What is the best brand / model of coastal sailing foul weather gear?

December 27, 2005 1:59 PM

What is the best brand / model of coastal sailing foul weather gear?

I sail a 26' Coastal Cruiser (a columbia 26' MkII) out of Seattle. Mostly I day sail but I would like to have the option of trips up to and around the San Juan islands. Recently I decided that I should aquire some foul weather gear but I don't really know where to begin. Personal experience and opinions would be extreemly helpful. Thanks.

posted by lucasks to sports, hobbies, & recreation (5 comments total)

Grundéns. Also might want a survival suit, but if you can't get into it in less than a minute it's practically useless.
posted by raaka at 2:21 PM on December 27, 2005

Henri-Llyod or Gill Marine.
posted by ericb at 2:28 PM on December 27, 2005

Also check Musto and Helly/Hansen. The LayLine Catalogue is a great source for many makes.

As long as you're in warm waters, I'd advise a pair of overall trousers - something like this and a breathable jacket like this. Bring multiple layers to wear underneath (Helly/Hansen LIFA baselayer is excellent). This is all for warm water though - cold water is another deal altogether.

Don't assume you have to spend hundreds on these pieces - the expensive stuff is mainly more insulated than the cheaper stuff. Not really necessary in warm water. I wear pants like this, and a waterproof pullover like this, and that keeps me warm and dry (with various things underneath) up until it starts freezing. Have fun!
posted by jba at 2:52 PM on December 27, 2005

I work on a day boat as a dive instructor and recently went through the foul weather gear acquirement process.

For what I do, I like having the waterproof shell (breathable is good) and I layer warm fleece underneath if it's cold out. For Seattle weather you might want to look at the ones that have the insulation built in if you find yourself cold more often than not. Though I find that that the shells are easier to clean - just dunk them in fresh water when you get off the water. The salt will do a number on the waterproofing.

I've heard good things about Cloudveil from liveaboard crew who are out more often than I am and in worse weather. But I found them to be unnecessarily expensive. I personally own a Northface jacket shell and L.L. Bean Gore-tex pants (because I love LLB's unquestioning lifetime warranty). I would second jba's suggestion about overalls though.

My suggestion - go out and try stuff on and see what you like. Things that I looked for were double layered zipper seals and ways to keep the hood on your head in a gale, but it's all about preference in my opinion, since sometimes different manufacturers have different features.
posted by danapiper at 3:51 PM on December 27, 2005

Helly Hansen is a great nordic manufacterer of clothes that fishermen wear so I would take a good look at their stuff.
posted by JJ86 at 11:22 AM on December 28, 2005