Paramo Aspira Waterproof Jacket for Men
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	Aspira Waterproof Jacket for Men Vital Statistics: Guarantee: Life of the Jacket Colours: Colbolt/Mid Grey, Fire/Slate Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL SRP: £250.00

Aspira Waterproof Jacket for Men

Paramo Nikwax Analogy

Vital Statistics:

Guarantee:
Life of the Jacket

Colours:
Colbolt/Mid Grey, Fire/Slate

Sizes:
S, M, L, XL, XXL

SRP:
£250.00

Paramo says:"P�ramo's latest edition to the Aspira range. This high specification garment range has earned us a reputation for revolutionary design and functionality. Experience, innovation and customer feedback have led to the development of our most technically advanced mountaineering jacket ever, the Aspira. Developed specifically for harsh environments the Aspira offers excellent protection against cold and wet conditions, yet versatile enough to be worn on hotter days in the mountains. The Aspira Jacket allows total temperature control with a multitude of ventilation features and benefits from 25% lighter lining weight."

Features to Note:

Less prone to abrasion or damage through new reversed zips.
Complete weather protection provided by the fully adjustable, wired roll-away hood. New higher volume hood fits over all types of helmets and is adjustable with cordlocks.
Easy and secure use of navigation equipment by one 'Fast Access' chest pocket.
Less flap and weight through reduced arm volume.
Adjustable venting and temperature control through P�ramo's unique upper arm vents.
Less abrasion or damage through stronger forearm, elbow and shoulder fabric.
Further temperature control and weather protection from P�ramo's multi-adjust cuff design which also allows sleeves to be rolled up for cooling.
Handwarming provided by 2 handwarming pockets
OS map storage provided by one large external working plus large internal dry map storage pocket
Excellent weather protection from our unique 2" drip skirt and scooped tail.
Now 25% lighter in lining weight!

In-use Test:

The Paramo Aspira is a stylishly designed outdoor jacket aimed squarely at the serious outdoorsperson venturing into harsh environments. Warm and waterproof, this smock style jacket has an almost bewildering array of vents and zips to control your internal temperature.

The arms have poppered, zipped vents for rapid cooling and the two side vents open virtually up to your armpits to permit a high degree of temperature control without having to remove a rucksack or backpack.

The front has three pockets, two high up with Velcro flaps and toggles for storing you compass, GPS, whistle and small torch. A larger pouch type pocket in the front easily accommodates your map and walk route guide.

The back is long to protect the lumber region and ribbed to support your rucksack.

Oh - and like all Paramo garments of this nature - it is waterproof. Superbly waterproof.

Buying Advice:

Technical performance (breathability, waterproofness, windproofness) of the Paramo Aspira is is superb. Good temperature control via the generous vents. Easily stowable.

Smock style may not suit everyone (though a 'zip-up-the-front' version is available) and I initially found myself absent-mindedly opening the side vents thinking they were pockets. Price might be a bit steep for some - but well worth it if you walk regularly and want to stay dry.

What do you think?

Have you got a Paramo Aspira Waterproof Jacket for Men?

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 Aspira Waterproof Jacket for Men - so we can publish your important views below.

• Warm, waterproof, expertly designed. Just three things that come to mind about the Aspira smock. I bought mine last year for use on an expedition to Norway in February 2013. What strikes you first is how heavy it is - over 900g (men's large). You put it on and realise it's also pretty comfortable. Then you notice the thought that's gone into its design. Vents are on the arm rather than pit zips; the cuffs are secured using tunnelled tabs so you don't have a loop of material to catch on poles and axes; chest pockets have a clip to attach a compass lanyard, torch etc; a foam inset runs the full length of the back for comfort with a rucsac (and is removable). On expedition the Aspira performed brilliantly. When moving I wore a Helly Hansen merino baselayer and the Aspira, and was perfectly warm in temperatures below -20c. I've worn it in heavy rain in the UK and not got even remotely damp. I did manage somehow to create a hole in the sleeve. I have no idea how it happened, but on my return I contacted Paramo, who repaired the smock for a very reasonable £35, including a clean and re-proof. This simply wouldn't have been possible with most traditional waterproof jackets/smocks. It took around 6 weeks, slightly longer than they'd estimated, for which Paramo sent a bottle of insect repellant and the offer of a free clean and reproof in future. Which all added up to great customer service. The Aspira isn't the most stylish garment, but if you want a brilliantly effective winter hardshell, and will use it in conditions cold and tough enough to justify the c.£300 outlay, it really is a great investment.

Mike Weavers, Lincoln

• I have owned an Aspira smock for two years now and after having goretex for years have found it such a relief to wear. You don't overheat in a sweaty sticky mess and thus always feel refreshed and ready to keep exploring. This was my first Paramo product and have since been a little addicted to the gear and have travelled all over the world with it. One of the best things it's so say to reroof if you need to. Highly recommended

Neil Wheatley, Chesterfield