Waterproof Jackets

Páramo Aspira 360 Smock | Review

The Páramo Aspira 360 smock is an innovative garment designed for the harshest weather conditions, reflecting the brand’s commitment to sustainability and circularity in outdoor gear

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.

OM editor Will using the Paramo Aspira 360 on a wet and windy autumn hike. Photos: Dave Macfarlane

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.

A central part of Nikwax Analogy is its Nikwax hydrophobic wax treatment. The waterproof jacket comes pre-treated and the solution will last for a good number of uses. Once it wears out it will need topping up and this is something that can be done quickly and easily at home. Check out my video on how to wash and reproof a waterproof jacket to see the easy process involved there.

This particular smock is one of their heavier weight options, designed for extreme weather conditions. It has a thick fabric that blocks out wind chill and offers ample room for insulating layers underneath while there’s a padded insulation on the backside and around shoulders which traps your body heat while also helping to minimise the strain of a heavily loaded backpack.

At 850g, it’s not the kind of smock that you’re really going to want to carry in a backpack ‘just in case it rains’ – and it’s not made for that either. Instead, it’s a smock for those days or excursions where you need that non-stop protection.

I’m 5 foot 10 and opted for a medium size – my usual size – and I found it fitted comfortably without restricting movement. There was plenty of room for a thick puffer jacket underneath and I liked the fact that you can bring in the waist and hem to create an aerodynamic profile when you aren’t wearing layers.

Páramo’s hoods always impress me.They tend to have a big mouldable peak that offers a lot of coverage and there’s plenty of adjustment that gives you volume when you need it and a close reliable hold when the wind is up. Thankfully nothing’s changed here. It’s an excellent performer that’s reliable, comfortable and helmet friendly and it can be rolled up and secured to create a collar too.

Despite its focus on cold weather, the smock includes several ventilation points, allowing you to regulate temperature during intense activity. The five pockets add significant functionality, with handwarmers, a large front pocket for quick access to maps or gloves, two small Velcro chest pockets ideal for essentials like a compass, and an additional interior pocket for extra storage.

Other details include Velcro cuffs, a reflective logo, details and trim and zipper tabs that are easy to use with cold hands or when you’re wearing gloves.

Conclusion

Overall, the Páramo Aspira 360 smock delivers high performance and functionality for winter conditions, while its commitment to sustainability through recycled materials and repairability positions it as a leader in the outdoor industry. |t’s expensive yes, but it showcases some very high spec design at least – and is built to last.

As Páramo continue to develop this circular approach, it will be interesting to see how their products evolve, potentially setting new standards for other brands in the market.