Paramo Men's Helki Waterproof Breathable Jacket

Put this jacket to the test a few months ago up snowdon in the worst conditions you can imagine, fog, rain, hail, and 70mph wind was worried it wouldnt cope but getting back to the car took it off and i was amazed to find my light fleece top underneath was only slightly damp and i was happy with that, it out performed the 'brand' jackets of the people with me by miles.

This is the most waterproof coat I've ever had. I've been in torrential rain for over an hour and not a drop came through.

Nice jacket. Breathable but warm. Comfortable. Good range of movement. Expensive though.

I'm an avid walker so I bought this jacket because Paramo state "Nikwax Analogy® is more than just breathable, it is directional, moving liquid water" It also states that "conventional breathable membrane waterproof fabrics fail because they cannot remove all of the sweat we produce when we are working hard, especially in cold and wet conditions. Therefore condensation and icing are well known problems experienced with membrane rainwear.Nikwax Analogy® overcomes these problems because it is not only breathable, but also directional. The Analogy fabric system directs condensation and perspiration away from the body, where it can safely drain away". So with enthusiasm I bought this jacket expecting great results but to my dismay and wearing a 100% merino 200g base layer in temperatures from 0° to 12° at a keen walking pace I immediately start sweating and in no time feels quite uncomfortable. I think their advert is quite misleading. The jacket is probably ok if you're taking the dog for a leisurely walk or your keen amateur photographer or going on a ramble with friends then it's probably ok but don't buy it if you're a serious walker. I now have so many jackets in my possession in the hope of getting a really waterproof jacket that breathes but I've come to the conclusion it's not possible even though these companies keep coming up with outrageous claims. Here is the reply from Paramo contact manager when I complained."As discussed on the phone. No matter how breathable a garment is it will not stop you from sweating or getting over heated if you are working hard. Our fabrics can move moisture away from the skin better than membraned fabrics can but you will never feel completely dry if you are sweating. You said that you were sweating quite a bit in the jacket last time I had spoken to you. Have you washed the jacket yet with Techwash? If not the perspiration in the fabrics will already be affecting the performance of the jacket".So in other words you will sweat in this jacket if you're working hard and yet it seems to contradict their advertisement about this Jacket being so breathable compared with others.

I have a dark blue one in XXL because I like to wear thick fleeces under my waterproofs without looking like a Michelin man. This means that the arms are a tad too long for me but at least I know that Paramo with adjust these for me for a reasonable fee if I want them to.I really appreciate the design of this jacket which gives me the confidence to go out in the rain.There are tension loop adjusters at the waist and at the lower hem that gives the jacket more form or profile and lets it gently clasp itself around your body without it constricting you. It will not blow about in the wind. The loops are controlled by sprung clasps hidden in the hems. With a little effort, you can also feed the extraneous loops back into the hem so that they do not hang out and snag on vegetation whist out walking.The hood works on the same principle - big enough to take a bike helmet, you can use adjusters on the loops (which emerge under your chin) inside the hood material so that it literally grips your head which with the peak capped reduces rain hitting your face or the wind blowing it up. There's still enough room for a woolly hat too.You have two waist level hand pockets that come with a storm flap each and are zipped. There is a large map pocket on your left that is also zipped and with a storm flap again. Then there is a smaller inner pocket on the your right inside chest big enough for a wallet.The front zip has an inner storm flap all the way down the front to keep out draughts.Unlike other Paramo coats, ventilation is not big on this jacket. There are none of the usual zips on the trunk or arms you see on their other stuff. This jacket is about being dry and warm and sealed against the elements. I'd say that this is a really foul weather garment - it's for the cold and wet - not for summer showers at all.I find that my forearms get really warm and maybe a bit sweaty but all you have to do is undo the Velcro fasteners at the wrist and the excess heat and any perspiration just goes. This jacket is also thicker than the Ciclo Jacket I have at the shoulder and the back and as such is warmer. Also, you can just roll up the sleeves if your arms feel a bit hot/sweaty. The main body of the jacket deals with perspiration very well and I have not got uncomfortable at all as yet on strenuous walks in cold weather.I have been out in it today in torrential rain and I came back dry and comfortable even after walking up a steep hill.This jacket is superb as far as I am concerned. It does exactly as it says it should. The owner's part of the bargain is to reproof it with Nikwax on a regular basis and keep it clean. But also remember, this is a bad weather jacket - not summer storm one. It is just too heavy and un-vented for that.I am looking forward to getting many years service out of this and now I have no excuse to hide away indoors in bad weather. Bring it on.No more Gore-Tex for me folks!

Long been a fan of Paramo clothing. This Helki jacket has become my go to top layer for hill walking. Very comfortable, highly wind and waterproof and adjustable to achieve the optimum temperature for the conditions and activity level. Really like the cut as well.

Loved the jacket but the zip jammed.

It's a waterproof outdoor jacket,it's ok,but nothing special as far as I can tell. Worth about 40 or 50 quid IMHO.