Just wondering if anyone has a Paramo Halcon? If so, what do you think about it? I have looked at some online reviews and most people are very impressed but a few, including someone from Wigan(!), were completely the opposite. Mst people say the most waterproof jacket they've ever had but those who were negative said they weren't! Does that imply poor quality control - inconsistent product?

All depends on your (and their) definition of "waterproof"

Waterproof walking from the car to the office will not be the same as waterproof on a working trawler

Spot on cod'ead, 100% waterproof usually sacrifices any breathability whatsoever, it's a fine balance.

I'm a keen all year round cyclist and some of the best cycle specific jackets are excellent in keeping the water out but not make you feel like a boil in the bag, that said sustained heavy rain will eventually penetrate even the best. TBH the Paramo looks overpriced for what it is and a couple of casual cycling buddies whom do a fair bit of walking reckon they don't keep you that warm so layer up.

They are supposed to be waterproof for people who spend their life outdoors and breathable. One guy who liked them said they'd been in hours of rain in mountainous terrain and all his Berghaus Goretex wearing mates got soaked and he was bone dry. I am talking more of being out in the countryside than commercial fishing!

Any thoughts on Didrikson Swedish Parkas? Saw them for the first time today - looked very well made. Not lightweight / breathable though - firmly a winter coat!

Paramo Halcon uses Nikwax Analogy fabric. A two layer fabric with a Waterproof outer and an inner layer which effectively pumps water from body moisture out. The outer doesn't have taped seams as any water getting through is pumped out by the inner layer. I've never had Nikwax Analogy jackets so can't comment first hand but it does sound like a good fabric.

I've always relied on Gore-Tex and have only been let down once when orienteering on Ilkley Moor in torrential rain and it was my own fault. It was quite an old Karrimor jacket and I hadn't kept the DWR (Durable Water Repellency) coating in good condition. This is the coating that makes the rain bead and run off. The outer layer wetted out and I got quite sweaty on the inside as the inner porous layer couldn't breathe properly. I've still got a Mountain Equipment Gore-Tex from 1998 and I trust it to this day.

There are loads of fabrics on the market now that use similar porous membrane principles to Gore-Tex but you need to make sure you wash them correctly and layer up with man-made fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin. Natural fabrics tend to soak up and hold body moisture in and you get clammy and cold.

Ventile is still a good outer fabric despite its age. It is a densely woven cotton that expands to keep water and wind out but also breathes. Expensive but will last years.

There are also hydrophilic fabrics that are not porous but have a coating on the inside that forces body moisture out. I currently own a Musto jacket using this fabric but it can't keep up to my body heat and it can get a bit clammy inside.

I'd stay away from waxed cotton and rubberised cotton. Vastly outdated fabrics that mainly still exist for fashion purposes. Waxed cotton looks great but it leaks in heavy rain and can sweat up inside, rubberised cotton is just a big no no, you'll boil in your own sweat!

Obviously a waterproof/breathable fabric depends on the individual and the activity. Gore-Tex has always suited me as I'm always warm and it manages to breathe effectively and keep me dry in the activities I do.

Get a North Face. I'm not sure how good the quality is but you will be considered the height of fashion if you were ever to visit Liverpool.

I could be wrong but if something is "breathable" in a garment then it suggests it might have holes in it.

Now, and I could be wrong again, fluids can go through holes both ways unless there is a valve or pressure differential.

Personally I blame the education system and the laws of physics. If they didn't apply and people had not been taught such radical stuff the problem would not exist would it.

It works a bit like human skin if you like. The pores in the membrane are so tiny compared to rain that rain can't get through. Perspiration vapour however is small enough to transpire through to the outside. It's clever stuff.

Thanks for the comments KSC. The Paramo is very expensive and the material is really flimsy feeling which rather puts me off. But, some of the reviews I saw suggested despite that it is still hard wearing. I am looking for something green.