The Páramo Aspira has been around for a number of years now and has been a go-to for many people who want something they can rely on in conditions that, with the wrong equipment, could be mightily miserable – we’re talking those mountain days that are cold, windy and wet. This new version of the Aspira, however, is a bit different. OK it serves the same purpose and it has a lot of the same features and design details, but this time there’s a big focus on the overall carbon footprint of the garment, namely with some admirable efforts towards circularity.
Instead of thinking in a traditional linear way where a product is made, used and then eventually sent to landfill, Páramo have made this with repair, re-use and recycling in mind.
To start with, the smock is built for durability, minimising the risk of damage during use. Should repairs be necessary, Páramo have made it easy for individuals to patch up minor rips with basic sewing skills, or you can send it to their workshop for professional repairs at a fair price.
If it’s not possible to repair a garment, or if the owner deems that the product has reached the end of its life, Páramo will take back the product (giving the owner a £50 voucher in return) and will either attempt to refurbish and resell it as part of their Páramo seconds scheme (called Re-store Adventure) or they’ll remove and re-use parts in other garments. If necessary, they’ll also look to fully recycle the fabrics.
Already, the Aspira is partially made from recycled fabrics, with old Páramo jackets and leftover fabrics from other textile goods used to produce the pump liner, but Páramo say that they’re actually just at the start of a circular process that will eventually lead to many more of their garments being made from other Paramo garments and from waste from within the outdoor industry itself. This is important because while lots of brands use recycled materials these days, most of the materials come from recycled PET from the packaging industry and that industry needs to be closing its own loop, not producing more and more plastic to feed into the recycling schemes of other industries.
Performance
Páramo, in case you’re not already familiar with the brand, do waterproof protection differently. Their unique Nikwax Analogy fabric uses a membrane-free construction, mimicking animal fur to provide effective rain protection while managing internal moisture. It’s a two-layer design that effectively repels rain and moves sweat away from the skin, ensuring breathability and rapid drying—a crucial feature for those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities.
