Canon Windbreaker AP-WB001

Michael Topham tries out a new water-repellent jacket from Canon

CAMERA- BRANDED apparel is a bit like Marmite – some people love it and will happily let others know which camera brand they use, while others hate it and would rather put their money towards better things. Earlier this year, Canon took the opportunity to show off its new range of branded clothing at The Photography Show. Although we’re not overly fond of the T-shirts and hoodies that brandish the vintage Camera Kwanon logo from 1934 on the front, there are a few more tasteful items such as the windbreaker jacket and black T-shirt with white graphic print that reveals some of Canon’s most iconic cameras (see below right).

The windbreaker is, in my opinion, the most stylish garment in Canon’s new range of merchandise. It is designed to be water-repellent, with photographerfriendly features to keep your top half dry and insulated when working in the great outdoors. Made from water- resistant polyester fabric, it’s finished in an attractive dark grey and isn’t festooned in too much Canon branding. The only places you’ll find the Canon logo are on the cuffs and the inside, making it one of the more subtle items of clothing offered by a camera manufacturer.

As well an inside pocket, there’s a small pocket on the left arm that’s great for storing spare memory cards. The two front pockets are sizeable and softly lined. This helps protect fragile accessories like filters, and can be used to keep your hands warm in cold weather. However, these pockets do lack a zip to keep items contained.

In use, the jacket did a great job of defending against wind chill and light rain. Best of all, it’s incredibly light so you barely know you’re wearing it, and after a shower or the wind subsides you can scrunch it up and stow it away in a small compartment of your bag. The reflective strips on the back are a great safety measure too, and as I found out it doubles up as a suitable jacket for walking or cycling.