Frequently Asked Questions

Páramo Directional Clothing Systems is a manufacturer of innovative, functional and comfortable outdoor clothing.

Nick Brown, founder of Nikwax^®, became disillusioned with conventional outdoor gear and set about creating a clothing system that directs wind, water and still air to the correct place for a particular activity.

All of our gear is designed at our HQ in Wadhurst, East Sussex, by a team of talented in-house designers.

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Most of them derive from Spanish words, tying in with our commitment to The Miquelina Foundation in Colombia, and we have also taken inspiration from volcanoes for our Trek & Travel collection.

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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.

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• What does the drip skirt on my Páramo jacket/smock do?
  It provides you with excellent weather protection! All our waterproof jackets and smocks benefit from a two inch drip skirt over the hem drawcord. This is elasticated for comfort and ease of movement and will aid water shedding and help minimise wet trousers.
• Why have a detachable hood?
  For those activities that do not require a hood, such as cycling and mountain biking.
• Why have a fixed hood?
  For those activities where a fixed-hood is an absolute must, such as alpinism and adventure racing.
• What is the benefit of a fixed wire peak on the hood?
  Field of vision is improved and water is deflected more efficiently. The fixed wire peak is particularly beneficial for those who wear glasses.
• What are the removable foam inserts for in the back of my jacket?
  They create an air space down the centre of your back to improve air flow and breathability, and enhance your comfort. They are easily removable if not required.
• What is a ‘dry’ pocket?
  A pocket that has been lined with Nikwax Analogy Pump Liner^® and is designed to keep things dry.
• What is a ‘working’ pocket?
  A pocket that has not been lined with Nikwax Analogy Pump Liner as breathability, functionality and reduced insulation has taken priority.
• Why are Páramo’s sleeves and cuffs bigger than others?
  To allow you to roll them up easily, as exposing your forearms provides maximum surface cooling.
• Are the reversed zips as waterproof as other, more traditional zips?
  They absolutely are.
• Why should I overlayer (as opposed to traditional layering)?
  Overlayering allows you to add insulation without having to remove your outer layer, therefore reducing heat loss after exercise or during rest stops. A Páramo overlayer is designed to be worn over a Páramo Waterproof jacket or smock when extra warmth is required.

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• Watch our video here
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Can I hand wash my jacket?
  • Yes, just follow the instructions on the Nikwax Tech Wash bottle.
• Can I hand proof my jacket?
  • Yes, just follow the instructions on the Nikwax TX.Direct bottle.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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