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Paramo Velez Adventure Light Smock (09) | $261.95
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Paramovelez Adventure Light Smock

BikeRadar verdict

4 out of 5 stars

"The styling’s not for everyone but amazing performance and comfort overshadow any misgivings"

Thu 7 May 2009, 12:00 pm UTCBy Jamer, Mountain Biking UK

Originally designed and tested in the Andes, Paramo are a brand you probably haven’t heard of. This is one of their lighter garments aimed at multi-activity sports.

The jacket is a pull-over, smock style and features a fixed roll-away hood with mouldable wire insert. The cut is close fitting; short at the front with a dropped back.

Our favourite bits are the high collar which you can fully tuck yourself into when the elements get nasty, and the large front-zippered pocket which is big enough for trail maps and food, sitting perfectly below any pack’s chest strap. There’s also an inner zippered chest pocket for small storage and hand warming.

The smock uses the Nikwax Analogy waterproof system, which in layman’s terms is a fabric system that repels rain, wicks moisture away from the body and is windproof, all in one.

The fabric is rustle-free, the liner is really soft next to the skin and it is so comfy that it has become one of our favourite jackets.

Granted it’s a mite unconventional – remember, form follows function – but we like that aspect of it and it may well be a fabric to give Gore-Tex a run for its money.

About BikeRadar reviews: Our review scoring system has changed in 2010. Therefore recent reviews may have comparatively lower scores than past reviews. Click here for a full explanation of our ratings.

Manufacturers description

The Paramo Mens Velez Adventure Light Smock provides all the multi-activity features of the best-selling Velez Adventure Smock but utilises Nikwax Analogy Light, a NEW lightweight fabric that gives full Directional waterproof and windproof performance. It is 19% lighter than our Velez Adventure Smock.

User Reviews

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  • User review of Paramo Velez Adventure Light Smock (09)

    I've used Paramo gear for over 10 years when hillwalking. It's superb clothing, exceptionally breathable, durable and waterproofness can be maintained indefinitely with the correct reproofing and washing.

    I still have a Paramo coat from 10 years ago that works as well as the day it was bought even after a lot of hard use.

    I've only recently taken up mountain biking and use my original Velez smock for cooler days. Nikwax Analogy tends to be warmer than Goretex, especially if you run (or cycle!) warm, but it's breathability is far superior - so you tend to stay drier with less condensation.

    This new lighter version looks an interesting improvement. Expensive, but given how long Paramo garments seem to last - then worth every penny.

    0.3
  • User review of Paramo Velez Adventure Light Smock (09)

    My Cuzco jacket-the full zip version, is 5 years old and in daily use between Oct and May. It is too warm for summer use but it breathes like a good windproof and sheds water to expedition standards, no clammy feeling at all.

    They are quite bulky to stash so are best worn rather than carried.

    Product support is exceptional, I sent mine back for some minor repairs and it came back looking like new.

    0.3

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Specification

Name:
Velez Adventure Light Smock (09)
Built by:
Paramo
Price:
$261.95

Clothing Sizes Available:
L, M, S, XL, XXL
Available Colours:
Red/Black
Weight (g):
584 g
Waterproof:
Yes
Windproof:
Yes

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