Anoraks are a pullover type garment with a short zip opening, a good compromise between bulk and versatility. Some have a large front pocket which is useful when travelling. The word anorak comes from the Kalaallisut Eskimo word "anoraq", while the word parka is of Aleut origin.

The words anorak and parka are now often used interchangeably, but when first introduced, they described somewhat different garments. The distinction is still maintained by some. Originally an anorak specifically implied a pull-over jacket without a zipper, button or frogged opening, but this distinction is now largely lost, and many garments with a full-length front opening are now described as anoraks.

Strictly speaking, an anorak is a waterproof pullover garment with a hood and drawstrings at the waist and cuffs, and a parka is a knee-length cold-weather jacket or coat, typically stuffed with down or very warm synthetic fiber, and with a fur-lined hood.

Cagoules are similar but have no zip which reduces bulk. They are essential for outdoor adventures as the longer design gives you better allround protection and allows you to sit down without you bottom getting chilled from the ground.

Canoeing Cags are short cagoules, usually without a hood. They are great for swimming training and other adventure sports.

Rain Jackets have full length zips which makes more versatile and easier to ventilate, but it adds a bit of bulk.

No Sweat

When it rains most people add rain wear over clothes which are already warm enough or too warm. That extra layer causes overheating and sweat soaked clothes, and they blame the rainwear instead of excess clothing layers for overheating. That was the main reason for the development of Goretex and the millions spent promoting it for what it isn't. Smart people avoid getting hot by wearing less clothes under their rainwear.

If you've never tried modern rain gear, you're in for a pleasant surprise. Every year waterproof clothing gets better, lighter, tougher, cheaper and more breathable. Wet-weather wear can be so high tech, we decided to put together this guide to help you find the right gear and enjoy the water. Top performing waterwear will endure the rigors of outdoor adventures.

Ventile

100% cotton, quiet, comfortable, wind and weatherproof. The secret is in the tight weave which, when rained on swells to further increase its resistance to water. It also has a light Teflon coating to ensure run-off of water. Because it is cotton it breathes better than anything.

4oz Exeat Coated Nylon

A hydrophilic coating which permits water vapour to pass through the fabric from body side to outside thus keeping the wearer comfortable and dry.

8oz Neoprene Coated Nylon

Heavy duty, ultra tough, durable fabric for serious weather conditions or wild water sports and muddy assault courses.

Porelle

A 3-layer laminated fabric with a breathable Porelle membrane. Excellent protection and performance.

Goretex

Most good rainwear is made of coated nonporous fabric. Gore defined "breathable" as passing water vapor about 1/20th as fast as uncoated fabric, the same as most urethane coatings. Goretex was then promoted as preventing overheat solely due to it's "breathability". Much of the rainwear made for big spenders is promoted as "breathable".

Note that Gore requires users of Goretex to put extra ventilation in their rain gear, such as "pit zips". They also require a durable water repellant finish on exterior fabric so rain can never reach the Goretex film. The fabric is also relatively heavy.

Most users praise Goretex only for warmth, not coolness, which any rain gear can provide, if it is snugly closed at neck and wrists so cold air can't flow through it.

Our tip: Save your money for simpler and lighter fabrics which often work just as well. See below.

Coated fabrics

Many nylon or polyester garments use waterproof coatings made of Polyurethane (PU). Fabrics that are coated rather than laminated tend to be a little softer and less noisy, but not as waterproof. Some examples of coated fabrics include: Hydro-No, Power-Tex, Ultrex, Breath and Hydroflex.

Laminated fabrics

Some garments use nylon or polyester laminated to a microporous membrane (2-ply laminate), and sometimes to an additional layer of fabric designed to wick moisture (3-ply laminate). Laminates are layers of fabrics glued or heat bonded together. Laminates are more waterproof than coated fabrics but they tend to be a little stiffer and heavier. Examples of laminates include: Aqua-No, Bosui, Challenge, Dermizax, Gore-Tex, XALT.

Microfibre

Weight: 136g/m²
Showerproof, washable, peach finish polyester Microfibre. Soft, silent, lightweight and suitable for skiwear or windproof walking clothing.

Poly-Cotton

Windproof, showerproof and fast drying. 50/50 poly/cotton with silicone. Breathable, easy to wash. This is a popular fabric used by leading manufacturers.

Poly-Vinyls (PVC)

Completely waterproof, but can't wick moisture or breathe without exterior vents or mesh panels. These fabrics are generally used in basic plastic rain jackets and cheap ponchos.

Pertex windproof nylon fabric

Pertex is microfine filament yarns tightly woven into a tiny ripstop pattern give this great fabric such terrific properties.

Pertex is not waterproof, but incredibly breathable and very windproof. Thus it is ideal for any situation where it is windy but not actually raining. Using a windproof rather than a waterproof will leave you feeling considerably more comfortable when walking, climbing, running or swimming. Best of all it dries very quickly.

Main Properties:

1. Windproof
   
2. Water repellent
   
3. Breathable
   
4. Featherweight
   
5. Best strength to weight ratio
   
6. Tear resistant
   
7. Soft as silk
   
8. Small packing volume
   
9. Used in any ultralight gear
   

   Features:

1. Packs into a small space
2. Not bulky
3. Weighs only 90 grams
4. Doesn't make you sweat
5. Highly breathable
6. Wicks moisture
7. Fast drying
8. Fleece lined collar
9. Great for swimming, snorkeling or on the beach

   Tough and Durable
   We strongly believe that less weight shouldn't mean 'please be careful'. Pertex stands its ground. Pertex shows the best strength to weight ratio. Tear strength and seam strength are good for its weight. Pertex can easily be used in shell jackets and withstands the abuse of hardcore use. Its abrasion resistance however is not comparable with standard weight 44 decitex fabrics.

   Why do I need a windproof, my waterproof is windproof?
   True, but is it so breathable that you get no condensation whatsoever and no uncomfortable sticky feeling when walking up hill? Certainly not if it is made of any of the major brands of breathable waterproof fabric on the market. Combine Pertex with Thinsulate™ or Primaloft® for an ultralight warm jacket.

   How do I Wash it?
   Machine or hand wash at 40°C (104°F). Use a synthetic setting and mild soap. Avoid fabric softeners. Rinse well in cold water. Cool tumble dry. Or wear it in the bath when you relax.