SeanRW
03-27-2009, 06:30 PM
Help ! I'm lost in a maze of fabrics, features, vendors, conflicting recommendations and prices !!
Seriously though, I am trying to find out what people do for foul weather gear, what they prefer / recommend and what to avoid. Personally, I'm using the Gortex shell of a winter jacket of mine as my primary "foulie" but am beginning to think that maybe it's time to invest in something specifically geared to the task at hand. Especially if I want to carry on with my eventual goal of offshore sailing from NE Americas, through the Caribbean, the ARC, E-ARC, Med etc.
I know that weight (thickness) is dependent on the expected conditions I'll be facing. Light for coastal, heavier for worse conditions. Now all that being said & done, I'm still at a loss as to who or what is actually a reputable and worthwhile investment. Now I say investment because I've seen prices range for $200 - $700 for a jacket alone. throw in a pair of coveralls and I could be looking at $1300.
Yet I've read and heard from friends that it's useful to have 2 seperate sets, one for light weather conditions (and pocketbook comfort) and then a 2nd set for the more rigorous sailing environments of offshore cruising.
I've looked at gear offered by Gill, Harken, Westmarine, Lloyds, Suunto (which was a revalation to me), even camping gear, though I doubt sailing in a poncho is practical. Reinforcement on elbowas & seat, reflective patches, built in harnesses, neoprene, sheesh.....HELP....I'm not signing up for the Volvo Race but I don't want to get soaked while out there, nor do I want to get soaked (financially) for something I'd never really need.
Seriously though, I am trying to find out what people do for foul weather gear, what they prefer / recommend and what to avoid. Personally, I'm using the Gortex shell of a winter jacket of mine as my primary "foulie" but am beginning to think that maybe it's time to invest in something specifically geared to the task at hand. Especially if I want to carry on with my eventual goal of offshore sailing from NE Americas, through the Caribbean, the ARC, E-ARC, Med etc.
I know that weight (thickness) is dependent on the expected conditions I'll be facing. Light for coastal, heavier for worse conditions. Now all that being said & done, I'm still at a loss as to who or what is actually a reputable and worthwhile investment. Now I say investment because I've seen prices range for $200 - $700 for a jacket alone. throw in a pair of coveralls and I could be looking at $1300.
Yet I've read and heard from friends that it's useful to have 2 seperate sets, one for light weather conditions (and pocketbook comfort) and then a 2nd set for the more rigorous sailing environments of offshore cruising.
I've looked at gear offered by Gill, Harken, Westmarine, Lloyds, Suunto (which was a revalation to me), even camping gear, though I doubt sailing in a poncho is practical. Reinforcement on elbowas & seat, reflective patches, built in harnesses, neoprene, sheesh.....HELP....I'm not signing up for the Volvo Race but I don't want to get soaked while out there, nor do I want to get soaked (financially) for something I'd never really need.