Whether you call them slickers, foul weather gear, or foulies, the idea is the same. You want to be protected by foul weather. These conditions include wind and spray and rain when you are on the water and possibly from inclement weather when you are on the land. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best foul weather gear for each piece of clothing you will need when you go out sailing. Of course, each person has unique needs depending on what they use the equipment for and their activities on the water.

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These Are The Main Types Of Foul Weather Gear

Lightweight Boating or Sailing

If you are boating or sailing in light weather conditions, you will only need to be protected by medium winds, some spray, and the occasional rain. That is where lightweight inshore foul weather gear ideal. It is flexible and really comfortable, and it still protects you from these light conditions. It also makes for a good windproof jacket when you are onshore.

Dinghy Sailing

If you are dinghy sailing, you need 100% waterproof foul weather gear, but you do not actually need hoods and pockets. The gear has to be waterproof, breathable and reinforced in the corners, so they do not burn through the knees.

Coastal Cruising or Racing

For coastal cruising or racing, you need gear that you can live in for days at a time. That requires a high collar, a nice hood with good protection, good closures around the wrists, and reinforcements that make sure you are comfortable for days. 

Passage Makers and Offshore Sailing

For passage makers and ocean racers that go long distances offshore, you need ocean and offshore sailing gear. This gear is designed to be lived in for weeks at a time. It has the ultimate protection with tall collars, complete hood, lots of pockets, durable fabric, reflectors, and reinforcements all over. Ocean or offshore gear is your best bet for extended ocean passages. 

Fishing

People who use their foul weather gear for fishing need easy to clean fouiles made from PVC coated fabric to clean because of all the scales, blood, and slime that comes with fishing. 

Let’s Take a Look At The Best Foul Weather Gear For each Category

While there is a lot of foul weather gear to choose from, you can find the right best ones for you, depending on the type of use you want to get out of your equipment. You will find an excellent online at amazon or your local marina shop. However, I can guarantee that the prices at your local marina will be much higher. 

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Best Offshore Foul Weather Sailing Jacket – Gill OS2 Offshore Sailing Coat Jacket

There aren’t many sailors who need the durability and protection offered by offshore and ocean foul weather gear – but if you’re going to be sailing on the open ocean, you shouldn’t leave the dock without it. Ideal for extended offshore and ocean use over consecutive days and weeks in the harshest conditions. 

You simply can’t go wrong with the Gill Offshore Sailing Jacket (link to Amazon). It comes in many colors, but you should go with orange or red if you are sailing in rough weather conditions. Remember, the goal is to be seen, not to look stylish. You can also get comparable quality from Helly-Hansen’s Salt Flag Jacket or Navis Marine Offshore Sailing Jacket. It all comes down to preference and budget; however, the Gill option provides better quality, but that comes at a cost. 

Best Coastal Sailing Foul Weather Jacket – Helly-Hansen Waterproof Salt Light

For the “not quite offshore” crowd, where turning back is definitely not an option, and the weather might take some nasty turns for a few days, this is the foul weather gear for you. Made to be worn for days on end, this foul weather gear is lightweight but rugged enough for light offshore use. The gear in this category features full-height collars, three-layer waterproof and breathable fabrics, double cuffs, reflective details, high-contrast hoods, and reinforced high-wear areas.

Personally, I think that the Helly-Hansen Waterproof Salt Light Sailing Jacket is the best one under this category.

Best Inshore Sailing Foul Weather Jacket – Helly Hansen Men’s Salt Power Jacket

For this type of sailing, you need flexible, multi-role foul weather gear with features including athletic cuts, highly breathable waterproof fabrics, and taller collars borrowed from buoy racing partnered with the reflective details and highly durable fabrics of the coastal foul weather range. Designed for sailors who do a bit of racing and occasionally venture beyond the seawall to more open waters. This foul weather gear is also excellent for on shore wear while working on the boat or walking around town.

This category is also won by Helly Hansen and their Salt Power Jacket line. It comes with many color options, and it also looks great when worn in your daily life off the boat.

Best Dinghy Sailing Foul Weather Gear – O’Neill Full Wetsuit

Drysuits, wet suits, and wetwear represent the culmination of technology and experience in protecting yourself against the elements. When dinghy sailing in cooler weather, you’ll be grateful for having this piece of gear. These weather and water-resistant garments give sailors a physically protective boundary like a second skin that can make all the difference between an epic sea voyage and a personal maritime tragedy. 

This O’Neill Men’s Epic wet suit is the best in this category. Depending on the level of foul weather you will be sailing under, you might need to include this Neo Sport Multi-Density Wetsuit Hood and Cressi Tall Neoprene Boots in your gear.

Best Foul Weather Sailing Boots – Grundéns Deck-Boss Fishing Boots

Offshore boots are intended to keep feet dry while maintaining footing in an extremely wet environment. They come high on the calf and optimize warmth. Offshore sea boots are intended to keep the sailor in place despite undesirable conditions, with waterproof liners fitting snugly around the calf area.

The Grundéns Deck-Boss Boots are the best. They come with a rubber strap on the side that you can put on top of your sailing pants and prevent water from coming into the boot.

>>Also Read: Best Fishing Boots For Boats

Best Foul Weather Sailing Gloves – Gill Championship Long Finger Gloves

These gloves utilize cutting-edge Dura-Grip fabric on the palm, which is said to provide grip without any compromise in flexibility and durability. The pre-shaped construction fits your natural hand shape, and stretch fabric is used on the backs for comfort. Seamless wraparound Dura-Grip reinforcement on the fingers provides improved abrasion resistance and grip. There is an inside facing wrist closure to prevent the accidental starting of a watch. Get yours from Amazon here.

>>Also Read: Best Sailing Gloves

Best Neck Gaiter – Lupa Micro Fleece Gaiter

This Lupa microfleece gaiter is constructed from soft, quick-drying fleece that works to warm your neck and face in the cold winter months. This quick-drying gaiter easily converts from full face to neck protection.

Key Features:

• Quick-drying
• Offers full face and neck protection
• Soft fleece fabric
• Moisture-wicking

The LUPA Handmade Double-Layer Micro Fleece is one of the best pieces of gear you can buy on Amazon that checks all the boxes.

Best Foul Weather Sailing Pants – Navis Marine Offshore Sailing Jacket Bib Pants

A sailor’s apparel is necessary for comfort on the water. Foul weather sailing pants are designed to withstand varying degrees of weather and wear. Whether you’re sailing for recreation or professionally, shorts pants designed for the sport are key. A good foul weather pair of pants should come with padding, water-resistance, and quick-drying fabrics. For all-day comfort, technical pants are a necessary part of your apparel.

Check out this Navis Marine Offshore Sailing Jacket Bib Pants set on Amazon.

Best Socks For Foul Weather Sailing – Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Knee Length Sock

Protecting your feet is a top priority in boating. You can have great shoes or boots, but none of that matters if you don’t have the proper socks on when sailing. Whether it’s winter or summer, the right socks can make or break your comfort on the boat.

These Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Knee Length Socks provide the best comfort and waterproofness that you will need when sailing.

>>Also Read: Must-Have Boat Safety Equipment For Sailing