Greenwell Anorak
The anorak is a jacket built for the elements, worn by those who embrace them. Its origins stretch back centuries to the Arctic, where Inuit communities crafted their own weatherproof layers from seal or caribou skin, designed to fend off the bitter winds and relentless snow. But it was in the latter half of the 20th century that the anorak, as we now recognise it, became synonymous with adventure. By the early 1980s, it was the uniform of the outdoorsman—favoured by climbers, hikers, and those who saw a weekend not as a time for rest, but for exploration.
That period, the golden age of recreational hiking, was one of robust fabrics, practical design, and an attitude of self-reliance. It was an era of heavy-duty canvas rucksacks, well-worn Ordnance Survey maps, and boots that carried the promise of many miles ahead. Hikers sought out the rugged and remote, layering up against the elements in gear that was as purposeful as it was enduring. The anorak, with its protective hood, deep pockets, and weather-resistant finish, became a staple—a companion as dependable as a flask of strong tea or a good wool sock.
The Greenwell Anorak is a tribute to this spirit of curiosity and capability. Crafted from densely woven cotton, it offers the kind of lightweight resilience that suits the modern explorer—whether navigating city streets or tracing old footpaths through the hills. Showerproof yet breathable, it keeps the elements at bay without stifling movement or comfort. Four spacious bellows pockets provide ample room for essentials—field notebooks, gloves, a pocketknife—while an internal drawstring allows for an adjustable, tailored fit.
Named for J. Richard Greenwell, the celebrated cryptozoologist and explorer, this jacket embodies a quiet determination, a readiness to set out and see what’s beyond the next ridge. Greenwell spent his life investigating the world’s great mysteries, from the Amazon to the Himalayas, in search of creatures both known and unknown—including the elusive Bigfoot. This anorak honours that same fearless curiosity. It’s an anorak in the truest sense: practical, understated, built to last. The kind of piece that, like the best adventures, only gets better with time.
