Paramo Pájaro Jacket
I don't know if this is the first jacket specifically designed for wildlife watching, but it is definitely the best. The first thing that surprised me was how light it felt. At 885 grams, it is by no means the lightest on the market, but it looks like it should weigh more than that. As well as being very light, it is also very quiet, with none of that rustling that can be awkward when trying not to disturb the wildlife.
The key focus of the design seems to be to allow you to go out without a rucksack. Not only does the jacket have large and copious pockets, but it is designed to do the work of a waterproof, a windproof and a fleece, thus negating the necessity of carrying layers, yet the technology means you don't need to take it off if it stops raining or blowing.
Dogwalking, hillwalking and even golf
The Pajaro is also ideal for other outdoor activities. retractable dog leads fit nicely in the pockets, and its adapatability to changing weather makes it ideal for hill walking. It is actually a decent golf jacket, but you will get a few comments in the clubhouse from the fashion police as it isn't a known golf brand.
Fashion.
Not a Carnaby Street jacket; the Pajaro is purely designed for being out in the countryside, so, in a throwback to Henry Ford, you can have it any colour you like, as long as it is green. The external pockets are big and chunky, and will easily fit a medium sized pair of binoculars and a field guide, but would have Trinny and Susannah reaching for the scissors.
Materials
The jacket is designed for UK outdoor use, so will keep away wind and rain, and will keep you warm too. One of the reasons it weighs as much as 885 grams is that it will do the job of a fleece as well as a raincoat, while the latest technology fabric will keep sweating to an absolute minimum. The latest materials continue to work just as effectively even in high humidity or very cold conditions.
Technically speaking, it is made using a combination of a Polyester Microfibre outer with a Nikwax Analogy® Pump liner. The Polyester outer is treated with Nikwax, which provides water repellency, whilst the Pump liner is designed to mimic animal fur by pushing water away faster than it can be pushed in. The combination of these 2 layers provides a garment that is highly breathable and weatherproof.
Drawbacks & verdict
With an RRP of £245, the Pajaro isn't the cheapest jacket on the market, but you pays for what you get, and it can usually be found a little cheaper online. The jacket does have alifetime guarantee, and the the waterproofing can be revamped with nikwax, so if you are serious about your outdoors, and not afraid to spend a few £££ to get the best, you should definitely go and try one on at the very least.
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