Páramo Enduro Tour Trouser Review 2018/07/16
The Páramo Enduro Tour Trousers are a walking and climbing pant with
many great features. This review is based on use during a snowshoe
expedition in Finnish Lapland where they were worn pretty much all the
time over the duration of the trip. During the expedition my Enduro
Tour had to endure extremes of -19Cº, heavy snow fall as well as
coping with working really hard snowshoeing. The overall performance
and fit of the Enduro proved to be a great companion, so let us
explore some of the features and design.
Performance
The Páramo Enduro Tour is not an insulated pant. However in conjunction
with merino wool leggings (200 gsm in weight) it was warm enough when
active. The wool base layer naturally wicks moisture away from your skin
and then the Páramo technology takes that sweat to the
outside. Páramo uses a mechanical system that removes sweat vapour.
This is different to membrane systems, such as gore tex that use a
diffusion gradient. The result is Páramo can work during a wider range
of climatic conditions and perform accordingly. During long uphill
sections I was always dry and comfortable in the Enduro Tour. If I was
static in very cold freezing conditions I had at my disposal a British
Army Softie Pant which I could put over the Enduro when it got really
cold.
Protection
The Enduro Tour has kick step protection made of Dyneema and an internal
gaiter which can be zipped off. The first protects you from sharp edges,
such as crampon teeth and the gaiter protects you from snow ingress as
well as rain or dew on vegetation.
Fit
The stretch panels on the Páramo Enduro Tour allow you to walk
unhindered, especially when moving over steep ground. You can wear the
Enduro Tour with a set of braces which further adds to the great fit.
This is great news for when you wear a rucksack. You don’t get the belt
digging into you when you have your hip belt tightened. There is a very
subtle fabric waist adjuster strap that can be used to reduce any excess
material around the waist but I would really recommend the braces as
they work so well. All round movement is helped with the knees being
articulated and the addition of a diamond gusset on the Enduro Tour.
Breathability
The Páramo Enduro Tour has ¾ length vents running down each leg with a
zip and button fastening. Páramo waterproof technology is mechanical so
it doesn't affect breathability when you open vents on these pants. This
is in stark contrast to membrane technology which can only cope with
water vapour and requires high pressure microclimates to breath.
The fit of the Enduro Tour is athletic
with a higher back to protect the rear. It also has two hand pockets
with a strong zip to access them. The fly has two zips, which is a nice
touch especially if you are wearing a harness.
Average weight of the trouser is 680g.
I would suggest going to one of
Paramo’s stores to try them on before ordering as the sizing needs to be
spot on. The Enduro Tour will work best with the matching Enduro Jacket,
Páramo braces and a good wicking base layer system. Recommended. More
Information
HERE.
