After years of Goretex, I have decided to take the plunge and try Paramo, after hearing it praised by just about everyone I meet. The only problem is, I'm not at all sure which one to get, and there doesn't seem to be much to distinguish between the different waterproofs on offer. I want something that I can use all year round (tall order, I know), but can't decide between the Viento, Aspira or Alta II. I tend to run hot, and know that a lot of people say Paramo can be warm, but I'd still like to try it for myself. Anyone have any recommendations?
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 I also run hot. I have tried the Fuera (windproof and water-resistant) fabric and I liked it other than the way that fluid permeates through it on pressure points and in driving rain. It seemed to be good except for very very wet days - but then any soft shell with a decent water resistance would be. The Fuera fabric is the same as the normal outer but without the 'pump liner' - although that could be added with the appropriate P**** fleece inner. That may be a way round your 'running hot' dilemma. The excellent venting options are also useful.
Have you picked up one of these jackets and felt its weight? Knowing how hot *I* run, I just could not justify carrying that weight and bulk in my sac all day when for 9 months of the wear it would be too hot to walk in.
All other P***** garments are too hot and too heavy for me. For winter, when it's going to be worn all day, it would be brilliant. No more condensation.
They are expensive garments. If you really do 'run hot', not warm, "hot", can you borrow one from someone to try it?
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Hiya, thanks for your advice. I did try on the Alta and Alta II this weekend, and they didn't feel massively heavy, but the thought of wedging it down and carrying it around in a daysack 'just in case' seems a bit daft. I think yes, the best option would be to borrow one and see how I get on in it, but I don't know anyone who owns one!
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 I'd second JJ's comment about seeing if you can try before you buy.
I bought a Velez last year in a very similar manner (run hot, wanted to try get away from Gore, etc) and it was supposedly the coolest Paramo and light enough to carry year-round. But I have only worn it twice and can't see me wearing it again. It was too hot for me and made me sweat so much I had it running down me arms. I suppose it might do me for in the snow, but that is not why I bought it.
If you'd like to add a Velez to your list I can do you a good deal on a good-as-new one!
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Did you wear it with just a baselayer underneath, or a full fleece? Paramo really seems to divide opinions, I guess if you're pootling about then heat issue, well isn't an issue, but when I go up hills I don't hang about, so mebbe it WOULD be too warm for me.
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What size is this Velez smock incidentally? and what colour? ;-)
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 i have 2 valez smocks and they are for me the best outdoors jacket I've ever had.
I only wear a base layer underneith and use the smock as both my fleece and my waterproof
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How waterproof is the smock, would you say?
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 I have an Aspira jacket and find that with just a baselayer it is fine for most of the time, I purchased a lightweight Patagonia jacket, for summer use and for Hols.
There was a test done a while ago in Wasdale I'll see if I can find the link
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Ah nice one, I'd like to read it!
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Yeah Crisp, that was when I tried out the Fuera; one OM member arranged for several of us to try out P***** to see if we liked it. It was September 2002.
The link to the results is:-
http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/forum/forummessages/mps/UTN/1373/URN/5/dt/4/srchdte/0/cp/1/v/1/sp/
There was a 'fuller' thread but a couple of idiots spoilt it.....
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Crispy, just with a lightweight base-layer T. Itprovides plenty of insulation without a mid-layer!
If I didn't overheat in it so much I would agree with Guy. I really want to like it as it has many other good qualities! As far as I'm concerned it is fully waterproof (i.e. as much as any other paramo gear)
It's an Olive XL if you're interested.
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Doh, I'm a medium!, no worries. Is there much of a 'skirt' on the Velez, compared with the Alta or Aspira?
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the valez is waterproof. And the cut gives a good tail, i would advise on getting a bigger fit as the style is small anyway. The Aspira smocks has a good tail but the jacket has none, and nether does the Alta really
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Arrghh Dave, that was the one that I later edited into the link I gave above - it went very off-topic. Try:-
http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/forum/forummessages/mps/UTN/1373/URN/5/dt/4/srchdte/0/cp/1/v/1/sp/
The one above is smaller and more succinct :o)
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Viento has lots of venting options-arm vents and side vents, plus full length zip.
Still too hot for me in the summer though.
Can vouch for waterproofness. Not that robust a fabric, although it matters less if you get holes in it-will still pump water out.
I'm thinking of getting rid of mine though, just not warm enough in winter, and too hot for summer for me. I can see why people like them though.
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 I have 2 Cascada's, i now only wear them in late autumn, winter and early spring. You just need a base layer (T-shirt) underneath most of the time, however in the depths of winter i have been glad of having a thin fleece (approx 200 weight polartec) underneath as well. Some may think thats overkill but believe me it wasnt especially when i use to be into photography and was stopping for long periods. And i never carried a down or other insulated jacket.
My advise is this:
If you are going to try one then try it in winter or at least late autumn.
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Crispy I cant help but feel that you need to go to your local paramo stockist or at least give one a call... a list can be found on www.paramo.co.uk
Also go and have a look the links off www.actionoutdoors.co.uk/paramo.htm about some of the different jackets for a rough idea on what the different jackets are supposed to do and how the range fits together.
(summary - different cuts, zips, pockets on paramo jackets makes them suitable for different activities.)
I own the "multi activity" velez and have used it for everthing from ski exploration to cycing. It does get quite warm if intensity is high but I keep drier than if I had been wearing a membrane jacket... that was untill this summer & I have found that for the odd shower a light event jacket has been great. I'm now coming to the conclusion that Paramo for 3 seasons, event for the summer?
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