Foul weather gear selection

[Flagman101]

Hello, I need to get new weather gear">foul weather gear.
I can't afford the stuff the VOR racers wear and frankly do not need that much protection.
I will mostly get rain and some spray. Not a whole wave.
I'm am looking in the mdi range products.
Helly Hansen, Must, Henry Lloyd, Gill, etc.
For exemple the Gill OS1 would be very nice but sooo expensive that the OS2 seems more reasonable.
Same for the Musto MPX Gore-Tex, or the Aegir line from HH. To expensive.

So any toughs on mid level foul weather gear?
I already have my boots, base layers, mid layers etc. I only need the outside shell.
Thanks

[BlueChicago]

Practical Sailor magazine did a review on reasonably priced offshore gear in the February and March 2015 issues. Based on their review, I purchased the OS2 jacket and bibs.


Granted, they have only seen a Mac and a Queens Cup here on Lake Michigan, but so far I have been quite happy with them.


I would expect the end of season deals to be happening around this time as well.

[montenido]

Since I did not do a lot of storm sailing, I ended up using snowboarding gear for my trips up and down Pacific Baja. Usually made of Gortex, you can get pants or bibs, and a jacket in any color you might want. Worked very well.

Cheers, Bill

[Flagman101]

Did you buy your gear in 2015?
If so how is it holding up to wear and tear?

[Flagman101]

I have some Gore-Tex gear I wear right now. The down side is that they are not designed for sailing.
The don't have the reinforcement at the same spot has the sailing gear.
Colar and cuffs are not has water resistant.
But yes they work fine for the occasional bad weather.

[BlueChicago]

Originally Posted by Flagman101

Did you buy your gear in 2015?
If so how is it holding up to wear and tear?

I purchased the gear last year about this time, so I don't think I have done enough sailing in them to fairly judge how it will hold up (so far holding up perfectly). The gear seems extremely well built, with pockets and abrasion protection in the right places, and features that so far have kept me dry and comfortable.

[Flagman101]

The OS2 gear is in my runner ups for sure.

[thinwater]

I've moved to lighter gear for warm conditions and a drysuit for cold and nasty. I feel like this gives me greater range, from summer drizzle or squalls, to ice water and cold water shock protection in the winter.

[Flagman101]

Any specific make or brands or models?

[Tetepare]

I have Gill and love it.

You want sealed zippers and adjustable water proof cuffs. Reinforced pants. I don’t think brand name makes as much difference as the basic requirements.

Skip the cheap plastic stuff it gets hot and sticky.

Size it so you can comfortably wear one or more fleece layers under it. Typically I go one size up.

[tarian]

this jacket and the model above got rave reviews on YBW forums not sure if available in USA but they might post , and for the price can't argue

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/offshoro...d_8319503.html

[mholtzberg]

I have the OS2 jacket and I purchase it for St. Pete to Cuba race in 2017 and it is holding up great.

Wait until December, if you can bc everyone trys to clear out their inventory. My OS2 lists at 300 or 320 and I was able to get it for ~160

[zengirl]

Originally Posted by Flagman101

Hello, I need to get new foul weather gear.
I can't afford the stuff the VOR racers wear and frankly do not need that much protection.
I will mostly get rain and some spray. Not a whole wave.
I'm am looking in the mdi range products.
Helly Hansen, Must, Henry Lloyd, Gill, etc.
For exemple the Gill OS1 would be very nice but sooo expensive that the OS2 seems more reasonable.
Same for the Musto MPX Gore-Tex, or the Aegir line from HH. To expensive.

So any toughs on mid level foul weather gear?
I already have my boots, base layers, mid layers etc. I only need the outside shell.
Thanks

People also buy what fishermen buy.

[Sabre42Kailani]

My husband and I both have Helly Hansen gear and it works very well.

[kclancy]

I'm only a beginner sailor and usually don't find myself in very bad weather often. Therefore I try to use what I already own. For example, I have a very nice Gortex fishing jacket which doubles nicely for sailing in the rain. I will couple this jacket with a pair of Grundgen bibs. When the weather is going to be nasty, I'll where my Kokatat Gortex dry suit.

This system works well for me, plus I don't have to purchase a lot of redundant gear and put those dollars into the boat or entertainment. 😊