cagoule [kəˈguːl] n   (Clothing & Fashion)
Lightweight and usually knee-length type of anorak. Also spelt kagoul or kagoule. Sometimes shortened to cag.

A cagoul, cagoule or kagoule (from the French "cagoule" meaning "cowl" or "hood") is the British English term for a lightweight, usually unlined, weatherproof pullover raincoat or anorak with a hood, which often comes in knee-length.

In North America and Japan cagoules are more commonly known as windbreakers. From school trips to adventure trails, they are always very practical, stylish and timeless.

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Adventure Cagoules

Cagoules are popular with outdoor adventure centres for water sports and wet or muddy games. They keep participants warm, even when wet.

Designed for the rigours of adventure centre use, this fully waterproof pullover is worn over a base layer of clothes. It is generously sized to allow layering and maximum freedom of movement.

The longer design reaches to the knees and gives better protection, like when you to sit down on damp ground, walk through a waterfall, or similar activities.

School Cagoules

These lightweight cagoules are ideal for outdoor activities where weight could be a consideration. Many people purchase these as a lightweight school coat as they are available in the popular school colours. The cagoule can be folded into itself by using a built in kangaroo pouch or packed into a protective case that can be stored or worn on the belt.

Design

A cagoule does not open fully at the front and must be pulled on over the head. Adventure cagoules usually have no zip that could get stuck with sand or mud. Simply pull the draw strings of the hood to close the top. It has an integral hood, elasticated or drawstring cuffs, and some have a few poppers or a short zip at the neck. In some versions, when rolled up, the hood doubles as a bag into which the rest of the coat is pushed.

History

A cagoule which can be rolled up into a very compact package and carried in a bag or pocket. It was invented by Noel Bibby of Peter Storm Ltd in the early 1960's and became very popular in the United Kingdom during the 1970's.

Adventure Swimming Training in Pool

To prepare for summer sports, I do regular swimming training in the local pool. They let me swim in my clean adventure kit as it doesn't fill up they filters with fluff.

For endurance training I only wear a full body Lycra suit, which speeds up my swimming because this suit streamlines my body shape and makes me more aqua-dynamic.

For my resistance training I put on my slightly oversized pool cagoule, made of thin nylon. Backstroke is fairly easy. Front crawl takes more effort. Breaststroke comes up with a lot of resistance.

The cagoule reaches down to my knees and acts like a small sail from the knees up when I pull my legs forward. Swimming like this requires a lot more effort.

Afterwards I wear it all in the shower to rinse the chlorine out. Then I shake the water out and it is ready for my next adventure.

~ Sascha from Austria  

Fun on the beach and in mud pits

Outdoor adventure sports are my passion. I live near the beach and often run down to see what happen. If I feel like it I jump in for a quick swim or go rock hopping at low tide. Most times I come home soaking wet after my adventures. My cagoule keeps me warm.

In the summer I drive with my friends to outdoor centres and we enjoy survival swimming, canoeing, rafting, and muddy assault courses. This is extreme fun when you wear the right kit.

To stay warm I wear my long adventure cagoule and pants, made from tough heavy nylon which avoids cuts and bruises. Underneath I wear thermal clothes or a tracksuit. Dressed like this I can jump into the water or a mud pit whenever I like.

~ Alistair, Devon, England