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.
Vasco Jacket
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.
Tiempo Windproof Fleece
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.
New Cambria Bits
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.
In the shops about now - you can order or download the latest Paramo
activity catalogues from
www.paramo.co.uk
