Related Gear

First test: Rab Neo Stretch jacket

The Rab Stretch Neo jacket is made from a new...
Rab Stretch Neo

Rab’s first jacket to use Polartec’s all-new Neoshell membrane. It’s...
Paramo Velez Adventure Smock

Uses Nikwax Analogy waterproofing and works in a similar way...
Jack Wolfskin Dissenter

A stripped-down, tough shell jacket. There isn’t a huge amount...

Gear Reviews

Páramo Alta II

Páramo Alta II 2008

£220.00

LFTO rating
Owners' rating

Páramo garments have one huge advantage over all other waterproofs, and that is that they have exceptional control of condensation, which means you stay dry both from rain and from sweat. The fabric is soft and rustle-free too, making it very comfortable to wear. Compared to most jackets here, the Páramo Alta II general-purpose jacket is also longer in the body, a feature many walkers will like. There are two hip pockets that can be accessed while wearing a rucksack, thanks to this longer length. The hood has a wired peak and can be rolled into the collar. On the chest there is a map-sized pocket plus a smaller pocket that is ideal for a compass or GPS receiver. You also get outstanding movement in the sleeves, making the Alta II ideal for general hill-walking in wind and rain. But, at 910g, the Páramo Alta II jacket is much heavier than the competition. It’s also a great deal warmer, which is annoying in warm weather. You can squeeze water through the fabric, 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 too.

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 L)
Made in Colombia
Stores in the UK 50

Verdict: The Páramo Alta II is a jacket with exceptional condensation control and good features for cold weather but others are better in warmer weather.

Review by Graham Thompson
First published in Trail magazine November 2008

Users' Overall Rating (1 review)

Alta II

David Williams

UK_England

User's Overall Rating

Show Details

Performance
Build quality
Value for money

I purchased one of these in a sale a couple of years ago and it's served me well on a variety of bad weather days in the Lakes. I love the feel of the fabric, it's so much better than Gore-Tex or Event next to the skin. Paramo make quite a feature of the way their material works (by pumping moisure away from the inside). It seems odd at first but it works very well as I found out when accidentally immersing my elbow in water. I've always been warm in my Alta II but never sweaty thanks to the Nikwax Analogy fabric although if you're the kind of person that runs warm normally, you may find it too hot. Build quality is excellent as you'd expect from Paramo and it has an excellent guarantee. As others point out on the forums, Paramos designs can look a little...well, dated and I suppose this is no exception but, for me, it's only a minor niggle. As with my other Paramo review, I've given this a high score for value. That's because I paid £110 for it. I'm not sure I'd give it such a high score if it was full price although I would probably still buy one now I've found out how good it is.

(Written by: Wilko)

13 November 2008 20:11