This is a new ‘system’ from Páramo. The Bora Fleece Hoodie is like a traditional fleece – dare I say it with a velour-feeling outer – that is lightweight and water resistant. It’s a half-zip smock that fasten up just above the chin, but comfortably so.
There’s an elesticated hem and cuffs, and a ‘kangaroo’ pocket across the middle that sits above a hip belt and big enough for a map – I’m a fan of these pockets, especially when backpacking. The sleeves are very long too. The pocket has a mesh backing that means it can be opened for ventilation. There’s also a chest pocket, big enough for a phone or compass (don’t put them together!).
It’s as warm as a regular fleece, and I’m not sure the extra features are worth the extra money. More useful is the Windproof Smock that is designed to go with the fleece. It’s slightly out of the remit of this test, but hey!
I like Páramo’s windproof clothing; it’s very light (200g) and holds off a fair amount of water, and wind of course. There’s a useful, big pocket at the front – a favourite aspect for all Páramo smock wearers, as are the huge ventilation zips at the front of the garment that zip up to allow access to the pockets on the midlayer (the Bora Fleece!). The hood adjustments are OK, and there’s a stiffened peak.
By Daniel Neilson
