The Blackrak©

I have so many Boreal products. This one lives up to their reputation and quality.

Looks great, fits really well! Everything about it says quality. I spoke with Andy and got the appropriate size for me. He will answer all your questions about sizing. I called on a Friday afternoon and told him I had an ice fishing trip the next weekend and he went in on Saturday and personally shipped it. You can’t ask for a company! Don’t hesitate buying from this company you won’t be disappointed.

The wool is very cheap, stiff, poorly stitched at the seams, and flakes on anything it touches. With every wear I was covered with fibers and pieces of wool. It ruined the sweater I had on underneath. The drawstrings are fragile and the fasteners are made of cheap plastic. The wool in general is so stiff and feels synthetic. I have a J.Crew wool peacoat to compare and it’s like an entirely different fabric. Additionally, they don’t accept returns, and when I contacted customer service I was met with a very rude and unprofessional response. “Again, you’re entitled to your opinion and we value feedback, but we can’t help but think you were describing another product. None of this makes sense. Regards Peter” This is an unacceptable way to treat your customers. Given the unprofessional standards, cheap quality, and bait-and-switch return policy, I highly doubt this product was even made in Canada to begin with.

I purchase the Blackrak recently after reading the other reviews here. I am writing this one to hopefully convey a more accurate experience after receiving the product so that other buyers can get the full picture.

The wool feels cheap, stiff, poorly stitched at the seams, and flakes on anything it touches. With every wear I was covered with fibers and pieces of wool. I had to throw out a sweater I wore underneath because I couldn't get the fibers out even with repeated washing and using lint brushes. The draw strings feel thin and fragile, and the fasteners that hold the drawstrings are made plastic that appears not well put together, as they make clicking sounds just from moving around. The beads also mirror this quality. The wool in general is so stiff I can’t even get the hood to rest on my head. It sticks up like a cone.

Besides the quality, I ordered the smallest size available and it’s still huge and not flattering due to the box-like appearance. The part of the anorak that is supposed to cover my face is so tough and scratchy I couldn't wear it for more than an hour. For nearly $400, I am very disappointed with the product I received. Additionally, Boreal Mountain Anoraks does not accept returns, and when I contacted customer service I was met with a very rude response. Below I will copy the end of Peter's message to me, after he systematically refuted each of my quality concerns:

“Again, you’re entitled to your opinion and we value feedback, but we can’t help but think you were describing another product. None of this makes sense.

Regards
Peter”

I hope that Boreal Mountain Anoraks embraces a standard of integrity that accepts both good and bad reviews that reflects their value in their customers, and that they don’t remove my review here because it is not positive.

They are both gifts. The feel, weight, and craftsmanship seem to be great. I can’t wait until my son and son-in-law open them. We’re all hunters and I’m envious already.
Thanks for making gift give easy.