Review: Velez Smock Jacket

Páramo is definitely worth a look if you’re in the market for a waterproof layer. If you’re not sure, just try one on – I guarantee you will fall in love!

I cannot express how light they feel. When you first put it on it’s so thin that you almost feel exposed, but after a few miles and the sweat starts radiating from your body you’ll be so grateful for that lightness. Often when wearing outer layers I get to a point where I get so hot I consider taking it off despite the conditions. The breathability of this jacket means I never get to that point (if you do get to that point there are great vent openings on the side. The front pocket is so useful as it keeps items easily accessible. It’s large enough for a map and will keep a phone protected from the elements (not from your sweat though!). All the one-handed drawcord pulls work great and the hood peak is superb.

There are, I believe, two areas for improvement. Firstly the material that is used to store the hood away is on the inside and often ends up sticking out awkwardly. It can be pulled down out of the way towards the bottom of the jacket, it just takes a bit longer to get comfortable. I’ve also not ever rolled the hood up and it looks incredibly bulky, even when I’ve tried to fold it up tightly. Secondly the adjustable cuffs seem massive for me, (the contoured fit is just right everywhere else) even when wearing thick gloves. The velcro doesn’t go right to the end of the tabs so they always get caught too. Neither of these things are deal breakers, just possible areas for improvement.