There’s few bits of kit that I feel are essential to spend just that little bit extra on, mainly the items that will be the difference between a good day in the hills or an absolute stinker. One I feel is right at the top of the list when buying your fell wear, the waterproof coat!
I’ve had a North Face waterproof jacket up until last year which I got on with and thought I wouldn’t replace in a hurry. But Mrs Hyde bought a Paramo water proof some time ago and I was mucho impressed. Our walking buddie Dicko has had one for ages but he has that much kit I get confused with him and his clothing selection, his wardrobe must look like Go-Outdoors’ male section. We used to come down from the fells on wet days and their attire always seemed to be bone dry, whilst I had the odd wet patch here and there. So I bit the bullet and got myself the Paramo Pajaro!
One word; Awesome! I have mentioned in previous blogs about kit, I sometimes gravitate back to old military bits and bobs, well, I just makes sense to me if somethings tried and tested. This coat obviously wasn’t something issued to me in my army days, but if you have a good look at it, the design (pockets, zips, hood) it is a cross between the old Ulster Defence Regiment Greenfinch Waterproof and windproof smocks we got given throughout the 90’s.
As I said, I bought it last year and left it to now to blog about as I wanted to test it. It’s now been through rain, hail, snow and wind and appears impenetrable. As long as the temperature isn’t well into minus I’ve got by with just a base layer and the jacket on lot of the outings, mind you that’s not a true test, I forgot the layer of Yorkshire grit under my epidermis.
So, another kit ‘review’ which you may or may not take note of but if you have a bit of spare cash it’s worth a look at. To be fair I use mine now for dog walking and general winter use, plus on the hills.
Northern Hiker 