Páramo Ladies’ Alondra jacket

The weather has definitely turned and you may be considering updating your outdoor wardrobe for the winter. This new jacket from Páramo, launched at this year’s Birdfair, has been “designed by women for women who are keen wildlife watchers,” so how did it measure up?

First, it does look good. The fabric is soft with a slight sheen and the cut is much more flattering than the often sack-like alternatives that are on the market. It’s also comfortable to wear and very lightweight.

All good, but performance in the field is what really matters. And it didn’t disappoint there either. The jacket is both warm and waterproof, with adjustable, popper-fastened cuffs and an internal storm flap under the zipper to keep the wind and rain out. The stowaway hood has a shapeable peak so it won’t fall over your eyes. I liked the mid-thigh length – you can sit on wet benches or seats without having to worry about getting your clothes wet.

For those of us who prefer to travel light, there are plenty of pockets. An internal one keeps items like keys and money safe, while the two external breast pockets and two bellows pockets are roomy enough to hold a notebook and pen, field guide and more. Positioned behind the latter are fleece-lined hand-warming pockets – a nice addition when it’s cold outside. This really is a good birding jacket, one that should keep you warm and dry during the worst November weather, but it at £300 it isn’t cheap.