Are Páramo's Nikwax Jackets Actually Waterproof? - Will's World 

Love Paramo since finding it in 2007 and my first pair of trousers I bought in 2007 are still going strong and are worn most days on Dartmoor and also been up Kilimanjaro. The fact it can be repaired and if you rip it it still works is awesome.

I have used Paramo for the past 24 years. My first jacket I had for 20 years. I used a proofed Bentu wind proof on Exmoor in February with just a base layer. I run warm. I was caught out in a down pour of a shower and amazingly stayed dry. I was really surprised. I have an old 3rd element jacket and on one particular wet day I chucked on a Furea Smock on top and I was fine. When I got to the pub there were some miserable looking walkers in traditional hard shells. I was comfortable. My legs weren’t as I had decided to wear membrane over trousers. They were cold and wet. I should have warn my cascade trousers.

I wear the Velez and the enduro windbreaker together, the enduro out side and it's a fantastic combination in winter weather. Never been wet, always toasty warm.

Love Paramo - works great, used my quito jacket in torrential rain and gales in Lake District and Brecon Beacons - stayed dry. But I think it works when you are warm. if you have to stop and get cold it will not work so well.

If you get past the fact that paramo is is for active people and meant to be used, it’s by far the best outdoor brand out there

Love them because it drying out after it’s stopped raining or whilst u moving is totally different to anything else. They feel warm to the touch and soft it’s not like wearing a crisp packet which is also great for Stealth Mission or wildlife watching . I’m totally sold out on Paramo & u can pick them up pretty cheep Second hand with the peace of mind that it’s will still b useable unlike other Keep up the great work ❤

Great kit. I had my Velez for donkeys yonks and think I only washed* and reproofed a couple of times. Stayed dry and warm while moving in torrential rain that freaked out an Indian friend who thought monsoons had suddenly come to the UK. Worth every penny.

I have had two Paramo jackets and both failed in the waterproof department within a very short time. After my wife owning one for six years and never had a problem I decided to purchase another jacket in March. However last Tuesday whilst walking in torrential rain my Cascada jacket leak in numerous places whilst hers was dry. I have bought the VERY best Goretex jackets (£2000 in all returned under warranty) and they loose face fabric repellency very quickly as well, but they don't actually leak but you get severe perspiration and they feel like wearing a stiff bin liner. I am waiting for a replacement jacket from Paramo . Fingers crossed

Because I’m very tight I’ve had my Paramo jacket for 25 years (give or take) and it still works beautifully, perhaps it looks a little old fashioned now but I wouldn’t wear anything else! The Paramo trousers are just as good and I used to wear nothing else when out walking, rain or shine! 😃

Recently bought Ostro fleece and Ostro windproof and so far so good, not been out in much rain to test them in. I went out cycling a week or so ago in chilly 2C and just wore my grid technic hoodie base layer and the windproof and was totally warm enough i had to undo the zips for ventilation at some points. Previously would have to use 2 t-shirts 1 long sleeved and a big thick jumper and hat to keep just as warm. My main issue with the Ostro fleece is how much static it produces. I picked it up the other day and got a huge shock off it and when putting it on makes my hair stand on end and sticks to any undergarments like cling film until discharged. The ninja style hood on the Ostro fleece acts like a face mask also

that waterfall would be way over 30,000 HH.. possibly 100K? very odd test

We each have unique stories. I was biking in rain and soaked to skin, passed an outdoors clothing shop (Whalley Warm and Dry) and was convinced (by Jon) to try a Paramo Velez smock with offer for refund if not convinced. I then biked in rain for an hour and went from soaked to dried. I was convinced. Nearly 20 years later I have ooodles of Paramo kit "Paramoholic" now I go out in all weathers not bothered and only look to the weather forecast to decide how much to wear. Correct it is NOT waterproof, but gets a good balance where you dry quicker, I just layer up to keep myself warm enough what does get through dries, that's probably the only secret trick, that indirectly then made me move from waterproof boots to open sandals as I keep my upper body warm enough to drive enough heat into feet - not something you can do with shell fabrics where the slightest bit over over-heating makes a damp upper.

Great kit, my enduro jacket held out on heavy rain for about 2:30hrs..leaked slightly around the shoulder seams but dried out once the rain stopped in around 15mins... Looking for my third jacket as ones too big, the other too small..can't hurt to have another... PS they last a lifetime (stay away from red colours as they do fade over time and likely affect the integrity of the fabric)

Bought an original Alta jacket about 20 years ago and am so fed up with it. It will not wear out and give me an excuse to buy something fresh. Was out in torrential rain yesterday for 3 hours and dry as a bone inside. 8 hours over 3 peaks a year ago, again in torrential rain and again bone dry. I still cannot work out how this happens but I'm glad it does. I'd like a new one just so it's a better fit, little shapeless these first ones and I'm not as "large" as I was back then but it honestly looks like I bought it yesterday, not a mark on it so I can't justify it. Damn you Paramo ...

I’ve used many top end goretex jackets over the years but I’m now a confirmed Paramo convert. It’s warmer, more waterproof, more durable, more comfortable and just superior to boil-in-a-bag Goretex.

Paramo is the best option for UK humidity. I just find hard shells far too restrictive and end up soaked with sweat from the inside. I think one reason Paramo is not hugely popular is because brands like TNF and Mountain Equipment etc are just more 'trendy' even if these brands are aimed more at the Alpine type weather. There is a reason why most UK Mountain Rescue teams use Paramo and Buffalo - because if you are out in wet, humid cooler weather their stuff just WORKS with no bell or whistles.

The only proviso I have is that the outer fabrics can tear easily if caught on barbed wire, thorn bushes, etc., though of course they are repairable via Paramo's after care service. Otherwise, top notch gear, comfortable, warm and surprisingly rainproof. After energetic walking, etc. most dampness in the baselayer(s) and jacket/trouser linings is actually sweat. Just continue wearing the clothing in a sheltered area and one's body heat will dry them all out surprisingly quickly. If using crampons stout knee-length gaiters are a must. Pricey, but if properly cared for will last for ages.

Great test , Alta 2 will leak in hard driven rain especially at ruck sack straps despite following washing and reproofing instructions, happend with Velez too. Berghaus goretex doesn't even in very hard wind driven rain and would probably even stand that test :D Use both jackets for Scottish Hills in the winter. I always carry a plastic festival poncho with the paramo and have a torres insulated to go over it. But if I know it's going to be very wet I take the goretex. As said the Alta is nice to walk in winter with the breathability so your not changing layers all the time , but it waterproofing has limitations , just search paramo failure and paramo problems.

Ive used Paramo for about 20 years, including 15 years living in the Lake District, in that time i also tried Triple Point Ceramic, Gore Tex, and Event.... overall id have to say that out of the none Paramo gear Gore Tex (only Gore Tex Pro though) has been the best, both Event and Triple Point could not handle sweat in a lot of conditions and i got wet on the inside... as far as my Paramo gear is concerned, well, i have never got wet once while wearing it, however i think i have come close a few times where the amount of rain nearly over powered the jacket (it wetted out quickly if you like). And i will add that i think the older jackets with the thicker lining (Paramo Scala, first Alta etc) held off the rain longer than the latest jackets... you lose some grams with the latest jackets but i think you pay for that in how long they can hold off the rain... and sure the older jackets were heavier and thus slightly warmer... but on a wild wind swept hill top in winter with snow flying at you from all directions i know which version id prefer to be wearing ;-) In fact thats one of the main reasons i first switched to Paramo because it was so much warmer in winter than wearing the 3 layer (base, mid, shell) nylon shell system. I still like my Paramo gear (even though it will leak under pressure), especially because of how long it lasts, but i also try out other makes, for example i also have 2 Fjallraven Eco Shell jackets... which will definintely keep you dry... but for how long? I say that because i remember on one occasion i was wearing a pair of Rab Event Trousers (which i had only worn occasionally during the winter over a 3 year period since i dont like wearing overtrousers, i also had an Event jacket for a short while but thats another story) and the dog needed to go out, it was chucking it down outside so i donned the Event trousers and ventured out, and there i was walking down the road with the dog with the rain coming at me horizontally thinking i was going to stay nice and dry, not so! I begain to feel a cold feeling down the sides of one of my legs, surely not, they cant be leaking i havent wore them that much, anyway, thinking the worse, when i got back home i checked and sure enough they had leaked right down the leg through a seam next to the zip... i was not impressed... Bye bye Event.

I've had a Paramo Velez light smock for about 3 years now, and for me the jury is still out, in all honesty. Now I'm a big fan of the pile/pertex systems like Buffalo shirts and the Montane Extreme smock, which work in a similar way to Paramo. In as much as they don't have a membrane, but rely on the physics of the different fabrics to draw moisture away from the body. You do get wet in them, they just dry fast. So in the winter I find Paramo not as capable as my Montane extreme smock and in the summer Paramo is too heavy, so I tend to carry a light rain shell. Consequently my Paramo lives in the wardrobe and I just tend to wear it around the streets and to go shopping. I just can't find a usage scenario for the Velez smock, that isn't better suited to a different bit of kit. That's my two penneth

I like the idea of Paramo -- and I own one of their fleeces, which is amazing and I would recommend it to anyone -- but ultimately I want a shell jacket which is fully waterproof, even if that means getting a little sweaty when wearing it; so that means I am going to stick with Gore Tex.

Thing with Paramo is, they could never do well in a test like that because they’re not really ‘water-proof’ but more moisture regulating. Body heat plays an important part in the way Paramo clothing pulls moisture away from your body too so just standing in one spot getting wet isn’t really where they excel. A traditional gore-tex would probably do better in that context, but as soon as you start doing anything you’ll sweat and end up wet anyway. For the outdoor enthusiast who is out walking, climbing, canoeing etc, there is no waterproof jacket in my experience that has entirely conquered the idea of waterproof-ness. If you’re just going to be stood doing nothing, you’re better off with a Stutterheim or something.

Paramo Pajero jacket ,velez ultralight smock , paramo furea smock , paramo body warmer.. The waterproofs leak through after 1-2 hours.. the wind proof smock is excellent 👍.. Paramo after service is the best , new zippers, torn patches put in etc all free I haven’t paid anything.. Paramo is a highly respected outdoor clothing an definitely has a place in my use for outdoor activities mountain climbing, birding, hill walking,, just walk to the shop ..

Recently walked up the watkin path on snowdon. Wearing an alta 2 jacket and cascada pants i received a proper grimming from wind and driving rain. Both items had been washed and proofed 2 weeks prior and failed miserably. My entire torso and arms were soaked. If it had been a cooler day I could of been in a real mess. After a talk with paramo they said it may be contaminated and advised me to wash jacket with regular washing powder/liquid to remove all proofing and contamination then tx wash to remove any regular soap then re proof. This has been done and I'm going to test it as soon as I'm off work. I think it will fail again.

I live in the Scottish Highlands and I am a regular all reason Munro hiker. I own the Alta III jacket and it performs phenomenally well on the hills. I've experienced -15c (wind chill) in 40mph winds with driving sleet many times, yet felt warm and comfortable. The moisture management and venting system is the key with this jacket.

My experience with NikWax: AWESOME!! I purchase it by the gallon ( $100 ). I use it religiously on my TrueWerk softshell work gear. I wash them every week. Add the waterproof in the rinse cycle. Pretty much waterproof because I seem seal the seems as well. I work as a longshoreman in Alaska. You think it rains in Oregon and Washington? Hahahah😂! Unlike my fellow workers, I can’t wear “waterproof “ gear, as I sweat like crazy in it. I hate being hot ( thanks to Iraq and Afghanistan). With this method, my T3 jacket lasts for 3 straight hours in constant rain , without me getting wet, but the jacket is soaked. We take a 20-30 minute break, my jackets is air dried in doors, and is ready for another 3 hours. I’m comfortable, not hot or cold and NOT SWEATING 👍. But understand- my job is greasy and grimy on a barge. Rust, dirt, grease, oil. My jacket is never cleaned well using just NikWax as a detergent agent. But I’m fine with that! So I am wondering how the Paramo will perform with a permanent stains of rust and grime? I plan on checking out their products. First I’ve heard of them. I’m excited.

Hmmm, seem to be really mixed reviews on paramo I’m keen to try but it sounds too risky if you get caught out in bad weather 🤔

Hi, smiled at the video! I've been using a Paramo Halcon jacket up in Snowdonia for quite a few years, it really does work and I've been out in everything Snowdonia can throw at you for sure. It just works differently, it gets the moisture out, whether its from within from sweat, or from without. I even use a Velez Venture Light smock for Kayaking! I'm a believer in it's capabilities. If you're int rouble up a mountain, the last thing you need is moisture rapidly cooling inside your jacket and that's where the Paramo system really works, by pumping the moisture out. I would say to anybody, understand the system, it can take a bit of getting your head round, but it works, I know, I've tested it to the max

Don’t really see the point of this “test”. You might as well have jump in a swimming pool. The design of Paramo is to push moisture to the outside away from the skin. If you kneel down in a puddle wearing paramo trousers water will be forced through in the same way as standing under a waterfall it doesn’t work like a traditional membrane like Goretex or eVent. It would have been a far better test to continue wearing the jacket whilst walking to see how it feels and how quickly it dries. I’ve worn paramo for years and even though I have been damp either through sweat or rain or falling in bogs I’ve always been warm and it has dried reasonably quickly. No jacket will keep you totally dry but I’d rather be warm and wet than cold and wet and I just find paramo to be far more comfortable.

I don't think they claim to be waterproof, the aim is to keep you warm when wet and be able to dry when out from body heat when wet - or, good safety features.

Please forgive my relative inexperience, but having used nikwax waterproofing in the past, i found it necessary to reapply the proofing every so often. Is that really not the case with this "class" of clothing, are they really so permanently reliable? Or they do need some "maintenance", eg regular replacement, or else? Thanks to all.

What exactly was the point of that?

These comments just about sum up my research into Paramo jackets. Some folk love them, others say they just don't work or fail quickly. I'm in the market for a new waterproof and having tried Ventile, Goretex, Event, Barricade and a couple of others, nothing is completely bulletproof in sustained rain. So I thought I'd try Paramo, but the mixed reviews make me wonder. At these prices I can't afford to buy twice! I need it to be wearable all day and reasonable packable - I'm less concerned about weight since for back-packing (3-season only) I use an ultralight shell and just accept I'll get wet in long rain showers. The search continues...

How’s the sizing? I’ve always purchased llbean’s tall Large. Really interested in ordering a paramo

Paramo isn't waterproof. It's the proofing spray that makes it waterproof but anything is waterproof by that metric. If I spray jeans with it they'll deflect water.

Paramo is the absolute mutts nuts. If one finds oneself in waterfall levels of rainfall, one might consider that one should have stayed indoors and conclude that one had indeed, fucked up.

Any clue what the rating of the dwr is on the paramo stuff? No way would I buy it with a 80/20. If it were something like 2 coatings of Toray Kudos XT or Schoellers Nano permanent dwr than I’d try some in the Oregon Cascades for snowboarding, hunting, abs fishing.

I don't think my 100% water proof old fashioned Altus rain coat would survive that waterfall

Brilliant video. I could have watched for another hour. Allow me to offend you in a nice way- this video was far too short 😁

I like the idea of Paramos jacket technology, but why are the designs and colours so boring?

What size was the jacket you had on please... Also what's your height and chest size...

Why not a proper rain test?

Irritating! I thought this was going to be a serious review. Surely much of that water ingress was not through the fabric but through the openings eg neck, sleeves etc.

I'm not impressed with Paramo Analogy, despite cleaning and reproofing (yes, I know how to do this)it has failed on various occasions. The cuffs allow water to soak up to my base layer too.

Me and my other half are coming to the end of our patience with regular laminated style water proof jackets. We have bought lower end ones new and top of the range ones second hand , multiple times from many brands. But the waterproof layer always seems to rapidly wear out or even peel off! and they don't seem to "accept" nikwax type proofers all that well. I was about to go all in on old tech of waxed cotton but then discovered this Nikwax specific fabric and the paramo brand. I like the concept, but do they work any better than a conventional laminated jacket with nikwax applied ?

No jacket 100% waterproof

My Velez smock is expensive and junk, leaks horribly I’d take GoreTex any day over this tat

anyone tried nikwax on fleece jackets?

lols

Anyone that's got Paramo will know Nickwax doesn't last two minutes. The coat wets out in no time after waxing. Practically useless.