Women's Paramo Cascada Waterproof Breathable Nikwax Analogy XL Trousers in Dark Grey  - pre-owned
34 inch waist, 44 inch hip, 29 inch inside leg. High-waisted walking trouser style.

PRICED TO GO! JUST £25 PLUS £3:30 FOR TRACKED 48 POSTAGE! EXCELLENT ITEM. 

This pair was bought new from Tiso for £120 back in 2013.

The Lifetime Warranty that applied from the time I purchased these new is not transferrable - do bear that in mind. You can however still take part in Paramo's recycle scheme should you wish at some future date to recycle your Paramo items and potentially obtain a voucher that can be used towards the cost of a new Paramo item. For details of this and the terms and conditions please check Paramo's own website.

POSTAGE: Your choice of lightly discounted Royal Mail Tracked 48 or Tracked 24, also those local to me may opt to collect in person. 

Why is this on sale? I have way too many Paramo items and need to rationalise what I have by looking at what I really need. Do I really need 4 jackets and 4 pairs of trousers and what ones fit best now and best meet my current and future needs. What I'm keeping is no younger than what I'm selling. The good thing with Paramo NikWax Analogy is that it's very durable and can last a lifetime if cared for according to Paramo's guidelines.

Waterproof breathable trousers washed regularly with NikWax Tech Wash and proofed as required with NikWax TX-Direct Wash-In proofer. All in accordance with Paramo's care advice. Please note that despite this most Paramo garments do end up with staining - particularly at waistband and adjusters -  and some fading/crease marks. This being a darker hued item the staining is less obvious than that which appears in lighter garments but there are definite crease marks, fading and pilling of lining.

The trousers have been washed and proofed with NikWax Tech Wash and NikWax TX-Direct Wash-in and put aside in preparation for this listing. Have been kept in a non-smoking, non-vaping home.

NB: The Lifetime Warranty that applied from the time I purchased these new is not transferrable - do bear that in mind. You can however still take part in Paramo's recycle scheme should you wish at some future date to recycle your Paramo items and potentially obtain a voucher that can be used towards the cost of a new Paramo item. For details of this and the terms and conditions please check Paramo's own website.

The trousers are down as being an XL -

XL – 34 (86) waist, 44 (111) hip, 29 inch (74) length of inside leg. Sit high on waist and don't cling at crotch. Comfortable for walking in.

 
These are not lightweight shell trousers, they are heavier than that. They have the advantage that if you are in the habit of standing around or sitting around observing (for birds and the like) in wet weather you will not chill like you would in standard GoreTex shell trousers. They will possibly be too warm for some folk on hot but rainy days. I wore them as trousers, just with underwear, but on particularly cold days they were very cosy with light thermal leggings underneath. 

I've used these trousers as general purpose waterproofs whilst holidaying, walking, dog walking and wildlife watching. They have not been involved in any extreme adventures but have experienced very heavy downpours!

Please look at the photos for condition. The trousers had some stitching wear, and fabric wear, internally at the very base of the trouser - where the back of a walking shoe/boot would hit. I have restitched these sections and sewn in a reinforcing bit of binding (green) to reduce wear. 


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FURTHER INFO FROM PARAMO ABOUT THE CASCADA TROUSERS (THIS IS THE VERSION THAT EXISTED PRE THE CASCADA II):

The original Women's Cascada Trousers are Páramo’s solution to an age-old problem by removing the need for regular stops to pull on or pull off a waterproof shell. The trousers, with their unique leg ventilation and articulation provide complete comfort and full waterproof protection in a wide variety of outdoor pursuits.


·        Unrestricted leg movement with minimal weight due to ‘curved’ articulation around the knee area 

·        Comfortable and adjustable fit provided with an elasticated, drawcord and belt looped waist 

·        Handwarming and secure storage supplied through two external hip pockets 

·        Full weather protection, but with easy and rapid temperature adjustment provided by the 3/4 length side zips with internal poppered storm baffles. Can also be pulled on over walking boots 

·        Ankle adjustment provided 

·        Increased comfort from softer-feel lining 

·        Additional protection when sitting from double layer seat



INFO FROM PARAMO ABOUT THEIR PARAMO NIKWAX ANALOGY PRODUCTS AND CARE OF THEM:


Maintainable performance
Conventional waterproofs can struggle to maintain breathability in very cold conditions or in high humidity. Páramo will continue to perform because it not only directs moisture vapour but also expels condensed liquid water.

Minimal water retention
Páramo will recover from total or partial immersion by pumping liquid water and air around your body.

Warmth
Páramo is warm as well as waterproof, which means you can leave behind some of your insulating layers. Adjustable ventilation provides comfort in warm as well as cool conditions.

Silence
Páramo Nikwax Analogy®
 garments are made using tough, silent and flexible fabrics. This also allows easy and efficient packing, as ‘stuffing’ does not harm the products.

Puncture immunity
Any piercing of the outer or inner fabric will not lead to leakage. You could fill the garment with pins, take them out, wear the garment in the rain and still remain dry!

Renewability
Páramo performance can be indefinitely renewed by caring for garments with Nikwax products. Conventional waterproofs, i.e. membranes can eventually de-laminate and crack, or the taped seams will loosen, making repair uneconomical.

Windproofing
Páramo outer fabrics offer solid windproofing and not just resistance, i.e. no chilling of the fabric through the insulation.


NB: WITH REGARD TO SECTION BELOW THE SAME APPLIES TO TROUSERS!


o   Why should I wash and re-proof my Páramo waterproof jacket?

§  To ensure it performs at its best, keeping you dry and optimising breathability. Regular care will also increase its usable lifespan, maintaining its performance for longer and mitigating the need to replace your jacket in the future.

§  The Durable Water Repellent coating on your jacket becomes less effective over time, so a cycle of washing and re-proofing is required:

§  Nikwax Tech Wash® cleans your jacket, helping to revive its water repellency and breathability.

§  Nikwax TX.Direct® adds a Durable Water Repellent coating to your jacket and revives its breathability when a wash is not enough.

o   How do I know when to wash my waterproof jacket?

§  If there are signs your jacket is ‘wetting out’, which is when the outer material soaks up water or if water no longer beads off it.

§  If your jacket it is visibly dirty, e.g. soiled cuffs, hems and pockets, or make up and sunscreen residues on the chin guard, hood and arms.

§  When your jacket has encountered abrasion or been exposed to sweat, plants, soil, mud, salt, dust or oils.

§  We also recommend a wash even if you have not worn your jacket for a while as dust particles and everyday home pollutants can accumulate and affect its performance.

o   How do I know when to re-proof my waterproof jacket?

§  Once washed, hold your jacket under running water, even if it is still wet. If the water beads off the outer fabric, no further action is required. However, if water is still absorbed into the material we recommend a reproof. You should only re-proof your jacket after a wash as otherwise the coating may trap dirt and contaminants within the fabric, which could shorten the jacket’s lifespan.

o   What products should I use to wash and re-proof my waterproof jacket?

§  We recommend Nikwax Tech Wash to wash and clean, and Nikwax TX.Direct to reproof.

o   How often should I wash my waterproof jacket?

§  There is no set interval to washing or re-proofing your jacket, just look out for signs of wetting out on the outer fabric, such as rucksack contact points or around the pockets.

§  If your jacket is used for high-energy activities where you sweat a lot, or you are an outdoor professional, it is likely to need washing more frequently.

§  A good tip is to wash your jacket ahead of any multi-day period of use to ensure it performs at its very best.

o   After what use should I wash/re-proof my waterproof jacket?

§  After extensive outdoor use where the jacket has encountered abrasion or come in to contact with animals, sweat, plants, soil, mud, dust or oils.

§  After use around salt water, as salt is a contaminant that can cause your jacket to work less effectively.

§  If you use your jacket regularly, which means wear and tear and exposure to more dirt and contaminants.

o   What is the ratio of washing vs. re-proofing?

§  We recommend re-proofing with Nikwax TX.Direct every 3-5 washes, but it is good practise to check your jacket occasionally for areas of wetting out.

o   How should I wash my Páramo jacket?

§  Refer to the jacket’s care label for any specific instructions.

§  Do up the zips to protect them during the wash cycle and to prevent the zip teeth snagging on the material.

§  Secure Velcro tabs and loosen any elastics for a more even wash and re-proof.

o   Should I dry the jacket before I reproof it?

§  No, after washing your jacket you can put it straight back in the machine for reproofing with Nikwax TX. Direct.

o   How should I dry my jacket?

§  Air-drying is preferable though you can tumble dry it on a cool setting if you wish (there are no performance benefits to using heat in the drying process).

o   I haven’t worn my jacket in the rain; do I still need to wash it?

§  Yes! Even in dry conditions your jacket will encounter dirt, contaminants and abrasions.

o   I haven’t worn my jacket for a while; do I still need to wash it, as it does not look dirty?

§  Yes! Your jacket can pick up dust, dirt and household pollutants even while hung up at home. It might look clean but invisible and hidden dirt can affect its performance.

§  Extended exposure to UV rays (e.g. if your jacket hangs in a sun-drenched porch) can degrade your jacket’s Durable Water Repellent coating. A regular maintenance cycle will ensure it performs whenever you use it.

o   Where does wetting out occur on my jacket?

§  It can occur anywhere but common areas are around the collar, cuffs, arms and pockets and wherever your jacket comes into contact with other outdoor gear, such as the shoulders and waist if using a backpack.

o   What are the typical contaminants that can build up on my jacket and affect its performance?

§  Dirt, dust, sweat, salt, sun cream, hand gels, anti-bacterial spray, make-up, and oils from animals.

§  Dirt and contaminants can also be transferred from outdoor gear such as rucksacks.

o   Can I hand wash my jacket?

§  Yes, just follow the instructions on the Nikwax Tech Wash bottle.

o   Can I hand proof my jacket?

§  Yes, just follow the instructions on the Nikwax TX.Direct bottle.

o   Can I over-wash my jacket?

§  No – although washing is good for your jacket, you are unlikely to need to wash it after every use. Only if it is regularly exposed to dirt or contaminants should you follow a frequent washing cycle.

o   Can I over-proof my jacket?

§  Yes – we recommend you wash your jacket more regularly than re-proofing it as frequent re-proofing will not necessarily produce improved performance.

§  You should also wash your jacket before proofing it. Otherwise, dirt can remain trapped within its fibres, which can hinder its performance when proofing alone.

o   Why should my washing machine tray be clear of detergent and fabric softener residues before using Nikwax products?

§  Because these can cause contamination during the cleaning & re-proofing process.

o   Do I have to use TX.Direct Wash-In or can I use the Spray-On instead?

§  You must use TX.Direct Wash-In for Páramo garments as it treats both the inner and outer fabrics.

 

·       Useful tips:

1.    Do not be afraid to wash and re-proof your jacket. It will not come to harm; on the contrary, its usable life will be prolonged.

2.    Do not worry about using Nikwax products in your washing machine. They are PFC free and designed to work just like normal detergents, cleaners and proofing agents.

3.    You can wash any of your Páramo garments at 30°C with Nikwax aftercare products and still achieve excellent results. However, you may choose to wash them at a higher temperature to remove very stubborn stains.

4.    Check the Best Before End date on your bottles of Nikwax, as with any household consumable item, to ensure the products will work effectively."