Used my Aspira smock for the first time this weekend, and noticed when I got home that although most of the jacket was bone dry, the pump liner was wet where the foam strips are. On further investigation the foam strips were wet having absorbed escaping moisture.

I just wondered if this is a common occurence, and if other people leave their foam strips in or take them out?

What are the foam strips for?

Dunno. I got an Aspira smock 8 years ago. I took the foam strips out 7 years, 11 months and 30 days ago!

Never missed them since....

I think they're to stop the bottom hem riding up, or to make carrying heavy packs more comfortable or something. Maybe I'll get rid then...

I believe they are to help prevent any slight water ingress when wearing a big pack. I have them on my Altas, never a problem.

took em out right away and never had a problem on my team aspira and my own smock

I have tried them in and tried them out it doesn't seem to make a difference. I think they are there to help when carrying a big sack.

I carry a big sack all the time but i don't have any foam strips in my pants.

Took them out when i bought it. No problems.

I have the same strips on an Alta jacket, think they are for stopping movement of backpacks.

I am aware that they are there but I have never been motivated to do anything about them!

Out especially when they gathered up and pressed painfully on my back

Those foam strips are the only things I don't really like about Paramo. I've had two jackets with them in, and while I've left them in for a couple of walks, I've removed them soon afterwards and never used them again. I don't find them necessary, but it's no big deal. If you like them, leave them in. If you don't, take them out. If you think taking them out was a mistake, put 'em back in, or vice-versa. I'm sure a happy outcome is guaranteed!

As Fossil Bluff said they are intended to form an air gap to allow the liner to pump normally under the pack. Personally I have taken them out of my jacket. I also found the foam inserts in the Aspira trousers gave me a wet backside though I have kept the ones in the knees.