PÁRAMO WARM WEATHER GEAR - MEN’S MAUI TROUSERS £70 AND KATMAI SHIRT £65
I have been using Páramo Maui trousers and Katmai shirts for years. And earlier this year, I was sent a new Maui to try.
THE TROUSERS
The new Maui is different from my older version – most noticeably in not feeling as baggy on the legs, having two fewer pockets and no belt (it does have belt loops). None of that is a criticism and how many webbing belts does a man need, anyway? The Maui is made of “cool, protective and durable Parameta A Cotton+”, offers “unrestricted movement” thanks to articulated knees and a shaped gusset, and has five pockets. The fabric is designed to wick sweat – spreading it out and speeding evaporation. It has a UPF of 50+ so is a highly effective UV barrier and its tight weave should make life difficult for biting blighters, and protect you from the wind.
I like the new Maui. They are lightweight (average 335g), well-made, very comfortable to wear and allow easy movement. And they are not olive green – they are only available in dark grey – I quite like that. They have a partelasticated waist and good pocketing. Five pockets is enough for me. There are two hip pockets for shoving hands in and a zip-up rear pocket (which could perhaps be a tad larger). The other two are on the right leg. First, a deep, narrow, pleated cargo pocket, with Velcro fasteners, perfect for an OS Explorer map. But I would prefer button fastenings. Number five is inside the cargo pocket – a zip-up that will take a UK passport, whatever colour it is. These trousers are not silent to wear, but I don’t think any rustle is a significant issue, and they don’t claim to be and aren’t waterproof. My first pair shows signs of wear – the leg bottoms are frayed and the seat is beginning to wear through. But I will still be using them.
THE SHIRT
My Katmais have proved to be very hardwearing. They still look good – and are very well-made, though some stitching on one pocket needs repair. The Katmai is made from a different Parameta A fabric and has a silky feel. There are two good-sized, flapped, bellowed chest pockets, one of which has a hidden zip-up within it – again, passport sized. The pocket pièce de résistance is a beautifully-crafted, large pocket on the right chest, with access through an almost invisible vertical zip near the buttons. Velcro cuff adjusters allow you to wear the sleeves long and loose or closed at the cuff, or you can roll them up. Long sleeves protect from UV and insects and closely spaced buttons down the front reduce gape. The Katmai is quick drying, and despite the ‘cool iron’ symbol, most people wouldn’t bother at all.
Maui trousers: £ 70, S-XXL. Atca are the women’s equivalent (£65). Katmai shirt: £65, S-XXL, dark grey marl or broadleaf check, 200g. Socorro is the women’s equivalent (£65). paramo-clothing.com