Some thoughts on staying dry
I’m writing this primarily as over recent months, I’ve responded so many times to the same question that it’s become much easier just to point the individual to a ready made article.
If considering an item of waterproof ( or indeed any) clothing for use in wild country, a number of factors need to be balanced. First and foremost the purpose of your endeavours. In my case there is a need for complete compatibility between foul weather protection, landscape photography and comfort. Comfort? That's clearly very individual but while I'm prepared to endure ( and even relish) the extremes of UK weather, if they compromise what I'm doing I feel that I have failed.
I define two levels of comfort according to the primary activity. If walking or climbing on the high mountains is primary then comfort can be described as warm and dry enough to allow prolonged presence at high level, including an extended stay in the event of misadventure. Additionally the kit should fit well, adjust easily and not hamper movement in any way.
The current and potential weather conditions must be considered as well as how remote you intend to be. Finally weight, robustness and cost have to be added in.
For my enjoyment of landscape photography, the kit must fulfill all the above features and extend further the concept of comfort. I’m easily distracted and find it necessary to apply my full concentration to making photographs. The level of comfort I seek is partly to feel insulated from the effects of bad weather and also to avoid the distraction of feeling that I’ve failed to prepare adequately for the prevailing conditions. Leaking waterproofs, cold spots, condensation build up, rustling fabrics are all sources of irritation that distract me. Having walked and climbed in the mountains for the last 40+ years, Paramo most closely meets those aims.
A brief detour through history. I owned one of the earliest Berghaus Goretex jackets (a Mistral) in about 1979/80 (having begun like most folk with Neoprene and PU coated shells) and have a cupboard full of slightly more recent ones that have come my way. I remember my very first encounter with Paramo when the SARDA Dog handlers got issued with it in the late 80’s ( I think). At the time we in MRT’s were almost all using issued Goretex kit and continued to do so though my time in MR. I was always intrigued by the Paramo but suspicious. It didn’t look like it could possibly work. Jump forward and for the past 15 years I’ve worn Paramo though all the worst weather in the Lakes and Scotland. I’ve a broad selection from Velez Light through to my (now discontinued) Aspira items. When conditions are at their worst, I’d not think of anything else. I’ve been dry on the inside and comfortable without exception in that time. I’ve also found the stuff to be almost everlasting (through washing and re-proofing) compared with a typical life (for me) of 2-3 yrs for Goretex.
An important and frequently ignored caveat is that the degree of moisture one experiences in waterproofs is a function of the garment, other layers worn AND the individual’s physiology. In the case of Paramo, I’d further venture that the degree of outright waterproofing is also influenced by the wearer’s physiology. I can find no other explanation for the variation that seems to exist in different wearer’s experiences of similar items of kit. Whatever the mechanism, the key aspect here is that what might work for one owner, may not perform nearly so well for another.
For me the blend of waterproofing, breathability and comfort from Paramo is as good as I have ever known. There are some additional, less obvious, benefits including the quietness of the fabric and the ease with which layers slide on over others. This may not seem a big deal when you’re in the shop, trying on. However when you’re high in the hills and the sleety rain is being fired at you as though out of a cannon, it makes adding or removing layers much quicker. If you are a wildlife photographer, you may appreciate the quietness to avoid disturbing animals. I more generally prefer to move quietly though wild places.
Finally, and yet importantly to me, Paramo is a company that is trying to do things right. Their clothing is manufactured by the Miquelina Foundation in Bogata, a World Fair Trade company. This foundation provides support for vulnerable people rather than exploiting them as in so many places. Paramo were one of the first to commit to PFC free treatments for clothing and remain PFC free across their range. This commitment to the environment is important to me. Others are beginning to follow but only slowly. I’m not sure how anyone can claim to value the wilderness if wearing clothing that has actively contributed to its destruction.
Aspira Salopettes
There are a number of factors that need to be considered if choosing Paramo Clothing. I don’t see these as disadvantages but aspects that need to be considered when forming a coherent picture.
Velez Adventure light
Cost - Paramo is not budget clothing. The initial outlay can seem high to the uninitiated but the ability to reproof, repair and general longevity make the total cost of ownership much lower than any others.
Weight - If comparing with a lightweight breathable shell such as Goretex Paclite, then Paramo is heavier. If you want a tiny packed size for unexpected waterproofing then there are other possible choices. The Paramo ‘light’ variant goes much of the way to reducing this difference however.
Insulation - The composite construction of Paramo with layers of fabric do mean that it has inherently more insulation than a thin shell. An Enduro waterproof is not a summer item nor is it intended to be. The buyer needs to choose the weight according to expected conditions and make use of the outstanding ventilation features offered by all Paramo waterproofs.
Fashion - I’ve heard some people saying they are put off Paramo because they don’t like the look. It's true that historically paramo have chosen to cut with room for layers below but increasingly their new products have a much slimmer, leaner cut. In my opinion they also have a much more contemporary look. The bottom line is of course do you want to be cold, wet and fashionable or warm and dry?
You might not like Paramo, it might not work as well for you. Howvever next time you see a poor forecast for the Lakes or Scotland, I’ll probably be out in it and Paramo will be my choice of outer wear.
One Line reviews for Paramo products I use on a regular basis:
Velez Smock: Excellent compact waterproof and windproof. Use though autumn and winter.
Velez Adventure Light smock: Lighter than std Velez and permanently attached hood. Perfect for use during spring to autumn.
Aspira Smock: Close to perfect. Room for layers underneath, good ventilation and waterproofing. Feels bombproof. Use outside of summer. I like the front pocket to quickly stow filters etc while changing them.
Cascada overtrousers: Great overtrousers, allowing excellent freedom of movement. Long side zips so easy to get on over boots or wellies.. They also add an extra layer of insulation in winter.
Aspira salopettes: The perfect winter legwear. They are warm, waterproof and hardwearing. They eliminate cold spots at the waist. If I’m out all day and the weather is cold and wet, they are the first choice.
Halcon Jacket: Specific photographers’ jacket. Plenty of pockets, warm and waterproof. However, I don’t tend to make use of the pockets as much as I imagined.
Velez Hybrid Evolution Smock: early days but this superb coat may just become my day to day choice over the dark months. I’m currently creating a full review which will be published in the autumn.