Paramo Tiempo Fleece
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	Tiempo Fleece Vital Statistics: Guarantee: Lifetime Colours: Brown, Claret, Forest, Mid Grey, Navy Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL SRP: £130.00

Tiempo Fleece

Paramo Nikwax Analogy used in the Paramo Tiempo fllece

Vital Statistics:

Guarantee:
Lifetime

Colours:
Brown, Claret, Forest, Mid Grey, Navy

Sizes:
XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL

SRP:
£130.00

Paramo says:"A water-repellent, insulating windproof fleece jacket from Paramo. Lightweight and lower bulk, the Tiempo Fleece is ideal for use on and off the hill. Effective windproofing allows greater warmth to be trapped in the underlayers reducing heat loss from windchill - an advantage when trying to stay warm or to warm up. Recommended for low level rambling and a wide variety of Trek and Travel climates. The Tiempo is perfect for everyday use and has already become a firm favourite amongst P�ramo staff."

Features to Note:

Increased field of vision provided by a fully adjustable, wired and detachable low profile hood.
Maximum freedom of movement and increased comfort in the shoulder and arm area provided by articulated shoulders and sleeves.
Camera, compass or other essential storage provided by large zipped chest pocket.
Adjustable temperature and weather protection from the high collar with single-hand drawcord adjustment.
OS map pocket storage.
Temperature adjustment from elasticated and poppered cuff.
Handwarming and additional storage from two waist level pockets.
Venting, weather protection and minimal rucking provided by concealed, elasticated waist and hem drawcords.
Protection to the kidney area when bending or stretching from scooped tail.
Lightweight and low bulk - takes up limited space when packed.
For maximum weather protection combine with the Fuera Windproof Smock or Jacket.
The Windproof lining may feel unfamiliar at first but allows the jacket to be worn across a greater range .of temperatures as well as giving greater flexibility and versatility.
1 x chest pocket, 2 x spacious handwarmer pockets, 1 x large map pocket - all with zip flap closures

In-use Test:

I've used the Paramo Tiempo fleece over a base layer on a variety of low level walks in Derbyshire and Cheshire during late summer/autumn. I also took it with me on several summer camping trips to Scotland.

Material: The material has a soft velvety feel to it - quite unlike the material more usually used for fleeces. It also has a rather interesting silky-feeling lining. These two have been combined to make a very light and comfortable garment.

I've worn it in quite windy conditions and it certainly kept the wind out. It also performed well and kept me warm when walking through cloud and mist on the mountain tops (most notably on Braeriach in the Scottish Cairngorms) as it does have some water-repellancy. However, when it started to actually rain I had to put on a proper waterproof jacket to keep everything dry.

Fit/Design: It's a good length and the scooped tail design means that your lower back stays covered even when wearing a reasonably sized back-pack. There's a chunky two-way zip which was consistently easy to use. The articulated shoulder design provides good freedom of movement when stretching.

The temperature control options are varied. The sleeves have a popper fastening which I personally much prefer to an elasticated cuff. The hood/collar have a number of adjustment options and combine to create either a loose or snug fit around the neck depending on your needs at the time.

The 4 pockets are all a good size. I particularly liked the fact that the handwarmer side pockets are nice and deep and that the zip fastens from the bottom-up - reducing the risk of items falling out when you leave the zips half-open ......

Buying Advice:

The Paramo Tiempo seems to offer all the functionality of the Paramo Tiago but it's much, much lighter and much less bulky.

What do you think?

Have you got a Paramo Tiempo Fleece?

We would love to hear what you thought of it - good, bad or indifferent. Perhaps you simply disagree with the verdict above - or feel an important feature has been negelected.

Let us know by clicking this link - What I think of Paramo Tiempo Fleece - so we can publish your important views below.

• Why no mention of the hood in test? I think it is a very important part of the fleece and over all comfort

David Hare, Barrow Upon Humber