It’s a word that’s popping up more and more: anorak. But a quick survey of the brands making anoraks reveals that there’s not quite a consensus on what exactly an anorak is — some are hooded pullovers, some have quarter zips, and others, equipped with full-length zippers, appear to be no different from what one might normally call a jacket. Regardless of the form they come in, one thing is certain: anoraks are trending.
Given the recent popularity of this type of jacket, it’s probably due the clarity provided by a definitive explanation of what exactly makes an anorak an anorak. For that, we look to the weatherproof layer’s origins. The word anorak comes from the Greenlandic annoraaq, which translates roughly to “wind.” Wind, and cold, are exactly what the first anoraks were designed to protect against. Inuits made these using animal skin, often from seals and caribou, which had to be cured, stretched, and treated with oils in order to turn it into a water- and wind-proof layer. Now, Gore-Tex and ripstop nylon do that job for us, much to the chagrin of seals and deer everywhere.
But still, what exactly is an anorak, and how is it different from a jacket? According to the Autumn 1975 issue of Backpacker, an anorak “is a hip-length, hooded, pullover outer garment,” which “features a short zipper at the hood.” The all-knowing Wikipedia agrees that the anorak, in contrast with a parka or jacket, is characterized as a “pull-over jacket without a front opening.”
So there you have it. An anorak is a hooded pullover — if it zips all the way open, it’s not an anorak. The Inuits lined theirs with fur for extra warmth, but technical anoraks these days can be stuffed with down and synthetics, or lack any insulation and simply act as a water- and wind-proof shell layer.
Thinking about ditching the zipper? Here are our five favorite anoraks that you can get today.
Outdoor Research's sports-focused face mask performed well during our tests thanks to an extended design that creates an air pocket. This makes it easy to breathe heavily during exercise. Adjustable ear loops and behind-the-head strap help create a secure and comfortable fit. READ OUR GUIDE TO BEST FITNESS MASKS
The V10 used to be Dyson's top-tier stick vacuum, but it was eventually replaced by the slightly more powerful (and much more expensive) V11. This makes the V10 a great value, as it's usually $150 less than the V11. Thanks to this sale, it's even a better value than the V11 right now.
Using half bison fiber and half wool, the Bison Ultralight weighs less than a pound and offers extremely well insulation. It also sports a recycled ripstop shell with a PFC-free DWR coating and compactly folds into its own pocket. At half off, this is a steal. READ OUR DOWN JACKETS GUIDE
Is anything left to be said about the Eames chair? This is one of the most iconic pieces of furniture to come out of the 20th century and is a must-have for any furniture aficionados (if you can afford it).
All-Clad's big factory seconds sale is on, which means there's no better time to buy factory seconds from the superior cookware brand. Like this Copper Core 10-inch Fry Pan, which is a big-time upgrade for your kitchen that you can score for just a Benjamin.
Everlane does basics extremely well — it's kind of Everlane's thing. The brand's 18-wale corduroy fabric shirt is a great option for the winter months and at half off you truly cannot beat it. READ OUR GUIDE TO CORDUROY SHIRTS
Hydro Flask really needs no introduction at this point, so when you can get a 32-ounce wide mouth with its Temp-Shield insulation at 25 percent off, you do it.
When you're not using it, it functions just like any other mirror in your house. When you turn it on, Mirror reveals an LCD panel with stereo speakers and access to hundreds of workout classes.
This chronograph re-issue of Timex's original military-style watch has an aluminum 40mm case that provides strength without the weight. If you're looking for a daily knock around with chronograph features, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better deal.
If you're a student, there's never been a better time to get a Hulu subscription. The discount also doesn't expire — it lasts as long as you're enrolled as a student.
If you are working out a lot, you're going to need more than one mask. Under Armour has created one of the best sports-specific masks and right now if you buy two you get a great deal.
Yeti mugs are some of our favorites and any time one goes on sale, we jump on it because they usually end up selling out fast. This mug might be perfect.
Todd Snyder's collaborations with Timex always hit. Paired with a vintage military-inspired band, this bullseye design is straight from the Timex archives.
Gore-Tex uppers and Primaloft insulation combined with the classic Bean Boot silhouette make this a no brainer for deep winter, whether you're digging out the driveway or stomping around in puddles.
Adidas used sustainable Parley Primeblue material to make its Primeknit upper even better, then combined it with Boost midsoles to make the ultimate earth-conscious workout shoe.
The Jabra Elite Active 65t are sports-focused headphones (IP56) with better great sound quality for listening to music and taking calls. Also compatible with Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant, this is one of our top picks for sports-focused earbuds.
Chaco bolstered its original Z sandal with a pillow-top footbed and dubbed the new version the Z/Cloud. Everything you want from Chaco — a sturdy and simple sandal — with next-level comfort.
Whether you want to move some of your most frequently used herbs indoors or don't have space outside for a garden, the AeroGarden Harvest is a perfect solution, with clearance for up to a foot of growth and room for 6 plants that grow five times faster than soil.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
