Review: Paramo Cascada II Pant Review

The Paramo Cascada II Pant is built for people who spend long days outside in bad weather. Designed for hiking, backpacking, and general weather use, these rain pants prioritize comfort and protection over the lightest possible weight. Their strongest qualities show up in sustained rain, snow, cold temperatures, and changeable conditions, where stopping to adjust layers is not ideal.

• Gender: Men’s and Women’s
• Weight: (Size men’s medium is 17 oz, Size men’s large is 19.1 oz)
• Zippers: Full-length size zippers with snap studs alongside
• Pockets: 2, zippered front
• Features: snap closure, zippered fly, leg cuff snaps, belt loops, suspender capable

Hard to Classify: Rain Pants or a Hybrid?

The Paramo Cascada II Pant is hard to classify. It’s not thin like a conventional pair of waterproof/breathable rain pants, and it’s not a softshell, although it shares some similarities with one in terms of weight and breathability. The best way to think of them is as a full-zip waterproof/breathable rain pant with a conventional DWR coating combined with a sewn-in liner that hangs loosely inside. The combination makes it very easy to vent and very breathable, but also significantly warmer and heavier than other popular full-zip rain pants, like the REI Rainier Full Zip Rain Pant or the Marmot Precip Eco Full Zip Pant.

The sewn-in lining has two benefits. Firstly, unlike more conventional 2-, 2.5-, or 3-layer membrane-based rain pants, you don’t feel the creeping cold of condensation on the inside of the pants when you wear them in the rain. Second, the warmth trapped by the liner increases the temperature differential between the inside of the pants and it exterior surface, enhancing breathability. The construction is analogous to wearing long underwear inside waterproof, breathable rain pants, although it is more comfortable, lighter weight, and arguably better performing than using separate clothing layers.

Paramo calls the two-layer construction of these pants the Nikwax Analogy fabric system, but I’ve always felt this gratuitous marketing speak obfuscates how their garments work and is off-putting to consumers.

Rain Performance

In steady rain, the Cascada II Pants perform very well. Water beads and runs off the outer face fabric, provided it is regularly refreshed with a DWR coating like Nikwax TX Direct. Even during hours of rainfall, the inside remains dry. Wind resistance is also strong. Cold wind is effectively blocked, helping maintain warmth in exposed terrain. They are challenged in warmer, high-humidity weather where even the full-zip venting does little to reduce perspiration as you’d expect, and I wouldn’t recommend them for that climate.

Cold Weather Comfort

In cold weather, the Cascada II Pants stand out. The inner liner provides a slight insulating effect, taking the edge off low temperatures without making the trousers feel bulky. They work well over a wide range of conditions, from cool autumn rain to cold winter days well below freezing.

When temperatures drop, the trousers help maintain a stable body temperature. They are particularly effective when moving at a steady pace, such as during hiking or winter walking. The fabric continues to move moisture away from the skin, preventing that clammy feeling that can quickly turn into cold once you slow down or stop. In colder conditions, these trousers can replace both a softshell and a waterproof layer, providing a significant weight-saving benefit.

Breathability and Moisture Control

Breathability is one of the Cascada II’s strongest points. In cold rain, where many waterproof trousers struggle, these continue to regulate moisture well. When exerting, sweat is pulled away from the body and spread through the fabric, where it can evaporate. This active moisture management is especially useful in winter rain or sleet, where overheating can be just as uncomfortable as getting wet. The pants handle variable effort levels smoothly, reducing the need to constantly add or remove layers.

Design Features for Bad Weather

The Cascada II Rain pants include practical features that support their wet-weather role. The high waist and raised back provide extra coverage when bending or wearing a pack, helping to keep rain out. The articulated knees allow easy movement, even when wearing thermal underwear.

The lower legs are cut to fit over boots, with adjustable hems to seal out wind, rain, and mud. This is particularly helpful in cold, wet terrain where water running down the legs can otherwise soak into socks and boots.

Pockets are positioned to remain accessible when wearing a pack or jacket. The pants have belt loops and are even designed to be worn with suspenders to keep them from falling down your waist, which is a real issue when wearing a backpack for extended periods.

Durability in Harsh Conditions

The fabric is robust enough to handle rough ground, wet vegetation, and regular use without feeling fragile. They are heavier than minimalist rain pants, but that weight translates into reliability and long-term performance. This makes them a solid choice for people who expect to use them season after season in challenging weather.

Overall Impression

The Paramo Cascada II Pants excel in rain and cold weather, where comfort matters as much as protection. They keep the wearer dry in sustained rain, block cold wind effectively, and manage moisture better than many traditional waterproof/breathable rain pants. While they are not the lightest option available, their performance in prolonged wet and cold conditions makes them a dependable choice for serious outdoor use.

For hikers and outdoor workers who spend long days in cold, wet weather, the Cascada II Pants offer a practical and comfortable solution that reduces layering complexity and keeps the focus on the journey rather than the conditions.

Disclosure: Paramo North America donated pants for review.