Paramo Trail Shirt

Jon Fairhead
Reviewed: 29 April 2008

VERSATILE

The reversible fabric works pretty well.
Warm (or not).
Ventable.
Moderately wind resistant.
Comfortable.

Retains dry sweat smell (at least on me it does) but easy to wash.
Pockets only accessible from one side.
Unusual sizing (once again, probably just me).

I bought this shirt as I wanted the most versatile top for the least cost (weight as well as cash). For maximum flexibility you need a top with sleeves that can be rolled up. Next, you need excellent venting so that the top be be worn in the widest possible temperature ranges. Finally, you need a top that can be worn as a base layer.

The trail shirt does it all but not only that, it does all of them very well. You can wear this shirt when it's hot or cold, dry or humid, windy or still. For me, it's about as versatile as it gets.

The only problem I have is the sizing. I have a 46 inch chest but only a 32 inch waist, meaning I have to buy the XL shirt, so that it fits across the chest and shoulder but then I end up with a heck of a lot of spare material floating around my middle. Also my forearms, though not huge, are large - the XL trail shirt only just rolls over them. Admittedly this is my fault for hitting the gym and it's a problem I face with all clothes but even taking all this into account, the bottom halve of the shirt is still very large. However this can be alleviated by tucking the shirt into trousers - though you're still carrying all that spare cloth and having to heat all that extra air space.

Despite this, the shirt is still my must have. If Paramo wanted to redesign it, I'd say make both pockets zipped and accessible from both sides of the shirt. Other than that, for the money you can get them for, they're an excellent piece of kit with a very high dependability factor.

Bozle
Reviewed: 16 November 2007

WEAR IT EVERYWHERE.

Reversible
Smart/casual
The thickness of the fabric is great for all but the hottest summer days and works well as part of a layering system with a windtop-autumn/spring, or a baselayer and waterproof-winter.
Fits well- good roll-up cuffs and a long drop-tail.
Wind resistant.
Dries fast and warm when wet.
Doesn't smell bad if not washed.

The Xl collar doesn't fit my- admittadly size 17- neck.
Price.
The pockets need some way of being secured closed.
Bit heavy- XL is 450g

Yet another very impressive garment from Paramo. The Parameter S material is not dissimilar in insulation and feel to the toweling material in the British army Norgee shirt- in itself a great shirt provided it didn't get wet.

Chris Gould
Reviewed: 15 May 2005

EXCELLENT

Incredibly durable; I've worn mine several days a week for years, no sign of any wear.
They really do what they say.
With a thermal T shirt under it, and a goretex on top, it's all I need down to about minus 5.
Obviously I carry a duvet as well.

None that I can discern.

Marvellous.
Hope they don't discontinue them.

john fitzpatrick
Reviewed: 27 February 2005

TI'S THE BEES KNEES!!

excellent all round performance levels in warmth and coolness, which ever is needed. fantastic wicking and warmth properties give you a comfort zone second to none. looks a quality piece of kit.

the collar,i tried two shirts on in the shop where i made my purchace a large, and a medium, and both were tight around the neck.

first class garment i love it i won't go any where without my trail shirt now, the reversible sides really do work instantly! i took it on to my local moorland this weekend, i had my taiga fleece with me but most of the time i didn't need the fleece, there was quite strong sunshine but against that there was an icy wind and i was never uncomfortable.if you have bought paramo gear but find it too hot for you buy a trail shirt and wear it cool side to the skin as your base layer that will keep your body cool and well regulated.

Jan Challis
Reviewed: 24 February 2003

RUDDY MARVELLOUS!

Versatile; keeps you warm when worn pile-side in, keeps you cool when reversed. Hardwearing, stands up to washing very well indeed.
I wear mine very day now, whatever I'm doing. In cool February weather I wear it over a wicking T-shirt and under a Gore-Tex jacket, and it keeps me warm whilst walking my daughter to school, for example. I also wear it under a non-windproof fleece on walks, and it keeps me very much warmer - the shirt is also quite windproof on its' own.
In warmer weather it's a fantastic single-layer piece of kit - but you do get some funny looks when you come indoors and reverse it, with nothing on underneath (doing this cools you down immediately - wonderful!).
Although not waterproof, it does handle light drizzle/rain very well as long as you're on the move.
Two chest pockets are great for all the junk I carry around - phone, notebook, pen, keys...

Could do with an extra buttom down at the hem to stop it gaping (but maybe that's my beer investment and not the shirt's fault!). The collar is a little snug, too.

Extremely comfortable, very versatile, does what it says perfectly, cost is reasonable for its performance (but everything's too expensive these days). Oh, and my wife wants one now, after she wore it as a dressing gown at her mum's chilly house recently.