Paramo Velez Windproof Jacket review: Versatile, lightweight and packable

Paramo has continued to expand its Velez collection, which now encompasses a broad spectrum of specialist outdoor clothing, from legwear to smocks. Now, it’s also added the Velez Windproof jacket to the range. Primarily intended to function with the Velez Grid fleece as a versatile two-layer system, it's a lighter and more packable option intended for running, cycling, mountain biking and hillwalking in cold or changeable weather conditions.

The Velez Windproof isn't a softshell jacket in the traditional sense, but has a full-zip with a high-fitting collar, made from Nikwax Windproof Light fabric, incorporating recycled polyester. It cuts wind chill effectively and deflects rain for decent all-round protection in mixed weather, thanks to a Nikwax-based DWR finish that is easily topped up with the brand’s widely available garment aftercare cleaning and reproofing solutions.

With a full-coverage fit, two large mesh-lined pockets and zippered forearm ventilation at the cuffs, the Velez Windproof offers more functionality than a typical windshirt, whilst keeping weight and bulk to a minimum (230g in a men’s size L). Downsides? There’s no hood and the lack of a hem drawcord can sometimes make it feel a little flappy on blustery summits and exposed ridgelines.

At £125, it’s reasonably priced, though to get the benefits of the full system Paramo recommends buying the Velez Grid fleece too. This is a comfortable and loose-fitting hooded baselayer or midlayer, which is another £90 (though you can save £15 if you buy both items together direct from Paramo).

The concept is similar to Paramo’s existing Bentu fleece and jacket combination, but the Velez system is significantly lighter overall, since both garments are simpler in design – the fleece is a hooded pullover with no front zip, while the windproof jacket lacks a hood and the zoned pump liner of the Bentu Windproof. As such, the Velez Windproof isn’t designed to form a completely waterproof solution, instead offering windproof and water-resistant packability.

While it doesn’t offer the stretch comfort of a typical softshell, it excels as a warm, breathable two-layer system, ideal for changeable UK conditions. Even on its own however, the Velez Windproof works as a light, packable and practical windshell for those who prioritise versatility and ventilation over a super-streamlined, technical fit.

Fabrics and stretch

Like all Paramo garments, the Velez Windproof jacket is made from polyester. In this case, it’s Nikwax Duology, a lightweight and closely-woven windproof fabric treated with a PFC-free water repellent finish. The fabric itself is made from 100% recycled fibres, which is a big step forward for Paramo in terms of sustainability. There’s no faulting its ethics either – the jacket is produced in Colombia in partnership with the Miquelina Foundation.

It's mostly a single-weight fabric throughout, and being made from mono material ensures easy recyclability at the end of its effective lifespan. However, standard-weight windproof reinforcement layers in the collar, cuffs, hem and centre front facings provide added protection and durability.

It’s comfortable to wear, with a soft feel (if a slightly shiny look). Being made entirely from polyester, with no elastane/lycra/spandex in the mix, it lacks any mechanical stretch, unlike typical softshell fabrics, which is a slight disadvantage.

And like most windproofs, it can sometimes feel a bit clammy if worn directly against the skin (e.g. on bare arms if you’ve only got a short-sleeved baselayer on underneath). Then again, the jacket is primarily designed to be worn over a long-sleeved top like the Velez Grid to maximise the benefits of both layers.

Wind and water resistance

The jacket offers excellent wind resistance – it wouldn’t be much of a windproof if it didn’t. The closely woven fabric protects well against buffeting wind but has enough permeability to prevent overheating. On its own, the fabric is so thin that it provides virtually no thermal qualities, but it does a great job of cutting windchill. This effectively prevents heat loss via convection (warm body to colder air), which tends to be why most people feel cold in the hills.

If worn with Paramo’s Velez Grid top underneath, it generates excellent warmth. This is made from Nikwax’s Parameta G fabric, a gridded polyester microfleece. It can be worn on its own as a baselayer or over a synthetic/merino tee as a midlayer.

It also incorporates zoned mesh Pump Liner fabric under the arms and across the back to move sweat quickly. You also get a simple hood with an overlapping neckline that creates a cowl-like effect around the neck.

This works really well with the jacket’s extended high collar to guard against chilly gusts and light precipitation. In fact, the system generally feels pretty snug and cosy in the hills. Obviously, it’s no substitute for a full layering system with a waterproof shell (or a proper Paramo Waterproof like the Velez Waterproof Jacket or Alta III Waterproof Jacket) over the top, but the Velez Windproof will happily shrug off drizzle and general dreich.

It’s also easy to restore the jacket’s water repellence when raindrops stop beading on the face fabric, with Nikwax’s widely available cleaning and reproofing sprays or washes.

Fit, comfort and weight

We’d describe the Velez Windproof as having a regular fit, which is typical of Paramo garments. They’re rarely as trim-fitting or tailored as many rival technical outdoor brands. On the plus side, this ensures a full-coverage fit with plenty of mobility.

For me, at 6ft 4in with a 42” chest, the men’s size large jacket that I tested offered ample room across the shoulders, with long sleeves and an extended drop trail for plenty of rear protection. It’s certainly unrestrictive and therefore pretty comfortable to wear on the hill.

I did find there was a little too much volume around the midriff and hem though – and there’s no drawcord adjustment to cinch in the bottom of the jacket either, which feels like a bit of an oversight. This occasionally meant the jacket felt flappy in gusty conditions, which isn’t optimal for a windproof.

On the scales, my test sample of the Velez Windproof weighed 230g (size L). Paramo’s stated weight is 190g, though presumably that refers to a size M. That’s comparable to a lightweight softshell like the Black Diamond Alpine Start, though the Velez feels like a much more substantial and protective jacket overall.

You can further boost its warmth if you layer it over the Velez Grid top. This would add another 280g to your clothing system, but it makes for a very versatile layering option, since it works well as both a baselayer or midlayer, depending on how chilly the conditions are.

You’d still want a dedicated waterproof shell in your pack if the forecast predicted heavy rain, but 90% of the time I reckon hillwalkers and backpackers would get away with wearing just the Velez Grid and Windproof (and to be honest, any light and breathable pull-on microfleece would do much the same job as the Velez Grid). All in all, it’s a commendably versatile layering system that seems particularly well adapted to three-season UK hillwalking, wild camping or long-distance backpacking.

Features: Pockets and ventilation

The Velez Windproof offers considerably more functionality than most traditional windshirts, thanks to some intelligently designed features.

All the zippers are slim 3mm components, which keeps weight and bulk to a minimum. However, they are high-quality, reverse-coil YKK types, with chunky pull tabs that are easy to grab hold of, even when wearing gloves. The main zipper is also backed with a storm flap to protect from wind and moisture ingress.

Meanwhile, the two hand pockets are placed high up at mid-chest, which ensures they stay clear of rucksack hip belts. They’re also very roomy, with mesh linings. This means they work well for either storage or extra ventilation. Up top, an extended collar effectively prevents rain and chills from creeping down the back of your neck. Two press studs at the throat enable you to fold it over and secure it in milder conditions too.

Slim fitting sleeves can be easily pushed or rolled up, while zipped forearm vents allow for further temperature control. The only real oversight – other than the lack of a hood, which is a conscious design choice – is the fact that the hem lacks a drawcord to cinch it in and prevent draughts from whipping up your back.

Price and competition

In terms of overall weight and function, the Velez Windproof jacket competes with some of the lightest softshells on the market, such as the Black Diamond Alpine Start, the Rab Borealis and the Montane Tenacity Nano. There are some specialist ultralight softshells around that are lighter still, like the Mountain Equipment Aerofoiland the Outdoor Research Shadow Wind Hoodie, but they’re not as versatile or protective as the Velez Windproof.

These qualities are also what distinguishes the Paramo offering from superlight windshirts, many of which weigh 200g or less – here, we’re thinking of well-established competition like the Patagonia Houdini and Rab Windveil. But again, those are streamlined and minimalist pieces designed for fast-paced activity, and really only suitable for wearing over a light, fast-wicking baselayer.

In contrast, the Paramo Velez Windproof is undoubtedly a more versatile jacket, both on and off the hill, especially if worn over something like the Velez Grid top, which provides a significant boost of warmth.

The jacket’s only real drawbacks compared to other windproof options are that it lacks a hood, though the high collar does a good job of keeping out chilly gusts and light rain. It also has no stretch like a typical softshell, which might be a consideration for some users.

The price (£125) seems reasonable. Compared to many other outdoor brands, which have seen steep price hikes in recent seasons, Paramo’s range has stayed pretty consistent. We think the £125 RRP for the Velez Windproof is fair (though admittedly that climbs to £200 if you also want the Velez Grid fleece to maximise the full benefits of the two-layer system, which starts to become more of an outlay).

Verdict

The Paramo Velez Windproof is a versatile jacket that performs brilliantly when layered over a lightweight fleece, though the lack of stretch and absence of hem adjustment may limit standalone use.

About the author

Matt Jones is a freelance journalist based in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, he’s a vastly experienced gear tester and self-confessed outdoor kit geek. Matt’s been one of our main gear testers for the last couple of years and is the first person we call with any complicated kit queries that need in-depth and forensic analysis.