I had a Vasco (amongst several other Paramos), but considered it more of a town jacket than a hill one because of the detachable hood. The one time i used the hood in anger I felt that it didn't compare to the fixed ones because of the hassle in putting it up plus the fact that it seemed a bit less protective around the face. Mind you, a lot of people used to swear by the similar Velez with its detachable hood, but that was before the superior Adventures came along.
Don't know anything about the Claw, but suspect it's more of a hill jacket.
I've had quite a few Paramo jackets and would say that the VAL is the best and most flexible. Considering the amount of money I've wasted over the years, my advice would be a) get it right first time and b) buy cheap, buy twice. I wouldn't get the Vasco simply because the VAL is so much better for the hills and you probably wouldn't be tempted to upgrade from it in the near future.
If the Furtech Claw ticks your boxes, then it's cheap and a good buy, but for me the VAL is everything I need in a jacket, and is light enough (in relative terms) for summer use in the right conditions.
I'll be using it as a general hiking / wild camping jacket.
Through winter i've been using a montane extreme but i'll obviously need something a little less insulated for the coming months, i know both are said to be warm jackets but i'm a right cold sod so that wont be a problem for me, it'll go on when a lightweight fleece isn't warm enough and for stops etc.
Claw is pretty warm though - tried one on last weekend - couldn't imagine myself walking in one outside of winter early spring/late autumn - too warm.
I've got the claw 1, superb jacket in my opinion but generally due to the fit for me. The paramo ones are either too short in the arm and then too big in the body if I go up a size. The claw is slimmer.
Found ok with walking so far, great big pitzips which work well.
If think Martin is right about the cuts and if you can I'd try a Vasco on as well as I think they are quite different in many ways depending upon your preferences. The Vasco is marketed as a multi activity jacket and is cut with that in mind - short at the front and a drop tail at the back. Don't know about the exact cut of the Claw but it seems longer at the front. 4 external pockets on the Claw, 2 on the Vasco which also has one internal pocket - may be an issue depending upon how much you want to carry in the pockets (or not).
Just got a Vasco myself but not had a chance to use it much yet. Is a slimmer cut than some other Paramo jackets and I like it a lot so far.
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