by hbeevers » Wed Feb 28, 2018 7:48 pm
Cold weather, Paramo. Warm weather, membrane.
I wear an Alta II through most of the year. Merino long-sleeve baselayer in winter with belay jacket to put over the top of the lot for stops. Synthetic baselayer and all the vents open in warmer weather.
Summer means a baselayer with a windproof/wind-resistant top and the gore-tex stays in the bag unless it's wet or really windy.
If I had to pick a single jacket I'd honestly get something like Alpkit Definition or ME Lhotse. Then you've flexibility with your under-layers but you'll have already spent the same amount as the paramo and have the faff of more layers. However, the paramo is far more comfortable in terms of breathability, if you're walking for long periods then it eliminates any faff as you just keep it on.
Alternatively, and genuinely something to go try on, paramo fleece and windproof combi. The fleeces are super breathable and nicely water-resistant on their own. When combined with the windproof they are waterproof. This way in summer you just leave the fleece in the bag and wear baselayer with your paramo windproof, when you stop, stick the fleece on the outside of the windproof to keep warm, works a treat.