Why Paramo Is Different — And Why We Stock It
Paramo has been around since the 1980s, and for a long time it had a reputation problem. The jackets were boxy, the colours were unfashionable, and if you hadn't heard the explanation of how the technology actually worked, the price tag was very hard to justify.
That's changed. The range now fits well, the colours are genuinely good, and we've been wearing Paramo ourselves long enough to say with confidence: once you understand what it does and how it does it, nothing else quite measures up for all-day, all-weather mountain use in the UK.
Here's the honest explanation.
How Paramo Actually Works
Most waterproof jackets use a membrane — Gore-Tex being the best known — that blocks liquid water from getting in, while allowing water vapour (sweat) to escape. It works well when you're moving and warm. The problem is when you stop: the membrane needs a temperature difference between inside and outside to push vapour through, and when you're cold and wet and stationary, that difference collapses. Condensation builds up on the inside, and you end up feeling damp from the inside even though the outside is dry.
Paramo takes a completely different approach. Their waterproofs use two layers: a Nikwax Analogy outer fabric, and a pump liner underneath it. The pump liner doesn't block water — it actively wicks it. Any moisture that gets in (whether from outside or from your own sweat) is physically moved outward through the liner and shed down the outside of the jacket. Water moves as a liquid rather than as vapour, so it works regardless of temperature, regardless of how hard you're working, and regardless of whether you've stopped moving.
The result is that Paramo waterproofs are genuinely comfortable across a much wider range of conditions and activity levels than membrane jackets. You can go from hard uphill effort to standing still in a cold wind and the system keeps working in both directions.
Ray, one of our Mountain Leaders and long-time Paramo wearer, put it best: he switched after watching a Paramo assessor walk away completely dry from three days of relentless rain in the mountains while everyone else in Gore-Tex was suffering.
Addressing the Common Concerns
"Paramo is heavy." True. The Enduro, their flagship mountain jacket, weighs around 800g. That's real weight compared to a lightweight hardshell. The trade-off is that you can often remove a mid-layer you'd otherwise need, because the jacket itself manages temperature so well. For multi-day mountain use in British conditions, most people find the warmth-to-comfort ratio worth the weight. If you're counting grams for a summer alpine route, Paramo probably isn't for you — they don't make a lightweight packable waterproof. For everything else in this country, it earns its place.
"It's not really waterproof." Paramo doesn't have a hydrostatic head rating in the way membrane jackets do, which confuses people. What it means in practice is that sustained mechanical pressure — like sitting in a deep puddle — can eventually force water through the outer fabric. In normal use on the hill, in rain, in wind, in sustained downpours, it performs as well as any membrane jacket we've tested, and considerably better than most in high-aerobic conditions where membrane breathability fails.
"It needs more maintenance than other jackets." This one is true, but it's not the drawback people assume. The outer Nikwax Windproof fabric needs to be washed and re-treated with Nikwax Tech Wash and TX.Direct periodically. Wash more often than you might think (regular washing actually helps performance), and re-proof when the outer starts to wet out rather than beading. The upside is that because there's no membrane to delaminate or wear out, the jackets last significantly longer than most high-end alternatives. Over a ten-year lifespan, the cost per day of use looks very different.
"The colours are odd." Less so than they used to be. The Enduro and Velez Evolution ranges now have some genuinely good colours alongside the brighter options. There's still no plain black Velez Evolution, but the range has grown considerably since the days when Paramo was synonymous with one particular shade of teal.
"It's expensive." The Caminata brings the entry point down to around £265, and compared to Patagonia or Arc'teryx at similar performance levels the range is actually well priced. That said, it's still a significant commitment without trying it first. If you're in the area, come and talk to us in the shop — we can talk you through what's right for you and check what's in stock.
The Range — What We Stock and What We'd Suggest
Paramo Enduro / Velez Evolution (Mountain Jackets) The core of the range for serious mountain use. Both use the full Directional Technology system. The Enduro is Paramo's most established design — proven over years of hard mountain use and particularly popular with mountaineers, mountain leaders and guides. The Velez Evolution followed with a more athletic cut and has become equally well regarded. These are the jackets to consider if you're spending significant time in the mountains.
Paramo Caminata (Entry Point) If you're new to Paramo and want to try the system before committing to the Enduro or Velez price point, the Caminata is where to start. It uses the same Nikwax Analogy Waterproof fabric and pump liner system as the rest of the range — you're not getting a watered-down version of the technology, just a cleaner and more everyday-friendly design. The cut is modern and versatile enough to wear in town as well as on the hill, which sets it apart from the more traditionally-styled Cascada. Forearm vents, a wire-peaked hood, articulated sleeves, and a two-way zip make it more than capable for hillwalking, travel, and general wet-weather use. Recently named in the Outdoors Magic Outdoor 100 for 2026. Starting at around £265, it's the most accessible way into genuine Paramo performance.
Paramo Base and Mid Layers Paramo also make fleece mid-layers specifically designed to work as pump liner partners with the waterproof system. Worth considering if you're building a full Paramo layering system.
The Recycling Scheme
One of the things that sets Paramo apart from most outdoor clothing brands is their commitment to what happens at the end of a garment's life. Paramo run an active recycling scheme — old Paramo garments can be returned and the materials recovered. We're part of this scheme at ProAdventure.
Find out more about the Paramo Recycling Scheme at ProAdventure →
Questions?
Paramo is a brand that rewards a proper conversation before you buy. If you're weighing it up against a membrane jacket, or trying to work out which model fits your use best, give us a call on 01978 860605 or come into the shop in Llangollen. We wear this kit ourselves and we're happy to give you a straight answer.
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