The new light Analogy trousers from Paramo are versatile enough to find their way into a backpacker’s winter and cool weather gear set. They are useable when the heavier Cascada Trousers are not. But inspect your trousers carefully as there may be a quality control issue to consider.
I bought a pair of these new lightweight trousers just after Christmas but thought I’d wait until I’d worn them in heavy weather before reviewing them fully. These trousers are made using the new lighter weight outer layer material that has become popular with the Velez Adventure smock. While the outer is lighter the inner layer (the Analogy Pump Liner) remains the same. These are fully waterproof trousers. But they are considerably lighter than the Cascada Trousers.
On Paramo’s site they quote a weight of 572 grams for the medium sized Cascadas. In contrast the Velex trousers weigh in at 398 grams. In practice the weight saving feels greater than 200 grams or so.
I decided to use the Velex Trousers on this year’s TGO Challenge. The lower weight compared reasonably well to my usual combination of Paramo Stretch Pants and Montane waterproofs. The convenience of a single pair of trousers made the choice reasonably easy.
To begin with these trousers are fully waterproof and give you all of the protection that you would expect with a full Paramo set. But waterproofing isn’t the issue for most backpackers. How do they fair in warmer weather?
I found these trousers to be very comfortable in the warm weather of this year’s Challenge. The side vents keep things cool and the lighter outer fabric was far more comfortable and cooler than that found on the Cascadas. On the Challenge I usually carry a lightweight pair of Paramo summer trousers mainly for wearing in civilisation. However, on very warm days I’ve found the Stretch Pants to be too warm and I’ve switched to walking in the summer trousers. No so this year. I wore the Velez Trousers every day without any real concern.
The comfort of these trousers is further enhanced by the cut of the Velez which is far more convenient than the Cascada — there seems to be far less material flapping around your legs. You probably wouldn’t wear these in summer but they can be worn in comfort on far hotter days than the Cascada trousers can cope with.
I’m obviously not the only person who can see the benefit in these lighter Paramo trousers; there were more than a few pairs visible on this year’s crossing. Based on my experience I would have no problem recommending them.
There is one downside though. Some people reported that they had been forced to return their trousers. In each case there was a problem with the quality of the stitching on the trousers. This would seem to be a similar problem to that encountered by Alan Sloman when he looked at these trousers in the Paramo Shop in Covent Garden. To be fair, those who had received a replacement pair of trousers were happy with them, although Rob Slade had found some wear on his at the end of the event which surprised him.
It may be that Paramo had received a duff batch of these trousers and if so maybe somebody would like to get in touch and let us know. After all, at £140 these are not cheap.
But I should finish with my own experiences which are totally positive. I’ve had no problems with the stitching on mine. These trousers allow us to get the benefit of Paramo waterproofing in warmer weather. For the first time I’ve considered Paramo trousers for backpacking. They can get a bit smelly around the crotch area but this can easily be washed out (and of course they dry quickly).
These are recommended. But examine the stitching carefully before purchasing or when you receive them through the post.
I had some stitching problems with mine, although my partner sorted it out with a bit of needlework. Not what I expected with such a high price of Kit. Did not fancy driving back to Snowdonia to exchange them! Saying that the stitching on my Cascadas failed as well. Paramo seem to favour a single line of stitching rather than a double line which would be more durable.
James, there does seem to be an issue here. I checked mine carefully yesterday after washing them and they seemed to be OK. All the negative comments about these seem to involve stitching though!
I had my Cascadas patched just before the Challenge. I’d burned a hole with a stove, but a zip had also broken, and holes had rubbed in between both legs and around the bottoms. I’ve not actually worn them all that much. I’ll have a good look at the stitching tomorrow, and see whether there are any new signs of wear. If there are then I’ll be sending them back and asking for some answers.
I had to return my firdt pair of Velez trews as the lining in one leg was faulty and rubbed my lower leg raw! Paramo claimed it was production fault. Took replacement on Challenge and no problems, but then I did wear shorts given half the chance and think I wore shorts on more days than not! They are lighter to carry than Cascadas and you can roll the lower legs up to knees to make long shorts but they look rather silly. Thought, being black, I could wear them for doing funerals in the rain but not too sure about that!!!
Seems difficult to position these. Do they replace Cascada? Seems hard to imagine from your description how the two sit alongside each other.
If they’re not suitable for summer long trousers then what are?
Paul,
They are lighter and more comfortable than Cascadas. I’d use them in all cooler weather over Cascadas, though maybe Cascadas have the edge in very cold weather. Certainly for backpacking these are far better. They can cope with heat in a way that the Cascadas can’t.
Just had to return my Velez Trousers for the second time.The pocket on the first pair was unfinished. The second pair I took on the challenge were fantastic, but recently the stitching had started to come undone in four different places. It looks as if the ends of the seams were not finished properly or the thread is failing.
The staff were very good in the Covent garden store and replaced them. I hope this pair lasts a bit longer.
Whilst chatting to them I mentioned the Third Element jacket, they are reduced as they are sadly discontinuing the jacket.
Hi Shap!
I wonder if these trousers are being made in Asia rather than South America. You can’t argue with their returns policy but it is not good
Sad about 3rd Element!
I am looking to get a pair of waterproof, winter trousers for my brother in law. I want something he can use for winter walking in the Lake District and even Scotland but which might also see him through into early Spring and late Autumn without being too hot. The warmer summer months can be fixed with something else – Rab Drillium for example. Are the Velez trousers going to be enough, with a pair of merino leggings underneath, for -5 to -10C in the Lakes and Scotland or are they just not going to cut it? I have Aspira Salopettes which will do me across the period I mention but I think may be too much for what he needs them for (he won’t be walking a whole hell of a lot in the winter, whereas I will, but when he does I want him to have reasonable protection).