hilltrek

Paramo introduced new lightweight pull on waterproof Quito trousers recently and  last weekend I had the first opportunity to test them on a walking trip in Torridon in North West Scotland.

Saturday on Bein Alligin was sunny and windy and the new Quito trousers stayed in the bottom of my rucksack.

On the second day on Corbett Sgurr Mhor just south of Beinn Eighe the weather was  different  -very windy, warm and thunder showers.

We started the walk along the track passing the SMC Ling Hut in sunshine in 17 degrees and slowly climbed the slopes to the summit plateau. Then the thundery rain showers started and I pulled on the Quito Trousers over my light walking trousers.

Quito Trousers are designed to be pulled on without removing your boots. Each leg is zipped open, the trousers held up by a waist belt while each leg is zipped up. Difficult to do in a strong wind as I found out but it helps when the stud at the ankle is fastened. During the wind blown rain the Quito’s kept me perfectly dry and despite working hard walking through rough terrain I did not overheat.

Luckily on reaching the summit the rain stopped , the sun came out and I took the trousers off. This is done by zipping up from the bottom of each leg, unfastening the ankle stud and then removing the waist belt. This was all done when I was standing up without taking my boots off.

Next day in the same conditions I had to use the Quito’s on another nearby Corbett and by then I had mastered quickly putting them on and taking them off as the weather changed.

My first impression of Quito Trousers was very good. It took some time to master putting on the trousers and taking them off, especially in wind but so much easier and faster than conventional overtrousers.

They compare favourably to  lightweight Velez Adventure Trousers being very slightly heavier at 425g compared with 414g but much more versatile. Velez Adventure Trousers have slighly heavier fabric in heavy wear areas which make them more robust. They are both priced at £145.

Quito Trousers are only available at Paramo Partners such as Hilltrek and directly from Páramo.

The full specification is as follows:

• Innovative and simple “zip off” construction allows trousers to be put on or taken off speedily, without taking one’s feet off the ground or sitting down.
• Full-length side zips with poppered internal storm flaps allow variable ventilation.
• 2 handwarming pockets at hips.
• Adjustable webbing belt in waistband tunnel, with hook and loop tabs to secure.
• Articulated knees enable unrestricted movement.
• Contoured shape minimises fabric bulk and flap.
• Ideal to put on quickly over shorts or light trousers or can be worn next to the skin.
• Constructed from Nikwax Analogy Light fabric ensuring low bulk with minimum weight.

For more details of the walk see http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/torridon/sgorr-nan-lochan-uaine.shtml

A cold spring day in the West Highlands and another Munro -An Caisteal- a perfect test of my fitness after recent 57th birthday celebrations.

I set off late from Glasgow after a breakfast in the Tapa coffeehouse‎, where my daughter works, hoping to reach the hills at the north end of Loch Lomond by 10.30. The weather was as predicted in the mountain forecast, low cloud and rain at low levels.

My preparation was not the best after a very late but excellent curry at the Pakastani Cafe‎ and a long drive down from Aboyne the evening before.

I had planned to take the route via the north ridge to Sron Garbh over the Twistin Hill to the summit of An Caisteal and then south east to Beinn Chabhair returning back down the track along side the River Falloch.

Deep snow on the approach was testing to my fitness, so much so, that I had to take off my Lochnagar Karisma fleece and pack it in my rucksac.  I was wearing Paramo’s new lightweight Velez Trousers to test their effectiveness in the conditions -I would normally have worn Paramo Cascada or perhaps Aspira Trousers which are warmer but heavier.

Above 600 meters the rain turned to snow but, as the day wore on, the showers lessened and the cloud lifted opening up superb views all around, as forecast.

My late start, the poor forecast for the late afternoon, the icy conditions on top and the long drive home to Aboyne dictated that I return on the same route.

The Velez Trousers were perfect for the conditions light wind and temperatures around zero degrees. If the wind had been stronger I would have been warmer in Cascada or Aspira Trousers but probably perspired much more lower down.

You can  find out more about Velez Adventure Trousers on the Hilltrek website. 

If you are planning to walk or climb in the Scottish Mountains try the Mountain Weather Information Service - the forecast was very accurate.

An excellent overview of the route can be found on  Munro Magic website, which also has 3D views.

We are one of the first Páramo retailers to have full colour and size ranges of the new lightweight Vista Jacket in stock. The Vista is the latest of Paramo’s new lightweight range complementing the Velez Smock, Velez Trousers and Quito jacket. 

Want to  find out more see our website

I was out freeskiing at the weekend, Carnferg to Aboyne, full story on my blog.  As it was a relatively warm day, I didn’t want to wear my ski pants so I opted for my ventile Cabrach made to measure trousers.  I had never skied in them before and thought they might be a bit stiff but I was proved wrong, totally flexible and they fitted round my ski boots perfectly.  This was also my first test of the ventile waterproofing technology.  While not raining, the snow was real wet from the mornings rain and it was up to my knees and beyond at times, so plenty of moisture to test out the trousers.  They certainly got wet but the water was kept out.   Near my boots the fabric got frozen and this made the material real stiff but just the last couple of inches, the snow temperature was still below freezing.  I was impressed on how well the material also dried out, the classic example being sitting down in the snow for a rest or to have some lunch.  You could feel the cold on your bumb and the material was clearly soaking in the water (ventile works by the fibres expanding and thus making a barrier to prevent the water leaking through) but within a few minutes of walking again, they were dry.  I expect I’ll choose my Cabrachs a few times in what is shaping up to be a long Spring season of free skiing on Deeside.