Nicholus,

You stated:

"A good alternative to purchasing an expensive down parka is to buy a quality anorak or any other wind blocking layer and simply use the insulating layers you already own. I've purchased a Canadian military surplus anorak and have had great success with it."

Is your anorak a pull over type, if so where can I get one. Thanks!

wow.... that was super wierd. I havent been on this site for a while on account of school and a general hectic life, and the first time I do come back to see whats going on at BPL, my name is the title of a post...haha.

Anyways, to answer your question - the anorak I got came from Save More Sports Store in Toronto. It can be found here - http://www.savemoresportstore.ca/specials.html

Its well priced as well, at only $50 CND. Make sure to oversize if you intend on layering. Im guessing you read the rest of that post and know about the fur ruffs. This jacket works fairly well for that as well - considering its price. The hood isnt all that stiff or adjustable but it served me super well in Alaska for the longest time before I decided to upgrade. Hope its what you're looking for.

I have a few more suggestions if you decide to upgrade. Empire Canvas Works makes an awesome anorak. Check it out at http://www.empirecanvasworks.com/arcticanorak.htm

So does Wintergreen Designs at http://wintergreendesigns.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WGN&Product_Code=10110&Category_Code=AK

The company that makes most of the gear I use - Northern Outfitters also makes a good anorak. It is a bit different from the others, as the Versatech fabric is quite soft and flexible. I usually dont end up wearing it alone over insulation, rather over my parka when s*** really starts to hit the fan. You can check it out at http://northernoutfitters.com/s-11-wind-garments.aspx

All are a lot more expensive but do have features that I would want in an anorak at the end of the day. It depends on your own needs though.

Feel free to ask any more questions.

Edited by Mad_Musher on 01/24/2007 01:29:48 MST.

Mr. Sweeting,

Thanks for you help.

Sincerely,
Randall

Nicholas, I notice that Northern Outfitters does not give a weight on any of it's products?! What are the weights on your anorak and pants? thanks

I actually dont have them on hand at the moment, as I'm currently living in a place without the majority of my gear. But from what I remember, the weight is decent at best. I wouldnt consider it ultralight really, as the Versatech fabric is 2.8ozs/sqr yrd, but is also extremely water and wind resistant. Super tight weave. Its one of those things that a lot of people just toss into the the corner of a bag or pulk, or in my case dogsled.

Sorry I cant help you more than that.

Edited by Mad_Musher on 01/24/2007 18:44:58 MST.

Thanks for the help just the same. One thing i can't figure out is how a company calls itself 'Northern Outfitters' and is based in Jacksonville Florida! Selling COLD WEATHER GEAR at that!

Gene, I also found that strange. I've heard some good things about Northern Outfitters but Florida???? That would be like buying deep sea scuba gear that was designed in Laramie, WY. :)

Alec, At least my sense of humor(dry) was'nt lost on you. It makes you wonder a few things....How do they test the gear? (in Florida!)

Why no weights on anything? Probably not too modern fabrics'wise.

Sure it appears to be servicable gear, but I have to wonder why no one else here has the gear or has heard of them?

The stuff is is made out of pretty basic but tough fabrics. I think they have a department in Alaska or something though because I have dealt with the owners in Anchorage before. The reason you havent really heard of them is because the brand is almost exclusively used by dogsledders. A huge percentage of mushers in the Iditarod race use the brand. Its meant to stand bitter cold, strong winds, huge dog claws jumping all over it - stuff that all those 'fancy' fabrics wouldnt have a chance in dealing with. The brand is kind of like bunny boots.... almost exclusively an Alaskan thing (well...maybe minnesota as well)

They get alot of the dogsledders in the Alaska area to test out new stuff. I was fortunate enough to be one of them.

Edited by Mad_Musher on 01/25/2007 20:55:04 MST.

I will admit that even though I found it funny they were in Florida, the anorack and wind pants are on my list of gear to get soon. I follow mushing and have friends in Alaska that have pointed me toward Northern Outfitters and since I'll be continuing to race on foot in Alaska, Yukon, NWT I'll need some solid gear! Nothing like extreme cold to test the gear, oh and pups clawing at you...

Nicholas, where are you now?

Good answer Nicholas, that satisfies my curiosity about the companies background. You should mention the irony to owners in AK next time you cross tracks.

Anything that can stand up to ice sharpened dog claws is sturdy enough for my Winter gear closet! It's got to be almost canvas-like to do that, great for brush-wacking back in the NorthEast too. I did a fair amount of dog sledding up in Ely, MN when I lived in MN ten years ago.

Good luck on your up coming mushes!