Hi Andy, it's interesting that you sometimes use the Parameta G top as a mid layer. I'm interested in the possibility of this kind of application - how would you compare the performance of the Parameta T used in the Cambia base layers to the Parameta G and which do you prefer?
Hi Old White Hair, yes, I find the Parameta G top a great mid layer for colder conditions and a nice thing in the bag for warmer wild camping weather to pull out on a night around camp. I don't own any modern Parameta T, mine are at least two generations old! They just keep going, but I will be getting some newer ones soon to compare (and they are finally showing their age). I would say they are designed for different jobs, so in a sense a comparison is unfair. Given their excellent breathability, they will, (and do), work well together. I have also used the Parameta G tops with merino base layers in really cold conditions to good effect. They are a real mix and match pair, depending on the conditions you think you will face and the thermal protection you think you will need. There's certainly room for both in my outdoor wardrobe! Hope this answers you question? Enjoy your outdoors time, Andy
@@WildcraftBritain Hi Andy, yes, that's helpful. I favour merino mesh base layers as I find merino more comfortable than polyester on my skin, and have found my mesh wool base layers work exceptionally well beneath Analogy Waterproof pieces, and particularly my Velez jacket. I don't always want to wear that, however, and I'm looking for a handy mid layer between my wool mesh and the Enduro Windproof I recently acquired. My old gridded poly stuff , with the smooth face on the outside, simply doesn't work over the wool mesh.
@@WildcraftBritain hello . No worries it'll be worth the wait.. I've got two pairs in grey And black... Absolutely love them worn then in heavy rain for hours and drizzle and snow.. They were that good I bought the second pair..... The fit on the cascada two is fantastic the older ones were like parachute pants on me... Looking forward to wearing the trousers again now that it's gonna get cold and wet..... Look after yourself....
HI Jonny- can't say I have. There are a number of fabrics similar to this, (as I mention), but this works well but has the durability that seems sometimes lacking in this fabric type 🤔 My experience with Patagonia is generally not good- I don't own much of their gear, but most that I own has worn quickly, (but perhaps I'm unlucky and it is limited)- but my major issue with the brand is they have the image of a handmade hippy collective, but as a retailer that has worked with them, they are a hard nosed bunch of capitalists, (which I did not expect) 😒 much of their marketing is spin- if they are so concerned about the degradation of the environment then start sustainable production instead of putting some of your profits into environmental projects- that's what Paramo do and that's one reason I like them so much ☺️👍🏻 Enjoy your outdoors time, Andy ⛰🏕⛰
@@WildcraftBritain I agree Paramo production is on a different level from a transparency perspective. I think their marketing needs work though - there is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about how their system works. It is clearly effetive though otherwise so many MRT wouldn't use it. Very interesting re Patagonia - I don't have a particular problem with a company operating in that way (i.e. profit focused) but I agree that when there is a difference between their marketing rhetoric and their corportate behaviour that is not good. I am reading Yvon Chouinard's book at the moment and on the one hand it's fascinating to hear about how they were involved in developing so many technologies, it is also a bit grating when he condemns global capitalism, whilst at the same time operating a business that benefits so heavily from it. My own experience has been pretty good but is limited to the grid fleece pieces really - the R1 etc are pretty bombproof. I have a made in the USA pullover that must be about 20 years old and is still going strong!
The problem with Paramo is the weight and heat of the garments. They use two layers, including a fleece, for rain protection. If it's raining, it's above zero degrees. If it's above zero degrees, and I'm out on the hills, with carrying weight, tabbing hard - the maximum I need is a base layer and a light windproof, or light waterproof. What if it's quite far above zero - maybe 15 degrees? Wearing a base layer, plus fleece plus outer windproof layer just because it's raining? No way. Paramo is just far too hot. It might work for cold-blooded people, but for most of us, it's just far too hot. Not only that, but it's also very heavy and bulky kit. When it stops raining, you're going to need a sherpa to carry all your gear.
HI Daniel, lots to unpack here! Firstly, I am assuming that when you say Paramo, you are referring to their Analogy Waterproof fabric? This video is a review of their Parameta G, which is an exceptionally lightweight, but warm base layer fabric, but as I allude to, can be used in warmer times on its own, (but its not for warm weather use, well, outside of perhaps colder nights on the hill). It can be used with other manufactures outer fabrics if desired. As you will see from the B-role shots, I have mainly used it in Scottish Highlands winter conditions. They also have a number of lighter weight fabrics for use in warmer weather, for example, their Analogy Windproof's are excellent and I own three, for different uses- they are light weight and very flexible- I will be covering the Bentu Windproof in an upcoming video- this is now my go-to summer/warm weather outer layer and what I use in hot/humid wet conditions, as I have found, even with the most breathable hard shells, they just wet out in the humidity and become quickly uncomfortable- (I would prefer to get damp in a summer rain storm and dry out than damp through my sweat). I will be doing a new review of the Analogy Waterproof system and I will cover its evolution soon, so hopefully it will be seen that calling the pump liner a fleece is arguably inaccurate and misleading, (as most fleece materials do not have the exceptional moisture movement properties). I would be interested to know what Analogy Waterproof garments you have used? They have a number of newer jackets that are lighter weight- the Velez Jacket been a excellent example, (I have a review video of the first generation of this excellent piece). In addition, they have many venting options on a number of their waterproof jackets that really make a difference to the temperature control. The weight of the modern jackets is much less now than ones of 15-20 years ago and given that they mostly don't require mid layers in colder conditions, (due to the venting options etc), it works out that they are not as heavy as you might think. As for bulky, again, the difference between an Alta 2 and an Alta 3 is most of the bulk is cut out- they made them that way for comfort, but it could be claimed they went to far, but they have adjusted that in their modern cut. In addition, the new honeycomb pump liner is lightweight and extremely effective in my usage experience, (which is pretty extensive now). You could not call their waterproofs lightweight, but in my experience the lighter weight hardshells tend to be sweaty and uncomfortable and limited to use only in the wet. I am known of my love of mountain camping and my ambition to travel far in doing so. I am no elite athlete however! I run hot as a rule and am fairly cold hardy, (but no superhuman), which is why I love Paramo Analogy Waterproofs for the colder months, (which are my favourite), as they allow me to maintain a relatively comfortable temperature in a number of conditions and exertion levels which I often encounter in my beloved Scottish Highlands. One of the main advantages of the system is that you do not need to take it off all the time and adjust layers- you just undo a few zips and your away. So you don't need a Sherpa to carry it as you are using it all the time so not removing it when it stops raining. This is its key advantage to me, its a system you want to ware as oppose to have to ware! The contrast between summer and winter conditions is stark, and largely requires different kit IMO. As you say, the difference between sub-zero and 15 above is huge and requires a different approach. Paramo, like other premium brands, have garment solutions for both these conditions. Perhaps you are in fact above average in your cold resistance? It sound like it. There has recently been discovered a genetic adaptation to cold weather that some people have and some don't. But I would not discount Paramo as a brand, even if you don't like their waterproof system. The other garments they make tend to be excellent and can be used with gore-tex jackets, (as I have done so myself). But I am a Paramo fan, their manufacturing ethics are second to none and their clothing just works for me in the UK, (which it is designed for). But as with most things, it will not suit all. Enjoy your outdoors time, Andy
@@WildcraftBritain I've used the Alta 3 and the combination of the summit fleece and fuera ascent jacket. I've also owned a Grid Technic Hoodie (but got rid of it in favour of a Macpac Nitro fleece made from pure Polartec Alpha). I also had a Cambia t shirt many years ago. I was mainly referring to their waterproofs, as you say. I've found that even with the venting options, it's still waaaaay to hot. If it's raining, and it's 10 degrees outside, an Alta 3, even with no base layer is far too hot for hiking with a backpack on. The summit/fuera ascent combo was worse, as the summit fleece is even thicker than the pump lining. The fuera ascent does have really great ventilation though and as a windproof, it is my number one piece of gear. As for waterproofs, I now go for hardshells with pit zips and two-way front zip/poppered storm flap combo. I've found that pit zips don't let much water get in. Paramo's latest venting system on their Analogy kit and on their latest windproofs - the arm zips - make basically no difference to me at all. I come back to my main point - if it is raining outside (and hence, not very cold), and you are doing serious hiking - then very few people are going to want to be wearing a fleece (which is basically what the pump liner is) under an outer shell. I know I'm not the only one who thinks this - I've had this conversation with many people who, like me, really wanted to like Paramo, due to the sweatiness of membrane hard shells, but just couldn't cope with the heat. So I found that there were no conditions in which a Paramo waterproof system, acting in that specific capacity - dealing with rain - was actually useful. Perhaps, if I were standing still, in driving rain, in sub 5 degree conditions - but I rarely do this. I think, for seriously sub zero conditions - like the Scottish Highlands in the depths of Winter, as you mention, Paramo Analogy gear is great because of how well it moves water away from the skin, and also is very warm - but these conditions rarely happen in most of the UK. I've actually started using an umbrella and a super breathable windproof, (modded by adding pit zips thanks to my friendly neighbourhood seamstress), like the Mountain Equipment Aerofoil, or the Patagonia Houdini Air, or the Paramo Fuera Ascent (because of its fantastic venting options), if it's not too windy. I think, as you say, it comes down to heat tolerance. If you don't get hot when moving and carrying weight, then a Paramo waterproof might be good as rain gear. Otherwise, it's just very uncomfortable.
@@danielthechampionoftheworl8490 (2 years later). With the exception of the discontinued Quito medium, agree all Paramo waterproofs are so heavy you're not packing them and the two layers (pump+wind) makes it warm. Their Velez jacket is all-mesh pump inner and most of the windproof outer is their light thinner, combined with the venting front pockets, fact it's a jacket and the arm vents its their least-warm waterproof. The Grid base are very lightweight they can be packed , all that airy mesh makes it light. But it's intended to be worn next to skin. Their Quito with the huge long arm vents from elbow to waist you could wear it kind of like a vest with the sleeves tied over backpack and so is their least-warm waterproof. All the zips made it not warm but layer-up with say a Fuera smock to cover all zips makes it warm when required. So in summer I may well be packing their Quito and the Fuera smock. I have their Alta III its their warmest waterproof so needs to be cold.
Hi Andy, it's interesting that you sometimes use the Parameta G top as a mid layer. I'm interested in the possibility of this kind of application - how would you compare the performance of the Parameta T used in the Cambia base layers to the Parameta G and which do you prefer?
Hi Old White Hair, yes, I find the Parameta G top a great mid layer for colder conditions and a nice thing in the bag for warmer wild camping weather to pull out on a night around camp. I don't own any modern Parameta T, mine are at least two generations old! They just keep going, but I will be getting some newer ones soon to compare (and they are finally showing their age). I would say they are designed for different jobs, so in a sense a comparison is unfair. Given their excellent breathability, they will, (and do), work well together. I have also used the Parameta G tops with merino base layers in really cold conditions to good effect. They are a real mix and match pair, depending on the conditions you think you will face and the thermal protection you think you will need. There's certainly room for both in my outdoor wardrobe! Hope this answers you question? Enjoy your outdoors time, Andy
@@WildcraftBritain Hi Andy, yes, that's helpful. I favour merino mesh base layers as I find merino more comfortable than polyester on my skin, and have found my mesh wool base layers work exceptionally well beneath Analogy Waterproof pieces, and particularly my Velez jacket. I don't always want to wear that, however, and I'm looking for a handy mid layer between my wool mesh and the Enduro Windproof I recently acquired. My old gridded poly stuff , with the smooth face on the outside, simply doesn't work over the wool mesh.
Paramo cascada 2 trousers review... Please review them..
Hope your well buddy....
Thanks Bob- sadly I have been very busy and filming has had to take a back seat 😞
@@WildcraftBritain hello
. No worries it'll be worth the wait.. I've got two pairs in grey And black... Absolutely love them worn then in heavy rain for hours and drizzle and snow.. They were that good I bought the second pair..... The fit on the cascada two is fantastic the older ones were like parachute pants on me... Looking forward to wearing the trousers again now that it's gonna get cold and wet..... Look after yourself....
Hi Andy, Have you used Patagonia capilene thermal (made from lightweight version of power grid)? Looks very similar to this?
HI Jonny- can't say I have. There are a number of fabrics similar to this, (as I mention), but this works well but has the durability that seems sometimes lacking in this fabric type 🤔 My experience with Patagonia is generally not good- I don't own much of their gear, but most that I own has worn quickly, (but perhaps I'm unlucky and it is limited)- but my major issue with the brand is they have the image of a handmade hippy collective, but as a retailer that has worked with them, they are a hard nosed bunch of capitalists, (which I did not expect) 😒 much of their marketing is spin- if they are so concerned about the degradation of the environment then start sustainable production instead of putting some of your profits into environmental projects- that's what Paramo do and that's one reason I like them so much ☺️👍🏻 Enjoy your outdoors time, Andy ⛰🏕⛰
@@WildcraftBritain I agree Paramo production is on a different level from a transparency perspective. I think their marketing needs work though - there is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about how their system works. It is clearly effetive though otherwise so many MRT wouldn't use it.
Very interesting re Patagonia - I don't have a particular problem with a company operating in that way (i.e. profit focused) but I agree that when there is a difference between their marketing rhetoric and their corportate behaviour that is not good.
I am reading Yvon Chouinard's
book at the moment and on the one hand it's fascinating to hear about how they were involved in developing so many technologies, it is also a bit grating when he condemns global capitalism, whilst at the same time operating a business that benefits so heavily from it.
My own experience has been pretty good but is limited to the grid fleece pieces really - the R1 etc are pretty bombproof. I have a made in the USA pullover that must be about 20 years old and is still going strong!
The problem with Paramo is the weight and heat of the garments. They use two layers, including a fleece, for rain protection. If it's raining, it's above zero degrees. If it's above zero degrees, and I'm out on the hills, with carrying weight, tabbing hard - the maximum I need is a base layer and a light windproof, or light waterproof. What if it's quite far above zero - maybe 15 degrees? Wearing a base layer, plus fleece plus outer windproof layer just because it's raining? No way. Paramo is just far too hot. It might work for cold-blooded people, but for most of us, it's just far too hot. Not only that, but it's also very heavy and bulky kit. When it stops raining, you're going to need a sherpa to carry all your gear.
HI Daniel, lots to unpack here!
Firstly, I am assuming that when you say Paramo, you are referring to their Analogy Waterproof fabric? This video is a review of their Parameta G, which is an exceptionally lightweight, but warm base layer fabric, but as I allude to, can be used in warmer times on its own, (but its not for warm weather use, well, outside of perhaps colder nights on the hill). It can be used with other manufactures outer fabrics if desired. As you will see from the B-role shots, I have mainly used it in Scottish Highlands winter conditions.
They also have a number of lighter weight fabrics for use in warmer weather, for example, their Analogy Windproof's are excellent and I own three, for different uses- they are light weight and very flexible- I will be covering the Bentu Windproof in an upcoming video- this is now my go-to summer/warm weather outer layer and what I use in hot/humid wet conditions, as I have found, even with the most breathable hard shells, they just wet out in the humidity and become quickly uncomfortable- (I would prefer to get damp in a summer rain storm and dry out than damp through my sweat).
I will be doing a new review of the Analogy Waterproof system and I will cover its evolution soon, so hopefully it will be seen that calling the pump liner a fleece is arguably inaccurate and misleading, (as most fleece materials do not have the exceptional moisture movement properties).
I would be interested to know what Analogy Waterproof garments you have used? They have a number of newer jackets that are lighter weight- the Velez Jacket been a excellent example, (I have a review video of the first generation of this excellent piece). In addition, they have many venting options on a number of their waterproof jackets that really make a difference to the temperature control. The weight of the modern jackets is much less now than ones of 15-20 years ago and given that they mostly don't require mid layers in colder conditions, (due to the venting options etc), it works out that they are not as heavy as you might think. As for bulky, again, the difference between an Alta 2 and an Alta 3 is most of the bulk is cut out- they made them that way for comfort, but it could be claimed they went to far, but they have adjusted that in their modern cut. In addition, the new honeycomb pump liner is lightweight and extremely effective in my usage experience, (which is pretty extensive now). You could not call their waterproofs lightweight, but in my experience the lighter weight hardshells tend to be sweaty and uncomfortable and limited to use only in the wet.
I am known of my love of mountain camping and my ambition to travel far in doing so. I am no elite athlete however! I run hot as a rule and am fairly cold hardy, (but no superhuman), which is why I love Paramo Analogy Waterproofs for the colder months, (which are my favourite), as they allow me to maintain a relatively comfortable temperature in a number of conditions and exertion levels which I often encounter in my beloved Scottish Highlands. One of the main advantages of the system is that you do not need to take it off all the time and adjust layers- you just undo a few zips and your away. So you don't need a Sherpa to carry it as you are using it all the time so not removing it when it stops raining. This is its key advantage to me, its a system you want to ware as oppose to have to ware!
The contrast between summer and winter conditions is stark, and largely requires different kit IMO. As you say, the difference between sub-zero and 15 above is huge and requires a different approach. Paramo, like other premium brands, have garment solutions for both these conditions.
Perhaps you are in fact above average in your cold resistance? It sound like it. There has recently been discovered a genetic adaptation to cold weather that some people have and some don't. But I would not discount Paramo as a brand, even if you don't like their waterproof system. The other garments they make tend to be excellent and can be used with gore-tex jackets, (as I have done so myself). But I am a Paramo fan, their manufacturing ethics are second to none and their clothing just works for me in the UK, (which it is designed for). But as with most things, it will not suit all.
Enjoy your outdoors time, Andy
@@WildcraftBritain I've used the Alta 3 and the combination of the summit fleece and fuera ascent jacket. I've also owned a Grid Technic Hoodie (but got rid of it in favour of a Macpac Nitro fleece made from pure Polartec Alpha). I also had a Cambia t shirt many years ago. I was mainly referring to their waterproofs, as you say. I've found that even with the venting options, it's still waaaaay to hot. If it's raining, and it's 10 degrees outside, an Alta 3, even with no base layer is far too hot for hiking with a backpack on. The summit/fuera ascent combo was worse, as the summit fleece is even thicker than the pump lining. The fuera ascent does have really great ventilation though and as a windproof, it is my number one piece of gear. As for waterproofs, I now go for hardshells with pit zips and two-way front zip/poppered storm flap combo. I've found that pit zips don't let much water get in. Paramo's latest venting system on their Analogy kit and on their latest windproofs - the arm zips - make basically no difference to me at all.
I come back to my main point - if it is raining outside (and hence, not very cold), and you are doing serious hiking - then very few people are going to want to be wearing a fleece (which is basically what the pump liner is) under an outer shell. I know I'm not the only one who thinks this - I've had this conversation with many people who, like me, really wanted to like Paramo, due to the sweatiness of membrane hard shells, but just couldn't cope with the heat. So I found that there were no conditions in which a Paramo waterproof system, acting in that specific capacity - dealing with rain - was actually useful. Perhaps, if I were standing still, in driving rain, in sub 5 degree conditions - but I rarely do this.
I think, for seriously sub zero conditions - like the Scottish Highlands in the depths of Winter, as you mention, Paramo Analogy gear is great because of how well it moves water away from the skin, and also is very warm - but these conditions rarely happen in most of the UK. I've actually started using an umbrella and a super breathable windproof, (modded by adding pit zips thanks to my friendly neighbourhood seamstress), like the Mountain Equipment Aerofoil, or the Patagonia Houdini Air, or the Paramo Fuera Ascent (because of its fantastic venting options), if it's not too windy.
I think, as you say, it comes down to heat tolerance. If you don't get hot when moving and carrying weight, then a Paramo waterproof might be good as rain gear. Otherwise, it's just very uncomfortable.
@@danielthechampionoftheworl8490 (2 years later). With the exception of the discontinued Quito medium, agree all Paramo waterproofs are so heavy you're not packing them and the two layers (pump+wind) makes it warm.
Their Velez jacket is all-mesh pump inner and most of the windproof outer is their light thinner, combined with the venting front pockets, fact it's a jacket and the arm vents its their least-warm waterproof.
The Grid base are very lightweight they can be packed , all that airy mesh makes it light. But it's intended to be worn next to skin.
Their Quito with the huge long arm vents from elbow to waist you could wear it kind of like a vest with the sleeves tied over backpack and so is their least-warm waterproof. All the zips made it not warm but layer-up with say a Fuera smock to cover all zips makes it warm when required. So in summer I may well be packing their Quito and the Fuera smock.
I have their Alta III its their warmest waterproof so needs to be cold.