Chris Kennedy, our Ecommerce Manager, gears up for rain, wind and wild trails with his first ever Páramo jacket. Here’s how he got on with the Páramo Alta III (and why he’s not taking it off anytime soon).
We’re currently giving away one of these superb jackets. The competition closes on 16th June, so don’t miss your chance – enter now and get your name in the hat.
First Impressions
At first glance, I wasn’t totally sold on the two-tone design. I’m normally a “one-colour, one-jacket” kind of bloke. But after a few wears, it’s really grown on me. I now love the way it looks and it’s become my main jacket. The quality is obvious the moment you pull it on. It feels solid but not stiff. Serious kit without feeling overbuilt.
Fit-wise, it’s spot on too. I’ve recently dropped a size and the Alta III fits perfectly. There’s plenty of space for a baselayer or two without feeling baggy or restrictive.
Comfort and Features
The Alta III is packed with clever, genuinely useful features. The hood is outstanding. Not just for how well it shields you from rain and wind, but because it’s adjustable, stays put even in wild weather, and can be neatly rolled away using poppers if you want it out of the way. It’s a great shape too, giving a clear field of vision without feeling bulky.
The cuffs fasten firmly with Velcro tabs and the main zip has a brilliant little feature that lets you clip it down to stop it flapping about in strong winds. A simple idea that makes a real difference.
What’s more, the shoulder comfort isn’t just down to a bit of extra padding – it’s thanks to Páramo’s Pump Liner®. This clever layer not only helps manage moisture in key areas like the shoulders, back and chest, but also makes carrying a heavy pack far more comfortable. It’s made from recycled Páramo garments and waste from the textile industry. It’s subtle, but it works incredibly well. I often carry 2.5L of water, plenty of food and gear, and I’ve had issues in the past with straps digging into my traps and causing soreness.
The ventilation is equally impressive. The upper arm vents are easy to open, and paired with the two-way front zip, they let you cool off without exposing yourself to the elements. After a 10-mile walk, I didn’t feel sweaty or uncomfortable. Just opened the vents and carried on.
Waterproofing and Breathability
This is where the Alta III really shines. Thanks to Nikwax Analogy fabric, the jacket doesn’t just bead off water. It actively pumps moisture out, keeping you dry inside and out.
A typical British shower gave me the chance to put it to the test and it handled it brilliantly. Water beaded up beautifully and ran straight off. Unlike some waterproofs where you start to stew inside, this one genuinely breathes. Even on a warm walk, I never felt like I needed to rip it off. Just opened the vents and kept going.
Storage and Practicality
The six pockets are properly thought out:
- Two large internal pockets, perfect for gloves, a phone or keeping gear dry.
- A big external chest pocket, easily fits a laminated OS map or a large smartphone.
- Another chest pocket, ideal for snacks or quick-access essentials.
- Two handwarmer pockets, positioned slightly lower but still easy to use even with a rucksack hip belt.
Every pocket is usable, accessible and weather-resistant. No gimmicks, just smart design.
Performance on the Trail
In UK conditions, cold, damp and windy, the Páramo Alta III Jacket is brilliant. I didn’t feel the need to take it off after long walks, and the comfort, warmth and weather protection were top-notch.
Next month I’m taking it backpacking in Finland, where it will face colder, harsher conditions. Based on what I’ve seen so far, I’m fully confident it’s up to the task.
Pros and Cons of the Páramo Alta III Jacket
Pros
- Superb waterproofing with Nikwax Analogy fabric
- Excellent ventilation with upper arm vents and a two-way zip
- Brilliant hood, adjustable and rolls away neatly
- Comfortable fit with great freedom of movement
- Shoulder padding, great for carrying heavier packs
- Six usable pockets with sensible placements
- Ethical manufacturing and PFC-free waterproofing
- Long-lasting performance with easy maintenance
- Outstanding value compared to other premium jackets
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than ultra-lightweight shells, but worth it for the performance
- Needs regular cleaning and reproofing to keep at peak performance (easy with Nikwax products)
Pricing
The Páramo Men’s Alta III Jacket retails at £340.00.
Right now, at Taunton Leisure, it is available for £272.00*. *Prices reflect 30/04/2025 and are subject to change.
That’s incredible value for a jacket built to last season after season.
Who’s It For?
If you spend your time hiking, hillwalking, backpacking or exploring in the UK’s unpredictable weather, the Alta III is absolutely ideal. It’s especially suited to cooler, wetter climates where you need reliable warmth, dryness and comfort, not just for a couple of hours but all day long.
If you want a light emergency layer, this isn’t it. But if you want a jacket that is a true companion on every cold-weather adventure, and one that will last for years, you’ll love it.
Conclusion
The Páramo Alta III has seriously impressed me. It’s comfortable, packed with clever features and performs exceptionally well in real-world British conditions. It’s rare to find a jacket that feels this well thought out, and even rarer for it to be made with such strong ethical and environmental values too.
Final Score: 9 out of 10
(And with Finland looming, it might even push a perfect 10.)
Explore the Páramo Alta III Range (men’s & women’s)
What I like about Páramo as a Brand
This is my first Páramo jacket, and one thing that really impressed me after looking into the company is how much the brand focuses on doing the right thing. Their waterproofs are made in Colombia by a Fair Trade-certified foundation that supports women with training and safe employment. The liner in this jacket is made using recycled fabric from old Páramo gear. It’s not just talk, they clearly care about people, the planet and building kit that lasts.
Learn more about Páramo’s ethical and environmental approach.
