Is the New-to-the-USA Páramo Jacket Better than Gore-Tex?!

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The latest unique brand to hit the market in the U.S. is Páramo, an outdoor apparel brand that’s been operating in the U.K. for years now, but just broke into the States with a small collection of interesting outerwear designed with what they call directional waterproofing. But what the heck is directional waterproofing? And how is this jacket waterproof without the use of a Gore-Tex or a similar membrane, the type you almost always find in rain jackets and hardshells? But just as importantly, is this Páramo jacket better than Gore-Tex? Read on to find out why we say yes in this waterproof jacket review!

We tested the Páramo Velez Evolution Hybrid Smock while hiking in the cold, snow and rain all over Northern Utah to see how it performed, what adventures it’s best suited for, if it’s an alternative to Gore-Tex and even dug into research and tests regarding what the brand calls directional waterproofing, a unique technology for keeping rain out while allowing body heat and vapor particles to escape during high-output activities.

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Is this Páramo Jacket Better than Gore-Tex?

About the Páramo Velez Evolution Hybrid Smock

First things first: The Páramo Velez Evolution Hybrid Smock (and the less expensive Velez Jacket and Velez Adventure Smock) are a cross between an insulated jacket and a shell. Similar to a soft-shell jacket, but lighter and more breathable, but also more flexible, insulating and comfortable than a hardshell. And full disclosure: I was a fan of this jacket from the moment I put it on. Some gear is just like that. I tried it on at a trade show and had to have it, not just because I loved it, but I wanted all my friends and family (that includes you) to know about it too. So here we are.

This Hybrid smock is technically an anorak, but two zippers that go all the way down each side on the front mean you can take it on and off like a regular jacket (or a pullover) while still having a comfortable and spacious kangaroo and storage pocket on the front. It’s the best of both worlds. It’s also waterproof (at least four hour resistance to 15mm of rain per hour) and breathable.

It’s designed for all types of outdoor adventure, from snowshoeing and hiking to mountaineering and backpacking (though it’s a bit heavy for me as an ultralight backpacker).

Also, the brand is a sister company to Nikwax, so you know it’s not only waterproof, but sustainable, too. But you’re curious about the waterproofing, so let’s dig into that.

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What is Directional Waterproofing and How Does it Work?!

So what makes a Páramo jacket different? As mentioned, this jacket doesn’t feature Gore-Tex or Pertex or any sort of waterproofing membrane that you’ll find in almost every single waterproof shell or rain jacket on the market that claims to be “breathable and waterproof.” So how does this Gore-Tex alternative that’s totally PFAS-free keep you dry?

The jacket is constructed of two completely separate layers: the outer material and the inner liner, which Páramo calls their “pump liner.” Together, they create what the brand calls directional waterproofing, meaning water only travels in one direction: from inside to outside. Now, that’s generally what’s expected from shells, too, but this jacket works a bit differently. While all hardshell jackets are generally pretty amazing at keeping water out, and they claim a certain level of breathability, rain jackets with membranes aren’t super effective in that department, especially when the heat your body creates during exercise turns into liquid water, i.e. sweat or steamy vapor.

When that happens, water droplets are too big top pass through most membranes, so they get stuck inside your jacket, which is why you may feel damp and clammy inside. The pump liner and outer fabric of the Hybrid Smock, on the other hand, allows vapor AND liquid water to pass through, but only from the inside to the outside, so you stay dry when it’s raining, but also sweat and steam get wicked away to the exterior–acting like a baselayer would–leaving you feeling warmer and more comfortable.

The exterior still keeps water out, but is permeable enough to let excessive heat from your body escape. Combined, you have a waterproof, sweat-wicking jacket that’s warm and protective but also way more breathable than its hardshell counterparts.

In tests, water didn’t even soak through when we exposed it to a high-pressure shower head for a full minute. In real world conditions, it kept us totally dry, like when we spent over an hour in sloppy, wet snow at around 32ºF, we stayed dry even when water was no longer beading up on high-abrasion areas like sleeves. And when we were working hard hiking uphill we never felt muggy or damp. Though in warmer conditions too much sweat would likely be overwhelming. We think the jacket is best for temps below 60ºF. Lower if you’re really exerting yourself.

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Features + Price

There are plenty of bells and whistles on the Hybrid Smock beside the membrane-free waterproof breathability:

• Two full-length two-way front zips on either side of the front (for on-off or venting)
• Forward facing arm vents
• Backpack-, harness-, and glove-friendly design
• Large zippered drop pocket and external twin zippered kangaroo pocket on the front
• Fully adjustable, securable, helmet-compatible hood
• Articulated shoulders and elbows with stretch for freedom of movement
• Easy push up sleeves with bite tab adjustable Velcro closure
• Drop tail with adjustable bungee in hem
• Reflective accents on front, back and hood
• Breathable
• Repairable
• The men’s and women’s versions come in two colors (women’s midnight/gold pictured)

As for price, the Páramo Velez Evolution Hybrid Smock isn’t a budget item at $470, but it’s still on par with other high-quality shell jackets. Other jackets from Páramo are less expensive ($390 and $380), but also don’t have all of the features. In comparison, it’s not uncommon to find a hardshell Gore-Tex jacket that costs $600, so all things considered, we think it’s pretty on par with other high-quality outerwear, even if it will be a bit out of reach for some.

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Function + Performance

But what did we think of the Páramo jacket and how did it perform in real-world conditions?

Increased Warmth

I can confirm that it’s warmer than a shell. In fact, I was able to ditch a midlayer on many cool- and cold-weather hikes simply because this jacket is more insulating than a hardshell, but also more breathable than a softshell. When hiking in below-freezing temps in the low 30’s to mid 20’s, it was cozy enough with one warm baselayer like a grid fleece. In colder temps, an additional baselayer was enough to keep the chill at bay.

Baller Materials

The fabric the jacket is made of is to die for. Unlike most shells that are dense, rough, crispy, inflexible and noisy, the Hybrid Smock is super soft. It moves with your body, feels like wearing a soft sweater, and is virtually silent during activity, even with the hood up. Yup, the hood’s supreme two-way adjustability means once we cinched it down, not only did it stay put, but it moved with us when we turned our heads, looked up, down, sideways, you name it. And because it’s so quiet, it didn’t restrict our hearing or overpower the voices of our hiking buddies as much as a traditional shell. The small bill even kept rain and snow out of our eyes.

The pockets are lined and cozy and all the fabric is easy to cinch and manipulate, including at the wrists, hem and hood. What’s more, if you puncture it, it’s mildly self healing, and if you do more damage, you can fix it yourself at home with a needle and thread.

It is on the heavy and bulky side due to all these lovely materials (about 25 ounces for a women’s medium), so it’s not the best-suited jacket for backpacking. But for shorter day-trip adventures, the weight is a small trade-off to make.

Plenty of Pockets

The pockets are spectacular. I loved the two zippered hand pockets on the front that connect in a kangaroo pocket. That kept it nice and cozy. Plus, they’re located high enough on the belly that they’re accessible when wearing a backpack hip belt fastened around the waist (but we could also unzip the twin zips from the bottom up and put hip belts or harnesses under the front of the jacket). What’s more, a zippable drop-in pocket on the front is large enough for a topo map, gloves, a neck gaiter, you name it.

Epic Zippers

I especially loved the dual two-way zippers, one on either side of the chest that run the full length of the jacket. These made it supremely vent-able because you could unzip the lower or upper part to encourage airflow, but they also made it easy to take the jacket on and off without pulling the whole thing over your head. I could fully zip up both on extra chilly days or let the neck flop down a bit during periods of high exertion. As a bonus, there are a few snaps behind the zipper so you can fully unzip either one for venting purposes but the jacket will still stay on.

Unique Arm Vents

The vents are located on the front of the arms, which is a choice. Most vents are located under the arms where folks tend to heat up and sweat the most. But adding forward-facing vents did seem to invite plenty of air flow, especially when we were on the move. The difficulty might come in when your body heats up but it’s actively raining since the placement is more exposed to rainfall.

Best Use Cases

• Cool and cold weather (it will be too warm for most spring and summer conditions)
• Rain
• Snow
• Hiking
• Snowshoeing
• Nordic skiing
• Ice climbing
• Mountaineering
• Sitting in the rain to watch your kid’s soccer game
• Setting up camp in a downpour

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How it’s Sustainable

As for sustainability, not only can the Páramo jacket be easily laundered and re-waterproofed as often as needed, but because the jacket is made of soft material instead of dense, crispy fabric like most technical shells, it’s self-healing when you experience small punctures AND easily repairable. Yup, you can patch this baby with a needle and thread or a patch at home instead of sending it off to get seam taped after a tear.

It’s also recyclable. That means if you’ve managed to do crazy damage to it or it’s reached the end of its usable life (hopefully years and years from now), you can send it back to Páramo and they’ll repair it if possible or recycle it. Since it’s also made of recycled materials, that means the jacket is circular, a huge win for sustainability.

The brand is also an employee-owned business with Fair Trade status and partners with the Miquelina Foundation in Colombia, which offers training and employment specifically for vulnerable women trapped in exploitative situations.

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Bottom Line: Is the Paramo Jacket Better than Gore-Tex?

The Páramo Evolution Hybrid Smock is a baller jacket and one we will turn to time and time again for all manner of cold weather hiking adventures. Sure, it’s heavy and bulky compared to a shell, so as ultralighters, we probably won’t take it backpacking, but on hikes and when traveling when we want a tolerably warm, breathable, waterproof jacket, this will be the one we reach for. At least in cool to cold conditions.

Frankly, it’s one of the most comfortable and least restrictive jackets we own, highly adaptable with customized fit thanks to plentiful bungees, its quiet, soft and flexible, has plenty of pockets and options for venting, and frankly, looks pretty dang good. Throw in the repairability, sustainability, ease-of-care, and excellent fit and we’ve truly got a winner when it comes to outerwear. After all, when something is this comfortable and functional, it’s easy to get excited about heading outside to play no matter the weather.