Páramo Torres Medio Gilet review: the vest that’s designed to be worn as an over layer

Páramo Torres Medio Gilet: first impressions

Páramo has adopted a different approach with the Páramo Torres Medio Gilet. Where most of the best gilets are designed to slip under a shell jacket when the mercury tumbles, the Torres Medio is designed as an over layer, to wear on top of a base layer or even a waterproof jacket (see also: why layering is important).

This tells you much that you need to know about the gilet – it’s windproof, water repellent and it retains its insulating properties even when wet. As a design concept it’s also highly practical – you can slip it on when conditions deteriorate, without having to take off your softshell jacket, which is welcome convenience in the face of a sudden squall.

As with all Páramo products, the Torres Medio has impressive eco credentials, including a shell made from 100% recycled polyester and synthetic insulation made from 55% recycled content.

Páramo Torres Medio Gilet: on the trails

The “slab’” approach to insulation makes the Torres Medio significantly warmer in the face of a chill wind than down gilets with their small individual baffles, and a top performer in the heat and insulation stakes. Its tall chin line and elasticated arm holes also help to trap body heat, although there’s no hem cord at the base.

As fall turned to winter, the Torres Medio has proven warm and versatile worn over a 200g long-sleeve merino wool base layer. The two zipped hand pockets are a good size, and there’s a useful internal zipped chest pocket, too.

In theory, this gilet stuffs into its own hand pocket for rucksack stowage, but it’s a very tight fit that left me fearing for the long-term life of the zip.

And finally, if you do intend to wear the Torres Medio as an outer layer above a jacket, you may need to choose a bigger size than normal, so it’s definitely worth trying before you buy.