Páramo perfection – innovative, breathable, sustainable waterproof clothing for every adventure

Using the Nikwax® Analogy® fabric system, Páramo’s waterproof jackets feature unrivalled ‘directionality’ technology.

This doesn’t provide a physical barrier to rain like a Gore-Tex membrane. Instead, a water-resistant, Durable Water Repellent-coated outer deflects the initial impact of rain, while an inner layer (the ‘Pump Liner’) physically moves liquid water (rain and sweat) away from the body, keeping the user dry, preventing condensation and enhancing breathability.

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This unique membrane-free philosophy, which is designed to mimic the way fur keeps mammals dry in nature, has big pros. Páramo jackets wick away sweat efficiently, are super-warm, can be worn with one less layer (pair them with just a base layer) and provide plenty of cooling options through well-placed vents.

Plus the waterproofing is well-proven. The outer fabric of a Páramo jacket is a strong, closely woven, microfibre windproof material designed to block out the worst effects of wind and rain.

This provides an initial layer of protection. But the cleverer, more innovative bit is that – if rain does get inside (through the hood, up the sleeves or underneath the waist hem) – it doesn’t really matter.

This is because Páramo jackets are capable of moving liquid water away from your body, and not just water vapour. Páramo jackets can pump out 80% of condensation, while traditional membranes (which are prone to clamminess) can only deal with 20%. It’s a big performance uplift.

To check every Páramo jacket is up to scratch, the brand tests its jackets in the Leeds University Rainroom, ensuring they can “resist at least four hours of heavy rain, which is approximately five times the intensity of normal heavy rain in the UK”.

Páramo’s innovative approach also extends to the way it does business. The brand is well-known for its ethical and eco-friendly approach to clothing production. Located in Bogotá, Colombia, the charitable Miquelina Foundation makes most of Páramo’s clothing, providing training and employment opportunities to vulnerable women.

All garments manufactured at Miquelina carry the World Fair Trade Organization Fair Trade label and, to date, Páramo and Miquelina’s partnership has provided training and employment for more than 10,000 women.

“The long-lasting partnership between Miquelina and Páramo is an admirable example which shows that economic development and product quality can go hand in hand with human development and social justice”. Rudi Dalvai, WFTO President

All Páramo purchases are also covered by the brand’s Recycling Scheme, which prevents garments from ending up in landfill.

It works like this. For every item of Páramo clothing a member of the public recycles with Páramo, they receive a voucher of (up to) £50 to use against a future purchase. Páramo says that “Nikwax Analogy fabric systems are uniquely suited to recycling as they avoid the need for mixed materials, membranes or taped seams; instead they use 100% polyester, which unlike many materials, can be broken down and reformed into new, high quality fibres”.

For more information visit www.paramo-clothing.com

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