Páramo Alta II

A superb general-purpose waterproof jacket that is very popular, the Alta boasts a unique fabric that controls sweat better than most and yet keeps the wearer dry in heavy rain. It is a little warmer than most jackets, so you don’t have to wear or carry so many insulating layers across the hill. Ventilation at the top of the arms allows ventilation too if you overheat. You get a longer body length than most, which allows great access to the lower pockets too and less need for overtrousers. The sleeves provide excellent freedom of movement, while a great hood with a wired peak provide good protection in heavy rain. For cooler weather and those who feel the cold, there are not many better jackets. Birdwatchers and photographers like these jackets too for their soft, relatively rustle-free fabric. But it can be too warm and heavy for summer hill-walking. You can squeeze water through the fabric if you fall into a puddle onto the elbow for example, but as it gets pumped out so fast this is a minor niggle, so you won’t get wet during normal hill-walking. Some hoods are slightly better.

Outer: Nikwax Windproof
Inner: Nikwax Analogy Pump liner
Fabric waterproofness: water resistant/waterproof
Fabric breathability: extremely breathable
Sizes: S-XXL (men’s); XS-XL (women’s)
Weight: 910g (men‘s size L)
Made in Colombia
Stores in UK: 50