I've had a Paramo Velez smock for 10+ years (the older one with the detachable hood). It's great but often too warm for me, the temperature needs to be around 0 for me to avoid breaking into a sweat on a brisk walk. As above, you have to treat them with the wash in proofing to make/keep them waterproof.
This winter I bought a Fjallraven parka for dog walking, watching kids play football, etc. It's big, heavy, and warm but I'm not sure it's that waterproof.
I’ve had a few paramo jackets and if I could get hold of an enduro in midnight & gold in size large, I’d have another.
I really rate their stuff. I tend to get hot & sweaty when walking, skiing etc. Every membrane based shell I’ve had hasn’t coped with the amount of sweat I produce, meaning that I’m wet through after an hour of brisk walking. They don’t generally let water in but likewise I think they’re crap at letting it out.
However, I tried a Paramo Alta 2 and it was a revelation for me. The “pump liner” seems to work a treat for active use. The only downside was that when inactive I found it wasn’t as waterproof as my Rab eVent jacket. So, for standing still I’d go Rab and for active I’d go Paramo.
If you’re wanting a rustle free all weather jacket, that’s also at an hybrid of the membrane & Paramo try to get hold of a Karrimor Enforcer SF. I’ve been using these at work for 20 years and they’re brilliant and would suit wildlife/nature photography perfectly. That’s said, they’re now discontinued and only ever came in olive or black. Definitely worth hunting down though.
Personal favourite is Thrudark smock. It’s warm and waterproof. Beat outdoor jacket I have ever bought by a long way. The cost is reflective of the quality though.
Thrudark
Good lord they have some full on marketing B.S.
I wear a fjallraven raven jacket as my cutting about jacket, wouldn't dream of wearing it in the hills as some have said 2 layers for me, alway. Own a green velez smock and it is weird, works but looks soaking as soon as it rains. I have a pair of the Aspira salopettes as well, after the nuclear war all there will be left are cockroaches and Aspiras. Totally bombproof.
I've been eyeing this up. Can't justify it myself as I have a Didriksons "anorak" which does the job.
Wanna buy a Didriksons anorak? Bit like this (Stealth ad)
https://www.tiso.com/apcsl8ti0183/didriksons-m-sebastian-jac-mens-blue-apcsl8ti0183/00191457/
Agree the marketing is a bit much. I was sceptical but munch like this thread I wanted a smock for all weathers. I was initially put off by the cost but took a punt.
I was over the moon with the jacket from a function and fit standpoint so since then have bought more of their kit. All has been excellent.
Previously a big fan or Rab and Mamut but thrudark is just better.
Thrudark SF PHALANX FLEECE - £245 for Polartec Hi-Loft & Powerdry hybrid fleece!!
Utter madness, you can get the equivalent from a decent outdoor brand for half of that.
🤦♂️
Thrudark SF PHALANX FLEECE – £245 for Polartec Hi-Loft & Powerdry hybrid fleece!!
Utter madness, you can get the equivalent from a decent outdoor brand for half of that.
I wonder if they're related to Jottnar in some way or if one has just copied the other? There's a lot of similarities in their marketing and pricing.
Or another option.... Ex army Goretex? If it's just for bush bashing.
Thrudark is another ex-squaddie clothing business with no taste or design background.
@Spin - at least the Jottnar kit has a lot of real world reviews. It's still probably cheaper than Arcteryx or the top end Patagonia stuff
I have a Patagonia lthsmus, (I'm wearing it right now). I bought as my work winter coat. It's good, decently waterproof and warm but not as warm as my old Rab Primaloft jacket. The hood is lovely to wear in the snow, and the pockets are very useful.
Very understated.
Edit - deleted.
