Foul Weather Gear

Stu Jackson · Dec 21, 2009

Most of the success people have reported is to go to REI or Wal Mart and avoid marine stores or marine FWG, since the mountaineering stuff is more supple, and more comfortable. Given descriptions of some of that gear compared to my stiff yellow FWG, I'm convinced that next time I'll go that route.

rpwillia · Dec 22, 2009

Other ideas

WalMart carries Stearns which is kind of cheap and does not look all that sturdy. My wife got me some gear from Boater's World called "Against The Elements" which I like a lot, but you can't find it around anywhere now. West Marine has their brand, Gill, and Helly Hansen. Have not seen the HH stuff as they don't have it in the store, only in the catalog. Their brand is supposedly made by Gill and after looking at the Gill stuff, it is OK, but not overwhelming.

The Gill would be good if their stuff had the rubber closures on the wrist cuffs and the lining on the neck and in the pockets (not sure what you call it), but it helps to keep your neck and hands warm. For the Potomac, you basically want gear you can layer under it for the cold and can peel off when it is warmer.

Warren Milberg · Dec 22, 2009

If you are going sailing on the Potomac this time of year, get yourself a Mustang Immersion Suit and an ice pick....

http://lfsmarineoutdoor.com/Mustang-Immersion-Suits/idCategory/201/prodList.aspx

Ed Schenck · Dec 23, 2009

Sailing offshore in below thirty taught me a couple of things. It was that I could not keep my feet and hands warm. We were not getting wet which would have made it even more of a challenge. So I will watch this thread for more answers.

sailaway78 · Dec 23, 2009

I have, use and like LL Bean gear for this. Seems to work fine, is very supple, and not overly expensive.

firehoser75 · Dec 23, 2009

I use Gill "Key West" model gear. I find that it is reasonably effective in that it has wrist (rubber) closures, a fleece lined collar (for comfort), has a built in hood, and it so far has proven to be very water resistant. It is not so heavy weight that it is too warm in the spring/summer when we get wet weather. For the winter, you just layer up underneath it. Invest in good quality gloves and socks, and I have heard that using good "land based" winter gloves under a rubber or waterproof glove works well. Mountaineering socks should be your best bet for the feet. Like others have said, the hands and feet present the biggest challenge.
Don't misunderstand me, I am not saying the Gill gear is the "best", just that I have found that it has met my needs so far. There are cheaper ways to go, but are they as effective? don't know.

Good luck,'
Tom

Bad Obsession · Dec 23, 2009

This is an interesting post and there are some good ideas in here. As usual, I tend to think that Stu has a point here. Foul weather gear can be such a pricey item or it can be cheap. There is such a difference in prices that you wonder what is the best bang for the buck.

I have bought foul weather gear from an outdoor chain before. I was very happy with this gear and it lasted years! I may look at Bass Pro Shops stuff next time and also Gander Mountain (maybe also Cabeals) as they make pretty good stuff at a descent price.

I have had a set of foul weather gear fail. It was not an expensive set. I was in mid 40 degree weather in April in bad, bad, bad weather. I was miserable and kind of hypothermic. This is not a place to be!

I think that a good piece of foul weather gear for cooler weather is a good dodger and bimini!

Steve Dion · Dec 23, 2009

Just remember that just because a company "makes" a product for another company is not an indication of the quality or the same materials that is used in the other product. Most companies make different level of quality even within their product lines.

We have purchased Henri Lloyd products from the boat show and have had good luck. I like being able to layer up. Most of the cheap stuff will make your body suffocate and sweat like hell. One of the major things to look for is something that is breathable. This is one of the major things that drives up the price.

I think a dodger, bimini and a full enclosure with a Mr. Big Buddy in the cockpit is your best bet. Ask Rick Dinon. They sail home from Ensenada each April in their shorts and tees and drink cold beer. The rest of the boaters are freezing their asses off and Rick and crew are just laughing. <haha>

shorty · Dec 23, 2009

I am partial to my Henri Lloyd jacket bought on sale a few years ago however Hamilton Marine sells yachtie stuff like Gill but also fisherman's gear (Viking?) with fisherman's, not yachtie, price tags.

catsailor · Dec 23, 2009

Unless you are adicted to off-shore work, I would get something multi-purpose

wonkodsane said:
Hi folks,

I was hoping to get some winter sailing in on the Potomac and I was getting set to make an investment for myself and the admiral in some foul weather gear. I'm looking for suggestions and bargains for foul weather gear that is good for cold and wet as well as warm and wet weather. Layers or zippable linings, or just suggestions on what combinations of items to keep us warm and dry while out in less than ideal conditions. (We already know that cotton kills.)

Or just point me at your favorite old thread that has covered the heck out of this already. (-:

-Scott

Not something cheap, mind you. But something from REI or the like will be more useful around town and hiking than off-shore gear.

That said, we don't know if your boat is a wet ride or the type of weather you dare. My boats have been dry, so that even in the dead of winter I dress warmly, but not in full rain gear. I have sailed the Bay year-round for 25 years.

Always carry a change of clothes in the boat in winter, just in case. I always keep a set of foul weather gear on the boat, just in case.

I made a long post on my blog (http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/search?q=winter+sailing) about winter sailing and clothing as well. Perhaps you will find some of the ideas useful.

Ducati · Dec 26, 2009

We Know Cold

As a Canadian I know a thing or two about the cold. I spent a fair share of my youth playing hockey on out-door ice rinks.

If you are coastal cruising and just a few hours from shore then buy the cheap stuff. If the weather gets ugly and uncomfortable then you can go home. However if you go off-shore for a few day then buy the best quality that you can afford because you always get exactly what you pay for. There is nothing more miserable and dangerous then being damp and cold at sea. Well being sea sick ranks right up there too. We did 4 days "out there" and our Helly Hansen kept us toasty warm/dry. I also have great respect for good old fashion wool sweaters and socks. Damp wet wool somehow stays warm...go figure.

Happy Shopping

woodster · Dec 26, 2009

Mountaineering socks should be your best bet for the feet. Like others have said, the hands and feet present the biggest challenge.

in that department there is only one sock......SMARTWOOL.....very pricey.....but they last for ever and i ware them in the hot summer time down here in georgia...you can find them at REI or on line ....just my 2 cents

regards
woody