MEN'S HELKI JACKET

The Helki is for people who enjoy exploring everything from valleys to coasts, and want a comfortable, functional everyday jacket.

Whether exploring footpaths, dog walking or working outdoors, to remain comfortable throughout the day you need to avoid a build up of perspiration and condensation inside your jacket.

Directional Nikwax Analogy Waterproof fabric moves moisture away from you constantly so that you feel dry from both the inside and outside. The clean, ergonomic design combines freedom of movement for all-day comfort with practical features.

The Helki Jacket has an ergonomic design with minimal clutter but hill-friendly features.

• Excellent freedom of movement from uncluttered ergonomic design
• Enhanced weather protection when carrying a rucksack provided by reinforcement in the back and shoulders
• Practical, well-placed pocketing for map storage and handwarming.

Nikwax Analogy Waterproof fabric is more than just breathable, it is directional.

This means it is capable of moving liquid water away from your body and not just water vapour.

It is essential to avoid a build-up of water in your clothing system when you are working hard, as too much retained moisture will lead to your body rapidly chilling when you stop and rest.

In conventional clothing systems, approximately 20% of sweat production is dealt with effectively, leaving the remaining 80% trapped inside.

Nikwax Analogy garments are unique, in that they pump out this 80% of liquid water and allow it to drain away; you are left feeling dry and comfortable.

To understand the difference between directionality and breathability, you can read more here.

Choose the Helki Jacket because of its uncluttered but practical design …

The Helki combines the Nikwax Analogy Waterproof System with an ergonomic, uncluttered design for unrestricted freedom of movement and comfort. Additional reinforcement in the shoulders and back provides enhanced weather protection when carrying a rucksack. Pockets are well-sited for ease of use and practicality.

How will your Páramo^® garment outperform breathable membranes?

Nikwax Analogy fabrics are not only extremely breathable, they are directional too. This means that water, both liquid and vapour, is directed outwards, ensuring your insulation remains protected.

Although breathable membranes allow moisture vapour to pass through them, they do nothing to transport liquid water. Therefore, when the production of sweat exceeds the Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate, or when the external temperatures drop, condensation (the change of water from vapour to liquid) will build up in breathable membranes.

Nikwax Analogy is so durable you could puncture a Páramo waterproof with pins, remove them, and still stay dry in the rain! Unlike coated or membrane-based garments, our directional clothing can be easily repaired, without compromising future performance.

1. Adjustable hood with firm but shape-able peak for precise fit with or without hat, and will not compromise vision.
2. 180° shoulder and arm articulation provides excellent freedom of movement, and avoids jacket pulling or riding up.
3. Pump Liner® reinforcement at shoulders and centre back for extra protection when carrying a pack and in heavy rain.
4. Ergonomically designed back, plus curved tail for protection.
5. Waist drawcord with hidden cords for clean look and improved water shedding.
6. Two-way front zip with internal storm flap.
7. Cuffs easily pushed up for cooling, with Pump Liner® to reduce moisture build-up.
8. Large OS map pocket on chest.
9. Internal smaller mesh pocket on chest for valuables.
10. Two handwarming pockets.
11. Hem drawcord provides temperature control, and prevents rucking when load carrying.

What users say...

“This is the third Páramo Jacket I have purchased. I first heard of Páramo whilst hiking in the Lake District. I am completely happy with them, they are the only waterproof jacket that works. I have had many other makes but they let water in. I would not buy any other brand.”

B.A, London

“If I had anything to add regarding the Helki, it would be the freedom of movement the jacket gives you. ”

D.K, Tyne and Wear

“Best jacket I've ever bought after the amount of jackets I've had that let water through. Also lightest and most comfortable”.

M.K, Merseyside

“Having owned the Men's Helki jacket for more than a year I thought I would give it a full review. Firstly what I am using it for; hiking, nature volunteering, bird watching and around town. I live in south-west England, and often venture north to Yorkshire and the highlands of Scotland. I use the jacket as my primary waterproof all year round. In summer in rain I will wear the jacket and a merino t-shirt. In winter I may wear a long-sleeve merino baselayer if it is warm and add in a mid-layer if it is cold.

The fit was quite a tricky one for me when trying jackets on in the Páramo shop in London. I am normally a medium (39 inch chest) but I went down to a small and haven't regretted it. The jacket is not bulky and I can easily throw on a down jacket over the top when stopping for a cup of tea or lunch on a cold hillside. Length-wise the jacket just reaches my bottom. But I can't quite sit on it when resting.

When hot through exertion venting is easy and there are several options:
1. Open the main body zip.
2. Open the Velcro attachments on the wrist closure to let air flow up your arms.
3. Push the sleeves up your arms and secure.
Although you might get warm through exertion I have never been sweaty like in other shells. The breathability of the Analogy fabric is quite brilliant.

One of my favourite features of the jacket is the hood. I have never greatly been bothered by the hoods on other shell jackets but the hood on the Helki is snug and warm. It really cuts out the cold and instantly heats up my head and neck.

There are two upper pockets, one small one on the inside, which fits a small phone or car keys. The left upper outside pocket is very large and can take an OS map.

The two lower pockets are great for hand warming. They are not great pockets for holding stuff. I don't have great confidence that stuff will stay in. They are not very deep. Perhaps a slight change in angle of entry and an addition of an extra 2cm could change this.

I am very impressed with the waterproofing of the jacket and have been caught in many heavy prolonged downpours. After a shower, in breezy weather, the jacket is drying within 10 minutes and is almost completely dry in an hour. This doesn't happen with shell jackets.

Would I buy this jacket again? Yes I would. Although I would probably look for a jacket in green, to be a little less obvious to animals and birds.”

Richard Shortridge

The Nikwax Analogy Fabric System

“I am a mountaineering instructor working in Wales during the summer and Scotland through the winter. Over the past 12 years I have used various different clothing systems. Of all the systems I have used I have not found anything that beats Páramo. A lot of hard shell systems claim to be breathable and waterproof - this may be true in laboratory tests but in reality when used for a day in typical Scottish winter conditions they fall a long way short of their claims. On the other hand, Páramo systems do what they say”

Chris Thorne, Llyn Adventures

In what kind of weather conditions can I use my Helki Jacket?

Your Helki Jacket has been tested at the Leeds University Rain Room to resist at least 4 hours of steady rain. You can use it throughout the year in cold or wet conditions.

Because the fabric system offers significant insulation when the ventilation zips are closed, this is not the best garment to deal with very hot conditions. In that case we would recommend a Nikwax Windproof, perhaps combined with one of our Parameta^® T+ baselayers, to optimise breathability and cooling, or with Nikwax Fleece for full weather protection.

Which garments should I wear with my Nikwax Analogy Waterproof for optimum performance?

We recommend using our Parameta^® T+, Parameta T, or Parameta G baselayers underneath your Nikwax Analogy clothing.

The Parameta T+ is a reversible, lightweight and stretchy polyester fabric, which offers two levels of cooling. It is asymmetrical and wicking, directing water from one fabric face to the other, as well as rapidly spreading moisture to speed up evaporation and, therefore, cooling.

Parameta T is a lightweight and stretchy polyester fabric. It wicks effectively to spread perspiration and dry quickly, providing light insulation in cooler conditions. Its soft feel is very comfortable against the skin, even when worn for prolonged periods.

Parameta G directional polyester fabric can provide either cooling or insulation, as needed. Its raised grid pattern traps air for insulation when covered with another layer. However, worn alone, or exposed through a garment vent, it allows air to pass through it and cool you down.

In extremely cold conditions, our Nikwax Analogy Insulator garments can be worn over your waterproof clothing. This is useful when stopping, or setting up camp at the end of the day.

Páramo clothing does not rely on hazardous PFC treatments for water repellency.

Working closely with Nikwax, we have developed a pioneering PFC-free treatment for our fleeces, waterproofs and windproofs. Recent studies show that PFC’s are persistent in the environment and are damaging to human health; which is why Nikwax waterproofing solutions are water-based, use no harmful solvents or propellant gases, contain no damaging PFC’s and are not tested on animals.
For more information on Páramo and PFC’s click here.

This garment is made by the charitable Miquelina Foundation.

Páramo’s ethical manufacturing partnership with the Miquelina Foundation in Bogotá, Colombia, has offered vulnerable women training and employment since 1992. This alliance has benefitted thousands of at-risk women in practical ways, helping them to build houses, and providing a kindergarten and canteen for their children. With Páramo’s support, Miquelina holds ISO 9001 accreditation, which assures dedication to quality. In 2017, Miquelina attained guaranteed Fair Trade status from the World Fair Trade Organisation. Click here for more information.

All Páramo garments are covered by our Recycling Scheme, which prevents them from ending up in landfill. For every item of Páramo clothing you recycle with us, you will receive a voucher of (up to) £50, to use against a future purchase.

Nikwax Analogy fabric systems are uniquely suited to recycling as they avoid the need for mixed materials, membranes or taped seams. Instead, they use 100% polyester, which unlike many materials, can be broken down and reformed into new, high quality fibres. Click here to read more about recycling your Páramo.

What if I damage my Nikwax Analogy Waterproof clothing?

Simple repairs can often be done with a needle and thread without compromising the performance of your Páramo gear.

If you seriously damage a garment, you can send it back to Páramo and request a quote for having it mended – most damage can be repaired! Our Customer Service team can advise you.

If you have irreparably damaged it, you may want to consider recycling it through the Páramo Recycling Scheme, whereby you will receive a substantial discount off your next purchase.

What if I damage my Nikwax Analogy Waterproof clothing?

Simple repairs can often be done with a needle and thread without compromising the performance of your Páramo gear.

If you seriously damage a garment, you can send it back to Páramo and request a quote for having it mended – most damage can be repaired! Our Customer Service team can advise you.

If you have irreparably damaged it, you may want to consider recycling it through the Páramo Recycling Scheme, whereby you will receive a substantial discount off your next purchase.

We guarantee everything we make.

Páramo waterproof garments, maintained correctly with Nikwax, will outperform membrane and coating-based waterproof systems. The durable fabrics and high quality components used in our garments contribute to their longevity.

Under the terms of our Lifetime Guarantee, any manufacturing defect will be rectified, free of charge, for the life of the garment. Any damage by accident or normal ‘wear and tear’ can be repaired by our workshop at a reasonable cost.

To register a guarantee with us please click here.