NOT WITHOUT MY WINDBREAKER! Text: Jenny Wikman / Photo: Emelie Voltaire
It’s been a best-selling classic for ten years, with a dedicated crowd of loyal fans and numerous copies from other brands around the world. The Arc’teryx Squamish windbreaker is a crown jewel in Addnature’s range and a fixture in many peoples’ wardrobes. When I sat down to write this tribute, something hit me: what is it about men and jackets? It’s a serious question. As the daughter of an obsessive jacket collector, I saw an unhealthy number of shell jackets and windbreakers during my childhood. Mum gave up early on her dream of the stereotypical women’s high-heel wardrobe in favour of Dad’s search for the ultimate jacket, and the large collection of candidates he’s hoarded over the years. He treats the most expensive ones like children, so I feel like I had a lot of extra siblings growing up. Yet another one? ”Yes. The previous one didn’t have a breast pocket.” Or – ”This is the only one I have with a hood.” ”The red one is especially designed for hiking, sweetie.” ”The blue one is for running.” My equally nerdy colleague David, on the other hand, has found his holy grail. His one true love, the answer to all his needs. – I use my Squamish all year round.
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All the time! If I’m not wearing it, I’m carrying it! David goes on. He’s probably the only person my dad would think of as his shell superior. If someone has worked for a decade in the outdoor industry, both in shops and distribution, as well as for a dedicated ski clothing brand – well then they certainly have a little jacket-obsessed maniac inside them. David lives in his windbreaker. – I wear it for running, skiing, commuting… I just nod quietly and let him prattle on. – ...mountain hiking, boating… I fail to get a word in edgeways and he continues: – ...I also use it for 99% of all my ski touring trips! But of course it’s also about what gear you’re wearing in general: undershirt, fleece sweater, puffer jacket and windbreaker… Before he disappears down the rabbit hole of jackets and their specific uses, I manage to ask why the Arc’teryx Squamish is one of the very best
windbreakers in our range. – It’s a perfect fit! The fabric is thick enough to protect against the wind without being itchy, but at the same time thin enough to be light - even though it’s not really meant to be a super-lightweight jacket. It has all those ingenious little details you need, such as a chest pocket, drawstring in the hem and a brim on the hood. And when it’s well waterproofed, it even resists moisture in a cool way. The more David goes on, the more I feel the pull of the Squamish. Maybe it’s not so stupid after all? It does have a brim on the hood. My current windbreaker doesn’t have that – nor does it have a chest pocket for the car keys. The white one I have is really only good for running. But I could also have that blue Squamish one for winter ski touring trips… The jacket of jackets, the answer to all our needs. Is the eternal search over? I have to call my dad!
