Paroma clothing - good or bad

[spiro]

Came across some heavily discounted (it starts off expensive) Paroma gear at a Go Outdoor store this week and bought a waterproof smock top http://www.paramo.co.uk/en-gb/garments/detail/index.php?pgc=NIKWAXANALOGYSMOCKASPIRAMENS for walking and may well use it when cycling (triking). Has anyone used their gear? Price is high but it has a lifetime guarantee and can be reproofed with just a wash in a water based solution.

 

[Jonathan M]

This is the type of response from me which is really quite useless.

I've never used Paramo kit, but those people who do use really rate it. I know quite a few outdoorsy types, and most of them seem to have at least one item of Paramo kit.

 

[Tim Bennet.]

Are you sure you an to open this can of worms? If you think Shimano / Campag debates are long, heated and intimately futile, you should see the soft shell / hard shell debates amongst climbers.

Having said that, the more energetic your cycling, the more soft shell systems make sense. Things like goretex can never cope with the moisture output from a cyclist who is working hard, so something like the Paramo stuff will be better.

But if you're gently touring (esp over multidays) and camping, then I don't like Paramo when it starts to get water logged.

 

[orienteer]

Use lots of Paramo gear, mainly for walking, but also use/carry a windproof smock on the bike which resists all but the heaviest rain. Mountain Factor in the Lake district discounts most products, mail order is carriage included.

Haven't had it get waterlogged yet, tend to wash and reproof it fairly regularly. The heavier stuff is ideal for my Bikeability training work in the winter, keeps me warm and dry.

 

[HelenD123]

I've got one of their jackets but it hasn't really rained since I got it so I can't tell you how it performs! I much prefer the soft feel of the fabric compared to my old Lowe Alpine waterproof plus the quietness. I have friends who have both jackets and trousers and they say reproofing them makes them like new again.

 

[Big Jack Brass]

I've used a range of different garments from Páramo for more than ten years and give them an enthusiastic but not unqualified recommendation.

Depending on the conditions Páramo gear can feel too warm for some people. Although far more breathable than membrane-based waterproofs you do need to make use of the ventilation options. That said I've found them to be exceptionally comfortable over a very wide temperature range, both when hiking and cycling, and the Nikwax Analogy system will outlast and outperform virtually anything else you can buy as long as you take the time to wash and reproof it periodically.

Fit can be a bit of an issue (again, not for everyone) although I rather like the fact that the cut of most of their garments is not "athletic." And sleeve lengths are generally good, very handy for cyclists. As well as the waterproofs I'd recommend looking at the fleece jacket and the windproof tops they make, all of which can be combined to suit the weather.

 

[onlyhuman]

I have had a Paramo Cuzco jacket and Cascada trousers for maybe 7 years. I think very highly of their gear. I have only had one problem, in absolutely torrential rain with a rucksack done up very tight, a small amount of water got through around my shoulder, where the rucksack straps compressed the material. Other than that I have kept bone dry in all conditions. I haven't used my Paramo kit for cycling, as up to now I usually haven't cycled in really bad weather, but this year I intend to keep going through the winter, and I'm planning to use the jacket. It is cut low at the back, which will help.

Bernie

 

[yello]

I can't rate my Paramo kit highly enough. Top stuff. I have a windshirt and a cuzco jacket. I have used the cuzco when touring and commuting. It is waterproof (surviving torrential downpours in Scotland - me and Scotland don't get on weather wise but that's another story!) and breathable. It's also cut for cycling (as mentioned above) BUT I personally don't now use it for cycling because I find it too bulky. I prefer something closer fitting for cycling. The windshirt would be too warm for cycling, fullstop.

Imho, it's way better than goretex because it is more breathable and easier to look after. It is washable and can be easily reproofed in Nikwax (or whatever it's called). It's a shame they don't do some stuff designed/cut a little more with the cyclist in mind because I'd buy it in a shot.

 

[mossy]

Paramo

I've had a jacket for well over 10 years.
mainly for walking though.
I would echo what others had said.
They are warm ,which is great in the snow but not so good on a bike.

Again you must wash and reproof to keep them in good condition but mine still does leak and is going strong.
They are bulky so don't suit everyone but i would recommend.