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.

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.

History of the Anorak

In the 17th Century, Anne of the Rack decided to make a coat with a convenient hood on it, that kept out the rain. Naturally she was accused of witchcraft from not getting her hair wet, and thus she was sentenced to death. She narrowly escaped the executioner's blade when he chopped her hood off instead of her head. Then she escaped from the big castle by using the hood as a parachute. After many years in hiding she opened a shop in the woods to show others her wonderous creation, and thus the Ann-o-rak was born. If you believe this, you probably believe anything.

Anoraks Today

Anoraks are very fashionable these days. It's amazing how many people wear Anoraks. If you go to the right places you can suddenly see legions of them. An anorak is perfect for anything from pool training to fun on the beach. You may want something light and simple to handle uncertain weather.

Made of cotton, nylon, tactel or similar material, they are designed to get wet and thus can cope with frequent soakings. They are waterproof or at least windproof and usually come with a hood.

The zip placket is deep enough for easy on and off. You get a hood, snug elastic cuffs, and a large pouch pocket in front. Some have a mesh lining inside which is comfortable next to your skin and helps the air circulate.

Cagoules

A cagoule (from French: Hood) is a long pullover garment of basic design which is popular with outdoor adventure centres for water sports and wet or muddy games. Worn over a base layer, it is very generously sized to allow layering and maximum freedom of movement. Cagoules usually have no zip that could get stuck with sand or mud. The longer design gives better allround protection and allows you to sit down on damp ground.

Canoeing Cags

A cag (short for cagoule) is a simple pullover garment with no zip or just a short zip. It is shorter than a cagoule, usually comes without a hood, and is generously sized to allow layering. Some cags have a velcro fastener around the neck. Pull-it-on-and-go simplicity.

Worn over a base layer, a cag is ideal for many water sports like canoeing, windsurfing or wet fun games. It protects you from wind, rain and the cold while still allowing maximum freedom of movement.

Cags are very good for swimming training. Being quite robust, they offer a good resistance workout without the risk of injury. They also provide some buoyancy when air gets trapped inside.

Windshirts

Windshirts are full athletic cut pullovers and have a crew neck or V-neck opening with knit trim, elastic knit bottom with side insert pockets. Some windshirts have a short front zipper. Windshirts are lightweight and comfortable on land or in water and take the chill off.

Fabrics range from soft nylon to 100% microfiber polyester blends. Most windshirts are made of 100% Nylon Taslan fabric. They are water resistant, but not waterproof. The nylon pullovers may dry a little faster, but the knitted cuffs and collar take a bit longer to dry.

Reader Comment
When I first tried on a windshirt I felt that it was a little tight fit on just around my torso towards my armpits. At first I thought I may need a larger size, but the rest of the garment is a good fit in the sleeve and hem length. I like the look and feel of a windshirt, accommodating for movement to fit their intended purpose for outdoor sports or as waterwear.

I have only worn the windshirt once in really windy conditions, which was for a brief walk around town. It happened to be a very windy day (gusts recorded to around 50 knots, 92 km/h, 57 m/h) and I was only wearing a short sleeve polo shirt underneath. I noticed very little wind on my bare arms and the Tricot lining was very comfortable and warm. This was quite a surprise to me as I expected that the windshirt was designed for much lighter conditions then those on that day.

Next day I tried it in a pool and a lake. Swimming in the windshirt was easy due to the slim fit and the correct length of the arms. The cuffs avoid too much water coming in. The sleeves don't billow up with each swimming stroke. I wore it again over a polo shirt and later on bare skin. In either case the fabric felt soft and comfortable without getting the the way.

Jackets

Jackets are a popular variant. The full length zip allows for easier ventilation but adds a bit of bulk on the front, espcially when sitting down.

Pants

Matching pants should come with elasticized waist, adjustable drawstring and covered side pockets with zipper closures. Without a drawstring waist they move about and slip down when you go swimming.

Pants often feature open bottom hem with zippers at ankle for easy on and off. Available with either elastic or zipper leg, the pants should have a full athletic cut.

Combined with rainpants anoraks make a quick drying swimsuit that is lightweight and keeps the windchill off you when you're hopping in and out of the water all the time.


Popular swimwear in Asia are lightwight anoraks and pants. They provide sun protection and modesty.

Resistance Swimming Training

For your next swim wear a light nylon anorak on top of your usual swimwear. Rainwear is great for swimming resistance training and should always be in your swimming bag. Most swimming pools have no problem with it because the fabric sheds no fluff to clog up their filters.

Once you have gained some confidence add rain pants or an overall for extra resistance. You can vary the resistance level by wearing extra sports clothes underneath.

Depending on the design your rain clothes hold more or less water when swimming. Canoeing cags sometimes have wider sleeves to allow for more freedom of movement. Some sailing anoraks have a tighter fit so they don't pick up too much water during a capsize or when dipping into the water whilst on the trapeze.

In warmer climates a breathable Pertex suit keeps various beasties off you when swimming. It dries very quickly and thus makes a nice amphibian outfit.