Paramo Viento Zip-Off Waterproof Trousers for Men
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	Viento Zip-Off Waterproof Trousers for Men Vital Statistics: Guarantee: Life Of Garment Colours: Dark Grey Sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL SRP: £140.00 Features to Note: Unrestricted leg movement with minimal weight due to 'curved' articulation around the knee area. Comfortable and adjustable fit provided with an elasticated, draw cord and belt looped waist. Hand warming and secure storage supplied through two external hip pockets. Full weather protection, but with easy and rapid temperature adjustment provided by the 3/4 length side zips with internal poppered storm baffles. Can also be pulled on over walking boots. Ankle adjustment provided. Quick and efficient changing from Trousers to Shorts and visa versa.

Viento Zip-Off Waterproof Trousers for Men

Paramo Nikwax Analogy for Paramo Vinto waterproof trousers

Vital Statistics:

Guarantee:
Life Of Garment

Colours:
Dark Grey

Sizes:
S, M, L, XL, XXL

SRP:
£140.00

Features to Note:

Unrestricted leg movement with minimal weight due to 'curved' articulation around the knee area.
Comfortable and adjustable fit provided with an elasticated, draw cord and belt looped waist.
Hand warming and secure storage supplied through two external hip pockets.
Full weather protection, but with easy and rapid temperature adjustment provided by the 3/4 length side zips with internal poppered storm baffles.
Can also be pulled on over walking boots.
Ankle adjustment provided.
Quick and efficient changing from Trousers to Shorts and visa versa.

Paramo says:"The complete solution to every backpacker's and hill walker's needs! Designed to be worn throughout your trip, our Viento Zip-off Trousers provide comfort and function in every climate. From hot days to freezing nights and precipitation in every form, the Viento Zip-offs are the most versatile and innovative legwear on the market. Paramo's latest Directional Waterproof legwear provides full weather protection and can be easily and safely converted to shorts on the move.."

In-use Test:

The fabric in the Paramo Viento zip-off trousers comprises two layers and is very soft to the touch, warm and lightweight. Both waterproofness and Breathability were excellent. They're are warm enough to be worn next to the skin even in deep winter conditions without the need for over (or under) trousers.

I was able to control the temperature via 3/4 length zips running from thigh to ankle. These zips are poppered and baffled and offered good protection from rain and wind. For ultimate cooling the trousers convert to shorts. This was both quick and efficient whether converting from trousers to shorts or vice-versa. The 'legs' have colour coded tabs and the zips located easily for quick conversion in worsening conditions with no need to remove any footwear. There's even a small bag provided for 'leg' stowage.

There are two front pockets that provide storage and hand warming options. However, since both are located in the outer fabric, neither or them was fully waterproof. Fit was good - there's elasticated ankles and waist plus a fully adjustable belt. The articulated knee design was really useful when scrambling or climbing stiles. Soft, comfortable and warm plus a high level of technical performance - if you walk regularly all year round in Britain - Paramo Viento Zip-Off's are a good investment.

Buying Advice:

Extremely soft and comfortable lightweight fabric that deals with perspiration and wind and rain in equal measure. For 95% of the year the Paramo Viento Zip-Off trousers will be the only walking trousers you will need.

What do you think?

Have you got a pair of Paramo Viento Zip-Off Waterproof Trousers 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 Viento Zip-Off Waterproof Trousers for Men - so we can publish your important views below.

• These must be the best waterproof trousers if you are full day walking in the UK. As much as the weather will change these trousers are up to it. In full rain, they will keep you dry. When the rain stops and you start to sweat up just open the leg vents and as you or the day gets warm zip off the legs stowthemandyou arein comfortable walking shorts. No stopping and fiddling around, no fighting with getting the legs off over boots, and just as simple in reverse when the rain starts again.

Only a few problems with these trousers

1. No side vent/pocket access

2. You do need a good belt for them

3. Paramo seem to have stopped making them. This design (the zip off leg waterproof) is one I think all manufacturers should consider. The ease of moving from full waterproof to shorts is such a benefit when tackling a full day walk.

Peter Sanderson