New for review, versatile fleece that doubles as part of waterproof system.
Just in for review on the site is the new
Paramo Summit Hoodie fleece
jacket, which is interesting because it's rather more than just a
fleece and when teamed with the windproof
Fuera
Ascent Jacket becomes a waterproof technical
system.
The first thing you notice about the Summit Hoodie is that at
560 grammes, it feels slightly weighty for a fleece thanks to the
dense, closely woven polyester fabric. The outer has a Velour-like
plush surface while the inner has a smooth face, a bit like Paramo's
Directional Pump liner.
The jacket's treated with Nikwax TX Direct to add water resistance and
when you team it with the Fuera Ascent, it forms a waterproof system,
just like Paramo's full-on waterproof jackets. The outer deflects rain
while the inner acts like the pump liner and moves water away from the
body.
Paramo has had the combination tested at the Leeds Rain Room where it
apparently passed with flying colours. The compatibility doesn't end
there. The fleece and its windproof companion both sport full,
adjustable-hoods and matching, massive, double-ended under-arm pit-zips
for better venting on the move and they're cut to be complimentary.
As with most Paramo kit, the Summit Hoodie is cut quite generously, so
you don't have to be a whippet to wear it. On top of that, the jacket
is short by Paramo standards, so the Fuera Ascent covers it fully and
it's also climbing harness friendly and has a scooped tail. Two
map-sized pockets cater for paper navigation and the shoulders are
reinforced for pack use.
It's an interesting concept and one we're looking forward to trying out
once things get a little cooler out. As well as the waterproof option,
you can also wear the Summit Hoodie as a water-resistant active
technical fleece or, of course, in milder but windy conditions, wear
the Fuera Ascent windproof over a baselayer as part of a conventional
layering system. All of which makes the combination arguably
more versatile than Paramo's all-in-one waterproofs.
Paramo says the combination should cope with temperatures from 20˚C
below zero up to 20˚ above. The ninja-stye fleece retails for
£110 and
with the Fuera Ascent weighing in at £80, you can have a
fully waterproof combo for £190. To put that in perspective,
an Aspira jacket would set you back £260, so that's decent
value too.
More once we've had a chance to use the combination. For more Paramo
information see
www.paramo.co.uk
