I didn't want to jack another thread so i started my own. I am in the market for a waterproof jacket. I noticed Paramo mentioned in another thread and did some searching on it. From the reading i did it sounds like this stuff is a bit warm in general and more of a waterproof mid layer for cold conditions. Is this true? I want to stick to the thin base, varied weight mid layer and a windproof breathable top layer. When the weather goes to the crapper a waterproof shell is a must and i am trying to figure out what direction to go. Pro shell, Event, Paramo or wait till next year for the new Polertec stuff?

till theres an after xmas sale on event .... or for the new stuff next year

with MH going event, you know what that means ... CLEARANCE SALES !!!!

It seems pretty simple to me to go Event over Gore Tex, that is if it really breaths that much better than the Gore Tex products as some claim it to? My only concern with waiting till next year on the Polertec stuff is having to pay top dollar for something that we have no feedback on yet?

It is a midlayer combined with a waterproof-ish outer layer. I find it best for cold weather use, especially if some bushwacking might be involved, and also very nice for snow sports. But too warm for me much above 35 F. It's quite a lot heavier than separate mid-layer plus UL Event layer combo, but tougher and more breathable.

Being i am building a winter kit from the ground up i think i should save the Paramo for a add a piece after i have the basics and get dialed in how my body reacts to different situations. Thanks for the help though.

SO how breathable is Event really. I talk to people and read that it does great breathing and others that say it doesn't breath much better than Gore Tex?

"Being i am building a winter kit from the ground up i think i should save the Paramo for a add a piece after i have the basics and get dialed in how my body reacts to different situations. Thanks for the help though."

Not sure I follow what you're saying: Paramo is as breathable as any windproof or soft-shell but is functionally waterproof. I find it too warm over 10 C - but all that makes it perfect winter clothing.

For winter walks I'd skip Gore-Tex or eVent and go with something like Paramo: I've used both Paramo, Gore-Tex and Event in the UK and in the Japanese Alps in winter and prefer the Paramo. If it's seriously below zero the waterproofing of a membrane based jacket is irrelevant in any case, you have compromised breathability and they don't add any insulation.

"It seems pretty simple to me to go Event over Gore Tex, that is if it really breaths that much better than the Gore Tex products as some claim it to?"

I've got both - as far as I can tell the Event is more breathable. But it's not magical.