REVIEW: Plus Size Paramo Velez Adventure Smock
Plus size adventurer Dee was one of the first people to test the Paramo Velez Adventure Smock (alongside the Paramo Alta III jacket) when Paramo was developing its extended fit range. She tested (and is still wearing) one of the samples that was produced at the time. Here are her thoughts having used it since March 2022.
Features
This isn’t your “light and packable” waterproof that you chuck in your pack or pocket but a "put on and leave on" for the day. It’s absolutely made for cold, wet, and windy conditions.
Feature-wise, there’s loads to love...
Double zips — ideal for doing combos for ventilation. The bottom one helps you get it on and off easily, or open for ventilation or the top one opens for ventilation or doubles as a little hand-warmer spot.
Massive front chest pocket — genuinely like having a mini backpack on your front! It easily fits a map, gloves, hat, phone, keys (there’s even a smaller pocket inside for them), and a few snacks too.
Cinch cords all around — the hem (perfect for cyclists and climbers) and the hood, which you can hunker down in, which is ideal, as the hood is roomy to fit over a helmet.
Sleeve zips on the arms for ventilation and wide cuffs that make it easy to vent or roll your sleeves up.
I forgot how windproof it is. I’ve worn it recently in 4°C with 30mph gusts up Kirk Carrion in Teesdale, I've worn it up Fleetwith Pike in March a few years back and it was just perfect, and even in snowy -2°C conditions in Finland (layered with Paramo’s Bantu fleece which I purchased), it kept me warm without feeling sweaty or stuffy.
If you’re into hiking, winter walking, mountain biking, or even cold-weather travel, this smock would a great investment to have.
Fit
The extended fit version is a game changer. I find it roomy without feeling bulky — plenty of space for layers underneath without losing shape. The length covers your hips and butt nicely, keeping your lower back warm, and the sleeves are long enough to stay put even when reaching or climbing.
For context, I usually wear a UK 24 with the three B' (boobs, belly and bum) and I’d say it’s true to size, maybe slightly generous (as intended for layering). If you’re between sizes, I’d probably stick with your usual rather than sizing up. I've tried the 3XL on all models and although they are generous, they are supposed to be used with layering so bare that in mind.
It’s well-proportioned overall, and I think it would work for a wide range of body shapes. The adjustability at the hem and hood helps tailor the fit too. I would definitely say the smock would suit all curvy bodies including those with the bigger bums.
Materials
If the crinkle noise of regular waterproof jackets does your head in, the Nikwax Analogy fabric won't be as irritating to your ears. It’s soft and flexible, not crinkly or plasticky like a lot of hard-shell jackets. The material feels almost like a softshell material and comes in bright colours!
It’s also surprisingly warm. The system moves moisture away from your body rather than trapping it, which is why you can wear fewer layers underneath and still feel comfortable.
One key tip from Paramo: avoid layering with natural fabrics (like cotton or low-content merino) as they can stop the system working properly. If you do wear merino, it’s has to be a very high percentage merino wool.
Overall Impression
The Paramo Velez Adventure Smock has become one of my favourite pieces of outdoor kit — proper “grab it and go” gear for cold, wet days. It’s not lightweight, but it’s built to keep you warm, dry, and protected in harsher conditions, and it does exactly that.
If you struggle with winter layering or tend to overheat easily, this could really change how you dress for cold weather. My husband (who’s diabetic and often overheats) found he was so much more comfortable once he switched to Paramo.
Care-wise, yes — it needs regular washing and reproofing with Nikwax to perform at its best. They say wash at the end of season, but wash and reproof before the season. I feel that it's a small price to pay for something that could last 10–20 years. But believe it or not conventional waterproofs need the same level of care. They all need to be breathable to work, and they won't work if dirty. At £250+ for these jackets, it’s an investment. However, some people have had their Paramo jackets 10, 20 years, over the course of those years it's anywhere between £30-£18 a year that jacket costs.
If you're thinking about the ethics of this company, this is where Paramo really shines too: their products are fully recyclable, staff are paid fairly, and even their Colombian factory team now has a share in the company, as well as providing a skill and education to the workers. All the components are recyclable, there's a alterations and repair service in the UK directly from Paramo. It's really good. I had an issue with some stitching on my Butan fleece and it was repaired free of charge or a replacement, however as its been travelling with me, it holds sentimental value. I wanted it repaired and the issue didn't really warrant an exchange, it was a bit of stitching an inch long.
In short:
The Velez Adventure Smock is tough, warm, and built for real weather. It’s the jacket I reach for when the forecast looks grim. If there was a jacket that gives you the "yeah I feel like I'm the real McCoy of the outdoors", this is that jacket. There is a reason why they are popular and have a dedicated cult-like following.
