New From Paramo

We reckoned you might appreciate a quick heads-up on what's new from 'love 'em or hate 'em' brand Paramo and its directional clothing system. This is all autumn / winter 2005 kit, which means it should be coming into the shops right now.

If you've found previous Paramo waterproofs a bit, erm, frumpy, then the Vasco is aimed at you. According to Paramo, it 'goes the extra mile, offering a contemporary look and unique functional features to complement the Nikwax Analogy® fabric'. That's it sitting just down there...

That means you get the pump liner / windproof outer construction familiar from other Analogy garments, but also a more interesting look, articulated shoulders and sleeves and a new ventilation system featuring vents in the back and upper arms. The hood is detachable, roll-away and also has a wired peak.

The weight is quoted as 810 grammes and the suggested retail is £180.

Also new this autumn is the new Tiempo windproof fleece. It's similar to the existing Taiga fleece, but updated with lighter weight fabric and a hood for additional protection, not a bad move, since the Taiga is on the heavy side, particularly compared to more recent ultralightweight kit.

The wired hood is detachable and there are two handwarmer pockets plus two zipped chest pockets which apparently will take an OS map without problems.

One thing we're not entirely convinced about is the logic of having the windproof layer on the inside of the fleece material. That means that the insulation value of the garment is significantly less than if it were the other way round - any warm air trapped in the fabric can simply be blown away.

Worn with a windproof Fuera Jacket or Smock, Paramo says that the combination should be 'very weatherproof' and has been tested in the rain room at Leeds University, so there you go.

The price is £130 and claimed weight 700 grammes, still not that light, but acceptable we reckon.

Paramo's baselayer gets some additions as well. Still using the reversible Parameta T fabric, there's now a Zip Neck Tee Shirt which is a long-sleeved, zip-neck top with collar. The fabric is reversible - one side is reckoned to be higher wicking for hot conditions, the other warmer when it's cool, but we couldn't tell the difference when we used it last - and the zip has been designed to function properly either way round. Weight is 190 grammes, price £30.

Also new are Cambia Long Johns, same fabric, priced at £25. Like the Zip Neck Tee, available in men's or women's fit.