Paramo Velez £300
Originally released back in 2016 as a lighter and trimmer-fitting alternative to Paramo’s classic hillwalking jackets, the Velez has proven to be a popular choice for all sorts of outdoor pursuits.
It’s had minor updates since then, including some more subdued colourways. However, the essential design has proven to be a winner. Put simply, it keeps the rain out while wicking sweat away efficiently and providing plenty of cooling through well-placed vents. This largely overcomes the fact that the lined construction is a tad weightier, bulkier and warmer than conventional shells, though it’s still lighter than most Paramo jackets.
And if you feel the cold (like our tester, Ellie), the added warmth is a plus, as it means you can get away with wearing one less layer underneath. It’s also nice not to rustle like a crisp packet as you walk.
From an environmental standpoint, the Velez also scores well. It is entirely PFC-free and ethically manufactured via a charitable foundation in Colombia. Feature-wise, you get a protective hood, a drop tail and roomy if slightly fiddly pockets, while the fit is very functional, with good all-round coverage.
IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY
The cut could be a little more fitted. Its relative bulk means this isn’t the most packable jacket, and it might prove too warm if you tend to run hot.
■ MEN’S SIZES S-XXL
■ WOMEN’S SIZES XS-XL
■ WEIGHT 605g (women’s M)
■ FABRIC Fairtrade certified Nikwax Analogy (100% polyester), PFC-free
Verdict
Slightly unconventional but undeniably effective, this is a great choice if you get cold in the hills and need a protective and comfortable waterproof.
“Protective, comfortable & warm waterproof”
Yet another new offering for 2022, the Grim is the flagship shell in Jöttnar’s redesigned and relaunched women’s range. It employs the same uber-tough 3-layer, 80-denier nylon fabric as the men’s Grim, Odin and Hodr jackets, using the brand’s own Skjoldr membrane.
It left us highly impressed. As this jacket’s name suggests, it is designed for truly horrid weather, with plenty of technical features for real top-of-the-mountain adventures, including pit zips, a cavernous hood, glove-friendly cordlocks and zip-pulls, and five useful, well-placed pockets.
The women’s Grim tips the scales at under 500g, making it impressively packable. So, for keen mountaineers, or if it just seems to absolutely tip it down whenever you head for the hills, this might be a viable – if hefty – year-round investment.
On test, Ellie really appreciated the superb level of all-round protection on offer, as well as the burly fabric, which stands up well to buffeting winds as well as the odd scrape on rock. Arm length is generous, with good articulation when reaching for holds on more technical routes. The hood design is exceptional with or without a helmet on too.
IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY
Though there’s plenty of rear coverage thanks to a pronounced drop tail, the front hemline was an inch or two shorter than Ellie would’ve liked, especially when wearing a pack or climbing harness. And of course, there’s that serious price tag.
■ MEN’S SIZES S-XL
■ WOMEN’S SIZES XS-L
■ WEIGHT 500g (women’s M)
■ FABRICS 3L Skjoldr (100% 80D nylon, 171g/m2)
Verdict
One of the toughest technical waterproofs on the market. Overkill for milder conditions, but brilliant in the rough stuff.
“Uber-tough for top-of-themountain adventures”