We’ve used the Glamaigs for two winters now – they’re still great!

But… although they are very good, and I wouldn’t change them from what’s described above, I would be seriously considering the lightweight Paramo smock (can’t recall the name!) now that it’s gone into full production.

Sorry to confuse you further!

firstly i would like to say what a great review.

are you still using your glamiag jacket? how is it holding up to the winter weather?

i am thinking about purchasing one soon thus i am trying to find out as much as possible before i sit down and decide on the features i want.

if you were to buy another what features would be a must have?

what features could you do without?

I know what you mean re. the pockets. It’s just the weight that makes me say daft things like I could do without them!

Where is the harsh winter that you’re testing it in? I think it will perform as well as the Cascada personally.

The jackets are so nice in fact… that I’ve come up with a Cunning Plan for the summer. Watch this blog…

I’m now away to have a look at the website…

Thanks for the pointers, I’ll enjoy going through it in preparation for next winter (I’m determined to start early this year, and not leave it till the last minute like usual..).

One of the things about Japan is that the air in the winter is really dry, so even at seriously sub-zero temperatures you can get away with a lighter setup and be quite comfortable. I definitely wouldn’t contemplate my current gear in the bone-chilling damp of the U.K…!

That is a light setup you’re using! I’d have expected to need something extra on my top half for -15 but I suppose if you keep moving… :)

The Paramo Aspira jacket I was shown by a Paramo bod at the OS Outdoors Show looked very well thought out. Maybe a little too many bells and whistles.

They say “Average weight 841g” which I take to be medium. I’m not sure what one would weigh in my size, but I’d hazard a guess that it would be approaching a kilo. I.e. nearly 30% more than my Glamaig. Although I don’t expect to carry it, I’d prefer it to be as light as possible in case I do.

Pockets – hey! Why did I always wonder whether the map pocket was worth it when I could have lost one of the side pockets? They’re handy, but as I said, awkward under the waist-belt.

The Cascada trousers are marvellous. They’ve joined snow and log fires in my list of things to look forward to in Winter. No faf, great venting. But the cut is generic, and a little MC Hammer. I’d go for the Cioch trousers without hesitation next time. People compare mine and LB’s and hers are noticeably “tailored”.

(You can tell I had difficulty keeping the post down to this length eh?)

My set-up this winter has been parred down to a poly T-shirt, a 250g down Montbell jacket and a superlight Arc’teryx shell, then just thermal leggings with the the same Arc’teryx shell bottoms. Mixing them around, I’ve been toasty down to -15c, dry in the rain and snow, and cool in the sun.

The thing I don’t like about the system is that there are no pockets! So maybe the Glamaig and a lighter mid-layer might be the answer… The Paramo gear looks interesting too, is there something you’d recommend there?