Having the right sailing gear and clothing is essential – especially if it’s cold. You wouldn’t want the weather to ruin what could’ve been a great, exhilarating sailing experience.
What to wear sailing in cold weather? Our top clothing and accessories kit for sailing in the cold is as follows:
- Gill Helmsman Waterproof Gloves – Click here to see it on Amazon
- Gill Three Season Gloves
- BPS Neoprene Wetsuit Glove
- Helly Hansen Men’s Crew Midlayer Rain and Sailing Jacket
- Musto Gore-Tex Ocean Racer Sailing Boots
- Zhik Men’s Hydrophobic Fleece Quarter Zip Top
- Gill ThermoShield Top
- NRS 3.0 Farmer John Wetsuit
- VBIGER Trooper Trapper Hat
- Gill Pro Breathable Front Zip Drysuit
The factors you should look for when trying to choose the right gear for cold-weather sailing are as follows:
- The material used for the gear
- The durability of the material will last for more than one sailing season
- The waterproof rating and insulation
- The thickness of the wet suit
- The grip and dexterity of the gloves
- The breathability of the gear
- The overall comfort and fit
Now, let’s take you into a thorough product review of each item to help you decide which is best suited to your needs.
Also, take a look at the best gloves for sailing, the Gill Helmsman Waterproof Gloves, on Amazon, to see its prices and great reviews:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
What to Wear Sailing in Cold Weather?
1. Gill Helmsman Waterproof Gloves
Whether the sun is shining bright or the chill is almost unbearable, you can never go wrong with a pair of Gill Helmsman Waterproof Gloves. These gloves are known for being versatile, all-weather performance gloves that are waterproof, windproof, and breathable.
It is expertly constructed with a waterproof & breathable insert, warm synthetic insulation, and Dura-Grip palm protection. The protective softshell exterior of the glove makes it more durable without affecting its overall flexibility.
This glove definitely gives you the ultimate control with its pre-curved construction for an active fit, adjustable wrist, drawcord closure, and DuraGrip reinforced grip technology.
2. Gill Three Season Gloves
The Gill Three Season Gloves are known for their Patented Dura-Grip fabric that offers an extraordinary level of grip without compromising their flexibility and durability.
They are equipped with innovative features such as seamless fingertips, seamless wrap-around palms, and an extended cuff length that can be tucked underneath spray tops or neoprene layers.
What’s more interesting is that the Gill Three Season gloves are constructed pre-shaped to fit your hands perfectly. This gives you the utmost comfort, allowing you to move freely.
3. BPS Neoprene Wetsuit Glove
Constructed with 3mm neoprene and with a fantastic grip thanks to the texture of the palm, the BPS Neoprene Wetsuit Gloves deliver everything you need for cold weather sailing.
This glove is furnished with a double-cuff system that offers a watertight seal. It’s also easier to put on and pull off compared to gloves that have higher cuffs and Velcro closures.
The insulating, water-resistant coating of the double-lined neoprene makes it comfortable to wear and pleasant on the skin without affecting the overall flexibility of the glove.
This glove is finished with taped seams that provide additional protection from water to keep you warm and dry.
4. Helly Hansen Crew Midlayer Rain and Sailing Jacket
When the weather calls for extra protection, the Helly Hansen Crew Midlayer Rain and Sailing Jacket is absolutely a go-to.
This classic marine-style jacket is equipped with a fully fleece-lined warming collar and pockets that help ensure that your neck and hands remain warm.
The cuffs are adjustable to fit you perfectly and conserve more of your own body heat. Not only is this jacket waterproof and windproof, but it is also breathable and insulated.
5. Musto Gore-Tex Ocean Racer Sailing Boots
Musto claims to have set the bar with its newest sailing boots featuring the toughest Gore-Tex footwear membrane available in the market. Musto Gore-Tex Ocean Racer Sailing Boots are equipped with a Cordura upper and gaiter to protect damage-prone areas of the boots and ensure durability.
Underneath the gaiter is a ‘Dynamic Fitbungee’ bellowed tongue lacing system that delivers a locked-down and secure yet comfortable fit.
The interior of the boot is finished with a Gore-Tex membrane lining, providing ultimate protection from water.
Ultimately, these Boots are full of unique features including a combination of:
- GripDeck rubber and GripFlex tread for the sole
- XPL water drainage at the sides of the gaiter
- Microsiped outsole pods that provide exceptional grip even on wet surfaces, and other distinct attributes
6. Zhik Hydrophobic Fleece Quarter Zip Top
Getting wet is one way to ruin your mood and lose your focus when sailing during foul, cold weather. But with the Zhik Hydrophobic Fleece Quarter Zip Top, which is made from water-repellent plush spandex fleece, you will remain dry and warm.
This super stretchy top features a discreet quarter zip. This allows you to have additional airflow and breathability when you’re looking to have increased temperature control.
7. Gill ThermoShield Top
If I’m asked, “What to wear sailing in cold weather?”, one of the first pieces of clothing that come to mind is fleece. The Gill ThermoShield Top is made from laminated PU fabric with thermal micro-fleece lining.
With its non-absorbent, bonded outer and thermal fleece lining, no wonder this sailing top is among our top picks.
The extended collar length, which can be pulled right up to give extensive coverage for your neck and face, provides enough protection and warmth, especially when the weather is unpredictable.
The ThermoShield fabric, a stretchy outer barrier that doesn’t absorb water, combined with a comfortable fleece interior, is the ideal top that can actually help you enjoy sailing despite the cold weather.
8. NRS 3.0 Farmer John Wetsuit
Made with 3mm high-stretch neoprene providing comfort and warmth, the NRS 3.0 Farmer John Wetsuit is among the most popular wetsuits.
It has 2mm high-stretch panels in the shoulder and behind the knees that offer impressive flexibility and freedom of movement.
This wetsuit saves you the worry of getting wet with its durable glued and blind-stitched seams that reduces water entry. It also features an extra-long, double-pull YKK front relief zipper that eliminates the hassle of putting it on.
Most importantly, the wetsuit protects you from the cold with its ThermalPlush interior and Titanium laminate adhesive that reflects heat to your body, thus, keeping you warmer.
9. VBIGER Trooper Trapper Hat
Your face is one of the most vulnerable parts of your body when it comes to chilly conditions. Equip yourself in the toughest of cold sailing conditions with the VBIGER Winter Trooper Trapper Hat.
This is a hat that perfectly fits your head to protect you against the harshest wind, rain, snow, sleet, and cold spray of the ocean.
It is equipped with ear flaps, a removable chin strap, and an adjustable wire in the peak should you need to change its position for better viewing. This hat proves itself valuable in any kind of weather, featuring a soft thermal lining for cold days and a double layer of laminated fabric for rainy days.
10. Gill Pro Breathable Front Zip Drysuit
Want total protection from the elements? Then you’ll want to equip yourself with a drysuit. Made from the highest quality material, Gill’s three-layer fabric, Pro Breathable Front Zip Drysuit, offers the utmost protection against water and cold weather.
This lightweight Drysuit is equipped with built-in adjustable braces that fit your body size perfectly to prevent water from getting in your suit.
It is finished with fully taped seams and an outer nylon layer reinforced with a polyester lining. Both of these layers are coated with a PU finish for extensive water protection.
It also contains ingenious features and details, such as the Durable Dynat waterproof zipper, pre-marked collar and cuff seals, and internal suspenders for an enhanced comfortable fit.
Conclusion – What to Wear Sailing in the Fall, Winter, or Any Cold Weather?
So, to revisit our initial question, “What to wear sailing in cold weather?” Listed below are our top clothing picks to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable:
- Gill Helmsman Waterproof Gloves – Click here to see it on Amazon
- Gill Three Season Gloves
- BPS Neoprene Wetsuit Glove
- Helly Hansen Men’s Crew Midlayer Rain and Sailing Jacket
- Musto Gore-Tex Ocean Racer Sailing Boots
- Zhik Men’s Hydrophobic Fleece Quarter Zip Top
- Gill ThermoShield Top
- NRS 3.0 Farmer John Wetsuit
- VBIGER Trooper Trapper Hat
- Gill Pro Breathable Front Zip Drysuit
These items are some of the best additions to your sailing gear if you plan on sailing in the fall, winter, or any cold weather. Several factors make these the best picks.
As you proceed on your search for cold-weather sailing gear, ensure that you understand what you’re looking for. Identifying the factors that are most important to you will greatly help you find what suits you best.
Don’t let the cold weather stop you from heading out. Sailing can be enjoyed in any season and any weather. In fact, I really enjoy cold weather when on my sailboat for some of the fastest winds and an exhilarating experience on the water.
Get the proper clothing and gear, and you will start to love even the foulest of weather.
Related reading:
10 Best Sailing Gloves for Men
8 Best Waterproof Sailing Gloves
