Paramo

Cascada II

£145 Men’s S-XL plus 3 leg lengths Women’s XS-XL plus 3 leg lengths Weight 485g (size M) Materials Nikwax Analogy

IT'S GOOD

What sets these apart from other trousers is that they offer far greater water resistance, while also being much more breathable than conventional waterproof overtrousers. This offers improved comfort in typical cold, wet and windy mountain weather; their success is driven by the use of a unique Paramo Nikwax Analogy fabric. You also get thigh-length side zips with double zip pulls, so you can vent the trouser from the thigh or ankle areas, and there’s press stud adjustment at the ankle cuff, too. There’s an elasticated waist with belt loops and the two hip pockets are zipped and will take an OS map easily. The main benefit is the material’s weather resistance.

HOWEVER

There is less stretch in this fabric so they feel a little more restrictive when scrambling. Also, you're getting less pocketing compared to others, but this will of course depend on your needs and preferences. The ankle cuff can be adjusted, but some others have a gusseted ankle cuff area, so you can have this area open without gaping. The fabric offers more insulation and water resistance than most other trousers here, so you may feel overly hot in some conditions, but again it depends on the weather, as these are more comfortable in the cold, wind and rain.

VERDICT

Ideal for cold, wet and windy moor, hill and mountain walks, but others have benefits in mild conditions as well as for scrambling.