The History of Wintergreen's Anoraks

Wintergreen’s Anoraks have a long and storied history. Each step of development has been met with deliberate consideration to make them one of the best outdoor coats for active adventures. Our Anoraks are the key to our layering system - one that has successfully aided many arctic and urban explorers alike in their outdoor adventures.

Sue & Paul Schurke making changes to an early Anorak design while preparing for the North Pole expedition.

In 1983, Paul Schurke & Will Steger were preparing for the first unsupported expedition to the North Pole. Although she had no formal training, Sue Schurke volunteered to sew most of the clothing for the expedition team members. Over the next 3 years Sue designed and sewed the clothing and sled gear for the expedition, including harnesses for 49 sled dogs. Many of her designs were based on traditional Inuit clothing with a Scandinavian influence. Sue made her first anorak after spending several months in Iqaluit, Northwest Territories of Canada where she was inspired by the local clothing. Sue used the most breathable, lightweight nylon available at the time to make her clothing. 

The Steger/Schurke expedition team at the North Pole.

The quality of Sue’s clothing proved vital to the success of the expedition, and many local guides and polar explorers wanted to test it themselves. This popularity led to the establishment of her new clothing line, Wintergreen Northern Wear, in 1989.

Creating Our Shell Anoraks 

After doing some research, Sue discovered a nylon fabric called Supplex®, which was lightweight, durable and supple like cotton. It was also breathable, quick-drying and imbued with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent), which held strong against the elements. This is the fabric we use to this day.

Our Shell Anoraks are also lined with a smooth polyester lining for wicking & additional windblock. It floats loosely inside to promote wicking. Did you know you can flip your Shell Anorak inside out when wet for faster air drying?

Creating Our Fleece Anoraks

A USA-based company called Polartec® manufactures a fabric called WindPro®.

WindPro® is said to be 4x denser than regular synthetic fleece, and we’ve found out a thicker weight more suitable to colder climates. It also includes a DWR coating which helps with weather-resistance. These properties make it a warm fleece coat when worn on its own or a superb insulating layer when worn together with an outer wind layer like our Shell Anorak.

Layering & Testing

Our layering system depends on the inclusion of the 3W’s and our Fleece and Shell Anoraks. Using our Anoraks, countless explorers have traveled to the North and South Poles, summited unclimbed mountains and trekked across the arctic tundra & ice fields on many continents. 

So whether you’re crossing a glacier or taking the dog for a walk - however you’re braving the winter weather, Wintergreen's Anoraks will keep you protected and warm so you can get outside and enjoy. After all, Life’s an Adventure - Wear It!™