Henri Lloyd vs Gill - opinions?

[Al - s/v Persephone]

For 40N+ N. Atlantic coastal offshore/short-passage sailing, I've been considering buying either a Henri Lloyd "Quest" or a Gill "Key West" foul weather jacket. Even in August, once I get a few miles out, I need to strip off my nifty Hunter-owners.com sailing windbreaker; add a layer or two; and put it back on - a pain, when single-handing.Coming back into sheltered waters, I have to reverse the process or sweat like a horse.Both of these jackets look like they'd be good for spring sailing or for my occasional forays in the rain or fog, but I don't know enough about foul weather clothing design to figure how cold it could get without my having to do the "add more layers" thing, nor how warm it had to be to make these jackets uncomfortably warm.Can anyone with direct experience with either of these products (or similar ones) in my kind of waters shed light on the subject for me?If I've chosen the right general type of jacket, is there any great difference between manufacturers?Thanks.

 

[Wright Ellis s/v Whiskey II]

Before you buy

Please check out other equipment vendors such as Cabela's. They make serious outdoor wear in far more styles than the two you are looking at. Just as a hardware store carries useful items at lower prices than West Marine, so other vendors carry serious outdoor items at lower prices without sacrificing quality.Don't limit yourself to the "yacht club" choices. I ain't never seen a waterman working a crab boat on the Chesapeake wearing Henri Lloyd.

 

[Harry Greenspun]

Try them on first for sleeve length

I agree with checking other sources. There are hundreds of waterproof/breathable jackets. The marine ones typically add some reflective material and some vague harness compatability.That said, I've got the Gill Key West jacket (and bibs) which I like very much. The deciding factor for me, though, was the fit. I tried on about 25 different brands at the boat show, and the Gills seem to have longer sleeves than any of the other brands. I could wear a Large in the Gill, whereas I needed an XL in the other brands, which resulted in too much bulk.HarryHarry GreenspunBethesda, MDHunter 456 - "Czech Mate"harry@greenspun.com

 

[Mark]

Yes make sure of size

Make sure that there is "plenty" of room for layers of clothing underneath whilst still providing easy movement.As a matter of interest we had over 250mm of rain last Thursday/Friday and I'm not sure why but asgain today (Friday) its pooring cats and dogs again.

 

[sailgirl]

One vote for Henri Loyd

At the risk of being accused of being a "yacht club" type, my experience with Henri Loyd has been very positive. I find their jackets to be both comfortable and long lasting. I have had mine for 2 years and have worn it extensively both on and off the boat and it still looks great . Also, the Henri Loyd line seems to be a little less expensive than Gill. Although I have not had the occasion to have to contact the manufacturer about any defects, I have heard that should you have a problem, both companies stand behind their products.

 

[John]

Henri Lloyd

We have Henri Lloyd jackets and bibs (lighter weight and breathable for our climate). The stuff is excellent. But, then again, we do not work on a crab boat.