Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS PÁRAMO?

Páramo Directional Clothing Systems is a manufacturer of innovative, functional and comfortable outdoor clothing.

Nick Brown, founder of Nikwax®, became disillusioned with conventional outdoor gear and set about creating a clothing system that directs wind, water and still air to the correct place for a particular activity.

All of our gear is designed at our HQ in Wadhurst, East Sussex, by a team of talented in-house designers.

WHERE DO THE NAMES FOR YOUR GARMENTS COME FROM?

Most of them derive from Spanish words, tying in with our commitment to The Miquelina Foundation in Colombia, and we have also taken inspiration from volcanoes for our Trek & Travel collection.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF PÁRAMO GARMENTS OVER
CONVENTIONAL WATERPROOFS AND SOFT SHELLS?

Maintainable performance
Conventional waterproofs can struggle to maintain breathability in very cold conditions or in high humidity. Páramo will continue to perform because it not only directs moisture vapour but also expels condensed liquid water.

Minimal water retention
Páramo will recover from total or partial immersion by pumping liquid water and air around your body.

Warmth
Páramo is warm as well as waterproof, which means you can leave behind some of your insulating layers. Adjustable ventilation provides comfort in warm as well as cool conditions.

Silence
Páramo Nikwax Analogy® garments are made using tough, silent and flexible fabrics. This also allows easy and efficient packing, as ‘stuffing’ does not harm the products.

Puncture immunity
Any piercing of the outer or inner fabric will not lead to leakage. You could fill the garment with pins, take them out, wear the garment in the rain and still remain dry!

Renewability
Páramo performance can be indefinitely renewed by caring for garments with Nikwax products. Conventional waterproofs, i.e. membranes can eventually de-laminate and crack, or the taped seams will loosen, making repair uneconomical.

Windproofing
Páramo outer fabrics offer solid windproofing and not just resistance, i.e. no chilling of the fabric through the insulation.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE FEATURES OF YOUR GARMENTS

  • What does the drip skirt on my Páramo jacket/smock do?
    It provides you with excellent weather protection! All our waterproof jackets and smocks benefit from a two inch drip skirt over the hem drawcord. This is elasticated for comfort and ease of movement and will aid water shedding and help minimise wet trousers.
  • Why have a detachable hood?
    For those activities that do not require a hood, such as cycling and mountain biking.
  • Why have a fixed hood?
    For those activities where a fixed-hood is an absolute must, such as alpinism and adventure racing.
  • What is the benefit of a fixed wire peak on the hood?
    Field of vision is improved and water is deflected more efficiently. The fixed wire peak is particularly beneficial for those who wear glasses.
  • What are the removable foam inserts for in the back of my jacket?
    They create an air space down the centre of your back to improve air flow and breathability, and enhance your comfort. They are easily removable if not required.
  • What is a ‘dry’ pocket?
    A pocket that has been lined with Nikwax Analogy Pump Liner® and is designed to keep things dry.
  • What is a ‘working’ pocket?
    A pocket that has not been lined with Nikwax Analogy Pump Liner as breathability, functionality and reduced insulation has taken priority.
  • Why are Páramo’s sleeves and cuffs bigger than others?
    To allow you to roll them up easily, as exposing your forearms provides maximum surface cooling.
  • Are the reversed zips as waterproof as other, more traditional zips?
    They absolutely are.
  • Why should I overlayer (as opposed to traditional layering)?
    Overlayering allows you to add insulation without having to remove your outer layer, therefore reducing heat loss after exercise or during rest stops. A Páramo overlayer is designed to be worn over a Páramo Waterproof jacket or smock when extra warmth is required.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT CLEANING AND WATERPROOFING MY PÁRAMO JACKET

For full wash care instructions please click here.