Blog

After a few months of using this anorak from Haglofs, I’ve been seriously impressed.

It was my shell layer of choice on the TGO this year because it seemed to offer the perfect package for this event. It’s been stripped of unnecessary features and just retains those you really need to minimise weight and pack size.

To keep weight low Haglofs opted for an anorak with a half zip rather than a jacket. This works for me because with a pack on you can’t really open up a jacket anyway. It has a decent size chest pocket but no hand warmer pockets. For backpacking hand warmer pockets tend to end up covered by the pack’s hip belt and there are pockets on the belt of my pack any way. The hood is a basic but effective design which provides excellent coverage. Fortunately the cuffs are still adjustable (the elasticated cuffs on most ultralight shells make my wrists get sweaty.

All this has meant that Haglofs have managed to keep weight low whilst still offering a shell with above average durability for its weight.

In Use

Anorak/ Pull Over jackets are a bit like marmite. Personally I love them, they tend to pack smaller and the lack of a front zip and hand warmer pockets makes them more comfortable under a rucksack hip belt.

It has a longer cut in the body which does allow you to avoid putting on waterproof pants because there are no annoying wet drips off the bottom of the anorak on to your bottom. It would be a great option for someone taller.

The hood uses an external bungy cord across the back of the head which works surprisingly well for such a minimalist design. When the bungies are tightened the hood stays in place even when walking into strong winds. There is a stiffened peak which, combined with the effective adjustment, results in excellent protection from the elements.

Breathability

I tend to run hot and get quite sweaty when working hard. There isn’t a jacket on the market that breathes sufficiently in these situations. For that reason I usually prefer a waterproof shell with pit zips. The Mtn Anorak doesn’t feature any pit zips but actually breathed exceptionally well so I didn’t really miss them. On a couple days when it rained for hours on end I did get sweaty on steep uphills but once on easier ground the jacket released the build up of moisture.

Durability

For such a lightweight shell jacket I have no concerns with durability. I wouldn’t drag myself through wild roses in it but it’s not a jacket that feels like it needs to be handled with extra care. The anorak has mainly been used under a loaded backpack with no sign wear so far. Haglofs have cleverly overlaid some of the panel joints with external tape to give additional protection. They also have a distinctive look that I think is rather smart.

A Planet Friendly Jacket

When you wear the Haglofs LIM Proof Mtn Anorak you can do so knowing that it’s an ethically sound product. For several years Haglofs have been focussed on minimising the environmental impact of their products and operating in a highly ethical way. The LIM Proof Mtn Anorak is an Haglofs Sustainable Choice product which means it is at the forefront of Haglofs efforts to make genuinely environmentally sound products. It has serious planet friendly credentials.

The LIM Proof Mtn Anorak uses a 3 layer PROOF™ECO 3-layer fabric made from 100% Recycled Polyamide (nylon to you and me). Haglofs take waste nylon from other industries and utilise it to make the fabric for this anorak.

The DWR (durable water repellent) treatment is Flourocarbon Free. The previous long chain fluorocarbon DWR coatings were extremely long lasting in the environment and there were concerns over long term accumulation in the body. The downside is that this new generation of planet kind DWR coatings tend to be less effective and need replenishing more frequently. A bit of routine maintenance ensures your jacket performs well with minimal impact on the environment.

Haglofs are also part of the Fair Wear Foundation which ensures that people throughout the supply chain are treated fairly and paid a living wage.

Danny Pearson
Dan is a keen distance walker who loves to geek over the latest gear. In the last few years, Dan has completed a couple of TGO Challenge crossings of Scotland (with another planned for 2024), GR221 in Mallorca, Dales High Route and Hadrian’s Wall plus countless other self-planned routes. A keen mountain biker but finds he doesn’t bounce so well these days when the inevitable happens. Read more from Danny Pearson