DIY Anorak Finished…Finally

[4estTrekker]

I’ve been using and working on this over the course of three seasons now, modifying and revamping it as I go. It’s a lightweight and fully lined wind anorak. I have a heavier weight canvas anorak, but wanted to dabble with a lighter alternative for certain conditions. It all started at the Iditarod in 2020 when I had the chance to meet and chat with mushers and handlers who had 100 variations on the anorak theme that were purpose built for them (and sometimes by them). I took stock of my own needs, the types of conditions/trips I generally encounter, etc. and whipped this up. It’s not expedition rated, but it’s worked well for me so far, from +30F to -30F. The pattern is a modified Walmart pullover pattern, of all things. 🤦🏻♂️

Zippered kangaroo pocket, two waist pockets, pit zips (too short in hindsight), fleece lined neck gusset with Velcro closure to remedy an ill-conceived zipper, shock cord drawstring at the bottom hem, adjustable cuffs and hood, more decorative ribbon than is prudent, and an eastern winter coyote with beaver trim fur ruff that’s removable via snap tape.

[SD_Motak]

Great execution of an idea. Just curious...what fabric?

[MRaske]

Sounds like you put a lot of thought into this. I would like to see it in person sometime. Looks very well done.

[4estTrekker]

Great execution of an idea. Just curious...what fabric?

Thanks much. I opted for a cotton-poly blend fabric with a medium hand for the outer shell. (The inner shell is a very lightweight polyester lining to give it a little more wind shedding ability and to make it easier to get on/off over my wool garments.) I can’t remember where I sourced it, but it’s something like 60-70% cotton and 30-40% polyester. I’ve always liked how my Fjällräven garments made from G1000 fabric perform in my neck of the woods in terms of handling wind/precip/abrasion/perspiration, so I wanted something akin to that, but lighter in weight. I also gave the hood, shoulders, cuffs and seat a waxing to help shed precip and slow wetting out..

I was out just yesterday for several hours with the pup in mid 20’s F with a stiff north wind and heavy, wet snow and it did really well. The pit zips, vented neck gusset, and generous cut around the waist really helps mitigate moisture buildup from perspiration, even at those warmer temps. (Just had a wool sweater on underneath.) It’s not as rough and tumble as my canvas anorak, and I certainly wouldn’t go bushwhacking with it. But it does handle the wetter snows we get here, packs down very small in my tiny 6’ toboggan, cuts the wind and keeps my bum warm and dry. I just hafta be a little more careful around an open fire or near the wood stove given the poly blend. But it does dry nice and quick.