Trial by combat

Páramo Alta III £310

Páramo has always been a tricky brand for me.

I know lots of people – people whose opinion I respect – who swear by Páramo waterproofs. But I’ve tended to swear at them, finding them heavy, bulky and hot. But all those mountain leaders and mountain rescue team members can’t be wrong so, knowing that Páramo’s approach to waterproofing would not do well for me in the warmer months, I’ve been giving the Alta III a whirl throughout this past winter. And it’s possible I’m being won over. In the cooler months the extra bulk has been welcome, requiring fewer layers to be worn underneath. And on warmer days or taxing ascents, the pit zips offer decent ventilation (although they’d be even better if they unzipped fully across the armpit like most jackets). I’ve yet to experience a torrential downpour in the Alta, but I’ve survived snow and rain and remained completely dry. And I love the longer protective cut of the jacket and the amount of storage it offers, although the waist pockets are completely obscured by a rucksack waistbelt – they really couldn’t be in a worse position. I still think Páramo waterproofs are heavy and bulky (I’d be loath to take the Alta out if I didn’t think I’d be wearing it all day – it’d take up loads of space in a pack) but despite that I’m becoming quite fond of the Alta III, and hoping our bond will grow on future, albeit cold weather, adventures.

Verdict

I’m still not sure I’m a ‘fan’ of the Páramo system, but it’s certainly growing on me. USED BY Ben Weeks, Trail senior writer

USED FOR One winter