The TRUTH about these WEIRD Paramo Waterproof Jackets 

What a wonderful review Stephen! I used to work as a product developer for Paramo and this jacket was one of my projects. I drafted the pattern, engineered the pocket design and made up the first proto sample etc. It was one of my favourite jackets that I worked on. I also own 2 Paramo jackets that I've had for at least 10 years and they still work really well. I can't believe Rab said that about the lifespan of their waterproof jackets. I'm quite shocked by that. Paramo analogy jackets are also made by a Fairtrade factory in South America. Another great pro of this brand.

Works very well when active. Rab Vapour-rise does similar job as does Biffalo Special 6 shirt [which is even warmer] You can drench the Buffalo shirt and it will feel warm and dry in 30 seconds.

I was tipped off on the Paramount insulated Gilet on a Winter walking training course some 20 years ago. As you said it simply goes over my Paramount Analogy jacket to keep my core warm in wet and windy conditions when you stop for a while. Paramo kit is great

I have used paramo for 15 years and still use it ! My torres insulation smock is still the best insulation I have and that's including my rab, and montane insulators , my velez light smock is still bomb proof after 11 years ,and my overtrousers are still doing the biz, just keep on top of re proofing and they won't let you down !,,

Had my Paramo Pajaro for 10 years. Dartmoor wind and rain, never let me down. Traded it in for a Velez Adventure Smock last year with their recycle scheme and I'm very happy with it. Agree 100% on keeping it maintained with Nikwax.

To add a converse view. My paramo Alta does NOT keep me dry in heavy rain; despite being only four years old and being cleaned properly as instructed. Indeed it failed so miserably on a very wet walk just before Christmas that I was left near hypothermic! I have now bought a Highlander Munro and couldn't be happier.

I've had Paramo waterproofs for 18 years. What has to be pointed out is some garments out of the factory are more waterproof than others - varying quality of the fabric. You can get lucky or unlucky. Bad reviews often are tied to unlucky. I've got 2 smocks, 4 jackets and 3 sets of their fleece+windproof combos, and 2 waterproof pants. Correct it's cheaper. My 2006 Paramo Velez is still working fine, looks as new apart from a bit of bobbling around the back near the hips. Warmth is very garment specific. The Velez Jacket has mesh pump liner throughout and a thin outer, mine is still waterproof but its chilly, but the Velez smock with solid liner and original thicker outer is much warmer. The warmth is part of what makes it "waterproof" as whatever damp gets near your skin is evaporated so a bit over-warm helps keep you dry. As it's very breathable you don't get the claminess if you over-insulated under a shell. I have the Torres over-layer gilet from 2006. I wore it today! It's still going strong, the only part beginning to fail is the bottom of the zip, which would be an easy repair. It indirectly dries you out as it warms your waterproof so it dries through the breathable over-layer. If you're biggest complaint is too-warm check out the Velez Jacket. However as it's quite cold it's useful to pair with one of their fleece+windproof combos as you can layer under+over to get 6 combinations. Their combo Fleece+windproof are not as waterproof as their actual waterproofs but their still handy to own to complement in a layer system.

I really want to try a Paramo windproof/fleece combo! I am always jealous of the venting zips and ninja Paramo hoods. I have manged to stay dry and warm in light rain using a Rab windproof and base layer/fleece in winter so I know paramo works in light rain. I would never buy an all in one jacket like the Velez. I prefer my windproof seperate from my fleece so I can use it year round. Main reason I haven't tried Paramo is in heavy rain I need the goretex jacket/pants otherwise I get cold even in summer. Heavy rain just goes straight through the windproof and fleece and wets my base layer which sucks for camping. I would love to see a video of your Paramo in heavy rain. And if you base layer gets wet/how long it takes to dry out. I am glad you mentioned membrain jackets only lasting a couple of years. Hopfully more people start using windproofs in the UK. Keep making the great videos!

i love my Paramo Alta ii jacket, had it for about 5 years and its great. My mums got a 12 year old paramo jacket that is still her best one in the rain. My girlfriend has the insulated over jacket that isn't supposed to be waterproof but its kept her dry in some very persistent rain. the trousers are good too, super comfy. Would recommend

Bought this smock at the Outdoor Expo at NEC from the Paramo stand for a great price. I also have the Alta 3 coat, an Ostro fleece, Cascada trousers and a baselayer from Paramo. Excellent gear, needs looking after as you say but once reproofed it's as good as new.

You can sew it up if you tear it on barbed wire/or thorns. Or send it back to Paramo!!! That is the biggest Pro on any bit of out door kit. I've ripped the pocket of a newish Berghaus jacket in a Tesco's carpark on some wicked plant thorns. Had to stay ripped and unrepaired.

I have 2 Paramo jackets an Alta II which is 9 years old, it needed a new zip in the first year, but apart from that is fault free, it is far too warm in summer so I bought a lighter weight one for summer. Yes they are expensive but will last many years as long as you wash & reproof on a regular basis.

I really like Paramo kit. Like you, I find the waterproof jackets too warm other than late autumn, winter early spring. In warmer weather I wear the Bentu fleece & Bentu windproof jacket. Individually they are only water resistant but when worn together you get the full analogy waterproof system. I think an important feature that you missed is that Paramo kit is quiet when on the move, no annoying swish, swish that you get with other brands

I wore the cascade jacket and trousers for a cycling tour of Scotland. Worked great through extreme rain, extreme wind, and even the occasional sun...pretty much just wore a non-cotton t-shirt underneath the whole way.

I could never justify the cost of a Paramo jacket, so when a hardly worn one became available at a really good price I bought it, a Paramo Pajaro. Yes in heavy rain you will look drenched, but I am always as dry as a boneinside. Only once has water got in, and that was into an ouside pocket that I may not have closed properly. BUT, I wore small holes into the back of my jacket in six months when wearing a rucksack that had a rubbery stabilisation panel around the back of the waist area, about 8 inches from top to bottom - Hill People Gear Umlindi pack. The good thing that Paramo repairs their garments that you send back to them, and at a reasonable price too. I had mine fixed and now use a different pack and the wear is much lower on the back. I wear the Paramo for 6 months of the year and a lighter Rab jacket for the other 6 months. All in all I still think the jacket is expensive but I have to admit that it has provided value for money.

Got a Paramo jacket. No problems at all. I keep it regularly washed and rewaterproofed. Dry as a bone. Less expensive than most fashion jackets, and will last for decades.

Paramo jacket + Brynje mesh baselayer its a great combo.

Hmmm. Yes. I have a Buffalo belay jacket I've used for 12 years from -35 to +8... Does the same or better job and costs around 80 quid.

My first paramo I bought in the 80’s and did very little maintenance on it and it worked, I’ve had a couple since then and without cleaning and proofing at least once a month, it soaks up water and doesn’t keep me dry. I wouldn’t buy another to be honest which is a shame as the smocks I’ve had have been comfortable for all aspects of outdoor working, they’ve just let me down with keeping water out. If you’re paying this kind of money you expect it to work without spending money monthly on maintenance.

I've had paramount jacket for over 30 years now and still looks new

I absolutely love mine ( took me a while to get used to the zips ) Can hike all day in it and don’t have to faff about with sweaty rain jackets 👌. Might look up that insulation jacket , looks good .

Any jacket that uses the eVent technology will perform equally as good, if not better because they do not require a scrim layer and at a fraction of the cost of Paramo

@stephenjreid After getting caught on a windy wet 8 degrees Helvellyn in a Regatta fleece lined coat and getting quite cold, I researched and found Paramo. I've had mine for 15 years and its as good today as it was when I bought it. I went back to Helvellyn in winter with my Paramo fleece and base layer and I was almost too warm! Best coat I've had and still have. My coat was called a 3 way or something, you were able to detach the hood and shoulders to turn it into a body warmer.

I used to do wildlife photography years ago, in my mid sixties now so not so agile after forty plus years in the building trade. I bought a Sport chief hunting coat from Canada to stay warm sitting still with a camera. Good down to -15 with appropriate layers, hardly ever wore it, way too warm for UK. £225.00 twenty years ago .

Paramo used to make a waterproof jacket with zip-off arms to make a gilet (3rd element). Perfect for summer. Failing that, with summer comes taller vegetation. A waterproof poncho (Lidl’s?), keeps the wet bracken at bay. Paramos ‘Torres’ jacket and legs saves weight when camping. You can bivi in them. Saves carrying a sleeping bag.👍👍👍

I use a Dutch army parka with waterproof liner and fleece liner it cost 69 pound love it have a love hate relationship with paramo Love there gilet

Oh one more comment, I have some Paramo trousers but these are not so good, despite proofing regularly they still let in water at the knee area, don’t know why but would not recommend them

Agree everything you say. Love the pouch - just right for an OS map.

Paramo is not a common brand around here, but it pops up on my radar every no and then. I’ve tried to understand the tech, but I struggle to see what separates it from any other non-membrane (maybe even lightly insulated, as that seems to be part of the recipe) shell jacket given the same Nikwax treatment. I appreciate that there’s a company that goes their own way and I would like a membrane-less waterproof alternative, but until I see a convincing and understandable explanation of the underlying tech that convinces me this is more than ordinary synthetic fabrics treated with nikwax - my snake oil filter is holding me back. Great review that made me even more curious, but still not enough substance to sway me over.

Great review. What is the extra insulated layer you put on around the 13:20 mark?

Only problem ive seen with paramo is the choice of colours and design, they just hang a bit weird off the body. Took me 3 years to take the plunge and finally got a black one

I know its not a fashion show but i just wish these jackets were a bit better looking, could do with a style update after all these years

The best coat I have ever owned!

I’m still not convinced 🤯 Great review though 👍

I’m looking at replacing my now worn out 20year old Gill cycling jacket. Think this will be suitable for wet winter riding?

How much. Buffalo or Montane extreme any day.

It looks like you're wearing a wetsuit with that red panel at the front! Would be so much better having a straight colour ie the blue 😮

cant yo6 just use the nicWax on a regular old fabric jacked or hoodie?

Fantastic, informative video Stephen. You have a new subscriber 👍

you've basically just discovered the Sam Vimes "Boots" Theory as applied to jackets. that wont mean anything to you unless youre a Terry Pratchett fan.

I've used an older Velez smock on and off for about 15 years doing forestry work. It gets hammered, has plenty of snags, burns, oil, sap and grease marks. Very rarely gets washed or proofed. I sent it in to Paramo UK to replace a faulty zip and the bite tabs (free), and they recommended that I needed an entire new front panel and a new back panel. So they completely dismantled and rebuilt my jacket and included a factory wash and reproof, all for £50 which really gets you absolutely nowhere with skilled labour and materials these days. Fantastic company, great ethics and a credit to UK innovation. I've also got a couple of older shirts, the original being at least 20 years old. They've outlasted many generations of hoodies and sweatshirts- they absolutely shrug off minging filth and dirt.

My Paramo Taiga fleece is over 20 years old and still going strong - used on the hills, for cycling, for dog walking and everyday wear - I wash and reproof it once or twice a year and it's never let me down - the same goes for my other Paramo jackets. Yes, they're expensive but they last a lifetime (if you look after them). The other important thing about Paramo is their ethical manufacturing stance!

Excellent and truthful review . I have two of these jackets,the older one I've had for almost 30 years and the newer one only 11 years. I've always followed the care instructions and kept them clean. I only bought the newer one because it's longer down the back, whereas the old one is short . As you say, the price is a bit heavy, but, as they say. 'You gets what you pays for', and this stuff is brilliant for mucky weather. I'm 78 now so I probably won't need to buy another one before I pop my clogs.

I have been using Paramo for 20 years, tried Goretex and it always failed, in keeping me dry and its lifespan. I feel membranes only really work in alpine conditions when the temp gradient between inner and outer helps drive moisture out...ish. Paramo outperform membranes in virtually every aspect as far as I'm concerned. My oldest coat is still being used by my son and is nearly as old as him (20years), and still works. I totally agree with your review, just dont understand why people still buy the alternatives. Another point is Paramo will take back garments reclean, reproof and sell them on at a discount, giving you a voucher to spend against new kit. It really is a no brainer.

I've got the same jacket myself and I love it, its always on my back when out for a walk. I bought it because I'd had a Paramo Pajaro for many many years without any issues until I went to a bonfire party in November, unfortunately when I got home I discovered a cigarette burn hole in the middle of the back panel, I sent it off to Paramo they charged me £30.00 to replace the whole back panel in a 15 to 17 year old jacket. I was really happy with the service and cost of the repair and decided to buy a new jacket as well. Big up Paramo, really good company.

Paramo is like Marmite - some people love it- others hate it I had a Paramo Velez - and I cooked in it apart from really cold weather - and when it got wet you had to keep moving otherwise you end up freezing cold (as the water exchange doesn’t work when you are not moving) - so I sold mine - which is gutting as I really really want them to work for me 🤬 Another good video though - thanks

There waterproof trousers are not waterproof ,there jackets are good but not fully waterproof in heavy persistent rain a bit bulky and baggy and annoying in the wind and there fit can be all over the place if you are not the average size so you have to definitely try on first, where they excel is there fleeces the Enduro gen 1 is probably the best fleece ever made its an over the head fleece hoodie it's warm windproof, breathable and very waterproof the newer version has a full zip which is fine but not as windproof if you pair it with a semi waterproof jacket which is very breathable like a soft shell jacket you will be very comfortable not sweating or overheating and dry

There's a reason many mountain rescue teams wear paramo. Paramo do lightweight gear too. I have smock for winter and lightweight for sumner/autumn. Just wear merino base. Carry on wearing after rain stops, you dry out, unlike a goretex. After 20 years still love it, only paid £80 back then too 😊

Absolutely, my Rab jacket delaminated after 2 years, which is shocking! My Paramo smock is 15 years old and works like new. Yes, it is warm but I also have one of their windproof smocks, only one layer, which is almost as waterproof and I don't overheat when I'm running.

I purchased a Paramo walking/hiking/climbing jacket late 2017 and the waterproofing technology was explained to me at the time so didn’t bother me. The quality of the stitching was to fail drastically around the cuffs and had to be returned within the year and again the following year and has since failed again. It doesn’t get overused or abused. The waterproofing is so bad I’ve tested it with proofing often and not often but sadly I still get wet and uncomfortable on not so wet days in the Mournes. So for me it’s a definite warm jacket only used on dry/damp days. Customer service was as good as the waterproofing in that it wasn’t at all good. They refused to believe my complaint even with photos until it landed on their desk for repair.

I have the Halkon jacket and wore it last week while hiking up to a WWII plane wreck in the Mournes. Gale force winds and a few scattered showers with a feels like temp of 3 degrees. I was very very warm hiking and perfect sitting eating lunch. I had a t-shirt and light fleece on but would have been better with just a long sleeve t-shirt. I have found Paramo to be fantastic in windy winter conditions. When it rains you get this odd damp sensation which I guess is the rain cooling the warm material however I remain bone dry underneath. It also feels like you are wearing a great big hug. Very reassuring. I am thinking of the Velez light smock for spring or autumn as I really don't think I would get on with a membrane jacket. There is still a farm/shop retailer outside Coleraine that sells Paramo. Great inspirational channel Stephen by the way.

I’ve got an Alta 3 and maybe I should send it back to paramo as it definitely doesn’t do the job properly for me. I love it and wear it most days and it’s great in windy conditions, but if it’s tipping it down I grab something else

I don't see how these jackets can be called waterproof, water repellent maybe as they have to be reproofed just like a Barbour thornproof, l spend a lot of time outdoors every day of the year and tried quite a few jackets over the last 50 plus years and when it's raining winter or summer when working with a waterproof/ resistant jacket on l still get wet through sweat even with Goretex, some of my thornproofs are around 42 years old and when proofed still keep out the rain but when cold become quite stiff and conduct the cold to the inside of the jacket.

my issue continues to be, even in 0C weather, I wear somethign like this hiking and I am drenched with sweat, I cannot find a good combination of staying cool and keeping dry, I just get too hot and get drenched in sweat. My option then is to keep a dry change in the car, and just embrace the british weather

If after 20 years you get to a stage where your jacket or pants are unserviceable you can trade it in and get £50 to a new one.

I worked as an outdoor insructor and wore my jacket almost everyday. It lasted about 20 years. Replaced it with another one. Another benefit is that in the winter it retains it's soft feel whereas goretex jackets become almost like stiff cardboard. There is a reason that so many Mountain Rescue teams wear Paramo.

I honestly think that people that insist Paramo keeps you dryer are drinking the cool-aid. But, I will agree, you'll be warmer and more comfortable. and once the rain stops, those things dry out unbelievably well, and they dry out the kit underneath as well. on day's where it might rain, I take my goretex. on days where it WILL rain, I take my paramo.

Love your videos and reviews. BUT!!! I find Paramo don't work for me and they've let me (and some acquaintances down big-time). I bought a pair of Paramos Cascade trousers some 12 years ago (and my partner bought a pair too). From the first wearing, brand new, both pairs leaked even in moderate rain at the knees initially, and then the water progressively got through. My worst experience ever was wearing the cascades to walk from Hartsop in the Lakes up onto Fairfield, in January, in the pouring rain. My upper half was ensconced in a trusty Buffalo Special Shirt, and bottoms with the Paramos. Disaster. The Paramo (supposedly waterproof) resembled a used nappy after a couple hours - dangerous in the terrain and conditions, leaving me cold and very uncomfortable. The Buffalo shirt (not conventionally waterproof but I've been wet in them) was my life saver - warm, toasty and dry. Love your videos and reviews. BUT!!! I find Paramo don't work for me and they've let me (and some acquaintances down big-time). I bought a pair of Paramos Cascade trousers some 12 years ago (and my partner bought a pair too). From the first wearing, brand new, both pairs leaked even in moderate rain at the knees initially, and then the water progressively got through. My worst experience was wearing the cascades to walk from Hartsop in the Lakes up onto Fairfield, in January, in the rain abd sleet. My upper half was ensconced in a trusty Buffalo Special Shirt, and bottoms with the Paramos. Disaster. The Paramo (supposedly waterproof) resembled a used nappy after a couple hours - dangerous in the terrain and conditions, leaving my lower half cold and very uncomfortable. The Buffalo shirt (not conventionally waterproof but I've never been wet in the gear) was my life saver - warm, toasty and dry. I've met others who have had similar issues with `paramo', and yet people rave about them too. I guess they suit some people's physiology but not others. I joined my local MRT 5 years ago and some members of the team have experienced similar issues, while others got on well with Paramo gear. Again, individual physiology plays a role? More generally, I have noted that they tend to be worm by 'ramblers' of a certain age, shall we say. Almost a uniform (rather like Buffalo these days :) ) I contacted Paramo after earlier incidents and returned the trousers for inspection. They reported no issues! I still own them, but they're relegated for dog-walking in winter.

So to keep the jacket working it needs to be regularly washed in Nikwax waterproofing products. Without them it doesn't work. How often does it need reproofing? I found that Nikwax waterproofing can stop working after a single heavy rainfall on conventional jackets. In fact it can stop during the rainfall. I'm guessing it simply is washed off by the rain. With a goretex jacket no water beading isn't an issue for a while but eventually the jacket will start wetting out. Generally this isn't an issue if you have some kind of fleece material as your next layer. You can stay reasonably dry but will need to vent your garment. I've often looked at the Paramo jackets but I'm still not convinced. They're an expensive gamble. Having said that a top of the range goretex (or other membrane) jacket from the likes of Arc'teryx is similarly priced and may not be as durable. Not convinced about the position of the vents on the arms either. Might be okay if all you do is hike with a pack but I could see it not working so well for some other activities like cycling or working. Anyway just my thoughts. If I find one on offer I might give one a try. My last attempt to use an alternative jacket was Schoeller, I even bought their trousers too. That wasn't a good experience, well it was okay for a few weeks.

Buffalo shirt for me, but much the same idea. You get wet... But you don't get cold and wet, and it dries so quickly anyway. When working hard and sweating, while in the rain, nothing works as well. Best worn without anything underneath.

Been using paramo for many years. I love their durability, comfort and practicality, especially their lovely pockets. Not 100% waterproof, but waterproof enough for my needs.

Whilst i appreciate the detailed efforts of the review there’s a couple of things that jump out at me… possibly incorrectly. Comparable in price to some more basic jackets so it’s not really expensive for a long term high end outdoor coat. The colours and design are odd. The zip placement, centre pocket etc all look strange and very non-traditional tried and tested designs, particularly if wearing rucksacks with chest straps. But the biggest thing for me is that it’s being compared to seemingly old tech from other brands …. The comments of “plasticky waterproof” etc and PFCs are not common place anymore in the proper high end jackets. To me, though having never tested it, it would appear that it’s less waterproof but really breathable most likely due to its non membrane construction… ie it lapels the layers breath between them and doesn’t bond them. I think I’ll stick with the Arc’tyrex, ME, norrona type waterproofs for now. The Paramo has a bit of a cult following and Nikwax is obviously the same guy behind both brands. However the fact there is little other brand adoption of the Nikwax waterproof material I find a compelling argument against it … yes there are lots of other alternatives to Gore Tex too like eVent, Pertex, Dermizax plus loads of own brand versions but why does no one else really use this Nikwax tech if it’s so good. Sorry… on the fence on this one and Paramo in general

I bought a paramo puffy vest in 2012 to bring to Afghanistan with me. That is still the best thermal layer I own, and I wore it *through a war*

ive never tried out paramo but they look decent. have you ever tried or can anyone else tell me how they compare to something like the buffalo pile/pertex as it seems a similar theory. thanks

Wow, this explains a lot about my Gore-Tex shells etc.... Brilliant review and information, I'm in Australia, so the brand is a little hard to find, but I'll be looking for sure!

I'm trying to remember when I bought my Paramo Cascada jacket, I know it was a few years before we moved from the Harrogate area and that move was 2009. So I suspect it was around 2006, so it's getting on for 18 years old. It went back for a new zip and to replace a ripped panel about five years ago but is still waterproof and used regularly. It will last my lifetime.

This is why I wear Fjällräven gear. It’s not Gore-Tex and most of their clothing isn’t waterproof off the bat, but it’s *adaptable* with wax. So in winter I wax my stuff, and in summer I wash it out. That means the gear is way more versatile and, just like Paramo, the fabrics are extremely straightforward to repair. They also feel a lot nicer to wear than crinkly, plasticky tech fabrics. The endless chasing of high tech clothing is a false economy because you’re going to have to keep replacing it. Fjällräven gear is made to last a lifetime, just like this. It’s “buy once, cry once” over the price and then you have an item of clothing forever. Also, being PFC free means it’s better for the planet. I really hope that this video helps spread the word about the world of better alternatives out there.

I spent £360 for Montane Goretex Pro jacket and after 2 years it started to delaminate which was very disappointing. Problem with Paramo is that the look is only the mother could love. Went for the Swedish alternative Fjallraven :)

Absolutely love paramo especially the old school jackets... Built like a tank and to last... Better pockets and just better although I have a few new paramo jackets as well... Last forever as long as you wash and reproof properly... Which you don't have to do that often to be honest.... Fantastic review....

Sounds similar to Buffalo, who do heavy, medium, light and no fleece inside mostly Pertex type stuff. Even with rain running down inside the Special 6 has kept me warm for six years now :)

I’ve got an old Nevada jacket (the terracotta, redish brown, and black one) and a pair of salopettes, which imo are better than the jacket. The few things you didn’t mention are you don’t need to use techwash, pure soap flakes are just as good, and 10 or more times cheaper! When you TX10 your jacket, you waterproof the inside as well! How does that BS analogy work again to pull your sweat through the waterproof lining, when the TX10 makes it non absorbent? All MVT stats are measured in a dry environment, you don’t need a waterproof on (unless it’s for use as a windproof) in a dry environment. No breathable garment can breathe and let moisture out, when it’s a higher humidity outside (because it’s raining) than inside your jacket due to sweat. Paramo will repair years down the line. It used to be free too! I’ve cramponned, the back if my calf area, and had new panels stitched in, at a really reasonable cost. So overall, there overpriced, and perform quite well, even though I have got quite wet, due to sweat while mountaineering in the p*sing rain. A new gortex beads up so much better though.

Love my paramo, hot sweaty fat lad tested. Wear all day in wind and wet, yeah gets hot but I stay comfortable. Works just like a buffalo jacket except I don't have to wait for -10°c to bust it out✌️

Waxed cotton is the very best waterproof jacket money can buy !!! It's works enough said.

The only brand I’d buy. First cascada jacket lasted 12 years of everyday wear (gamekeeper in D&G) until a mouse destroyed it. Have Pajoro now its 15 years old. I have tried them all throughout my army career, after prolonged wear non come close to Paramo

I have a couple of points to make: -I never found any problem with under shoulder zips, the backpack straps do not block them in any way. -I have a torrentshell 3L from patagonia, costed 200 euros and it is 5 years old, still going great (for reference I hike around 1000 km per year and I always have it, so it has seen it's fair share of use and I retreated it once, about one year ago, with nikwax in fact) -You mention that this jacket has to be retreated often with nikwax, how often do you mean? because it is both an expensive and environmentally terrible product. -You mention that a rain jacket would just rip open compared to this one if scratched by some barb wire, I don't really know what rain jackets you used, by the ones I had in my life where never this fragile. Here I'm just pointing out that maybe you were exaggerating -I'm very skeptical about the last point, wearing the insulating layer above the waterproof, because you basically go on saying that is is waterproof too and because even if it keep it's insulating ability, which is typical of synthetic, it is going to weight a lot when soaked, that is going to add up on the long run while hiking, having to carry around and on you wet gear. Not trying to be argumentative for the sake of it, I just wanted to point out the things I'm not really convinced by

ill be honest I found my paramo very ordinary , and serious rain - got through, fine in light rain or showers but persistent heavy no good. BTW kept it clean and treated with Nikwak waterproofing treatment. 6.5/10

Ive had paramo for years great build long lasting but wouldnt climb a big hill without a spare coat which defeats thr the purpose. Buffalo pertex 6 and a spare cheap peter storm cag and your bomb proof

Good honest review Stephen I prefer Buffalo kit have been using them for nearly 30 years,my first one is still going although fleece is worn flat lol,bought a second special 6 10 years ago still wearing well.

I’ve had three Paramo jackets in the vain hope one will work for me, but I keep coming back to the same problems. They are waterproof, but because it doesn’t shrug the water the material clings to you meaning you have a cold outer layer close to your skin if you aren’t fully layered up in mild conditions. And the material has no ‘structure’, it is so soft putting anything weighty in the pockets means it bumps against you with every step. I’d never buy another.

I'm lucky my mountain hardware snowboarding jacket lasted ~25 years used it skiing and hiking all seasons in uk. It finally died this year😢

Paramo, good gear, pricey but worth it It is on the warm side and probably not used so much in high Summer Downside - colours !!!!

When it comes to buying things that have a certain amount of technology attributes with them, you only get what you pay for really???? Great review BTW 💪👌

The price is a little high, but you can pay a lot more for a nice Arcteryx jacket. Not really at the top of the price list for good rain gear. I think I may have to get one when my current goretex jacket fails, which it will. The plastic goretex layer will eventually start flaking off, and I’m not buying another one. Apparently it has pfas type chemicals in it

I bought a previous version back 2007. My mate bout a 3 layer gortex at the same time. We spent the summer hiking which was a wet one. I was dry each day. He was not so much. Also the paramo dried out much quicker. Still got it and it works well. Great ventilation with the side zips. Great to see the revised version under going some great testing. My only con I had was it needed you to be active to work properly. I spent a day as on site security at a festival, very slow paced walking, sitting and riding a golf cart. End of the day I was soaked through.

Got the cascada 2 trousers very comfy but not very good in prolonged heavy rain. Put me off buying anymore paramo stuff zips are pretty crap aswell

Intriguing review, I have a paramo velez and have been fairly impressed but not worn it on a long day in persistent rain yet. The section about the insulating layer seems a to imply it's a paramo synthetic vs regular down - in fact all outdoor brands offer synthetic insulation and I never wear down in the wet - so that's just common sense, not paramo magic.

1 paramo for me and one for Mrs. We live in the Scottish highlands near the cairngorms so chilly and wet. Is feeling smug in bad weather a con ?

Can ordinary soft shell jackets be treated the same way. I my favorite salewa jacket is now over 15 years old and is definitely not waterproof.

Great review Stephen. My Paramo jacket must be getting on for 20 years old, and has been well used and washed and 'treated' several times over that period. I put it on to walk down to the village post office (about 2 miles round trip which took the best part of an hour) in last Wednesday's storm force gales and driving rain. Had to hang it in the shower when I got back as it was dripping water everywhere, but my shirt and tee shirt underneath were both still bone dry. My only comment is that if not expecting to be particularly mobile in cold icy winter winds, I always wear a fleece mid layer - not yet having had the chance to explore the Torres overjacket.

That’s a fair and accurate review and is also my experience of using Paramo gear in 30 years. One thing to note is that having done away with PFC coatings they are now less stain resistant and require proofing more often. They are much more comfortable than any other jackets tho I wouldn’t choose one for a multi day hike and deffo not suitable for summer use. Should last for at least 15 years and excellent customer service which is more than I can say forFjallraven ( don’t ask!)

Hand washing the reproofing is definitely the way to go much better results than in a machine 👍🏻

Tied with a merino base layer, a combination of goretex and synthetic can't even come close to comfort and still smelling fine.

Looks a great smock. Paramo have made some great stuff over the years and I have a very light waterproof and mid layer that I use, but never fully crossed over from the now 30 year old Buffalo special six that I have covered many miles in.

I would love to buy a new jacket but all my paramo jackets look too good and work , also they're quiet !

I have a paramo coat over 30 years old. I wash it an treat it and I always stay dry and comfy. It still looks good. My most enduring piece of clothing I've ever had.

I have a Paramo Quito. I never keeps me dry. I thought I had a dud so sent it back to Paramo so they could retreat it, even though it had hardly been used. Got it back, the moisture beaded for a couple of runs and then soaked in. I’ve tried running, mountain biking, hiking to test out its ‘very active’ USP, and none achieved this moisture displacement thing that Paramo claims it does. It doesn’t work and despite the comments here, I’m yet to be convinced by actually seeing a Paramo in a downpour.

Great review. Love my Paramo Jacket, it goes everywhere with me 👌

Another reason I love my Paramo jacket; it's so much quieter than a membrane jacket!

I moved over to Paramo in 96 after two Goretex jackets failed on me. In those days they had a three year guarantee and I was on my 3rd jacket. My first Paramo lasted over 20 years when I handed it back to Paramo for £50! For me Paramo works. It is all about being comfortable not necessarily completely dry but comfortable. I run hot so it works for me. In the Summer I have warn a Paramo Bentu windproof in some heavy rain over a base layer in rain and it has been enough.

As a film-maker, we are often in rainy conditions all day, for days on end. Sometimes, we even create our own special effects rain & since I bought my first Paramo gear in 1998, it has NEVER let me down. My first salopettes lasted 17 years & included 2 service trips back to the factory for repairs until there was no more material left to stitch back. I am part of their MEDIA PRO programme & when I was looking to acquire a new set of salopettes & a waterproof smock top, I asked them to modify them for me. No problem! Sent them an extra £30 & waited for the mods to go through the factory & voila. I wash them regularly & especially if the garments get muddy & they are back to new. Expensive? Not if amortised over 26 years of health & comfort.