Early in 2004 I was looking for new waterproofs. Having become disillusioned with the performance and lasting qualities of Gore-Tex I decided to look at the Paramo System. I had read good reviews of it and anyone I talked to who had a Paramo garment spoke well of it, (perhaps I was talking to the converted!). At WWD I was finally convinced to take the plunge and purchased an Alta II jacket and Cascada trousers. At the same time I bought a Trail shirt.

The jacket and shirt were first put to the test in The Highlands on two big walks to remote Munros with snow above 750m. Low down I found that I was warm enough in just the shirt and only on the high ground did I need the jacket. In June on an evening ascent of Snowdon the Trail shirt, warm side in, was sufficient except for a short time on the summit in a cool wind. Next day was very warm for an ascent of Glyder Fach but the Trail shirt, now cool side in, was still comfortable, especially with the options of unpoppering the front and rolling up the sleeves.

In the autumn I added a Taiga fleece and Fuera jacket to my personal system. On a number of fell walks on mild days over the winter the Fuera jacket proved useful as a windproof over the Trail shirt. February found me in Glen Coe on a two day Winter Mountain Leader refresher course. On the Saturday at about 900m on Meall a Bhuiridh in a wind gusting to around 70mph, practising winter skills,? I was warm enough in my Trail shirt, Taiga fleece, Fuera jacket and Cascada trousers. Next day in colder conditions and an equally strong wind with the exception of my Alta jacket instead of my Fuera jacket I wore the same garments and was comfortable in an ascent onto the ridge of Buachaille Etive Mor. Unfortunately I managed to snag a leg of my Cascada trousers with a crampon. On my return home I took the trousers into WWD where it was arranged for them to be sent off to the Paramo Customer Service Team for repairs. I have now received them back, looking as good as new, cleaned and reproofed.

All the garments I have found to be well designed with high specifications and I have been so pleased with my Trail shirt that I have now purchased two more, (my wife says how easy it is to wash and dry them). Anyone who I have come in contact with who has experience of Paramo gear has spoke well of it. On a recent course on teaching navigation there was only one person out of the instructor and the five of us on the course who was not wearing anything from Paramo and by the end she probably felt that she had had a sales pitch all weekend! I was even stopped on Snowdon by someone to be asked what I thought of Paramo gear! I am still experimenting with what works best together and in different conditions but I am also looking as to what next to buy to make my system even more versatile.

Finally I would like to say how very friendly and helpful I have always found the people at WWD.

David Channing
Mountain Leader, Level 2 Canoe Coach and CCF Adventure Training Officer