I have been riding my Paramo Velez Adventure Lite for over six years now and there is nothing I would rather ride my bike on than gravel and rain.
After riding for hundreds of hours, the jacket has remained dry and comfortable.
It performed flawlessly during a two-week tour of Scotland recently, shielding me from bad weather when my new tandem jacket got wet and clung uncomfortably to my bare skin "like a piece of ham", even when the I checked before the trip.
The Velez Adventure Light has been a reliable companion on summer and winter hikes and has been surprisingly durable.
The jacket is quite expensive (£250, no international prices available), quite heavy and requires more maintenance than a normal laminated waterproof jacket, but nonetheless, it's my jacket of choice for most trips.
All of this makes the Paramo Velez Adventure Light Smoke a worthy introduction to high-mileage heroes and the best waterproof cycling jacket I've ever used.
How does a ferry jacket work?
Waterproof jackets typically provide breathability and weather resistance by laminating layers of wind and waterproof material into a breathable membrane.
These membranes have small pores that allow water vapor (sweat) to escape while preventing the passage of raindrops.
Paramo jackets ride in a completely different way.
Páramo's patented Nikwax Analogy waterproof material is a unique two-layer system that combines a windproof and waterproof shell with a sheepskin "pump".
According to Paramore, the pump cover mimics the function of animal fur, "pushing liquid water outward to protect against rain, condensation and perspiration." The outer layer of thick microfiber protects against wind and rain.
Condensation from sweat and body heat forms on the outside of the pump cover, from where it is transferred to the shell.
Paramore's explanatory video explains the concept very well.
Based on extensive experience, these statements are true: if you take good care of them (more on that later), Paramo jackets offer exceptional comfort in wet weather.
Even when I'm wearing just a base layer, which I've done a few times, the soft lining never feels tight.
As someone with constant humidity who gets very hot even in the winter, this is impressive.
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Universal and thoughtful design
The Velez Adventure Light Smoke is one of Paramore's lightest waterproof jackets. Not specific for cycling, it has a loose fit and does not drop the tail. However, for less strenuous cycling where aerodynamics aren't a consideration, it's an ideal choice.
The Velez Smoke is available with a hard shell (Paramo Velez Adventure Smoke) or a standard jacket (Paramo Velez) for even more protection from the elements.
I prefer a hooded jacket as I find the large chest pocket over the kangaroo pocket very useful.
While this is a difficult situation, smoke, unlike full length zippers, will provide effective weather protection if a ¼ zipper fails.
The large hood easily accommodates a road bike helmet. Elastic adjusters around the neck and hood opening are easy to grab and use to secure.
However, the straight ¼ chest closure is enough to keep the hat in place.
The large zippers provide enough ventilation for heavy efforts and I close the material with Velcro at the wrists.
The quality of Paramore Fasteners should not be overlooked. In six years of use not a single button has fallen out, the zippers still close well and the Velcro on the wrists is strong.
This can be fixed without compromise
Despite heavy use, the jacket's outer shell remains tear-free. This surprised me because the outside looks thin compared to a laminated shell.
Should you ever tear your jacket, the outside can be repaired with needle and thread without affecting the waterproofness of the jacket.
Laminated jackets must be fixed with adhesive patches or special tape. Speaking from experience, this can be a complicated process and difficult to correct.
For those who value convenience and love an evening at the Old Singer, this is a big plus.
It's hard, but it's worth it
Although the jacket is lightweight when it comes to hardcore climbing jackets, it can be compared to a normal cycling jacket.
My medium jacket weighs 680g. For comparison, the Rapha Explore shirt above weighs 250g in the same size.
Weight aside, the real weak point of the jacket is its weight. While it will (only) fit in a kangaroo pocket, the jacket is still quite comfortable.
This rules out unless you're traveling without a big bar or big bag.
The wrists and other high-tear areas also become soiled with body oil and wear out more quickly than a jacket with a tough, durable water-repellent (DWR) finish.
The Velez Light is as aerodynamic as a wheel and inflates like a nylon basket in a headwind, not when you're racing down the road.
Most of the time I turn to my Rapha Pro Team Gore-Tex ShakeDry Lightweight Jacket for trail riding in the rain.
In terms of compressibility and weight, you can't beat the best ShakeDry jackets. My Rafa jacket is the size of a kiwi and is as light as poop, yet incredibly thin.
Wearing the tank top, which I wore with my sweater in my sweater pocket, resulted in little holes in the back, and I cringe every time I see a bunch of them while wearing it.
With the Velez Adventure Lite, I have no such worries.
Excellent service, high performance
Paramo jackets are more washable and waterproof than laminated waterproof jackets.
Because they don't have a durable water repellent (DWR) finish, they rely on the occasional soaking to keep the exterior from getting wet.
I have always used Nikwax Tech Wash cleaner and TX Direct waterproofer as recommended.
The process of recreating the jacket is simple, but increases the cost of regular procedures. I recommend buying in bulk as it is much cheaper in the long run.
Paramo also offers professional housekeeping and cleaning services. My jacket looks great after years of wear so I may see it again soon.
Parent-approved technology
Finally, my father Dritch is an avid walker who spends a lot of time in the Scottish Highlands.
He is also impulsive and, like many men his age, sometimes skeptical of new technologies.
Despite all of this, she ditched her husband's waterproof layer and bought Paramo kit in bulk, including the brand's pants.
This complements the jacket's exceptional breathability and dry feel when worn next to the skin.
He also uses the Paramo kit while cycling, usually sleeping in his tent along the way. His only request to Paramo? Please make the pants less baggy.
I just need a jacket
The versatility, performance and comfort offered by my Velez Adventure Light are second to none.
While not ideal for road riding, it is suitable for almost any other journey and even non-cycling activities.
In a world where I have one waterproof jacket left, it should be the Velez Adventure Light.
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