Waterproof Jackets

Páramo Caminata Jacket | Review

Ethical durable and weatherproof. The Páramo Caminata is an alternative to membrane-lined waterproofing that offers true breathability.

I would definitely class myself as a fair weather walker. I hate being out in the rain. Sometimes though, and particularly because of the nature of my career as an equipment tester, I don’t have much of a choice. And this is why I’m glad Páramo’s products exist. On any days where I know I’m going to be out all day and I’m going to get rained on, I know that things will be tolerable if I’ve got some Páramo kit on.

So far, I’ve been a big fan of the Páramo Velez Adventure Light Smock – I wear that all the time – and I also like their new sustainably crafted Aspira 360. This, the Páramo Caminata, is an updated offering from them, and I’ve liked what I’ve seen from it.

Páramo Caminata Jacket: The Top Line

A jacket that combines Páramo’s tried and tested weatherproofing with a more modern fit and silhouette compared to some of their other options.

Pros: Protective and breathable, excellent hood, good venting, ethically made, built to last, repairable, breathable.
Cons: Warm and heavy, pockets cut off by backpack hip belt.

Buy the Páramo Caminata Jacket: £265 at paramo-clothing.com

How I Tested It

I’ve been wearing this almost daily through a wet autumn in the UK. It’s been on a lot of dog walks with me and also on a number of trips to the mountains. It was recently a reliable defence from the elements during a very wet and windy trip to the Lake District where Storm Floris battered us for two days.

Is the Páramo Caminata Waterproof?

Waterproof jackets have been changing fast in recent years. With growing awareness around the environmental impact of PFCs, brands have had to move away from the powerful water-repellent coatings that once dominated the outdoor industry. In their place are treatments that are more sustainable but often less durable. The result? Many jackets now tend to wet out faster, and once that happens, their breathability suffers.

Páramo, however, have long taken a different path. Their jackets don’t use waterproof membranes at all. Instead, they rely on a clever combination of directional, water-resistant fabrics and a water-based Nikwax treatment. The result is a system that moves liquid water away from your body while still allowing moisture vapour to escape. In real-world terms, that means garments that are genuinely comfortable in the kind of mild, wet, and windy conditions that define much of the UK’s climate – and especially the Lake District in autumn.

Design and Fit

I’m 5 foot 10 with an average build and tested the Páramo Caminata in a men’s medium, my usual size. The fit is spot-on – trim but not tight, with enough space for a fleece or lightweight insulated jacket underneath. Compared to some of Páramo’s longer or slightly boxier designs, the Caminata feels a bit more modern. You’ve also got a dual drawcord system at both the hem and the waist too and this helps you tailor the silhouette and seal out draughts.

At around 700g, it’s not an ultralight shell by any stretch, but it feels extremely robust – built for long, wet days out rather than emergency use. I found the cut offers freedom of movement, and the slight drop-tail hem gives reassuring coverage when crouching over handlebars or bending over to adjust boots.

Details

There’s a well-judged balance between simplicity and practicality here. The hood is excellent; it has three-point adjustment, a mouldable wired peak and it moves nicely with your head. It’s not designed to go over a climbing helmet, but for hiking, it’s ideal.

In terms of storage, there’s a large, OS map-sized pocket on the inside and two zipped hand pockets. These, I found, are cut off by a backpack hip belt or climbing harness. The two-way main zip is backed by a poppered storm flap so you can get bucket loads of ventilation without exposing your core to the weather. There are also zipped vents on the forearms to help in that regard too.

Performance

I’ve been testing the Caminata through some ferocious autumn weather in the Lake District, the kind where the wind howls across the ridges and rain falls sideways for hours, and it handled it all brilliantly.

The Analogy fabric doesn’t block water like a typical DWR-treated membrane jacket. Instead, it sheds and pumps moisture through its layers. That means the outer can feel damp to the touch during prolonged rain, but inside, you stay warm, dry, and comfortable. When the blood’s pumping, I’ve also found it to be breathable, saving me from that clammy, locked-in sensation that often comes with fully waterproof membranes.

After a few big days out, I noticed the water repellency did start to diminish a little, but a quick wash and reproof with Nikwax TX.Direct brought it straight back to life. One of Páramo’s biggest strengths is how easy it is to maintain their gear at home, extending its life for years rather than seasons.

Another standout feature is how quickly it dries. After a full day out, I’ve hung it overnight and found it bone dry by morning – far faster than most membrane-based shells I’ve used.

What I would say, however, is that the Caminata is quite a warm jacket. I haven’t used it in summer yet, but I can imagine it’ll be a little too thick for some of the warmer months. On the flipside, this makes it great for colder weather use.

Páramo Caminata Verdict

Performance-wise, this is protective and comfortable to wear in conditions where membrane-lined jackets would feel clammy. It’s also quiet and it’s easy to maintain and repair when necessary. From my experience, Páramo’s products last a long time – I’ve had a pair of trousers for over a decade now – and I can see this being the case for the Caminata too.

If you’re wondering what defines this from some of the other jackets in Paramo’s range, I’d say it’d be the cut. It’s just a little more trim and casual than some of their other options.

Yes, it’s heavier than your average packable shell, and it runs warmer too. But if your adventures often take you into rough conditions for prolonged spells – and on a regular basis – it’s a jacket I’d recommend.

Add to that Páramo’s Fair Trade manufacturing through the Miquelina Foundation, its long-standing avoidance of PFCs, and its commitment to repair and recycling – and you’ve got a product that’s as ethical as it is effective.

Buy the Páramo Caminata Jacket: £265 at paramo-clothing.com