Paramo Velez Adventure Light Smock

It would be nice if the ladies version was available in black, the pale colours that are available a not really practical for outdoor wear, they would soon look mucky.

I would like to see the Velez with under-arm vents - like the Alta II, Aspira etc.

Posted: 14/02/2009 at 22:50

I would suggest thinking very carefully before buying this smock for cycling in. I bought one for this purpose and it is unsuitable. There are three problems in this regards: Firstly, the neck/hood design leaves a lot of material resting on the back of the neck. This in turn becomes a repository for sweat and a barrier to effective venting. Think cold sweat on the back of your neck. Secondly the 'pumping' effect is non-existent in the sleeves. Regardless of whether you wear a long-sleeved or short-sleeved T shirt you will end your ride feeling clammy at best and sodden at worst. Lastly, the zips do not go high enough under the arms to create effective venting. Your trunk will cool well if the zips are open but your arms/underarms will remain over hot. 

The pouch is a great idea for cyclist. The scooped tail is similarly good.

I own an Alta 2 for walking in and it is excellent. I now own an Adventure Light Smock for cycling in and it is truly dreadful.

Posted: 13/06/2010 at 13:34

Posted: 13/06/2010 at 16:23

did you read Jon's review parky? As the thread is referenced to the OM review of the Velez Light then we can assume that Ian also read it and would have seen the following comments:

 It's aimed at all-rounders - walkers, runners, bikers, climbers - and thanks to the fixed hood is also eligible for adventure racing. And of course, the weight saving means

We've used a Velez for cold weather - freezing and below - fast moving stuff like biking and quick walking for ages, but the improved hood on the Light really does up the versatility of the garment making it much more of an all-rounder.

Read more: http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/reviews/jackets/shell-jackets---waterproof/paramo-velez-adventure-light-smock/review/36539.html#ixzz0qlIVMLmz

 I think he is justified in posting a warning on this thread that the light Velez is not suitable for biking (in his experience) as a counter to Jon's view that it is..

Posted: 13/06/2010 at 21:09

I bought one of these for cycling in addition to walking and other activities, and my experience isn't that of Ian - I'm very happy with it. But you do need to recognise this is an all-rounder, it's very warm as a cycling top, and if you compare each feature (particularly the collar/hood) to a cycling specialist then it is compromised.

I don't recognise the complaint about the arms.  Mine are made of the same material as the rest and work the same.  If you wear a short sleeved wicking top then they tend to be damper on the bare arms then elsewhere, obviously.

What is essential to recognise is this is an all-rounder which also functions as a cold weather cycling jacket. I think all of Ian's problems essentially relate to overheating in it, and fundamentally breathability can't cure too much insulation.

Posted: 01/06/2011 at 16:34

Posted: 02/06/2011 at 13:00