Looking for a less dayglo womens waterproof - any suggestions? Paramo

NicolaB · #1 (**permalink**) 12-06-2009, 04:05 PM

Hi again,

I'm currently the owner of a bright blue Mountain Equipment Goretex jacket (Nanga Parbat)...which is great for hillwalking/being found by mountain rescue if I had an accident, but pretty dreadful for wildlife watching/photography as I suspect I'm visible from space while wearing it, and also rustle with every move!.

I've been looking on the web for more subtle clothing, and definitely need something that is suitable for horrendous Welsh weather, but is in muted colours, and has useful pockets for random camera bits, maps etc.

I've had my eye on the Paramo Pajaro, but is it worth the £230 price tag? Are the other Paramo jackets just as good for the purpose, being of the same quiet but waterproof material? Both the Cascada and Alta II seem to have more muted colour options as well, despite not being quite so specifically designed for wildlife watching, and are about £50 cheaper.

Thanks

N

Does anyone have any other recommendations?

Dadzinsky · #2 (**permalink**) 12-06-2009, 04:08 PM

I did recently see some 'nature photographers' waterproofs for sale on ebay, though I didn't look too closely, they were available in all sizes, green in colour etc.... don;t know how 'quiet the material was... Might be just worth having a browse... though its always nice to have a 'touch and feel' (so to speak)

ron1863 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-06-2009, 06:21 PM

These Sportchief Aquatex Jackets are £189.00, camouflaged, waterproof and silent, worth a look:

Camouflage Jackets (Sportchief Aquatex Jacket)

Lancashire Lad · #4 (**permalink**) 12-06-2009, 06:41 PM

I got a Paramo Pajaro last year. It's seen some fairly heavy use, and has kept me dry whenever I've been caught by a downpour. I particularly like the venting system which (when you use it) lets air in while keeping the rain out, so you don't get overly warm.

Whether it's worth the price can only be a personal opinion, but I'm happy that I'm getting my money's worth.

In fact I was impressed enough to subsequently get one of their Taiga water repellant fleeces as well. (The Taiga isn't marketed as "waterproof", but it's great for those days where there might just be a few light showers).

Regards
Mike.

Kayleigh · #5 (**permalink**) 12-06-2009, 07:04 PM

I got a great padded waterproof jacket from our local garden centre for £25 I think it was in a riding centre selling riding gear inside the garden centre.
Its dark green not camouflage.

NicolaB · #6 (**permalink**) 12-06-2009, 09:48 PM

Thanks for the ideas!

I also forgot to mention, I definitely need something in womens fit, as mens clothes usually swamp me, and this also narrows my potential selection down a lot

As far as I've seen, noone does camo gear in womens sizes, and I'm not sure I want to go that far anyway really, as in reality most of my shots are bird ones rather than shy mammals such as deer. I'd also like something I could go to the pub in afterwards without looking like a carp fisherman/ SAS type!

Jonners · #7 (**permalink**) 12-06-2009, 11:51 PM

That's something to chuckle about as I head for my bed, Nicola. The combination of dayglo coat visible from space compared to a carp fisherman... you've got your work cut out, but i hope you are successful. If ever I'm in Wales I'll keep my eyes out for a suitably dressed birder entering the pub

hammock monkey · #8 (**permalink**) 14-06-2009, 10:35 AM

I've also got a Pajaro, and i love it. Its the most expensive piece of clothing i've ever bought, but its fantastic. It just works. Having said that its pretty warm so it may not get much use in summer unless youre out at night. If so you'll be carrying the jacket, which isnt a problem as its very light, although big (but squashy).
I got mine from Go Outdoors as they have discount scheme where they'll reduce it by 10% below any online price. The staff didnt really know much about that and had to check their own website, but it worked a treat.

My reasoning for spending that much was that a coat should last me 5-10+ years, and thats a lot of weather! Being comfy means I'll stay in place if i'm waiting to see something much longer, and hopefully therefore see more.....hopefully! In fact I'd be happy to sleep out in it.

The pocket space is incredible, at an airport I had to take a load of 2nd hand books (i'd bought them whilst on holiday) out of my bag to get it on as hand luggage, so i loaded my coat and put it on... there must have been 6 hardback and 8 paperbacks in the pockets. I looked slightly odd but i was thanking Paramo!

NicolaB · #9 (**permalink**) 14-06-2009, 08:46 PM

Thanks again...

I must admit I'm pretty sold on the Pajaro now, it definitely sounds like it's perfect for what I want to do and where I want to do it, plus it's probably acceptable to wear back in civilisation after a day of wildlife watching

Hobjob · #10 (**permalink**) 15-06-2009, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NicolaB

I must admit I'm pretty sold on the Pajaro now, it definitely sounds like it's perfect for what I want to do and where I want to do it, plus it's probably acceptable to wear back in civilisation after a day of wildlife watching

Paramo's greatest advantage is it breathability.

The camofluage link above is non-breathable; I have a similar geologic (much cheaper, no so long, but search on tackle shops and you will find it), which is great for standing or sitting around in howling gales, but walk a bit and I get very damp inside. Not so with my Paramo.

Paramo is also OK in the high street.