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The best menswear staples for the modern man carry a sense of both history and rugged functionality with them every time you wear them. That might sound like hyperbole, but whether it’s the field jacket, the blue jean or one of the best anorak jackets, it’s, well, more true than ever.

Utility is the name of the game with the anorak jacket, but the best styles for fall adventures off grid or on the trail just so happen to be stylish and modern, too. The anorak was first trusted by indigenous Arctic peoples to provide crucial protection from the elements, although traditional styles were made from animal hide and fur, not the technical fabrics of today.

So, how is an anorak jacket different from a windbreaker? It’s almost a hybrid between, say, a hoodie and a windbreaker, made from a seamless design that you slip over your head like a hoodie. Yet, those durable technical materials, like nylon or even waxed cotton, turn it into a hard-working piece of seasonal outerwear.

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The best anorak jackets deliver mobility, utility, storage space for your everyday carry (often via a front pouch or zipper pocket), and of course, a dash of style. Better still is the fact that you can layer it over other reliable style staples, like one of the best men’s henleys. When you’re searching for a jacket you can pack away with ease and break out at a moment’s notice on the trail or around your campsite — and especially on your citywide commute — the best anorak jackets check off all the right boxes.

Nobis delivers impressively built outerwear that goes big on technical details and sleek, luxe styling potential, and that holds true with the Huron Anorak, too. It’s waterproof, thanks to a DWR finish, and also breathable and yet made from a tough nylon and ripstop fabric. It’s sleek enough for the trail yet also city-ready in a cool Black colorway.

L.L. Bean’s outdoor gear is practically the stuff of legend, with reliable design and value offered up in spades. This sub-$60 anorak jacket has a bit of both going for it, as it’s made from wind and water-resistant fabric and offers a handy quarter-zip front for breathability and coverage in equal measure. Better still is the front zip pocket for everyday carry storage.

At times, the best anorak jackets are the ones that are most simple on the surface, yet the most well-designed at a second glance. Take the Ferrosi Anorak from Outdoor Research, a company that knows a thing or two about, well, outdoor gear. Made from durable, breathable nylon, this jacket is sleek and streamlined, with a handy front zip pocket and highly useful, adjustable hood.

The all-American style purveyors at Buck Mason have taken a more unique approach to this hard-wearing anorak, using a zip-front design and a super-lightweight cotton-nylon ripstop fabric blend. The Desert Oliver color calls to mind classic military jackets, while the drawstring hood is another functional touch designed to keep you on the go in style this fall. Pair it with Buck Mason jeans and a rugged henley for do-anything seasonal style.

On the hunt for the right blend of style, performance and affordability? Champion’s anorak jacket fits the bill quite nicely, clocking in at below $20 (based on your color of choice) while still offering up reliable design details. The quarter-zip design offers you the chance to customize your fit based on weather conditions, while simple, subtle colors like Graphite team up with just about anything in your fall style rotation.

Go off the grid, deep into the woods and even out into the high seas with this overbuilt, dependable anorak jacket in an eye-catching colorblocked design. The specs are on-point throughout this jacket, including the PVC-coated polyester 343 certified weatherproof stretch fabric and an adjustable bottom hem for maximum coverage. Neoprene cuffs also ensure a snug fit if conditions get especially blustery or rainy.

When hitting the trail or taking on a fall adventure in low-light conditions, visibility is of the utmost importance (along with weather-ready performance, of course). Columbia’s Flash Challenger Anorak checks that box quite handsomely, using bold color options like two tones of grey to ensure you stand out when needed. The fact that this jacket is also made from hard-wearing polyester to resist wind and rain is just an added bonus.

For blustery days by the beach or at a cabin getaway, it’s sometimes nice to mix in a bit of throwback style with your daily essentials. This retro popover from Tommy Hilfiger nails the brand’s classic aesthetic in a fun and visually appealing way, with elastic cuffs for the proper fit in windy weather. Plus, the price is a stellar value for a big-name designer.

For active pursuits like park strolls, outdoor yoga or day hikes, it pays off to have a breathable, tough and yet comfortable anorak jacket handy. It’s the idea behind Alo’s water-resistant anorak, which should provide protection from the elements in a cool shade of light blue for a change of pace in your fall fashion rotation. Note the stand-up collar and quarter-zip front for that crucial customizable fit.

Go bold and eye-catching with this camo anorak from a trusted brand for highly dependable style and all-around performance this fall. The key here is the Hyperdry DWR performance for weather resistance from day to night, not to mention a breathable mesh lining to keep you properly cooled down through sporting outdoor pursuits.

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