I love walks in the hills at home, but was taken aback when friends suggested tackling Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world at 5,895m, traversing five different climatic zones, from tropical rainforest to Arctic tundra! But I realised the challenge could raise funds for Northern Ireland's Children's Hospice, and was convinced. (Read why I support them, at my website http://www.kerenowens.com/)
As a longtime user of an Alta II jacket I‘m prepared for UK weather, but was concerned about moving from equatorial to Arctic conditions in a week. What on earth to wear? This was the ideal time to invest further in Páramo, for flexible, multi-tasking clothing that worked together. And I wasn't disappointed.
I wore Maui Cargo Trousers and a Cambia Tshirt for the tropical temperatures, with my Alta II for a showery spell, on the first day. Night at the first camp was already cold, so on with my Explorer Pull-on, and I used a silk sleeping bag liner.
With more showers likely the second day, I started in Cascada trousers, very comfortable with the cooling vents, and no need to struggle with leggings when it rained. The deep zip of the versatile Cambia Zip-neck allowed cooling, under my Explorer Pull-on, with the Alta jacket handy for rain. In the tent, I wore my Cambia long-johns with the two tops... perfectly comfortable.
Wednesday to Friday, I wore Cambia top & bottoms, Cascada trousers, Explorer Pull-on, and Alta II jacket, day and night (well... I took the jacket off in the tent) - equally comfortable in the sleeping bag or on the trail.
For summit night, I put the Torres Smock on top, and temperature control was not an issue. The Smock pockets were great, and carrying my water bottle in my Alta map pocket stopped it freezing.
Countless times that night I was bent double, over my walking-poles, gasping for breath, and almost asleep on my feet... coming round, walking a few more paces before stopping again. I‘ll never forget the summit's dazzling snow-covered approach, the sun rising, the huge glaciers below... amazing!
I unreservedly recommend every Páramo item I used, the comfort and adaptability proved second to none...
Glenn Owens
