For this week’s Friday Focus, we’re taking a look at an update on a classic garment, the Combat Anorak. We first featured the Combat Anorak in 2011, when it was part of NFM’s GARM combat clothing line, imported by FirstSpear. Since then, FirstSpear has moved production to the USA, and the Anorak is now made of Nextec epic fabric, which is a highly water-resistant, silicone-encapsulated nylon.
With a classic Anorak cut it is a lightweight garment that is intended to serve as a shell over all of your equipment. Consequently, it is very generously cut and extends down low on the torso with a lower cut on the rear. In fact, generous might be a bit of an understatement; I’m currently able to comfortably wear a small as an overgarment, and I usually wear a large military jacket. Granted, that’s with standard clothing underneath, however even then there’s still some room to layer.
Venting is facilitated via a quarter length zipper from chin to chest as well as a mesh insert integrated into the back flap.
Internal gear is easily accessed by a tug on a pull tab. The half moon opening features two zippers as well as a snap backup to keep the opening securely closed. You grab the tab and pull down. With practice this can be done one-handed.Additionally, there is an access flap on the back of the Combat Anorak for packs or back panels.The hood is large enough to fit over a helmet and features four points of adjustment which are simple to use. Two of the hood adjustments are on the rear. That small flap covers a barrel lock that pulls the lower portion of the back toward the rear.The shoulders are capped with lightweight Cordura and the cuffs are secured via Velcro adjustment to accommodate a wide range of layered garments. Additionally, there are small 1? Velcro squares on both sleeves and the rear of the hood for IR or other ID squares. The Combat Anorak stores inside an integral stuff sack and can easily be carried in a pack or cargo pocket.
Available in Coyote and Urban Discreet, sizes SM – 2XL.
www.first-spear.com – Combat Anorak
