On Paramo fit,

Im my opinion they make much better cut and fitting smocks than jackets. I'd guess, from the dimensions you quote, a medium Velez would fit you fine.

I find the smocks a reasonably trimish cut ( which is becoming a problem for me - too many pies!). On the other hand my viento (which I own) and the alta (which i've tried) seem to have voluminuos quantities of useless spare fabric around the pits and tops of sleeves that add nothing but weight (in my view). I could stash a spare micro fleece or couple of extra baselayers around the top of each arm - should that ever prove desirable  

On the other hand - the analogy system is absolutely brilliant! and by far the best 'stay dry and breath' solution I've found for cooler temperatures.

Thanks for the sizing tip, I would have gone for a size S as I'm usually right in between.

Hi Jane !

Did you get an answer from Rab ? 

Hi Mx, yes I did, been busy and forgot to keep you posted.

Basically Neil McAdie recommended two VR's for dry cold conditions, as used by Gary Rolfe, (He uses a VR stretch top under a smock.) and using an eVent shell for wet weather.

Nothing new then really. Actually I'm swaying towards carrying a VR top plus a light emergency shell in dry conditions when rain isn't expected (like a dry season) and using a combination of VR and Paramo in cold, wet and miserable conditions. Seems to make more sense since Paramo is similar but more waterproof.

Dougie, I don't see why you couldn't, if you know how to sew.

PS.

I've discovered a new miracle fabric. My wife's jogging jacket by Craft (Quick Wick Jacket) has a tricot liner which doesn't absord any water and feels perfectly warm and dry when completely drenched. The cut of the jacket is c**p but I'm hoping they'll use the liner in something in their up and coming alpine collection. Craft clothes are usually cheap as well (over here anyway).

Janne, have you got a website for Craft?  Google doesn't seem to find their website.

Ah, after some digging, I got to it via their German website.

Here's their international website

Yet another travesty of a website.  Google doesn't find it.  I can't be ar*ed fighting my way through umpteen levels of menu and marketing BS categories.

Another manufacturer stiffed by a bunch of useless website designers to have their website and products obscured from potential customers.

Yep, they're a swedish outdoor brand supplying the big chains here and their website is one of those not meant for actual customers. I sent them an e-mail asking about this specific fabric and if it's being used in something a bit more suitable for my needs but I doubt I'll receive any intelligible answer.

Hey Jaspers, bit late to reply myself, thanks for the tip, did consider those. They just don't have a hood. But does prove the point that the system can work!

I've had Cascada trousers for a few days now for skiing and like them a lot, good form and function. They are however pretty warm, and if a Velez smock is equally warm then it probably can't be used in many degrees plus. I feel the liner seems to work well in keeping water outside but doesn't actively wick moisture from the skin which can make it feel sweaty. I'm hoping the VR Smock will keep me feeling dryer and will probaly get one of those next (and a Paramo smock for autumn/winter).

Never did get a reply from Craft.

Chris Townsend suggested using two lined windshells such as the Dri-Climes a good few years ago in one of the reviews he did for TGO. He said two such layers could probably cope with anything the U.K. weather could throw at it.

I haven't worn the VR kit but I would expect the Paramo Velez to be warmer than that. More wind proof and better in wet conditions but consequently warmer. 

You might consider the VR underneath and the Buffalo Teclite or Montane Dri-clime on top. I believe that both the Teclite and Dri-Clime have looser fits than the VR.

Very interesting thread, but as usual with these things you end up with MORE choices and TMI.   

Janne,

have you considered wearing a Polartech Powerstretch base layer underneath a VR? That would give you quite a warm baselayer and then wear the VR on top. I have a couple of 'Powerstretch' type tops made by Odlo. Great with just a windshell down to about 4 degrees. I have worn mine down to -1 but I wasn't comfortable at that temperature (with just a Pertex windshell).

A bit late to this but I've been looking into similar things in recent times

The best pertex/micropile baselayer I've found is the Buffalo ActiveLite - it's got a few features (internal waist belt, side vents (useful!) etc) which seem to make it better suited to base layer usage than the VR's. As jackets/smocks etc the VR stuff is no doubt very good.

When I was looking for a second layer I did start looking at Paramo. My first amusing discovery was that Velez smocks and Buffalo shirts look like long lost twin brothers. It's really quite striking in fact

(Of course there are only so many ways to design a good smock!). 

The side venting matches up quite well so you can have both on and vent right down to the skin/get at the Buffalo shirts pockets with the Velez on etc. Could almost have been designed for it in fact. So I was going to get one.

But then I found Cioch's website..... Thus I've ended up with a modified Glamaig which is designed for it (Kept the half lined sleeves, added winter hood & side zips.).

It's only a little heavier than the VR style jackets this and you have the added bonus of having an outer layer which is totally waterproof.