Paramo Quito Jacket -
Review
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Price:
£195
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Weight: 480
grammes (medium)
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Features: Lightweight multi-actiivty
jacket using Nikwax Analogy Light fabric, adjustable grown-on
hood with wired peak, articulated shoulders and elbows, longer arm
length, scooped tail, foward-positioned sleeve/torso vents, adjusable
cuffs with Velcro tabs, reflective strips, single-handed
adjustment, twin internal pockets accessible via pit-zips,
two large internal mesh pockets.
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What's It
For?
Paramo says the new for winter 2009 Quito is a 'close-fitting
multi-activity jacket has been designed for high energy activities and
warmer temperatures'. The grown-on hood, incidentally - that means it's
permanently attached - means that it's also eligible for use in many
adventure races,
The Techy
Bits
The Quito uses the releatively recent 'Light' version of Paramo's
Nikwax Analogy fabric system. The pump liner is the same as other
current Paramo garments, but the outer windproof fabric is
significantly lighter saving about 20 per-cent in weight and reducing
bulk.
The fabric works the same way as the original with the proofed outer
shrugging off wind and the bulk of the rain while the liner, based on
animal fur, helps to disipate any further moisture.
Internal handwarmer
pockets are accessed through lower torso vents
Paramo has also down some neat things with vents and pockets. There are
two huge pit come torso vents for maximum venting, with double-ended
zips allowing you to open them from either end or both. What is neat,
are two internal handwarmer warmer pockets at the front of the jacket
which you can access by opening the lower part of the vent.
How It
Performed
The Quito is light by Paramo standards, under 500 grammes for our
medium, though that's not exactly ground breaking compared to some of
the sub-200g featherweights out there and while pack size is smaller
than other Paramo waterproofs, again there are plenty of
smaller-packing alternatives out there.
Then again, they don't use Paramo's impressively breathable Nikwax
Analogy fabric, while the Quito does. Don't let the 'Light' designation
confuse you, the Quito is still pretty much as warm as other Paramo
garments, though the lighter face fabric does feel more feathery, but
thankfully, they've gone to town on the ventilation front allowing you
to open the main zip, use two huge torso/arm vents and roll up the
sleeves to elbow level as well. The net result is pretty good cooling
particularly when it's windy.
We also like the snug internal handwarmer pockets, accessible through
the vents, which save weight and keep lines cleaner as well. There are
zipped mesh internal storage pockets too at chest level. Obviously you
have to open the jacket to access the latter and the vents for the
former, but bear in mind this is intended as a lightweight
multi-activity top rather than a full-on mountain jacket.
Paramo say the Quito is 'close fitting', but that's relative and we'd
say it's actually quite generous and, for us at least, not snug enough
for road bike use, though the long sleeves do work well. We'd also
prefer a more pronounced drop-tail. The hood is surprisingly good
though, aided by the small but effective stiffened peak and while the
roll-down option is basic, it does work well enough.
Update: Since
the original test, we've been using the Quito more and have a few
additonal observations. We reckon the cut is a bit too short and boxy
all round and while a more pronounced drop-tail would help, overall we
think the jacket would benefit from being slightly longer all round and
with a more tapered fit.
Next, it's not designed specifically as a climbing jacket, but the
front hem drawcords hang down in an area where they could potentially
become tangled in a belay device or while abseiling. Side exit would be
better.
There are two internal pockets, but we'd like at least a single,
external, small chest pocket that can be accessed without opening the
whole jacket.
We do really like the big vents with the double-ended zips, which mean
you can whack them right open for maximum venting, but tether the
opening centrally using the zips, or simply moderate venting according
to conditions and activity.
Finally, don't get the idea that this is a full-on mountain jacket,
it's definitely a multi-activity, fast-moving sort of thing.
Relatively light, highly breathable and with good venting options to
compensate for the intrinsic warmth of the fabric, the Quito
works well and is only the second Paramo waterproof we'd consider
carrying in a pack. We'd prefer a sleeker cut however and a longer
scoop at the back, so try for size and fit before buying, to make sure
it suits your dimensions.
Update: On
balance, we'd suggest that the Velez Light is a better option if you're
looking for a lighter take on the Paramo concept, it is a little
weightier but we prefer the cut and design. A longer, slimmer cut with
additional pocket(s) and maybe a detachable hood would imporove the
Quito no end in our opinion.
Buy if
you're looking for the lightest Paramo waterproof top out there and are
happy with the slightly generous tailoring and short, boxy fit.
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 Breathability,
light and compact by Paramo standards, effective hood.
 Slightly loose
cut, not as light or small packing as more conventional lightweight
shells.
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Performance
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Value
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Know more or want to?
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winhill
