The very best of today\u2019s technical clothing is extremely good and will keep you warm and dry in all but the most extreme conditions imaginable.The massive choice of sailing jackets \u2013 and wildly varying price points \u2013 can be bewildering even for the most experienced sailors. This can make figuring out the best sailing jacket for your specific needs a daunting task. Of course, this is an easy problem to solve if you simply throw money at it.
\nHowever, for most people would mean spending far more than is necessary and at the high end some of the pricing is eye watering.
\nIn any case, if the only sailing jacket you have is truly top-notch one you\u2019re likely to wear it out in conditions that lower spec garments would handle with no problem. And it may not be as comfortable in ordinary weather as cheaper alternatives.
\nMy Gill OS1 sailing jacket, for instance, is great for cold and properly wet night watches, but the extra-high collar can feel claustrophobic in lesser conditions.
\nFor many people it\u2019s therefore a better option to start with a coastal or inshore specification sailing jacket and then add a high-spec offshore one when it\u2019s needed.
\nThere are two key exceptions to this. Firstly, those who race offshore, where the weight and bulk of kit needs to be kept to a minimum. Equally delivery crew will often be at sea in conditions that keep all but a handful of cruising yachts in port.
\nHow to choose the best sailing jacket
\nHow can you identify the best sailing jackets? All have some features in common, including articulated arms for ease of movement, reinforcement in the lower back panel, handwarmer pockets, a quick-dry fabric lined collar and effective cuff seals.
\nAll the key brands have become very good at the attention to detail at the design stage that\u2019s needed for these elements to work well.
\nOne important aspect that\u2019s not often fully understood is the differences in fabric types.
\nLess expensive garments usually employ a two-layer outer material, which require a separate inner lining. This can make the sailing jacket more awkward to put on and take off, and adds to the bulk in your kit bag.
\nThree layer fabrics don\u2019t need an inner lining and from a comfort perspective are therefore preferable to two-layer options. They also tend to dry a lot faster.
\nThis puts to bed the old idea that a heavy sailing jacket automatically offers better protection.
\n7 of the best sailing jackets available right now<\/p>\n
Zhik INS300 and INS200
\nThere\u2019s a lot to be said for a choosing the best inshore jacket you can find. It will be lightweight, comfortable to wear, very easy to move around in and is likely to see a lot of use.
\nZhik\u2019s INS200 and 300 series are arguably the most carefully designed of all. Both are made of an impressive three-layer fabric with taped seams and have a sculpted fit that minimises excess material.
\nThe men\u2019s INS300 also has a lined collar and reflective detailing that will help locate the wearer at night.
\nBuy men\u2019s INS300 on Zhik.com
\nBuy women\u2019s INS200 on Zhik.com
\nNote: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/p>\n
Gill OS3 Coastal Jacket
\nGill\u2019s latest lightweight OS3 fabrics use a fundamentally more sustainable material than the long-running industry standard durable water repellant (DWR) coatings.
\nThese have been used for decades to improve waterproofing are are what makes the water bead off a new jacket.
\nHowever, DWR finishes are typically based on fluoropolymers that have toxic by-products which persist in the environment.
\nInstead, Gill\u2019s OS3 range uses a plant-based finish the performs the same function as the DWR coating.
\nThe OS3 jacket is made of a two-layer fabric with a non-absorbent, quick drying lining.
\nIt has a high-visibility hood, adjustable cuffs with PU inner seals, an internal storm guard and is available in men\u2019s and women\u2019s fits.
\nBuy Men\u2019s Gill OS3 coastal jacket on Amazon
\nBuy Women\u2019s Gill OS3 coastal jacket on Amazon<\/p>\n
Musto Sardinia Jacket 2.0
\nThis is an economic and very lightweight option that\u2019s ideal for daysailing in summer.
\nIt uses the same two-layer BR1 fabric Musto uses for its full-specification BR1 inshore jacket, and has a detachable hood, plus four pockets, including an inner chest pocket that gives valuables some protection from the wet.
\nOn the downside, there are no hand-warmer pockets, the collar is not fleece lined and there\u2019s no inner cuff seal.
\nNevertheless it packs super-small, is comfortable and doesn\u2019t restrict movement.
\nYou won\u2019t need anything better for many decent summer days and it can be worn ashore as well.
\nBuy it now from Musto
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Decathlon Triboard Sailing Jacket Offshore 900
\nThis French company develops and retails its own brand products, but doesn\u2019t change its ranges unnecessarily merely to suit the whims of fashion.
\nThe result is well thought-through long-lasting gear at very competitive prices.
\nThis is the firm\u2019s top-specification offshore jacket, made from a three-layer fabric with four times the waterproofing rating of typical inshore products.
\nIt also has a high collar, adjustable hood with rigid visor, double sleeve seals and two hand warmer pockets.
\nIn addition there are two cargo pockets and a further secure and drier pocket under the storm flap.
\nBuy it now from Decathlon<\/p>\n
Musto BR2 Coastal Jacket
\nThis is an ideal mid-range jacket from one of the big name manufacturers.
\nThe two-layer fabric has a significantly higher level of water resistance than inshore products.
\nThe articulated cut ensures freedom of movement and there\u2019s a double storm flap, fluorescent hood and high fleece-lined collar.
\nThere are also fleece hand warmer pockets, plus two cargo pockets, an internal zipped pocket and a sunglasses pocket.
\nReflective detailing shows up clearly at night and there are double waterproof cuffs.
\nBuy men\u2019s Musto BR2 Coastal Jacket from Musto
\nBuy women\u2019s Musto BR2 Coastal Jacket from Musto
\nBuy men\u2019s Musto BR2 Coastal Jacket from Marine Super Store
\nBuy women\u2019s Musto BR2 Coastal Jacket from Marine Super Store<\/p>\n
Helly Hansen Aegir Race Jacket
\nThis range was developed with serious ocean racing in mind, with considerable input at the design stage from professional sailors, including the Mapfre team in the last edition of the Volvo Ocean Race.
\nThe Aegir Race Jacket is a premium choice for deep water races that last several days, such as the Rolex Fastnet Race and the Newport-Bermuda.
\nSmaller pockets and zippers compared to the standard Aegir products create a sleek and light design that makes it easy to move around.
\nA four-layer fabric with a very high level of waterproofing is used and attention to detail is excellent.
\nBuy men\u2019s Helly Hansen Aegir Race Jacket on Amazon
\nBuy women\u2019s Helly Hansen Aegir Race Jacket on Amazon
\nBuy women\u2019s Helly Hansen Aegir Race Jacket on eBay
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
Gill OS1 Ocean Smock
\nSmocks work much better than jackets for really serious work.
\nGranted, they are not as easy to put on or take off, but the neck seal and lack of a front zip means they are intrinsically far more waterproof.
\nA further advantage is that, unlike a big and heavy jacket, they don\u2019t restrict movement.
\nGill\u2019s OS1 also has all the key elements you would expect in a serious ocean specification jacket.
\nThese include a high lined collar, first class hood, hand warmer pockets and reinforced bottom section.
\nIt also benefits from neoprene cuff and waist seals to keep the water out in properly testing conditions.
\nBuy it now on Amazon
\nDidn\u2019t find what you\u2019re looking for? Head to Amazon\u2019s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.<\/p>\n
If you enjoyed this\u2026.<\/p>\n
Yachting World is the world\u2019s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.<\/p>\n
Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.<\/p>\n
The post Best sailing jackets: from inshore to ocean-ready waterproofs appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The very best of today\u2019s technical clothing is extremely good and will keep you warm and dry in all but the most extreme conditions imaginable.The massive choice of sailing jackets \u2013 and wildly varying price points \u2013 can be bewildering … <\/p>\n