Just give me the basics - is it waterproof?

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JoeyB

Go on, tilt your head!
Never heard of Pearl Izumi... Looks like I might take a trip to Gunwharf at the weekend...
 

Profpointy

Legendary Member

Paramo stuff is absolutely worth the money - however a cycle jacket with a hood is a bit daft

If it didn't have the hood I'd buy one, although it might be a bit on the warm side.

For hillwalking, I've got their anorak and leggings and both are superb, absolutely the best kit I've ever bought, and knocks goretex and the like into the proverbial cocked hat.
 

Cubist

Still wavin'
Location
Ovver 'thill
Paramo stuff is absolutely worth the money - however a cycle jacket with a hood is a bit daft

If it didn't have the hood I'd buy one, although it might be a bit on the warm side.

For hillwalking, I've got their anorak and leggings and both are superb, absolutely the best kit I've ever bought, and knocks goretex and the like into the proverbial cocked hat.
I use a cycling specific Paramo Vista (analogy lite) for winter commuting. It's a bit warm but you can open the zip at the front and keep the flap poppers done up , and the chest pockets work as a vent of sorts. They also do the Quito, again, bike specific. Better ventilated with pit zips. The hood on the vista rolls away to form a snug collar.

On the MTB I wear a mountain vent base layer, parameta version with bicep vents, and a Fuera wind proof over the top. Treated with wash- in DWR it beads really well, and th parameta base layer acts as the pump liner. Oh, and I have an old original velez smock. And Santa brought me a Halcon. Fanboy? moi?

Paramo kit doesn't stop working like Goretex, there isnt a membrane to degrade, or taped seams to come apart. The fabric itself is porous, sort of, but the way it's made and treated makes it completely impervious to rain. It's incredibly breathable. Buy a Paramo jacket and you'll have a jacket for a lifetime. It has a lifetime guarantee. Even if you tear the outer layer, you can sew it up and it still works, as long as you follow the care instructions.
 

Crankarm

Guru
Location
Nr Cambridge
I use a cycling specific Paramo Vista (analogy lite) for winter commuting. It's a bit warm but you can open the zip at the front and keep the flap poppers done up , and the chest pockets work as a vent of sorts. They also do the Quito, again, bike specific. Better ventilated with pit zips. The hood on the vista rolls away to form a snug collar.

On the MTB I wear a mountain vent base layer, parameta version with bicep vents, and a Fuera wind proof over the top. Treated with wash- in DWR it beads really well, and th parameta base layer acts as the pump liner. Oh, and I have an old original velez smock. And Santa brought me a Halcon. Fanboy? moi?


Paramo kit doesn't stop working like Goretex, there isnt a membrane to degrade, or taped seams to come apart. The fabric itself is porous, sort of, but the way it's made and treated makes it completely impervious to rain. It's incredibly breathable. Buy a Paramo jacket and you'll have a jacket for a lifetime. It has a lifetime guarantee. Even if you tear the outer layer, you can sew it up and it still works, as long as you follow the care instructions.

A good windproof soft shell will be more breathable than a breathable waterproof fabric such as Goretex or Event. Cylcing is a high energy activity and many waterproof membranes simply cannot let your sweat out quick enough but a windproof soft shell copes better as it has a DWR durable water repellent coating which only repels water but still allows your moisture to pass through more easily making it more breathable. However these DWR typically Pertex fabrics are NOT waterproof so in heavy rain you will get wet or wetter still from sweat if you wear a waterproof breathable membrane that is crap i.e. not that breathable. Neoshell by Polartec and Rab is the most breathable waterproof fabric on the market with Goretex Pro not far behind - approx 30% more breathable than std Goretex and a lot more abrasion resistant.
 

surfdude

Veteran
Location
cornwall
i always thought that anything with a hydrostatic head of 10000mm or above is classed as waterproof . 5000 and above should be more than enough for a heavy shower out in the rain .Breathability is just as important as the waterproofing . not point staying dry from the outside then getting wet from the inside .
 

byegad

Legendary Member
Location
NE England
I have a Paramo Velez Light Smack for winter use. I also wear it out and about and though it is a bit warm I like that. With Arthritis and a propensity to get cramp like feelings inbetween my ribs if I'm cold, or even cool, I prefer to be a bit sweaty on the bike.
 

brand

Guest
I saw a sheep farmer on the Forest of Bowland, he was wearing a proper waterproof gilet. A black bin bag with holes for his arms and head. Waterproof but not breathable.
 

brand

Guest
I have a basic rule on breathable waterproofs.
Cycling jackets are expensive rubbish. They are to thin allowing water in simply because of that. They tear to easily. The most expensive I have had was a North Face cycling jacket. Like the rest ripped.
Their advantages are they are light weight and thin taking up little room in my pannier. The back bin, I do love that big back pocket. Normally I put wallet, keys and phone in the rear outside pocket of a pannier but always forget to fasten it. A few falls on the way home and their lost, never happens with the big back pocket. Had enough of replacing them though, nice weighty walking jackets and look for my phone wallet and keys the next day.
 
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