Paramo Cuzco Jacket

A brilliant 3-season jacket that takes you to the comfort zone and works hard to keep you there.

Paramo's Cuzco Jacket costs £120 and compared with similar priced jackets it wins hands down. Paramo has a strong following and once you have jumped from the plastic bag and fleece combination you will know why. The combination of fabrics does work - and that was a surprise. I warily waited to get caught out under the danger of too high expectations, but it didn't happen.

Pros:

A lightweight easy to wear jacket well-suited to 3-season UK wear hiking or active sports. And it looks just as good in the pub, shopping, socializing or in the local park.

It gets you to the comfort zone and, within reasonable bounds, you stay there.

Venting is easy-peasy and unlike plastic bag and fleece combinations you do get the fabric working for you.

Cuffs. A doddle to fasten, pull up or down, or just leave wide to get a bit of a breeze.

Hood. It works better than most.

Fabric. It is just so different. Harnesses, belts or straps can be worn easily without scrunching, crunching or crinkling. You can wear it next to the skin without intermediaries but a good quality base T preserves modesty!

No pools of moisture under the arms, damp cuffs or hems when you hit the exertion zone.

HINT: you can fasten the bottom stud behind your back to get extra venting.

Cons:

Almost every paraholic endures Paramo's colour range with despair (when will they get it right?)

Shortage of stowage space (just two zipped side pockets) forces you to take a bag or 'sack of some sort. My preference is a 12 lt bumbag for short hiking or cycling trips.

Don’t wear things that may catch or snag the inner lining.