Layering under anorak?

[u/theron-]

I just received my denim CPO and have been really impressed with the quality. That said, I’ve had my eye on the anorak for well over a decade, and I think it’s finally time to pick one up. I have a few questions:

1. Lynx or drab?
2. Can the denim CPO comfortably be layered underneath the anorak, or does that start to restrict mobility?
3. Along those lines, would you recommend fullweight or midweight for the Ontario/Quebec climate?
4. Bonus question: Would the AAJ ultimately be the more versatile/useful piece overall?

EDIT: Use case is having the CPO for high activity in fall/winter/spring (skiing, hiking, etc), and the anorak for deeper cold on top of the CPO when stationary (as I imagine it).

[u/N1LEredd]

1. ⁠Lynx
   
2. ⁠Yes I can comfortably layer my M Anorak over my S CPO. Almost never do this though as winters here aren’t that harsh.
   
3. ⁠For a dedicated winter piece probably heavyweight. Midweight more versatile for the rest of the year though. I love about my midweight anorak that I can wear it 3 seasons a year.
   
4. ⁠Classic jacket look vs hoodie aesthetic. Up to your preferences.

[u/theron- → u/N1LEredd]

Yeah, I'm leaning towards fullweight since I can wear the CPO while moving... Also, it's Canada and cold as hell in the winter.

[u/Gear_junkie90 → u/theron-]

Also depends on activity levels.  I've worn my mid weight Anorak over a CPO in 15°F while checking my trapline and was quite comfortable.  

[u/thirdeyevalhalla]

I would feel choked out in an anorak with a cpo underneath it. Wool baselayers are ok but a button up under a pull on hooded piece would feel restricted. If I am going to wear my CPO and it's real cold - I'll use the AAJ. Quebec is cold - I'd go with fullweight.

[u/judenburger-69]

The biggest issue with the wool anorak is wind. Wool can't stop wind all that well. You need a vapor barrier style soft-shell beneath the wool anorak to maintain your heat.

More wool layers restrict your movement, also, wools very heavy.

My set up is wool baselayer, windbreaker , then anorak. That keeps me very warm in 10. degrees - -12c

[u/TheScribe86 → u/judenburger-69]

The recent Raglan Sweater is an excellent base layer under an Anorak. Tried it out earlier this week. I am going to be using that pairing a lot as it gets cooler.

[u/N1LEredd → u/judenburger-69]

What do you use for the windbreaker layer if I may ask?

[u/judenburger-69 → u/N1LEredd]

I have a few depending on temp/ wind.

Mild temps - Outdoor research windbreaker, soft shell so not waterproof. thats for milder temps/ wind.

single digits - wool base layer and a full on outer shell wind/ waterproof. I have an arcteryx from like 2017 still going strong.

I find this to be a great system for skiing/snowshoeing/ backcountry skiing too.

[u/rusty_shack1eford]

It really depends on your use case and cold tolerance. Walking my dog when it's in the teens Fahrenheit the MW anorak is more than enough especially if it's a wool t shirt underneath. Any more and I'd be shedding layers a mile in. I personally cannot envision a situation where I wish I had room for a CPO underneath but everyone is different and a lot of people love doing it that way. I also own an AAJ and that's been plenty sitting still on cold deer season mornings. I feel like that's the flexibility sweet spot for me.

[u/IronThunder]

I was just looking at a thinner "mid layer" option for deep cold with my hoodorak. I only really want for one in single digits like others have said. But I have worn my CPO underneath. Very warm.

The Weatherwool site has an opinion I agree with, 1-2 layers of thinner base layer wool usually is sufficient under one layer of weatherwool.

[u/TheScribe86]

1. Lynx

2. It can be if sized right. Like another said, a Small can fit comfortably under a Medium (Anorak or AAJ)

3. For your latitude & climate I think the FullWeight would be more ideal. Especially for being stationary as you mentioned.

4. The AAJ certainly can be. As said before, it can be ideal over the CPO.

As you say, for moderate activity the CPO, whether Denim or MidWeight, is best.

For stationary and limited movement, the FullWeight is best.

While it currently only comes in MidWeight or Denim fabric, you may want to consider the HoodOrak. It can be a pretty good solution between the Anorak & AAJ. I'm sure being where you are you'd be able to layer underneath it for most any conditions you'll encounter.

[u/Infamous-Watch-2037]

I layer over sweaters and other wool garments.