Sometimes, old-school-style jackets have old-school-style performance. They may look good, but when you need to stay warm and dry, they’re not always your first choice.
- Omni-HEAT Thermal Reflective Liner.
- Attached, Adjustable Hood.
- Side Zip Entry System.
- Zippered Waist Pocket.
- Elastic Cuffs.
The Columbia Norwester Anorak, with its heritage style but modern performance might just move to the top of your list when you’re heading out into cold, wet weather.
First, the outside:
The Norwester Anorak has a weatherproof Storm-Lite shell that’s 100-percent polyester, which keeps Mother Nature’s harsh conditions at bay. It’s not what you’re going to want to wear in an absolute downpour if you want to stay bone dry, but it’ll help you out otherwise.
The jacket also has an attached, adjustable hood and a side-zip entry system. Often, anoraks can be hard to get on and off, so it’s a great advantage to be able to unzip the side to allow easy entry and exit without pulling off the rest of your clothing in the process.
A zippered waist pocket is large enough for essentials, and a smaller, Velcro pocket allows you to keep smaller items separate.
Elastic cuffs and a drawcord-adjustable hem assists with keep the wind from whistling through the jacket.
Next, the inside:
The Norwester Anorak is insulated with 100-percent polyester, and Columbia’s Omni-Heat reflective lining adds extra protection and warmth.
The lining is breathable (which, even when it’s cold out, keeps moisture moving away from your body), and the little silver dots reflect body heat to keep you warm.
Coupled with insulation, the liner helps make the inside of the jacket a toasty refuge when it’s chilly out.
The Columbia Norwester Anorak comes in both women’s and men’s styles. The women’s version lists for $150 on the Columbia site and comes in black/chaparral, chaparral/fossil, and deep rust/buffalo.
- Omni-HEAT Thermal Reflective Liner.
- Attached, Adjustable Hood.
- Side Zip Entry System.
- Zippered Waist Pocket.
- Elastic Cuffs.
The men’s version also lists for $150 on the Columbia site and comes in black/chaparral, chaparral/fossil, and deep rust/collegiate navy. They’re also available at Amazon.