8:53 a.m. on January 25, 2012 (EST)
Odd.
I just came in from my usual AM walk-about. 32 degrees, and frozen fog. Kinda coats one in ice, after a half-hour, or so.
ANYHOW !
I was wearing one of my anoraks. This one being an L.L. Bean, insulated one with a fine hood. Not sure of the insulating material, as the label is in Japanese. I usually find the Japanese make quality merchandise. These are rare.
Without actually going into my 'man cave' / storage, I would guess (?) I probably have about 10 (probably more) anoraks, of various configurations and materials ... including wool, Ventile, poly-cotton, technical fabric, etc.
I have been at this hiking / backpacking / camping thing, for OVER 50 years.
Anoraks were among my earliest, and preferred acquisitions. A few vintage Eddie Bauer pieces, with the "Expedition Outfitter" designation on the label ...NOT the current "Outdoor Outfitter" on the label, which I believe began when that "German newspaper, Der Spiegel " (joke) took over, have done yeoman service, over many years of rough use.
A few Patagonia examples have proven to be of good quality. Also, a very old (late 1950s ?) Abercrombie & Fitch (when that outfit, in Manhattan, was THE source of the finest in expedition and safari outfitting).
I even have a handmade leather anorak, which has served me well in the construction business, where toting rough-cut lumber easily shreds lesser materials. It HAS become somewhat the worse for wear, though.
Also, in my "quiver", is an unusual sleeveless anorak, which is used in lieu of a vest.
Part of my preference for anoraks, is the freedom of movement through the upper-torso. I am sorta a "V"-shaped guy. Take a men's size LARGE through the chest and shoulders, and a size SMALL at the waist. (NO "middle-aged spread"). Also, one does not have to fumble about with a zipper (at the lower part of the garment), as on a jacket. Loosening the waist drawstring (or cord) enables excellent venting of body heat.
~ r2 ~