In thinking about post-Pyrenees posts I thought I’d prioritise those that might be useful to those of you who will be going away in August and September. I’ll start with the new Paramo warm weather range.
Paramo is well known for its winter and rain wear, but I’ve been using their summer clothing for a while know. Over the last few weeks I’ve been using some new kit which performed superbly in very hot conditions.
Paramo Kea Light Shirt
This shirt is very similar to the warm weather shirts that have been on the market for a while now, but it is made from an even lighter fabric. The Kea weighs less than 20 grams.
Paramo’s idea with this shirt is to make the absolute most of perspiration for cooling. As you work the shirt traps a layer of sweat between you and the shirt giving you the maximum benefit when the breeze or wind wafts over the body.
The system really does seem to work. I’m not sure I’d have really appreciated the Kea in normal UK summer conditions, but in the blistering heat of SW France and Spain there was no doubt that it really worked.
A fantastic shirt. It also washes and dries very quickly. If you’re heading for a hot climate this summer then this shirt is seriously worth considering.
Merapi Vent Trousers
Last summer I waxed lyrically about the new Paramo Meru shorts. The material these are made if is wonderfully comfortable.
The Mepai Vent trousers are made out of the same fabric. In some ways they are similar to the Montane Terra Pants in that they have an ankle ‘gaiter’ and a thing vent. But this Paramo fabric makes these trousers feel gorgeous in very hot weather.
My Merapai trousers were used predominantly for evening wear as I preferred to walk in shorts. But on a few days – when I thought my legs had taken a pounding from the sun – I did wear them on walks. They were the most comfortable long trousers I have worn in very hot weather.
If you are the kind of walker who needs to keep themselves covered up when walking in hot weather, then these may well be the trousers for you.
So, there you go: more winners for Paramo. Both the shirt and the trousers are very impressive and ideal companions for Mediterranean-type summers.
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Paramo Kea
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Paramo Kea
Nice summary, Andy.
I’m keeping my eye on Páramo kit as they seem to be an ethical British company with good products, so you could say I’m a would-be Páramo enthusiast!
I’d like to get more long sleeved kit, as I always cop the sun; however I find long sleeved Cambia T shirt has the very open neck, which tends to leave me vulnerable to the sun in Summer. I have the short sleeved Cambia, which feels like a good Winter baselayer to me. The Kea Light Shirt seems a better bet neck-wise, but the Katmai Light Shirt would seem even better if one wished to cover the arms.
After going without ‘proper’ (purpose made) walking trousers since I was a kid (although, hey, let’s not diss Ron Hills – I did a lot of cycling and walking in them!), last year I used the excuse of the WHW to get some Montane Terras, and they continue to be a revelation. Real walking trousers that resist rain, keep you cool and are reinforced at the right points – wow! I keep checking out the Cascada Trousers in our local store but they just look and feel a bit heavy and baggy to me, perhaps they are mainly for mid autumn onwards? Not sure if you have any views on them (can’t remember seeing them mentioned in your blog). Those Merapi Trousers seem a better bet for Spring onwards and I’ve been waiting for someone to mention or review them – they’re on the list! All I have to do now is either pop into London or get Altimus to get some more stock in.
Kate uses the long shirt, women’s, version of the Kea – she needs to cover under the sun at all times. She’s just as positive as I am about the shirts.
The Cascadas are simply amazing in very wet and cold weather – you won’t find them heavy in practice. As I daid, the Marapi trousers are superb in the warmer weather when I find the Terras a little uncomfortable.
As if by magic, a Páramo offer was delivered to my mailbox including this Merapi related offer, just this morning.
Cascadas thoughts noted – something to line up for winter, perhaps!
Useful feed back.Andy. Did you take anything more than Shorts,Merapi Vents and waterproof overtrousers?
Was there any sign of the dreaded Ticks?
No ticks John. Nope I took just the shorts and the Merapi plus a pair of Montane Featherlite windproof trousers.
The shirts are a lovely silky material. Luxurious to wear and very wind proof but feel cool. The only issue I’ve had is they are not the most smell resitant.
Hi Andy,
thanks for the review and it looks like another buy. Obviously Paramo doesn’t make it that easy buying from them when you live outside the UK. Do you have any recommendation which of their flagship online stores in the UK would deserve my money?
Roman,
I buy most of my Paramo gear from Stewart Cunningham of Betwys-y-Coed – they have a good online store:
http://www.srcunningham.co.uk/