changeable weather. I thought they were expensive too, and resisted for some time, but I think they're worth it.

[Red Adder]

Thanks for all your comments (assuming you are not Paramo employees) - they sound like they are well worth the investment - now the hardest bit - choosing the colour.

[AndyO]

I would endorse everything others have said about Paramo. It really is great gear and so comfortable to wear. I have waterproof jacket and trousers, and a windproof smock which is really effective and can be proofed too (though I haven't subjected it to a real downpour yet). Washing and reproofing are simple and can be repeated for ever, so you will get long life out of the garments. Try on what you want before you buy, though, as the sizes are generous and you may be better with a smaller size than you might need with other manufacturers.

[IanD]

I have worn a Paramo jacket from choice, rain or shine, in cool weather for 20 years. When clean, it is totally rainproof and windproof but still breathable, by which I mean sweat gets out. I have never come across another waterproof which I would happily wear in dry weather.

It does need to be washed occasionally, in a normal washing machine, but by itself as the final rinse needs an additive to maintain the proofing.

It is quite warm, ideal for standing around marshalling the start or finish, but not ideal for walking on a hot summer day. It's also moderately heavy. Not the solution for summer showers or for running a mountain marathon.
Edit: the windproof-but-not-waterproof smock, of which I have no experience, might be good mountain marathon wear.

Price seems high at first glance, but I wear it about 200 times a year. Outside high summer, I wear it all the time when I am outdoors, except when actually competing.