|
Paramo Aspira Salopettes
|
|
|
Price:
£180.00
|
|
Weight: 1030g (medium)
|
|
Features
TX10-treated Paramo Analogy system, Reebag reinforced seat
and knees, removable foam inserts at seat, knees and ankles,
drop seat, articulated knee, adjustable ankles with snow
cuffs, full length, two-way waterproof side zips, double
layer of Parameter P lining at seat and knees, twin
waterproof chest pockets (match openings of Aspira
jacket)
|
|
Good for: winter
mountain use, staying warm, ski-ing and snow-boarding (say
Paramo) Not much cop for: lightweight obsessives,
fast movement
|
It's traditional for testers to raise a few objections to Paramo
before pointing out that it's extremely breathable kit which is also
warm and comfortable in winter conditions, but we're going to do it
the other way round... So, here goes, these Paramo salopettes work
extremely well for winter mountaineering and they are indeed warm,
comfortable and very breathable. Worn with a more conventional
jacket, the jacket was damp from condensation, while the Paramo was
still dry and comfortable.
|
|
|
Aspira not
perspira...
|
So that's good then. Well, yes it is, but the Aspira salopettes
are, at just over 1 kg, pretty heavy. They may not be sat in your
pack, but you're still carting the weight around with you and the
warmth - I reckon it's equivalent to a conventional base layer added
to a normal shell - does limit their versatility and consequently
their market. If you spend lots of time standing around or moving
slowly in cold conditions, then look no further.
That's most of the ritual Paramo bashing done with, so let's
accentuate the positive features. If you're a sitting around on the
snow type of chap, the foam inserts in the seat and and knees will
appeal. The knee ones allow you to rest gently against ice without
freezing the said joints, though the foam is non-breathable and
collects condensation like a cold bathroom window, which is why the
seat pads were eventually subjected to summary eviction.
Full-length side zips use a simple internal flap for waterproofing
- not unlike the MHW system - and can be easily zipped and unzipped
for ventilation on walk-ins, there's tough 'Reebag' reinforcement in
all the right places and the braces work fine as does the two-way fly
and drop seat. We also liked the press-studs at the ankle which give
you the option of cinching the opening down to suit.
Don't worry about the re-proofing, it's not the nightmare some
testers seem to believe (probably because they've never used a
washing machine) but be aware that under pressure, think sitting in
puddles, some water will get through.
|
Verdict: Ideal for slow winter
mountaineering where the comfort, warmth and those foam pads
come into their own and counterbalance the pretty
considerable weight. For faster use or milder conditions
it's all a bit over the top though, making the Aspira
salopettes less than versatile. If missing out on
condensation counts double in your world however, then
Paramo - along with the Pile-Pertex systems,which are
similarly warm - should be on your list.
|
|
Performance
|
|
|
Value
|
|
Directional clothing? Direct me to the Paramo
web site
|
Pushed for time:
Good basic features including foam pads in knees and butt
for sitting and leaning against cold things like ice
together with above average warmth and comfort make these a
good winter mountaineering option. The Paramo directional
system does a great job of combating condensation -
particularly once you dispense with the foam pads - and the
soft feel fabric is comfortable and doesn't rustle as you
walk. The downsides are the weight - over one kilo - and the
warmth, which even with serious venting from the side-zips,
makes moving fast, or use in milder conditions a tad
tropical. Made in Colombia, which can only be a good
thing.
|
Your Opinion Here:
Comments from
OUTDOORSmagic member Mike Dunlop
|
I have a pair of these and after wearing
Gore-Tex for years they are a revelation. No condensation,
reliably waterproof and very comfortable all get the thumbs
up from me. Their design is well thought out, from the ankle
cuffs which actually work to the front zip and built in
belt.
I take your point about their warmth, but
living in the Scottish Highlands, it is rare that we get a
combination of rain and heat so their insulation properties
are always appreciated. They have also stood up to three
months of mountain rescue use without signs of wear which is
always a positive sign! The jacket is brilliant
also.
|
If you'd like to add your own experiences of this product please
e-mail us with a
summary and we'll post them here in this handy space at the bottom of
the page. If you have questions you can mail us direct, Ask
Richard Gear or try a posting to our gear forum.
