Paramo New For This Winter

We thought you might like a quick look at what's new from Paramo for this autumn/winter 2009 and appearing in the shops right about now. New developments include the lightweight, multi-activity Quito Jacket, waterproof Velez Adventure trousers, a ladies windproof and the innovative insulated Torres Sleeves alongside new Torres Toursers.

The Quito Jacket is a new, lighter weight 'multi-activity' jacket made from the same Nikwax Analogy Fabric first used in the Velez Light. Paramo says it's both light - a medium weighs in under 500 grammes - and close fitting with a scoop tail.


Arm and torso vents make for good venting options, they say, along with articulated sleeves and shoulders  plus a longer arm length making the jacket cycling friendly. Price is £195. While 500 grammes isn't super light, it's lighter than previous Paramo jackets making it an interesting option for anyone wanting to use Nikwax Analogy fabrics with less weight and bulk. Fixed hood makes it adventure race compatible.

Also new are the Velez Adventure Trousers which join the Velez range. They're lighter than the Cascada trousers thanks to a trimmer cut. it says here, or 'a more fitted shape', but still have long thigh vents to allow for serious venting. Weight is quoted at 397 grammes and price £137.50.


At last Paramo has a women's-specific windproof top thanks to the new Ladies;' Fuera Crest Jacket, a water-repellent  windproof top that offers good breathability rather than total weatherproofing. Nikwax Windproof fabric is treated with Nikwax proofer which means it will cope with light rain.

The Fuera Crest is aimed at high tempo activities like biking, running and walking and has a fully adjustable hood, adjustable cuffs and secure pockets. Weight is around 250 grammes and price £65.

Finally there are two new additions to the Torres range of synthetically insulated overlayering garments. One, quite logically is a pair of insulated Torres Trousers which like the existing smock are designed to be layered over other garments, even wet shell clothing and apparently can be donned 'without lifting either foot off the ground', which is an interesting concept. Price £100.

More unusual are the new Torres Sleeves, they're a radical first from the company that brought your the Third Element Jacket and are simply a pair of insulated sleeves that your can rapidly layer on when you stop but are also non restrictive to allow active use.


As anyone who's tried and insulated vest will know, the arms lose heat very rapidly, so the aim is to prevent this, in the process keeping the whole body warmer and preserving dexterity in hands and fingers. Price is £55. Shown above teamed with a Velez Smock.

It's an interesting idea and one we're really looking forward to trying out for real this winter. We're big fans of the overlayering / belay jacket concept for its speed and ease of use.

Reviews to follow. You can find full details of the current Paramo range at www.paramo.co.uk