Paramo Mirada Waterproof Jacket for Women
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	Mirada Waterproof Jacket for Women Vital Statistics: Colours: Black, Foxglove Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL Weight: 491gms SRP: £220.00

Mirada Waterproof Jacket for Women

Vital Statistics:

Colours:
Black, Foxglove

Sizes:
XS, S, M, L, XL

Weight:
491gms

SRP:
£220.00

Features to Note:

Fabric: Analogy Light treated with Nikwax TX Direct ®
Underarm 'pit' zips
Articulated shoulder design
Reflective strip (front and back)
Scooped tail back
Hem drawcord
Internal zipped pocket
Two-way main zip with strorm flap

In-use Test:

New in the Paramo range this year, the Mirada is a women-specific jacket made using the light-weight version of Nikwax's Analogy fabric.

It's certainly a lot more light weight and less bulky than other Paramo jackets I've worn; it's a good overall length and has a really quite flattering fit. The sleeves too are nice and long (I have relatively long arms and this is always a bug-bear with me) finished with a simple cuff and fastened with velcro. These sleeves can also be rolled up easily if conditions demand it.

I thought the hood was excellent - it's easy to adjust so as to get a good fit, covers your head well and its' peak plus face-guard provided pretty good protection in the wind and rain that seem a permanent feature of the 2012 UK summer - at least it has been during my recent Cheshire/Derbyshire walks. And there are no annoying, dangling bits to flap in your face.

The shoulders and elbows have an articulated design so the freedom of movement is excellent.

I tend to 'run hot' so a crucial consideration for me in a walking jacket is its breathability combined ideally with options for quick and easy temperature control. And to my mind this one of the areas in which the Mirada excels - the super-sized, underarm zips are easy to use and provide great ventilation without letting in the rain; the main front zip is also a 2-way design which provides another option for cooling down if necessary. So I've been dry and comfortable in a variety of cold/wet, warm/wet, so-called summer conditions.

There are two hand-warmer style external pockets, which are readily accessible whilst wearing a daypack plus a small internal zipped pocket. I guess if I had one gripe about the Mirada it would be that all the pockets are just a little bit small. However that doesn't really detract from the overall performance.

Buying Advice:

It's good to see lighter weight options in the Paramo range. The Mirada is a good investment for women needing a reliable, relatively light-weight jacket for hill-walking, nordic walking or other high energy activities.

What do you think?

Have you got a Paramo Mirada Waterproof Jacket for Women?

We would love to hear what you thought of it - good, bad or indifferent. Perhaps you simply disagree with the verdict above - or feel an important feature has been negelected.

Let us know by clicking this link - What I think of Paramo Mirada Waterproof Jacket for Women - so we can publish your important views below.

• This is another brilliant jacket from Paramo. Ideal for warmer days with a chance of rain. Totally waterproof and packs easily into a daypack. Windproof too. I have used mine a lot. I have a Paramo Pajara and it's fine for colder weather but quite heavy to carry in your pack on warm days. An indulgence to have both but they perform in different conditions.

Sallyann Howlett, Norwich

• I bought the mirada jacket as I go hill walking and I am doing the west highland way in a few weeks and I was recommended this make. When doing a 16 mile training walk it was raining and it was the first I had tried out my jacket in the rain and unfortunately i was soaked through at the base of my back and shoulders. I emailed paramo and I must say their customer services was amazing.I sent my jacket back and they sent me a brand new replacement jacket within two days. I just hope this one is ok as I only had my old one 8 weeks.

Michelle Mullen, Glasgow