Paramo Mens Helki Jacket Review

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification

The Paramo Helki is a waterproof jacket that's designed to be comfortable and functional. It features Nikwax technology that's breathable and waterproof. It's available in 6 different colours including grey/orange, blue, mustard, black, red and forest green. It's available for £245. Here, we take a look at the black version. 

Paramo Helki Jacket Features

The Paramo Helki is designed for explorers of the great outdoors, so is likely to be ideal for photographers that head out into the country for landscapes, panoramas and rugged natural features. 

Paramo says the jacket has an ergonomic design with minimal clutter, but hill-friendly features. It has an inner lining designed by Nikwax that's designed to wick condensation and perspiration away to keep you comfortable. The Analogy waterproof technology means that the jacket is waterproof and also fully breathable. 

The material is very flexible and on the outside of the jacket there are 3 pockets, 2 large enough for gloves, phones or other small accessories and one on the breast that can fit an OS map. The sleeves have velcro cuffs, so you can tighten them to your wrists as necessary. There are drawstring chords around the bottom and on the hip, so you can alter the fit accordingly. 

The hood features two drawstrings on either side and one along the back for a snug fit in the rain and wind. There is also a small cap on the hood to help keep rain out of your eyes. 

Inside the coat, on the right-hand side, there is a small pocket for keys, memory cards or other important valuables. The lining of the coat is quite thick, making it ideal for use in colder weather too. 

The zip on the front is two-way and there is also an internal storm flap that can be poppered shut. 

Key Features

• Nikwax Analogy technology keeps you comfy and dry
• Ergonomically friendly 
• Two outer pockets, one inner pocket
• Drawstrings around the hood, waist and bottom for good fit
• Two-way front zip with internal storm flap
• Withstands up to 4 hours of steady rain
• Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects

Paramo Helki Jacket Handling

The Paramo Helki zips smoothly and it's really easy to adjust the coat to fit perfectly once it's worn. It's comfortable when worn and the fabric is really flexible. We found it easy to pack away, and the fabric doesn't crease easily when folded. 

We tested a medium size coat, and despite our reviewer usually going for a large size, the coat fitted well, leading us to say that the sizings are on the generous side. 

Paramo Helki Jacket Performance

The coat is really well designed, and the hand pockets will fit a small mirrorless camera such as the E-M5 with a pancake lens quite comfortably, which is ideal for when the weather suddenly turns and you need to protect your kit. 

We found that the drawstrings for the midriff and hood were quite hidden away, making them a little fiddly to access. However, if you're not planning on using these regularly then this is more than likely a good thing.

The storm flap is ideal for ensuring that water doesn't get inside through the zip.

While the inner valuables pocket is well hidden, it would be good if this was a bit larger, to fit a passport for example.  We found the jacket to be really comfortable throughout the test and no matter what your pursuit, it should serve you well. 

Value For Money

The Paramo Helki is available for £245. Considering the Nikwax Analogy technology built in to keep you dry and comfortable, and the quality of materials used in this jacket, the price is a premium one, but reasonable. 

This is further backed up by the lifetime defect warranty, so you know you're going to get a quality product. For photographers who want to guarantee that they can shield a small camera from rain in the pocket and keep their kit safe, the jacket is a good shout.  

Other jackets of a similar price point include the Berghaus Velum, featuring GoreTex waterproof and breathable fabric. However, it doesn't feature the same soft lining as the Paramo offering. 

Paramo Helki Jacket Verdict

Overall, the Helki jacket is a flexible, comfy and easily compacted jacket that should serve any outdoors photographer well. With pockets large enough to stow a mirrorless camera with pancake lens and other pockets for small accessories like memory cards, it's an ideal jacket for a day out with your kit. 

The drawstrings are a nice touch then enable you to alter the jacket to fit you accordingly and ensure that you stay warm and dry should the weather take a turn for the worst. 

Paramo Helki Jacket Pros

Comfortable
Can fit a small mirrorless camera in the pocket
Customisable 
Stylish, subtle outdoor coat

Paramo Helki Jacket Cons

Drawstring adjusters are hidden away
Inner pocket could be larger
 

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT

 

The Paramo Helki jacket has a lifetime warranty and can keep you dry out on a shoot.