I'm not entirely up to speed on this Paramo malarky, but I'm after a synthetic insulated gilet to chuck over everthing at tea breaks etc, and I like the look of the Torres gilet. Would this item work over a non-Paramo system? For example, assuming I'm wearing an eVent waterproof, with water beaded on the surface, would the gilet cope with being put directly over the top of this? Would it actively 'suck' the moisture through the fabric? Or will the Torres only work on top of other Paramo kit?

 Questions, questions.....

 Thanks in advance!

you can use a synthetic top over anything. the torres (or any other) won't do anything with the surface water except possibly absorb it. it will keep you warmer.

i'm not sure how warm the torres is. you may possibly be better off with a lighter offering.

I bought a synthetic gilet/vest from Primark for £6 and I think it's great value.  I reckon the insulation is thicker than that of another jacket I have that has a 170g Primaloft fill (maybe not gram-for gram as efficient as Primaloft, though).

Slight niggles about the Primark vest: pocket liners feel a bit odd, but you get used to them; the grippers on the bottom drawcord could be a bit smaller (but they're identical to those on a Rab vest I have that cost £50 in a sale!).

Funnily enough I've just ordered a Torres Gilet from Whalley Warm and Dry (before I'd seen this thread). I wanted a bit more insulation in the cold wind/when stopped, and I'll probably use it instead of a fleece as the weather warms up. 

Beth 

I like the Torres gilet - in fact, I can just repeat Nodrog's post from earlier, even down to the Cioch gear. Spooky!

(I can't get it to roll up into its own pocket though, which I think it's supposed to.)

We currently have a special deal on the Torres Gilet.  If you buy a Paramo Alta jacket £199.00 you get the Torres Gilet absolutely free.

www.wslackandsons.co.uk

01623 624449

The usual advice, try it on if you can.  I loved the idea on paper, tried on in person and they're just a fundamentally non-me shape, and all the glorous technial specs in the world can't help you much if it just doesn't fit

Note I'm not saying they're mis-shapen, just that they're not right for me.  But since different folks are different shapes, try them on to see for yourself. 

Pete. 

Got it today, seems to fit fine (though the neck is a touch throttling with several zip-neck items underneath and a 'chunky' neck) given it a good TX Direct so lets see how it goes!

 Packs down reasonably small into the chest pocket to.

 This weekend could be a nice challenging first outing too! 

I have the full version and love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've worn it on mountain ridges in May over all other kit which wasn't particularly dry and I felt toasty warm even when stationary.

I have just spent a week in it on Shetland wearing it over anything and everything from outdoor gear to street gear. I kept warm and dry through anything the Shetlands can and will throw at you. 

We walked into Cambridge for lunch today. I wore my Torres Gilet over an ordinary cotton tee-shirt and I was warm and cosy without getting too hot. Paul had to pull the arms of his fleece up to dump some heat. Wore it over my Velez the other morning when it was cold and windy. The extra warmth surprised me. 

(I can't get it to roll up into its own pocket though, which I think it's supposed to.)

It took me a mo or two to figure it out. It stuffs into the breast pocket which you turn inside out... IYSWIM. Grab the Gilet either side of the open breast pocket with you thumbs in the in. Now stuff the jacket into the pocket with your fingers turning it inside out as you stuff. Et voila! 

 Beth

I was wondering whether Beth (or anyone else) knows what the sizing is like on the Torres Gilets? I am a size 12 for most jackets but didn't know whether to go for a small or xs?

Claire

I'm interested in this thread as I've been looking at the Torres Gilet. Having tried one on in the Covent garden shop I decided to pass for the time being. I'm considering the Sigma gilet by PHD. That has a thinsulate lining and is significantly lighter than the Paramo offerings. As I don't get to Scotland the Paramo may be too warm, especially as I run hot?? But the Sigma Gilet is not waterproof.

As for sizing I can still just about get away with a medium in Paramo jackets.... just! But to wear the Torres Gilet over the top of such gear I'd have to go up to the X-large. The large fitted quite well but was a bit snug over just a Paramo shirt, which explains why for comfort and extra layers I'd recommend going up 2 sizes, in my case the X-large.