Paramo Mirada Waterproof Jacket for Women
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	Mirada Waterproof Jacket for Women Vital Statistics: Colours: Black, Foxglove Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL Weight: 491gms SRP: £220.00

Mirada Waterproof Jacket for Women

Vital Statistics:

Colours:
Black, Foxglove

Sizes:
XS, S, M, L, XL

Weight:
491gms

SRP:
£220.00

Features to Note:

Fabric: Analogy Light treated with Nikwax TX Direct ®
Underarm 'pit' zips
Articulated shoulder design
Reflective strip (front and back)
Scooped tail back
Hem drawcord
Internal zipped pocket
Two-way main zip with strorm flap

In-use Test:

New in the Paramo range this year, the Mirada is a women-specific jacket made using the light-weight version of Nikwax's Analogy fabric.

It's certainly a lot more light weight and less bulky than other Paramo jackets I've worn; it's a good overall length and has a really quite flattering fit. The sleeves too are nice and long (I have relatively long arms and this is always a bug-bear with me) finished with a simple cuff and fastened with velcro. These sleeves can also be rolled up easily if conditions demand it.

I thought the hood was excellent - it's easy to adjust so as to get a good fit, covers your head well and its' peak plus face-guard provided pretty good protection in the wind and rain that seem a permanent feature of the 2012 UK summer - at least it has been during my recent Cheshire/Derbyshire walks. And there are no annoying, dangling bits to flap in your face.

The shoulders and elbows have an articulated design so the freedom of movement is excellent.

I tend to 'run hot' so a crucial consideration for me in a walking jacket is its breathability combined ideally with options for quick and easy temperature control. And to my mind this one of the areas in which the Mirada excels - the super-sized, underarm zips are easy to use and provide great ventilation without letting in the rain; the main front zip is also a 2-way design which provides another option for cooling down if necessary. So I've been dry and comfortable in a variety of cold/wet, warm/wet, so-called summer conditions.

There are two hand-warmer style external pockets, which are readily accessible whilst wearing a daypack plus a small internal zipped pocket. I guess if I had one gripe about the Mirada it would be that all the pockets are just a little bit small. However that doesn't really detract from the overall performance.

Buying Advice:

It's good to see lighter weight options in the Paramo range. The Mirada is a good investment for women needing a reliable, relatively light-weight jacket for hill-walking, nordic walking or other high energy activities.

What do you think?

Have you got a Paramo Mirada Waterproof Jacket for Women?

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 Mirada Waterproof Jacket for Women - so we can publish your important views below.

• I bought the mirada jacket as I go hill walking and I am doing the west highland way in a few weeks and I was recommended this make. When doing a 16 mile training walk it was raining and it was the first I had tried out my jacket in the rain and unfortunately i was soaked through at the base of my back and shoulders. I emailed paramo and I must say their customer services was amazing.I sent my jacket back and they sent me a brand new replacement jacket within two days. I just hope this one is ok as I only had my old one 8 weeks.

Michelle Mullen, Glasgow