I need a new winter waterproof coat for hill walking and grade 1 / 2 scrambling. I don’t get on with smocks and prefer to use layers for temperature regulation. (In winter I often still just have a base layer and coat.)

My winter walking tends to be through daylight hours only, returning to the indoors for night so camping considerations are not a factor.

I’m contemplating a Paramo offering as I’ve read plenty of good reports on here from people who have them and, to be honest, there’s far too many others to consider and this seems as good a way as any to narrow the choices down.

Does anyone have practical experience they can share of the following, which seem to be at a good price:

(hang-on a mo, the links have gone all Pete Tong).

Paramo Alta II Jacket RRP £220.00 NOW £110.00
“The new Alta II jacket is lighter weight with less bulk than its predecessor. Increased ventilation via Paramo's unique two way reversed zip makes the new Alta II an ideal choice for all hill walkers looking to maintain an ideal comfort level without taking 'layers' on or off. A new generation for Alta users - this season's version offers a contemporary look with all the renowned features you have to expect from one of Páramo's best selling jackets.”

Paramo Aspira Jacket RRP £250.00 NOW £125.00
“Paramo Aspira Jacket: Páramo's latest edition to the Aspira range is the Aspira Jacket. A technically advanced mountaineering jacket, developed specifically for harsh environments the Aspira offers excellent protection against cold and wet conditions, yet versatile enough to be worn on hotter days in the mountains. The Aspira Jacket allows total temperature control with a multitude of ventilation features and benefits from 25% lighter lining weight.”

Paramo Cascada Jacket (Olive Green) RRP £180.00 NOW £90.00
“Paramo Cascada Jacket: The Cascada jacket allows freedom of movement by incorporating full shoulder and elbow articulation, ventilating velcro cuffs, full wired roll-away hood with full volume adjustment and scoop back for warmth. A favourite for walkers and now 25% lighter in lining weight!”

I’m open to other suggestions, however, £125 is my upper limit.

Thanks in anticipation

(Good grief, that was hard work)

Depends on the fit. I've tried 2 of the jackets on your list, the Alta and the Aspira. Both size large, both completely different.

The Alta looked like a tattie sack but the Aspira was spot on. I know which one I'd go for.

Btw, if you find one in Fire and Black for £125, please let me know :o)

If you're normally a large then the small Alta II might be about right. If you're normally small or medium then forget the Alta II.

I'm not kidding.

HTH.

Only one I know about is the Cascada...good length keeps nether regions warm & dry, good hood, normal pockets where they should be, external storm flap, supremely comfortable.
An older design that doesn't have one handed cords but if I was to start again I'd probably still buy one as it does the job and you could buy a mountain vent pull-on for £35 to go under it.
Now I've found Paramo I can't see me buying any other clothing as I love wearing it - soooo silky....also 'if' it ever needs re-proofing it's a DIY job and the result should be like new.
I've tried re-proofing membrane coats and they didn't work quite the same afterwards.
I birdwatch in mine and appreciate the warmth but also the lack of internal suana if I have to sprint off in the drizzle.

I guess I'd be large (6ft, 42/44" chest).

Sounds like I should avoid the Alta II.

I notice the Go Outdoors items are limited colours and sizes. Still, as it's just down the road from work, I'll pop in and have a look.

(Must remember to leave wallet at home so I don't rush into it.)

I know you specifically said jackets, but on the basis that my Aspira smock has been superb and is still going strong after 8 years, I'd lean in that direction if you can get a good deal on the Aspira jacket. The hood is excellent, there's a good range of pockets, and the upper arm vents really do help provide some cooling - I don't think you get those on the Cascada.

Basically though, as long as you find one that fits, you won't go badly wrong with any of them for performance.

Ian
(>Must remember to leave wallet at home so I don't rush into it.)
Discovering Paramo is like finding the best ice-cream, you'll want one of every flavour, take a credit card.
I've just bought the outrageously priced balaclava which I totally don't need as all my Paramo gear have hoods - it's just such a good idea and so nice to wear.
I'm praying for an ice-age in Cornwall to justify my purchase of a Torres belay smock - I don't even know what belaying is.
Feel the force - experience the wallet lightening that is Paramo.

Oh aye, and the sizing on the Aspira Smock is different again to the jacket, the smock being a bit "looser".

Smocks aren't for me as I hate having to pull mid and outlayers over my head.

I'm in work now. Go Outdoors is ten mins away and I can hear it calling me.

Chris, I think I'm ok 'cos I don't like ice-cream. Now if you'd said beer...

Ian, I was recommending a good look at the Aspira jacket on the basis of how good the smock has been, not that you go for the smock. Sorry, I didn't say that as clearly as I meant before...

I would definitely go for the Aspira, for the tiny sum of how more expensive it is. I recently bought an Alta 2, and then returned it and swapped for an Aspira. The Aspira just has slightly nicer detailing, like a larger hood and more abrasion resistant areas. I also found it a better fit (but it is the smock).

I can't believe they've got the smock for £138! I thought mine was cheap at £175 :o(

> I guess I'd be large (6ft, 42/44" chest). Sounds like I should avoid the Alta II.

Eh, no - what I meant was, if you normally take a small or a medium, even the small Aspira will be too loose. If you're a large you might be okay.

I only mentioned the smock because of the ridiculous discounts going around :o)

PS By "Aspira", did you mean "Alta", MJ?

Shit. Aye, I meant the Alta. :O]

I don't think the fit of the Alta II is anywhere as near as large as what people are making out. I usually take XL, a L Alta II fits me nicely (it a comfort, rather than active fit though, without question). Depends what you like really.

I'm 6ft and a little bit, I take a medium in alta 2, the large swamped me. All Paramo stuff is a bit odd for sizing though, so unless you really like doing returns I think that the best advice is to go along to somewhere which has medium and large ALta2s and aspiras and try them on.

Having tried all their jackets myself, I'd never buy Paramo on the net unless I'd fitted it up in person.
d

Pop along to this on Saturday - if it's not too far

The details:

Date & time: Saturday 2nd December 10am-3pm

Location: Uplands Community Technology College, Wadhurst, E.Sussex TN5 6AZ

Car parking in school grounds OR Wadhurst is on the London-Hastings train line

Paramo do this every year when they have a big clearout, there's hundreds of items. But get there early !!

Thanks for the info peeps.

East Sussex is just a tadge too far from Cheshire, however, I'll be in Go Outdoors Stockport straight after work tomorrow. (I got paid today :-))