User Review: Paramo Cascada Jacket

First off the price. I recently saw a Cascada Jacket in an outdoor retailers priced at £180, whereas I picked mine up late last year for £100 less as it was 'last year's colour'. Which doesn't mean a lot in Paramo land, as they all look the same. Shop around!

Secondly customer service. I discovered a minor stitching fault on mine which caused the zip to snag high on the neck. I returned the jacket to Paramo who, apart from a phone call to ask when it was bought - "It's quite an old model!", replaced it immediately with a new jacket. Top marks!

Breathabilty is incredible, far superior to any of the 'breathable' membranes, especially when working hard. I usually detest wearing waterproofs, but I haven't had this jacket off all winter. It's warm and snuggly, and has replaced my trusty fleece, with the added benefit of not having to scrabble in my rucksac for an outer shell when it rains. Technically the fabric is not strictly waterproof, but so far I've stayed dry, with the lack of dripping sweat far outweighing any water ingress, even in pretty atrocious conditions.

My only quibble is that this type of jacket is too warm for hot and wet conditions, and I think the trousers would be too hot for my liking in anything except freezing cold weather.

I'd certainly recommend Paramo gear to anybody.