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I’ve had a Spiewak jacket for 15 years now, which is finally beginning to show some wear. I’m after something that is as waterproof as possible to keep me dry when on the Downs on crappy days, and warm enough for when watching football on stair rod occasions. Would ideally like something with a bit of length.
I’m looking at Paramo as they’re fairly local and I like their ethical approach. Though I see they do divide people. Has anyone got any other recommendations?
Not really a paramo fan tbh.I have a keela Munro jacket that gets used for dog walking duties and watching the kids at football. So lots of standing in the rain.
Waterproof and warm which is all I need.
What’s the beef with Paramo, out of interest?
I used to issue paramo as staff uniform at the outdoor centre.
- it is very warm. The lighter ones, that you can now 'split' into windproof and inner are better, but they are very warm. Ace on the hills..
- they used to be, and still are, not the best cut. Quite baggy, odd body lengths, odd hood etc.
- lack of storm flaps on some zips was just daft.
- unique style and colour
- they take a few times a year clean and proof.
But, for a damp and cold day canoeing, hillwalking and hanging around an outdoor center, they were ace.
Useful Matt thanks (was hoping you’d chip in!).
Picked up a waterproof jacket from Decathlon on Saturday, wasn't even looking for one!, it just 'looked right' on the way past, tried it on, great fit, map pocket inside, pit zips, at 60 quid I couldn't walk away from it!.
I've a Madison Roam jacket going cheap if anyone wants it!
I thought the paramo looked perfect, almost a waterproof soft shell. But my quito wets out on the shoulders if I wear a light 3kg backpack. It is also a bit too baggy and the pockets are weird. But on its own, it works well.
What’s the beef with Paramo, out of interest?
They might work well but they look horrible (and are very heavy), like Buffalo kit - very marmite. I like Goretex jackets myself, never had a problem with them in 25+ years of using them, so just buy a new one when the old ones eventually fall apart (or get destroyed by Lancashire Sports Repair, who I mistakenly used once).
Yes, I was going to default to a gore tex coat, but I noticed the Dartmoor rescue teams wear Paramo, and I’ve seen broadly good reviews. I’ve also never had a gore tex jacket stand up to more than a couple of hours of rain, thought that may be because I’ve been shopping at the cheaper end, previously.
I gave in and bought a Paramo jacket a few years ago. I just don't get it. I drag it out a couple of times each winter but it is too flappy, feels bulky for its warmth and doesn't seem to be any more breathable than eVent or GoreTex Active Shell. I bought a Columbia OutDry jacket recently and that seems pretty good. I'm also interested in Keelas drop liner idea and would look into that if I was after a full-on Mountain jacket.
but I noticed the Dartmoor rescue teams wear Paramo
The cynic in me thinks, Paramo give MRT cheap/free kit, as folk then see 'MRT are using it, must be the best!'. Bloody good advertising for them, eh?.
Swear by Paramo for years as a 3 season bike jacket. Fantastic in terms of waterproof and breathability.
In terms of a waterproof winter coat for non bike duties, I have an Arc'teryx Fission SV. Goretex, insulated, completely bombproof. Yes it's expensive but fantastic quality if you need 100% shielding from the elements.
The cynic in me thinks, Paramo give MRT cheap/free kit, as folk then see ‘MRT are using it, must be the best!’. Bloody good advertising for them, eh?.
This.
Same with the Police and choice of cars, some years they have mutltiple manufacturers undercutting each other to get the pretige of being seen as worthy of a pursuit car.....
I have a Madison Roam - quite heavy fabric, definitely a lot warmer than most waterproofs. You might want to try one on first though if you want a bit of length, and my M is a little on the short side.
got a made to measure nikwax anology jacket made by ccioch in Scotland.
for proper winter days it is fantastic.
for normal rain I have quechua thing from decathlon. again cracking bit of kit for the money.
I do agree about the MRT being given stuff, but surely they wouldn't use it if was crap?
The Keela does look good.
I bought myself a paramo Alta jacket last year and within 3 days it was returned.Ended up soaked in it after a day out in the rain standing about. The replacements zip broke after 2 weeks of use so again returned.Got my money back and went elsewhere. As said the cut and style of them is definitely different from most other brands.
With regards mountain rescue teams then it's all a cost thing and who comes in cheapest.Know this year some teams are moving to Jottnar because they have came in cheaper.