Paramo Quito Jacket

Chrisps
Reviewed: 17 September 2010

Very good and flexible jacket for those interested in multi-sport. Not ideal for deep winter hiking though.

The range of conditions in which you can use this!
Weight (compared to other Paramos)
Lack of warmth (i.e. you dont boil in a bag!)
Breathability
The ability to use it as a gilet
Huge pit zips
Fairly good hood
Cut of the jacket (if you do various sports - this is a disadvantage if you only hike)
Durability. I have scraped it over rocks, had backpack straps rubbing on it and there is no sign of wear.

Colour (awful orange or putrid green!)
Style (you certainly aren't going to want to wear this to the pub!)
Possible leaking from non-waterproof pit zips (not bad though)
Slightly annoying adjuster cords

I got this jacket (Orange) in March as a multi-sport jacket for varying conditions. Although I am quite thin, I took a risk on getting the Large so that it was slightly longer and I think this was a good choice.

So far I am extremely impressed. I have used this jacket up cold, windy Lakeland mountains, XC mountain biking, Via Ferrata during the height of summer (about 25degC air temp), sports climbing and general hiking around the UK since March.

The great thing about this is the range of conditions it is suitable for. Normally you boil in a Paramo jacket unless its the middle of winter, however even when mountain biking I haven't got too hot. When using it for Via Ferrata in hot weather, you can take your arms out of the pit zips, tie the arms behind your head and use it as a good gilet.

The cut is also good to wear over a climbing harness.

Other reviews have highlighted that this wont cope in the depths of winter like other Paramo garments as the cut is short and the material thin. I think it is a little harsh to say these are negatives though as it obviously isn't what the jacket is designed for.

I would say the biggest problem is the fact that the non-waterproof zips only have very small rain protectors behind them and when I have worn it in very heavy, persistent rain they might have leaked a bit, although it is hard to tell.

Also, it really isnt the most fashionable jacket in the world!

Since buying it, my other waterproofs have not seen much action!

Northern Spur
Reviewed: 17 September 2010

Really first rate jacket

Waterproof
Good fit
Lots of ventilation
Easy to throw in your rucksack
Easy to maintain
Saves carrying a seperate waterproof , or a windproof top.

Untidy collar when hood down

An excellent three seasons jacket which I have now used for about 1000 miles including some long distance trails. I have lived in it since I bought it in March and never got wet. The concept of long zips for ventilation, sleeves you can roll up on a fair day or have down to keep your hands dry works for me.

Nigel Healy
Reviewed: 17 September 2010

Some nice ideas but a flawed design

Pitzips, long providing ample ventilation.
Light. Feels very light to wear, and to carry.
Good hood that is cut to track as you turn head - important for cycling situations.
Rolls up small, comparable to a shell but with added insulation.
Nice hand-warming pockets inside.

Way too short, all round. In cold conditions is cold on the bum. So short at the front rains pours into pockets of Cascadas.
If you go for large to get length, arms way too baggy, flapping so much you'd not use for cycling.
No poppers on front, so you can't unzip at front for ventilation and hold it closed with poppers.
The tightening cords finish at the front, where it hits your legs when walking - should have been placed at sides in a pinched "U" shape to half what drops down.
The hood has no flap to tuck in, so its roll-in flap is digging into neck when your jacket is weighed.
No chin guard

Frustrating Paramo placed some good ideas inside a flawed design, it could have been a "classic" with only small changes.
Make it longer, at least an inch all round, add poppers, chin guard, a flap to roll hood into. The bits added would be cancelled by less fabric and still be 500g.
Its waterproof.