{"id":49972,"date":"2023-05-25T11:00:37","date_gmt":"2023-05-25T09:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=731363"},"modified":"2023-05-25T11:35:41","modified_gmt":"2023-05-25T09:35:41","slug":"high-mileage-heroes-jacks-ultra-reliable-paramo-velez-jacket","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/high-mileage-heroes-jacks-ultra-reliable-paramo-velez-jacket\/","title":{"rendered":"High-Mileage Heroes | Jack\u2019s ultra-reliable P\u00e1ramo Velez jacket"},"content":{"rendered":"

The P\u00e1ramo Velez Adventure Light smock is the only waterproof jacket Jack will ever need <\/p>

By Jack Luke\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Thursday, 25 May 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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I\u2019ve had my P\u00e1ramo Velez Adventure Light smock for over six years and there is nothing I\u2019d rather wear for cycle touring, gravel riding and pottering about on a bike in the rain.<\/p>\n

Through hundreds of hours of sodden riding, the jacket has reliably kept me dry and comfortable.<\/p>\n

Most recently, it performed flawlessly on a two-week tour around Scotland, protecting me from drookit<\/em> weather while my tandem partner\u2019s much newer jacket wetted out, uncomfortably sticking to bare skin \u201clike a slice of ham\u201d, despite a pre-trip reproofing.<\/p>\n

The Velez Adventure Light has also been a reliable companion on summer and winter mountaineering trips, and has proven surprisingly durable.<\/p>\n

The jacket is fairly expensive (\u00a3250, international pricing N\/A), quite bulky and requires more maintenance than a typical laminated waterproof jacket but, despite all of that, it\u2019s still my go-to jacket for most riding.<\/p>\n

All of this makes the P\u00e1ramo Velez Adventure Light smock a worthy entry in High Mileage Heroes, and the best waterproof cycling jacket<\/a> I have ever used.<\/p>\n

How do P\u00e1ramo jackets work?<\/h2>\n
\""Pa\u0301ramo\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Pa\u0301ramo jackets are constructed using Nikwax Analogy fabric.<\/span><\/figcaption> Jack Luke \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Waterproof jackets typically achieve breathability and weatherproofing by laminating layers of wind and waterproof fabric to a breathable membrane.<\/p>\n

These membranes have tiny pores that allow water vapour (perspiration) to escape, while preventing rain droplets from passing through.<\/p>\n

P\u00e1ramo jackets go about this in a very different fashion.<\/p>\n

P\u00e1ramo\u2019s proprietary Nikwax Analogy waterproof fabric is a unique unbonded two-layer system that combines an outer wind- and water-resistant shell with a fleece-like \u2018Pump Liner\u2019.<\/p>\n

The Pump Liner mimics the function of animal fur, \u201cpushing liquid water outwards to protect you from rain, condensation and perspiration\u201d, according to P\u00e1ramo. The tightly woven microfibre outer layer provides protection from the wind and rain.<\/p>\n

Condensation caused by sweat and body heat builds up on the outer face of the pump liner, where it can then transfer to the shell.<\/p>\n

P\u00e1ramo\u2019s own explainer video<\/a> explains this concept very well.<\/p>\n

\""Pa\u0301ramo\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Even when worn with just a baselayer, the jacket remains comfortable.<\/span><\/figcaption> Reuben Bakker-Dyos \/ Our Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Speaking from extensive experience, these claims ring true \u2013 provided you look after them (more on this later), P\u00e1ramo jackets provided unparalleled comfort in wet weather.<\/p>\n

Even when worn with just a baselayer<\/a> \u2013 which I have done on several occasions \u2013 the soft liner layer never feels clammy.<\/p>\n

As a perpetually damp man who runs too hot even in the depths of winter, that\u2019s impressive.<\/p>\n

BikeRadar\u2019s High-Mileage Heroes<\/h2>\n

High-Mileage Heroes<\/a>\u00a0showcases the products that have stood the test of time and become part of our everyday riding.<\/p>\n

These aren\u2019t reviews, but rather a chance to talk about the kit we depend on and the products we choose to use when we\u2019re not reviewing fresh gear.<\/p>\n

More from High-Mileage Heroes:<\/p>\n