WHEN I am on location, I really enjoy wearing a jacket with bags of pockets for my camera essentials, sunglasses, pen and notebook, etcetera, rather than have to load items into my backpack. So I was delighted when Páramo asked me to check out their Halcon Waistcoat.
The sleeveless style which I tried can be worn over a base layer or outer layer, depending on what conditions you encounter. I recently trialled my jacket whilst on the Causeway Coastal Route in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, when I was forever in and out of the hire car capturing scenic shots.
The quiet and lightweight Parameter A Cotton+ fabric is also rugged, so it proved perfect for my needs. I only encountered slight drizzle on my last day, and the Halcon was quick drying, so no problem there. I also had to suffer strong winds on one morning, but wearing it over a fleece, I stayed nice and warm.
The jacket has been cleverly constructed to distribute the weight of equipment carried across the whole shoulder area, thereby minimising any neck discomfort, enhanced by cushioning on the shoulder area. So what about the multi features? The Halcon has a high collar with fleecy lining, two-way front zip with chin guard, peppered side slits for fit adjustment, generous arm holes, waistcoat drawcord, and multiple pockets, so I was in my element, without over-loading myself. There are two zipped, mesh lined, map-sized pockets at chest height; two bellows pockets on the chest with internal secure compartments, so in went my pen and sunglasses; two voluminous poppered pockets at hip level, tabbed for fast, east access; two handwarming pockets at hip level; two internal mesh pockets on either chest; and two internal hip level drop pockets, open-topped with light elastication. So what’s that… 14 pockets, if you include the internal secure compartments. Wow.
CONCLUSION: This is the perfect jacket for photographers, birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, and will certainly be on my ticklist to take on my future travels.
Páramo Halcon Waistcoat £100
www.paramo.co.uk
