WOMEN'S ALTA III JACKET

The Alta III is the ideal jacket for all walking activities, including at the highest level.

When walking on tough terrain in cold and wet conditions, you need durable, reliable clothing that will keep you dry and warm. If you are working hard, your jacket also needs quick options to cool you down while on the move.

Functional design, combined with Nikwax Analogy Waterproof fabric, provides optimum comfort, excellent weather protection, warmth and cooling in one efficient jacket.

The Alta III has excellent ventilation, a fully adjustable hood and practical pocketing.

• Temperature regulation is provided by upper arm vents (that can also stay open in the rain without water ingress), a two-way locking front YKK zip with internal storm flap, and sleeves that are designed to be pushed up.
• Good visibility and weather protection is assured by the fully adjustable wire peaked hood, which is designed to maintain vison in all conditions and roll into the jacket collar when not in use.
• Secure external and internal storage allows for safe stowing of map and navigation tools across six well-placed pockets.

Nikwax Analogy Waterproof fabric is more than just breathable, it is directional.

This means it is capable of moving liquid water away from your body and not just water vapour.

It is essential to avoid a build-up of water in your clothing system when you are working hard, as too much retained moisture will lead to your body rapidly chilling when you stop and rest.

In conventional clothing systems, approximately 20% of sweat production is dealt with effectively, leaving the remaining 80% trapped inside.

Nikwax Analogy garments are unique, in that they pump out this 80% of liquid water and allow it to drain away; you are left feeling dry and comfortable.

To understand the difference between directionality and breathability, you can read more here.

The durable Alta III Jacket uses Nikwax Analogy Waterproof fabric for directional wet weather protection and sweat control.

Temperature regulation is assured via forward facing arm vents, a two-way front YKK zip, and sleeves designed to expose the forearms for cooling, as these are huge radiators of heat.

Designed for hiking and trekking across various terrains, it has reinforced shoulder and back panels, allowing the user to carry a pack of any size without risk of water ingress in wet weather.

Practical features, including a fully adjustable wire peaked hood, glove-friendly zips and four internal and external pockets, ensure protection and functionality on hills and mountains.

The jacket’s ergonomic design guarantees full freedom of movement and its longer cut will protect you, whatever the activity.

How will your Páramo^® garment outperform breathable membranes?

Nikwax Analogy fabrics are not only extremely breathable, they are directional too. This means that water, both liquid and vapour, is directed outwards, ensuring your insulation remains protected.

Although breathable membranes allow moisture vapour to pass through them, they do nothing to transport liquid water. Therefore, when the production of sweat exceeds the Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate, or when the external temperatures drop, condensation (the change of water from vapour to liquid) will build up in breathable membranes.

Nikwax Analogy is so durable you could puncture a Páramo waterproof with pins, remove them, and still stay dry in the rain! Unlike coated or membrane-based garments, our directional clothing can be easily repaired, without compromising future performance.

1. The Nikwax Analogy fabric system provides unrivalled waterproof protection and moisture management.
2. Fantastic ventilation and temperature regulation from long upper arm vents and a two-way locking front zip. Adjustable cuffs easily push up and secure.
3. Fully adjustable hood guarantees vision in all conditions and can be stowed away when not in use.
4. Six practical pockets:
   • Two waist-high handwarming pockets.
   • Two external chest pockets: one with hook and loop closure and D-ring attachment, and one for OS maps.
   • Two internal zipped chest pockets - one large and one small - for safe stowing of maps and valuables.
5. A directional Mesh Pump Liner^® reinforces the shoulder and back panels, preventing water ingress in heavy rain and when load carrying, whilst maximizing airflow.
6. A classic longer length cut gives maximum protection from the elements without compromising freedom of movement.
7. Ergonomic panel placement provides excellent shoulder / arm articulation and prevents the jacket riding up.
8. Glove-friendly zips allow for easy, single-handed operation.

What users say…

“Like its top-selling predecessors, the Alta III shrugs off the wildest weather and removes moisture more effectively. Perfect for camping and walking, the jackets benefit from intelligent ventilation options that control your temperature without taking layers on and off - ideal when you are packing light and space is limited. All in a streamlined design which functions flawlessly on the hill, in the valley or around the campsite.”

Camping Magazine, Editor's Choice

“A jacket built for the wildest weather with impeccable eco-credentials so you’ll stay dry and feel good about doing your bit for the planet.

Offering a great set of features along with superb weather protection and high levels of comfort, this is a jacket that excels in cold, wet weather. Its top-drawer green credentials are also major plus points - after all, no true outdoor enthusiast wants to be wearing kit that damages the planet…”

The Outdoors Magic Green Gear Guide

“Páramo’s Alta model has a very devoted following and now I understand why - this really is an excellent jacket.

My first test of it was on a long bike trip in the Lake District in some miserably wet and cold weather. This isn’t a cycling jacket by any means but it was the only coat I had with me so, before setting out, my expectations weren’t high. However, barring the fact it was slightly too long and baggy for cycling, the wet weather protection and, most notably, the breathability was so, so impressive. In fact, I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever come across a jacket that’s as protective and as breathable as this.

Nikwax - it’s genius stuff! At a time when brands are all shouting about the new eco-friendly waterproof membrane they’ve developed, Páramo and Nikwax, you could say, have had the answer all along.

What else? It dries much faster than you’d expect considering the fabric is quite thick and there are loads of nice touches such as zipped vents, a wire-stiffened peak and numerous pockets. Along with all that, it’s got a retro look that seems to be all the rage now.”

Will Renwick, Outdoors Magic Editor

“It is without doubt the best material and most comfortable, versatile jacket I have ever worn in the outdoors!”

Cordelia Lewis, Outdoor Education Teacher

The Nikwax Analogy Fabric System

“I am a mountaineering instructor working in Wales during the summer and Scotland through the winter. Over the past 12 years I have used various different clothing systems. Of all the systems I have used I have not found anything that beats Páramo. A lot of hard shell systems claim to be breathable and waterproof - this may be true in laboratory tests but in reality when used for a day in typical Scottish winter conditions they fall a long way short of their claims. On the other hand, Páramo systems do what they say”

Chris Thorne, Llyn Adventures

In what weather conditions can I use my Alta III Jacket?

Your Alta III Jacket has been rigorously tested in the Leeds University Rain Room to resist at least four hours of heavy rain, which is approximately five times the intensity of normal heavy rain in the UK.

The system provides the insulation you require in the worst conditions. In warmer conditions we would recommend a Duology^® combination or a Nikwax Windproof, combined with one of our Parameta^® T or T+ baselayers, to optimise breathability and cooling.

Which garments should I wear with my Nikwax Analogy Waterproof for optimum performance?

We recommend using our Parameta^® T+, Parameta T, or Parameta G baselayers underneath your Nikwax Analogy clothing.

The Parameta T+ is a reversible, lightweight and stretchy polyester fabric, which offers two levels of cooling. It is asymmetrical and wicking, directing water from one fabric face to the other, as well as rapidly spreading moisture to speed up evaporation and, therefore, cooling.

Parameta T is a lightweight and stretchy polyester fabric. It wicks effectively to spread perspiration and dry quickly, providing light insulation in cooler conditions. Its soft feel is very comfortable against the skin, even when worn for prolonged periods.

Parameta G directional polyester fabric can provide either cooling or insulation, as needed. Its raised grid pattern traps air for insulation when covered with another layer. However, worn alone, or exposed through a garment vent, it allows air to pass through it and cool you down.

In extremely cold conditions, our Nikwax Analogy Insulator garments can be worn over your waterproof clothing. This is useful when stopping, or setting up camp at the end of the day.

Páramo clothing does not rely on hazardous PFC treatments for water repellency.

Working closely with Nikwax, we have developed a pioneering PFC-free treatment for our fleeces, waterproofs and windproofs. Recent studies show that PFC’s are persistent in the environment and are damaging to human health; which is why Nikwax waterproofing solutions are water-based, use no harmful solvents or propellant gases, contain no damaging PFC’s and are not tested on animals.
For more information on Páramo and PFC’s click here.

This garment is made by the charitable Miquelina Foundation.

Páramo’s ethical manufacturing partnership with the Miquelina Foundation in Bogotá, Colombia, has offered vulnerable women training and employment since 1992. This alliance has benefitted thousands of at-risk women in practical ways, helping them to build houses, and providing a kindergarten and canteen for their children. With Páramo’s support, Miquelina holds ISO 9001 accreditation, which assures dedication to quality. In 2017, Miquelina attained guaranteed Fair Trade status from the World Fair Trade Organisation. Click here for more information.

All Páramo garments are covered by our Recycling Scheme, which prevents them from ending up in landfill. For every item of Páramo clothing you recycle with us, you will receive a voucher of (up to) £50, to use against a future purchase.

Nikwax Analogy fabric systems are uniquely suited to recycling as they avoid the need for mixed materials, membranes or taped seams. Instead, they use 100% polyester, which unlike many materials, can be broken down and reformed into new, high quality fibres. Click here to read more about recycling your Páramo.

What if I damage my Nikwax Analogy Waterproof clothing?

Simple repairs can often be done with a needle and thread without compromising the performance of your Páramo gear.

If you seriously damage a garment, you can send it back to Páramo and request a quote for having it mended – most damage can be repaired! Our Customer Service team can advise you.

If you have irreparably damaged it, you may want to consider recycling it through the Páramo Recycling Scheme, whereby you will receive a substantial discount off your next purchase.

What if I damage my Nikwax Analogy Waterproof clothing?

Simple repairs can often be done with a needle and thread without compromising the performance of your Páramo gear.

If you seriously damage a garment, you can send it back to Páramo and request a quote for having it mended – most damage can be repaired! Our Customer Service team can advise you.

If you have irreparably damaged it, you may want to consider recycling it through the Páramo Recycling Scheme, whereby you will receive a substantial discount off your next purchase.

We guarantee everything we make.

Páramo waterproof garments, maintained correctly with Nikwax, will outperform membrane and coating-based waterproof systems. The durable fabrics and high quality components used in our garments contribute to their longevity.

Under the terms of our Lifetime Guarantee, any manufacturing defect will be rectified, free of charge, for the life of the garment. Any damage by accident or normal ‘wear and tear’ can be repaired by our workshop at a reasonable cost.

To register a guarantee with us please click here.