That must have been a right palava.
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Talk to me about Paramo. Any good? I have a single layer windproof jacket of theirs, but haven’t bought into the ‘Analogy’ system garments. Experience?
(Okay, I renamed the thread, to give it a wider scope.)
not come across that before.
Paramo seems like the marmite of outdoor clothing, people love it or hate it! I recently got a Quito jacket secondhand to try, not used it enough yet to form full conclusions but it is definitely shower proof and has good venting options. Heavy though so I wouldn’t take it unless I thought I’d be wearing it all day.
What cave have you been living in? I had always been aware of their clothing, but the price put me off ‘experimenting’.
I have a 2002(!) Rab Vapour Rise smock, which is supposed to be worn against the skin; yeah you get wet, but stay comfortable when it’s wet/windy and you’re active. I’m just wondering if Paramo Analogy really offers anything better in practice? Does it really ‘push’ moisture away effectively?
I’m just thinkin if you ‘run hot’ like me, you’re going to get damp inside whatever you wear if you’re active. If I’m just going for a pootle with the family, then a hardshell does the job of keeping me dry.
as @r0bh says, Paramo is a marmit brand - loved by those who love it, but a bit meh for lots of others. It seems to be more loved by those into the less “intense” sports and those into wildlife stuff where weight and breathability isn’t so key. Our local Sussex Wildlife Trust wear branded Paramo gear for outdoor use but the company is in Sussex which I guess helps.
I have a pair of Paramo mountaineering bibs which I wear for skiing - very comfy and do the job of keeping snow and rain off well. Other than that, not used their kit.
Paramo also sell the Nikwax brand of wash in waterproofing which is excellent.
I do like a niche, small volume manufacturer. Anyone here come across ‘Cioch’ before? They do made-to-measure. I remember RAF MRT used to use ‘Slioch’ kit which was bombproof; but they went out of business a few years ago now.
just had a look at Cioch as not familiar with them - seems they use a lot of Paramo Nikwax in their products. made to measure can be a good seller as getting ski pants that fit me is always a problem
My Ex-Forces (2RJ) Brother in law and I are planning to do one of the Fan Dance events when they become available again.
Any thoughts on Meindl army issue boots? He seems to think they cant be bettered?
Love Paramo stuff for lower intensity activities. However if you’re tall and slim you’ll struggle for a good athletic fit. Often short in the body and arms even in size large, and sized for bellies. This is a generally acknowledged issue, not just my bias. I used to wear Paramo on geological surveys in the hills in pissing rain and it’s awesome. Can be washed and reproofed to near new water repellency, so will greatly outlast GoreTex if cared for. But fabric is more fragile than GT, but soft and not like wearing a condom packet like old GT. Paramo will recycle your old garments and give you a discount on new gear. Summary: highly recommend if you can get a good fit, and like the styling.
I did a decent trail run up Mt Ruapehu in late Jan, there was still snow up there (I parked and started at Swiss Chalet). I only had road running gear as we were motorhoming. Swan in Lake Taupo in the morning and ran up the mountain in the afternoon.
The day before I proposed to Mrs FP. We had the van backed onto the shore of the lake with barn doors open for a perfect ‘pop the question vista’.
So basically, that’s where it all went wrong. 
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Boots are a very personal thing, with various foot shapes. Personally, I hate that there are so few non-gore-tex (lined) leather boots on the market these days. I’m getting on very well with my Altberg Yan Tan; they have a narrow heel and wider forefoot (AForme fit).
I’m not expecting the Winter Fan Dance to take place; I have a deferred slot from the Summer.
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I dunno. I have a 2007 Montura Guide jacket (eVent) and I have washed it with Nikwax products and ironed it (to activate the beading again) plenty over the years, and the water repellency is still good. Tbh, I used to get through a jacket every 3 years, but life has changed, and jackets have gotten better…
Yeah, agreed, just questioning his loyalty to Army issue kit, my understanding is that a lot of guys just buy something better and don’t use the issued kit.
Issue kit is way better than it was 25 years ago; but it’s still obviously not the most ‘gucci’ option…the Govt can’t afford to provide that for everyone!
Hanwag and Meindl are both up there with the best. Lots of different models though, even within the military style category. As I have quite long narrow feet then getting a good fit is always most important to me. Strangely I actually got on well with standard issue boots in a narrow fit, except for Arctic stuff where the issue ski-compatible boots were terrible for both walking and skiing, so Hanwags were the preferred choice. I always found a good choice of insoles, socks and lacing system at least as important as the boots and could totally transform something uncomfortable into all-day wear. A lighter ‘tactical’ boot with a more flexible sole combined with thicker (or two) insoles is better for running in. Hiking-orientated thicker, heavier and more rigid and grippy Vibram soles better for slower rocky stuff or standing around all/night day in. Side-zips are a boon for whipping the boots off and airing/drying feet/changing socks whilst not compromising the perfect lacing fit. I used to have a set of centre zips with lacing either side which achieved the same thing. Yeti-gaiter compatibility is a good thing if you are moving through a lot of wet grass/bogland or snow.
Pretty much everyone seems to be making ‘tactical’ boots nowadays - Merrell, Salomon, Dr Martens, Adidas, Lowa, Magnum, Oakley, Under Armour, Smith&Wesson. Even Hoka are doing a few models with their signature chunky midsoles.
And they look even more unbelievably ridiculous than normal Hoka shoes! 
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Well 6 months later I finally bought some. Started trying on but then lockdown happened on and off so put off the purchase with shoe glue. Thanks for the advice, helpful.
https://forum.tritalk.co.uk/t/boast-about-your-recent-purchases-here/1045/3499?u=jgav
My new Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX shoes have been on a few winter outings now. Not really been over 5 miles but very pleased with them.
They remind me so much of the Speedcross that I get a weird feeling that something is wrong when I set off as they are much more rigid. Looking forward to some longer outings as the weather improves 
My Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX (Mid) have done over 1000km in the last year; nearly all running with weight. They have held up really well, apart from one bit (below) which strangely only happened on the left boot; the upper where it bends has worn through the outer fabric. They are very good supportive boots for fast hiking/tabbing and I think perfect for something like the Winter Spine Race; I’ve used them in all weathers inc snow in Scotland & here. Tempted to get another pair, but they are pricey at the moment.
I like the look of the La Sportiva TX5; but I’ve seen some comments on YT about the outsole wearing out after 500km!
Upper worn through left boot after about 700km:
Loads of tread left:
