Review: Napapijri Skidoo Anorak
Feature type Review
Read time 6 mins
Published Dec 28, 2022
Author Alex Smith
Photographer Craig Lugsden
Our Verdict
The Skidoo anorak is synonymous with the Napapijri brand. This super high quality, extremely warm jacket lives up to its reputation as an incredibly comfortable, warm and timelessly stylish jacket.
| RRP | £395 |
| Features | Thermo-Fibre™ down-free insulation, CORDURA® fabric, PFC-free durable water repellent finish, 70% recycled material composition |
Pros
- Adjustable cuffs, hem, waist and hood mean no drafts!
- Convenient and functional pockets
- Highly comfortable
Cons
- Price tag
- Difficult to take on and off
- Less flexible than traditional coats with a front zip
What I’m Looking For
With its unique design, the Napapijri Skidoo Anorak has been an icon of the brand for years and was their first ever jacket. Described as ‘the epitome of functionality’, it’s a winter jacket designed for outdoor activities. Now, the iconic jacket has now been recreated using fully recycled CORDURA ® re/cor™ RN6 fabric.
A winter jacket for me has got to be highly practical as well as ‘flexibly fashionable’ to work with whatever I’m wearing. As someone who is an aspiring minimalist and conscious of how many possessions I own, I want one winter jacket that can do it all and I certainly don’t want to buying again any time soon, if ever. With functionality, I’m looking for the jacket to be warm, comfortable, waterproof and ideally provide flexibility with layering. Style-wise, I’m looking for something relaxed that will work when I’m out and about in town too, with a good selection of earthy colourways.
First Impressions
Napapijri was founded in Italy in 1987 by Massimo Rossetti and has established itself as a popular choice for those who want stylish and durable outdoor clothing. The name Napapijri comes from the Finnish word Napapiiri, which means polar circle, and is one of those names that seems to be pronounced differently every time I hear it. They have a developed a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility making them a good eco-friendly clothing option. The aforementioned CORDURA ® re/cor™ RN6 fabric is essentially 100% recycled nylon 6 yarn and is pleasingly tough and rugged though not overly so and obviously attractive to the increasing numbers of eco-conscious outdoors consumers.
At first sight, the Skidoo is undeniably impressive. It’s reassuringly heavy, the material feels highly durable, and it just looks brilliant. Once you pull the jacket on over your head, you feel like you’ve just climbed into a sleeping bag. It’s lined with soft fleece and the collar reaches up under your chin for a cosy bed-like experience. You’ll be entertained fiddling with the various adjustment options around the cuffs, neck and waist, trying to get the perfect fit. The Skidoo is thicker than I anticipated, feeling slightly more like a ski jacket than a down jacket or Barbour.
The Test
The Skidoo is marketed as both a fashionable urban jacket, and for use in outdoor activities. However, given its thickness and weight, I felt the use of the jacket for any activities other than walking was a bit limited. Having said that, if you’re off for a week on the slopes in the Trois Vallées, it would certainly be a suitable addition to your suitcase. It’s also been the perfect jacket recently in the UK, as temps dropped to -3 and we even had snow in London!
For the past few weeks I’ve been using the Skidoo as an everyday layer around the city and on trips away to the coast. Activities included sitting in cold outdoor stands at rugby matches, bitter winter strolls along the beach and coastal towns, and dog walks through the New Forest near Salisbury.
if you’re off for a week on the slopes in the Trois Vallee, it would certainly be a suitable addition to your suitcase
Who is this item for?
This is a top-notch winter jacket that really comes into its own when the temperature drops. It’s ideal for anyone that wants a bold, iconic item of clothing, without compromising on performance. There are a range of colour options from a bright, garish orange to an earthy green lichen shade.
It’s also a good option for the eco-conscious buyer. Like all Napapijri jackets, the insulation is down-free, and this particular model is made from 70% recycled materials. They have taken this a step further with the new Circular Series that enables old garments to be recycled through the Napapijri Recycling Programme – although this particular jacket is not part of that series.
The price of Napapijri’s clothing is not for everyone, however it does feel that you are investing in an exceptionally high-quality product that will last for years and could be handed down through the generations.
What stands out?
Unique Design
One of the standout features of the Skidoo anorak is its unique design. The jacket has a bold, modern look with clean lines and a simple colour palette. The signature Napapijri logo is prominently displayed on the chest, adding a touch of branding to the jacket.
Functionality
The jacket certainly delivers when the temperature drops. With its fleece lining, adjustability and no-zip front, it’s well insulated and has effective waterproofing.
Top-notch Quality
We’ve come to expect it over the years from Napapijri. The materials, finish and feel is unashamedly premium.
Putting on and Taking off
Whilst it is a key feature of the Skidoo’s unique look, the zip-free front is somewhat more cumbersome than a zipped model might be – having to pull the jacket over your head to don and doff it. And whilst the side zip does provide ventilation, it’s not as effective as a front-facing zip.
Value For Money
It is clearly an extremely high-quality jacket which goes some way to justify the price tag
With the lofty price tag of £395, this coat is not for everyone. Whilst not in the same bracket as Canada Goose and Shackleton garments, it’s certainly at the more expensive end of the spectrum. It is clearly an extremely high-quality jacket which goes some way to justify the price tag, however I also get the sense that you are paying to be part of the Napapijri Skidoo club too.
BASE Bottom Line
The Napapijri Skidoo Anorak jacket is a stylish and functional piece of outerwear. The jacket is made of high-quality materials and has a durable, water-resistant finish. The fit is slightly on the larger size however the jacket is exceptionally comfortable to wear, with a cosy fleece lining and adjustable hood and cuffs, making it perfect for cold weather.
It’s somewhat limited for use with wider outdoor activities as the unique side zip has a slightly negative impact on functionality, reducing ventilation. The multiple pockets, including a large front kangaroo pocket and fleece-lined zippered hand pockets, provide plenty of space to hold essentials and keep your hands warm.
Overall, the Napapijri Skidoo Anorak jacket is a seriously high-quality product. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a durable, functional and fashionable winter jacket. I have to be honest, I was initially sceptical of the Skidoo design, but I think this will now become my go-to jacket for when temperatures drop below 5 degrees.
Don’t miss a single adventure
Sign up to our free newsletter and get a weekly BASE hit to your inbox
Other posts by this author
Review • Alex Smith • Dec 18, 2023
Review: Alpkit Elan Hooped Bivvy Bag
Rugged, functional and affordable - bridging the gap between a tent and a bivvy bag
Review • Alex Smith • Dec 04, 2023
Review: adidas Terrex Xperior Hybrid Rain.RDY 2.5 layer jacket
A lightweight, functional waterproof with a fantastic range of movement
Review • Alex Smith • Apr 13, 2023
Review: Black Ember Forge Bag
The innovative well-designed everyday pack with flexible capacity and functionality
