The fact that I have proved to myself that I could use the same baselayer and shells in winter as in summer does not mean that I find this ideal. But they do add the perspective that even a very lightweight rain jacket in water-proof breathable is just as good for hard winds (and better for slush) in winter as an anorak from the 1950s. And people survived in those.
My favorite shells for winter has for a number of years been those from the British company Paramo. Their advantage is that they breathe A LOT better than different kinds of "Mextex" (waterproof-breathables), while keeping wind and precipitation from reaching your skin. Their disadvantage is that they are heavier than the lightest Mextex versions.
I have used a Paramo Velez smock for a number of years. It weighs 820 grams. The pants are Paramo Cascada at 660 grams. These items were bought 6-7 years ago, there are lighter versions today (for instance a Velez Light Smock at 585 grams). Another advantage with Paramo clothing is that they are PFC free and are re-impregnated with PFC free Nikwax. Nikwax and Paramo are sort of sister companies.
In winter, when you have to wear extra insulation anyway, the weight of these shells do not matter much. You are wearing them on your body (and not in your pack) almost all the time (sometimes with nothing underneath) and they serve like an extra, thin, fleece sweater under an ordinary windshirt.
By Jörgen Johansson
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| With Rulk (rucksack-pulk) and Paramo clothing, heading into Sarek. |
My favorite shells for winter has for a number of years been those from the British company Paramo. Their advantage is that they breathe A LOT better than different kinds of "Mextex" (waterproof-breathables), while keeping wind and precipitation from reaching your skin. Their disadvantage is that they are heavier than the lightest Mextex versions.
I have used a Paramo Velez smock for a number of years. It weighs 820 grams. The pants are Paramo Cascada at 660 grams. These items were bought 6-7 years ago, there are lighter versions today (for instance a Velez Light Smock at 585 grams). Another advantage with Paramo clothing is that they are PFC free and are re-impregnated with PFC free Nikwax. Nikwax and Paramo are sort of sister companies.
In winter, when you have to wear extra insulation anyway, the weight of these shells do not matter much. You are wearing them on your body (and not in your pack) almost all the time (sometimes with nothing underneath) and they serve like an extra, thin, fleece sweater under an ordinary windshirt.
That Velez smock is certainly great. Not only is the balance between waterproofness and breathability a good choice for winter hiking, but the ventilation options are excellent too.
ReplyDeleteI could still wear it while doing a 400m ascent with a 22kg pulk tugged behind me. The fact that you can unzip the front part so much that it just hangs in front of you makes all the difference.
If I have a remark , it is that I would like it to be a bit longer.