Is the PARAMO ALTA III Jacket right for YOU?
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- ⚡In this video I take a look at the Paramo Alta III waterproof jacket to help you decide if it's the right jacket for you. I show you all the features and how it performs. Strictly speaking this is a first impressions video, however I did have the Paramo Velez Adventure Smock for nearly a decade and it's served me well in some pretty grim conditions too, these jackets are made to last!
#paramo #paramoalta3 #waterproofjacket
Please note that I was sent the jacket in return for an honest review.
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Disclaimer: Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information in my videos is correct, I cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. Hiking and wild camping can be dangerous and you head out at your own risk. Please ensure you’re adventure smart before heading out:
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A couple of additional things to consider with Paramo ...
1) because of the fabric used and the way directional moisture movement works, none of the pockets can really be considered 100% waterproof, items in them may get wet ... Stick phones etc in a bag.
2) Paramo offer a recycling scheme. When you fancy a change of jacket, you can trade your old one in for (currently) £50 off a new one ... They also offer an extensive repair service too - they are all about sustainability !
Good points you've made there Andy, I've pinned this if you don't mind. They have a seconds shop on ebay too, which is worth a look.
Talking of the pockets. When I put my phone in the pouch of the Velez Adventure Smock, there was always a residue on the phone. I wouldn't trust most pockets on any waterproof jacket and would have it in a pocket under the jacket.
Definitely good practice to protect tech in any situation/jacket !
Thanks for pinning !
Another thing worth mentioning, if you are looking for a jacket for standing around in - watching the kids play football etc, probably don't choose Paramo - for the moisture transfer to work its magic, you have to be generating heat (i.e. moving about), but then again if you generate too much heat or have too much underneath it won't work well either ...
Once you understand how it works, you can't beat Paramo !
@@andyrolland8693 yeah, totally get that. Hence why I get away with just a baselayer on underneath even in the coldest of conditions.
I concur, it's a great jacket indeed but stuff in the pockets get sweaty, a small zippy bag and all sorted. Had mine a while now so it's great to see it's still a current model :)
Got to admit to being a bit of a gear-wh*re where Paramo is concerned, I still have the jacket and trousers I bought over 20 years ago and I now probably own over 30 different garments for all seasons and conditions. Top grade gear, made to last, all you need to do is treat Paramo gear with Nikwax to maintain it's water repellant qualities. Great to see it being worn as it is meant to be 👍🏻 Cheers, Paul 🙏🏻 ...and if I'm allowed to recommend a retail supplier, I get mine from Foothills in Sheffield, really good prices - the Alta lll is presently £250 🙌🏻
Cheers Paul and no problem giving a shout out to Foothills. £250 is decent. 😁 👍🏻
Have 2 Paramount windproofs, I always take one on the hills. Great quality with plenty of zips for ventilation. I use them instead of using a £200+ waterproof as a windproof.
I've looked into the Paramo Fuera smock as I do like a wind proof jacket myself.
Been up snowdon today in some of the worst weather you could get 60mph wind driving rain an all that with my paramo helki on for solid 5hrs and i was getting worried thinking it might not hold up but when getting back down to the car park took it off and low and behold my light fleece top underneath was only slightly damp personally i think thats bloody good going. Great gear
Good to hear it kept you warm and more or less dry. That's the kinda conditions Paramo thrives in my humble opinion. Wet and windy. 👌🏼
@@WalkWithWallaceParamo jackets are useless during heavy downpours combined with strong winds in my opinion...in other words I wouldn't recommend Paramo clothing for serious mountain weather.
I’ve had one of these jackets for 14 years and it’s seen a lot of action. It’s still waterproof and easily my most windproof jacket. I’m a big fan, but I wouldn’t wear it in the warmer months, just too warm for me.
Someone just raised you 25 years. 😁 Yeah, I'm totally the same, too hot for Paramo over summer.
Can't beat old school Paramo jackets... Quality and build feels much better in every way... I love the first alta jacket I have it in many colourways... Never let me down... Love it....
Absolutely love what Paramo are about as a company, the owner just handed over ownership to the staff recently! Very cool. Jacket looks nice mate, will be interesting to see how it works out for you.
That was pretty amazing to be fair. Fine effort. Hopefully I'll get many years use out of the jacket, which I don't doubt if my old Velez smock is anything to go by. 😁
@@WalkWithWallace Their stuff does se to last forever.
Good honest video mate. I have this jacket. Its warm and does everything I ask of it except I find the main zip awkward especially with cold hands.. other than that a great coat for the hills !
Thanks Martin, I'll look out for that with the zip. I had the Velez Adventure Smock before which didn't have a zip.
I have the Cascada jacket and have the same issue with the main zip. Mostly it works but occasionally it doesn't want to mesh properly and can be a fiddle.
Great jackets, never realised they were that heavy, super soft and comfortable to wear.
I know I was quite surprised my self when weighing it. I suppose a warm mid layer can be around the 300g mark and a waterproof jacket about 300g depending on the model, so probably not a lot in it.
A very interesting video. Really enjoyed watching your lovely video. Many thanks from Chris and Jane ❤
Thanks guys. 👍🏻 😁
I too am a Paramo addict. I have the original Alta, Alta II and Alta III jackets plus many other items of Paramo clothing. I find that each version of the Alta has advantages and disadvantages over each other so, I chose the best one for the activity I'm engaging in. The Alta is a heavy jacket and very warm, ideal for Winter use. The Alta II sits nicely in the middle and the Alta III more lightweight and my go to jacket for the warmer months. They are just so versatile, great in the hills but smart enough for street wear. A mistake I did make very early on with my original Alta though, was to treat it with the Nikwax TX Direct Wash-In waterproofing instead of trusting that Tech-Wash was all that was needed. It took many washes to get my Alta to function as it should. I also find that better water-shedding properties can be had by using a very slow spin cycle and then letting the jacket air dry. I think that faster spin cycles may remove much of the magic formula in the Tech-Wash😁
Keep up the great reviews, Thank you.
Cheers Steve and for the washing tips. Must admit I always lower the spin when washing gear. I sometimes think it's the high spin that reduces the life of our every day garments.
I use paramo throughout the year. Alta for winter and Pasco for summer. It all a question of layering mindset compared to hard shell jackets. I’m never too hot in summer but love the comfort quietness of paramo. Also easier to reproof than Goretex as no need to worry about taped seams working loose.
I'll need a summer waterproof soon as my current jacket is getting old, so I might look into the Pasco.
I have the Cascada and find I can only use it from October through to May because it's too hot. Even in Winter I often only have a Merino baselayer underneath. It's ideal for showery weather but in continuous heavy rain I do find it gives up and you do get wet inside. But if the rain eases off you do dry out again fairly quickly. As for sizing I tried all the various jackets on in the local shop and found I was bouncing between L and XL so it's definitely worth trying before buying(as always with clothes!). Also, Paramo does have an online store where they often have seconds or reconditioned items for 30% or more off the retail price, complete with a warranty. Finally, it's worth pointing out that Paramo's system is more resistant to damage than a membrane. Puncturing the cloth on, say a barbed wire fence, will not affect its performance. Obviously, a big rip is another story, but small pinholes are no problem, unlike with Goretex etc.
End of October to end or March is probably my Paramo window. Otherwise like you, I find it too hot. Paramo will also repair tears/rips and reproof for a reasonable fee.
I’ve got a fair bit of Paramo kit. I bought a couple of Paramo Velez Adventure smocks in one of their sales about ten years at £140 each. I use my orange one for cycling and the red one for walking. They’re best used with a Paramo base layer underneath either Cambia L/S or their Mountain Shirt, as they improve breathability when used together. I’ve been out in snow with Cambia, Explorer & Velez on top & Cambia long boxers and Velez Adventure trousers and been toasty warm (no overheating) just undo the Velez side zips for comfort and to access electronics stored in Explorer chest kangaroo pocket.
That's weird because I picked up the Velez Adventure Smock in the sale at Tiso about ten years ago too for the same price. Never paired them with a Paramo base layer, might buy one to try out for next winter.
Just a quick tip when it comes to washing waterproof clothing, most washing machines(including yours) have a special cycle for waterproof clothing, if you read the manual online it will tell you how to do it.
👍🏼 😁
I agree that after being outside for hours in heavy rain the lining(s) will feel damp. However, I have found that the answer is that as soon as you get into a dry, covered area is to keep wearing their clothing. Eventually, your body heat will dry everything out and you will be comfortably dry and warm quite quickly.
They're more breathable than your typical Goretex garment but for me it has to be really cold before I'll consider wearing Paramo.
On warmer days I wear the jacket next to my skin. It is very comfortable unlike most materials would be.@@WalkWithWallace
@@davidmitchell1391 that's true, I usually only go with a thin base layer anyway.
Another trick on warmer days is to roll the sleeves back, which is perfectly possible with such soft flexible materials. It's surprising how much heat can be (deliberately) lost through bare forearms and wrists. @@WalkWithWallace
@@davidmitchell1391 my friend Hendo does that with his Alta jacket.
I've had the Alta 3 for a few years and definitely agree it's a winter jacket for me and even at that it's normally only for the very coldest conditions higher up the hills. I've worn it at minus double digit wind chill with just a t-shirt underneath and its kept me warm. As u say if u run cold then maybe useful outside of winter but far to warm for me. I've considered getting the smock instead but in general paramo are great jackets.
I liked my Velez Adventure, if I got another one it would be the light version. They've got some funky colour. 😁 👍🏻
Got a few Paramo jackets. Love them due to the comfort and I don’t think anything beats them for that. I do not regard them as waterproof however. I always get wet shoulders if I wear a pack and Paramo have never really got around that IMO. Pressure lets water through. But for 3-4 hours in rain I think they are the comfiest option out there - in the colder months.
Paramo is my go to cold and wet weather jacket. Touch wood I haven't had that issue with the pressure from the rucksack with water ingress . 🤞🏻
Great review Robin😁..So good I bought the jacket 😁👍
Cheers
Murchie
It's a top jacket mate, you'll love it. 👌🏼
@@WalkWithWallace Nice one😁👍
In all my time of outdoors pursuits and buying 'ally' kit I had never heard of Paramo until you mentioned them. I'll be checking them out now though because I need a good shower jacket 😂
Great review and the map pocket is a belter 👍🏼
I hadn't heard of them but all my friends wore them and I got my first Paramo jacket/smock nearly 10 years ago. Bomb proof stuff. 👌🏼
@@WalkWithWallace it looks it too, bomb proof that is. I'm intrigued by the material too so I'm definitely doing my homework.
@@AScotsmanOutdoors worthwhile looking into mate. 👍🏻
0:37 - tracking is out... Thanks for the vid! 👍
Ironically I've got it booked in for tracking and a new tyre. Cheers and well spotted. 😁
I'm Into hill walking and dog walking, one often gives you the choice of weather to go out in, the other doesnt (as my Hound will testify) My trusty Rab jacket has earned its pension now and ive been researching a good alternative. From what i have seen and read so far the Alta looks like it might be the ticket. Great review and thanks for the info 👍
Cheers Duncan, it's a good solid jacket and I actually see a lot of dog walkers wearing Paramo too.
I have lots of Paramo Kit, I love it, works very well for me..
That's my second jacket and I've got a pair of their gaiters too. 😁
Paramo all the way fantastic gear.... Functional and built to last.... Especially the older gear is rock solid... Love the first alta jackets... And the taiga fleeces.... Cascada 2 trousers are also phenomenal....
A few of my friends rave about the Cascada trousers, might be a bit hot for me. They do vent all the way down mind you.
@@WalkWithWallace definitely not for the warmer days but late autumn... Winter and spring they are fantastic..... Much better fitted than the older cascada trousers which looked like clown pants on me.... Lol
@@bobmarley6161 the fit wasn't great, I found my Velez smock sat a bit high at the front but they've seemed to address that now.
All Paramo jackets are good, I have the Velez Smock, swear by it.
I had my Velez for years, my only complaint was it sat a bit high at the front.
I have had the ALTA III for two years now Robin! cannae fault it! Paulo.
Do you find it too hot for summer too or generally wear it all year round?
@@WalkWithWallace Too hot for me during the summer Robin. However I use it in the mornings for walking the dog but not for mountains....What I would say is that I have the cascada 2 trousers also and they are one of the best pieces of kit I have...Do you have those?
@@PAADVENTURES1 I see loads of of dog walkers in Paramo. I haven't went with the Cascadas, I think I'd find them too hot. A lot of my friends rave about them.
Great review of the Paramo jacket Robin, love the attention to little details like the zip, alas it's way out of my price range🙁 Atb Anthony👍👍
Thanks Tony. Appreciate your comment mate. Still can't find a Silwing in a not yellow colour. 🤣
You can pick them up second hand quite cheap - around £100 - and then just wash/reproof and they will be nearly as good as new. That's how I got my Cascada... One advantage of the Paramo system is that minor holes (barbed wire etc) etc don't affect performance in the way it would with a membrane. And provided the label is still attached you can claim the £50 trade-in if/when you decide to buy a new one.
@@alangauld6079 they've got a seconds shop on ebay too.
@@WalkWithWallace Yes, I've looked at it but they never seem to have my size! 😄
Good stuff Robin, i've actually got the Alta 111 jacket ...I actually forgot i had it lol. Good jacket though , i'll need to dig it out . Its the blue i have ..good review mate ..cheers Stevie
Cheers Stevie, never you had the same jacket mate. 👍🏻 😁
I enjoyed watching your video, Keep it up!
Thank you. 👍🏻 😁
I have the original Alta and it's still going strong after more than 25 years.
That's decent John, it owes you nothing now!
Can't beat old school paramo gear....
Nice review Robin I've been looking into these types of jackets and as much as I like them I don't do enough hill camping to justify getting one but if I did this would definitely be on my list atvb jimmy 😎😎👍👍
Cheers Jimmy, yeah that makes sense for you. 😊 👍🏻
Love my Velez Adventure Light Smock - performs amazingly in wet/windy conditions. For me high wind is where is actually excels - a bit like a very lightweight Buffalo Systems smock (which basically does the same wicking/pumping but with a massive amount of insulation - acting like a synthetic animal skin) . My only gripe with either of these systems is that they are a wee bit heavy for multiday treks - but for a cold/wet/windy day on the hills either Paramo or Buffalo will see you right. Cracking kit that will last years - and a cracking review to boot. The only thing I would add is that it is worth using something like Nikwax Gear SolarProof on them - say once a year - which really helps protect the fabric, and the DWR, from UV damage.
I had the standard Velez Adventure, my only complaint was it sat a bit high at my waist, otherwise loved it. Glad to have the Alta III now. I reckon I'd melt in a Buffalo. 😂
@@WalkWithWallace Yeah the "adventure" models have what they call a "cropped front", so you can wear a harness without it interfering...Buffalos are great - but even their lightest (think is it called the adventure light smock too) is pretty warm - great venting though. The mountain shirt is only good for subzero temps!
@@FraserChapman that makes sense with the cropped front actually. I remember being in Skye with the guide doing the Cuillin Ridge and it was a good fit with the harness.
Absolutely love mine mate, fortress of a jacket!
Definitely mate. 👌🏼
Nice review Robin 👌
Thanks mate. 👍🏻 😁
Well, you sure gave it a good test in the shower! I loved the hood and the way it zipped right up above your chin and real snug around your head. Loved the zipped pockets, for me, you cannot have to many pockets in a jacket, especially for all the gear we carry, needed to be kept dry and warm. The zips seemed pretty robust and a two - three month wash to maintain the waterproofness of the jackets seems pretty fair to me. The sizing does look a bit on the generous side to me, I am normally an XL but think I could get away with a large on those measurements. To be fair I think the weight is more than acceptable and they seem to do an excellent job in keeping you dry but £310 for an OAP like me is a deal breaker unfortunately for me, Mrs Metalman would have a fit if I spent that much on a jacket! very fair and comprehensive review Robin, cheers Alan
Cheers Alan, I appreciate your feedback mate. It ticks a lot of boxes but £310 is a lot of money, however you'd easily get 10 years out of a Paramo jacket, so £31 a year. 🤔
@@WalkWithWallace - put it like that, a good investment, assuming I last 10 years 🤣
@@AlanMETALMAN 😂 I'm surely you will, your knees on the other hand. 😜
Paramo do have an eBay shop where they sell returns, samples and items returned under the recycling scheme (if items are in good enough nick, they fettle them up and sell them on)... Definitely worth a look !
@@andyrolland8693 - thanks for that Andy :o)
Excellent review Robin. How many blue jackets do you have now? Paramo are one of the rare companies that are using a whole life cycle approach to their gear. I think the cost reflects this but as you say its about longevity not a fad. ATB.
Cheers bud, too many blue jackets now and I didn't think with my trousers choice. 😂 Seriously though Paramo have an excellent ethos.
Hey, such an amazing channel! Love your videos! Please keep up your good work, I’ll be here to support you going forward from now on! Bless you and your family, have a blessed day! 🙏🏻 +1 Subscriber! 💚
Thank you. 😊 👍🏻
I only wash and waterproof my hiking paramo gear once a year its never let me down.... When you wash and reproof don't spin... Let it come out soaked and dry on the washing line....
I usually do mine twice a year, but only lightly used in the wet and cold conditions. Good point on not doing a spin.
If you do a spin cycle your literally getting rid of the tech proof.....
Thanks for sharing a new and useful video I like the feeling that communicates well even if the language is different Full watch, I want to come again Cheer
Have a great time
⚘😚💑
Thank you. 😊 👍🏻
Interesting review Robin. I did look at one of these recently but even the size small was a bit too big for me! The perils of being a short arse. I do like the idea of these 2 in one layers though. How does it compare to the best Goretex shells in terms of waterproofing?
Thanks Anthony. In terms of a comparison, they are equal in the waterproof department with the caveat if your Paramo jacket needs re-proofed if may fail and wet out in places. So it's important to keep on top of washing it.
Brilliant winter jacket. Far superior to the boil-in-the-bag hard shell alternatives.
💯 👍🏻
Is it silent when it rubs? Also what temperatures can it handle. Is nikwax really nontoxic
Yes, that's one of the benefits that it's silent compared to traditional waterproofs.
The temperature one is a difficult question to answer, I run hot so it's warm enough for me in winter conditions, but I'd still carry an insulated jacket to wear for lunch stops etc as its an active jacket. If it was really cold, the fit is generous you could wear a mid layer underneath. I trust NikWax, but couldn't say for sure.
What is the sizing like on Paramo jackets? What Paramo jackets would you recommend for spring/summer?
Hi Irfan, the sizing is generous. I dropped from a medium to a small. I'd have a look at their Velez Adventure Light Smock for spring/summer.
@@WalkWithWallace will do. Great video by the way
@@IrfanOomer thanks mate. 😎 👍🏻
I always think their jackets look very easily ripped as tbey don't feel very robust.
Like the colour of it 😉
They're surprisingly hard wearing and will last years. Plus Paramo do a good repair service. Lol, aye total true blue in this video with the trousers. 😜
I’ve got two Paramo jackets (Alta and Vasco) both 15 years old and they work well still. I ripped the sleeve on one - my Mum stitched it up and hey presto it’s mended! Try that with a goretex! Also great for bum sliding unlike goretex
@@mikebelk5455 Paramo do a good repair service too by the way. I've had to use tenacious tape to repair my waterproof trousers, holding out so far.
Nice one 🙂👍
😎 👍🏻
Looks like a great Jacket 😁👍
Cheers. 👍🏻 😁
do these jackets not come with pit zips for more ventilation?
Yeah they've got pit zips. 👍🏻
@@WalkWithWallace you never mentioned them!!
@@paulhicky 4:41 mate. 👍🏻
@@WalkWithWallace I apologise, missed that, watching it at work and it was noisy. 🤦🏻♂️
@@paulhicky easy done mate, no worries. 😁 👍🏻
I like paramo jackets.. But for me the older jackets are absolutely bomb proof.. Built to last and mega functional better pockets etc etc.. Yes they are heavier but I prefer the older jackets.....
I had the Velez smock before the Alta, it was just solid and dependable.
Great review bud. Nice looking jacket anaw. Your face in the shower 😆 Buying me it for Xmas aye? 😏
🤣🚿 Cheers mate, aye stick it on your wish list. 🤗
When you buy one inside the pocket there is a free bus pass as you're likely to be over 60 😂😂
Goes with your trousers 😂😂 👍
Double denim. 👖
They're really nice jackets, I've used them for years. They aren't waterproof.
They’ll eventually wet out, yes.
Equating a waterproof shell to a fur is ridiculous. Animals don’t take off their jackets or worry about the season. They don’t feel damp in their clothing or zip open their fur to increase ventilation.
No shit, but the concept is still similar!
@@WalkWithWallace it’s just a marketing ploy
@@solb101 it is and it isn’t, it works differently to a more traditional style waterproof.
@@WalkWithWallace yes like animal fur. 😂
💤 🥱
awesome content, big like
Thank you. 😊 👍🏻
Like most claimed walking jackets nowadays it is too short. Bum freezers are for climbing.
Plenty bum coverage with the Alta.
This is that rain gear that doesn't actually keep water out.. yet people love them cause they feel nice? seems stupid.
Granted it wets out eventually, but I’m pretty sure I’d be damp in Goretex rain gear too. 💦
@@WalkWithWallace for sure.. I’ve had them all wet out eventually. These wet out from pressure instantly though from what I’ve read. So backpacks and their straps will work water in.. if they didn’t cost hundreds whatever.
$200 gets you a lot of rain jacket with Patagonia or OR. I do wanna try one British brand pretty bad. That’s Spray Way. My old group leading hiking the AT in 1999 had a purple gore tex of theirs and we all loved it. I wanted it bad.. my MH one at the time weighed like five pounds dry 😬
WOW nice video kabayan hello FROM Philippines Walker 👣🏃🏃🚶🎥📷0
Thank you. 😊👍🏻
Stay in the shower for 3 hrs, then tell us about it :-)
You want to pay the gas bill? 😉
@@WalkWithWallace I didn’t say it should be hot water :-))
@@dimitristsagdis7340 haha, that would be a long 3 hours.
Terrible jacket always end up wet in heavy rain give it to my partner as she like the feel of the jacket.. Stick to gortex .
Whatever works for you mate, I use Goretex for 3 season and Paramo for winter.