Apparel + Accessories

Sheltered Existence

by Sail Staff, Posted February 6, 2009

Looking for a dry bag that can also serve as a grocery carrier or an adventure pack? DeMar Designs’s new Cortez backpack is well worth your attention. The backpack features open-mesh construction (with some nylon paneling), a generous vertical zipper opening that allows top-to-bottom access, accessory pockets, compression straps, an internal pocket for a hydration unit (not supplied), a removable

Offshore Comfort

by David Schmidt, Posted January 8, 2009

Offshore ComfortIf you sail regularly offshore, you know the absolute importance of a good, warm, dry pair of seaboots. There are plenty on the market, most of which are very good, and -- like ski boots -- a lot comes down to individual fit, but if your foot is a fairly common size, you'll go far to find a better pair than the Dubarry Ultimas. These Gore-Tex-lined leather

Dry Hikers

by Sail Staff, Posted November 18, 2008

One of the great things about sailing is that you never quite know where your travels will take you. If you’re a cruiser, there are usually trails to be hiked in far-flung destinations, and if you’re a racer you’ve undoubtedly found yourself ashore in not-so-ideal weather conditions, waiting to see what the RC will do. Sure, you could wear your foul-weather gear, but chances are good that muddy

Eagle Eye

by Sail Staff, Posted November 18, 2008

Having the ability to clearly discern ripples in the water from afar, or to spot a menacing rock in a glare, are boons to the racer and cruiser alike. But combining stellar optics, great sun protection, and stylish good looks is what separates good glasses from the great. Kaenon Polarized’s line of sailing-orientated glasses fit into the later category, and are sure to be a hit with anyone on

New Cat on the Block

by Sail Staff, Posted November 18, 2008

If you follow high-end ocean racing, you’ve heard about Puma’s debut entry in the Volvo Ocean Race, but what you may not know is that Puma went the full mile, designing and building all of the team’s gear, which is available to the general public. The Cruising Jacket, built from two-layer Gore-Tex will keep you dry when things get snotty. The jacket features a high collar and packable hood, and

Gear Test: Foulies

by Sail Staff, Posted August 5, 2008

We had the opportunity to test top-of-the-line foul weather gear from Musto and Gill HPX Ocean and Gill Atlantic gear on a Southern Ocean sailing expedition to South Georgia,” writes our man in te field, Hamish Laird, skipper of the high-latitudes charter boat Seal.. “The Musto HPX Ocean and Gill Atlantic suits have now done over 5000 miles on the boat in cold, wet

Chaco Z1 Sandals

by Sail Staff, Posted July 10, 2008

Looking for the perfect sailing/hiking/exploring sandals? Look no farther than the Chaco Z1. These kicks are equally at home on a trail, on a beach, in the surf, or on a deck—provided you buy them with the nonskid Unaweep sole. Credit the versatility to an ingenious strap-tightening system. Simply pull on the adjustment strap and you’re set; there’s no Velcro to come

Puma Barrel Bag

by Sail Staff, Posted June 13, 2008

By David SchmidtFinding the right ocean-going seabag isn’t easy. Buy one that's too big, and you’ll fill it (to the annoyance of your skipper, who might send you packing to repack). Buy one that’s too small, and you’ll likely regret that too. Luckily, the new Barrel Bag, part of Puma’s sailing gear for its Volvo Ocean Race team, is

Shady Threads

by Sail Staff, Posted May 15, 2008

By David SchmidtAs a kid, I scoffed at sunscreen. Now I seek out intelligent sailing gear that comes loaded with an SPF rating (perhaps that’s the inner kid still hating to rub on the slippery stuff). Sunday Afternoon’s Sun Tee shirt perfectly fits this bill. Not only does it have an SPF 50 rating, but its soft, meshlike fabric feels cool on a hot day, and it dries super-fast, even

Sun Day Afternoons’s Adventure Hat

by Sail Staff, Posted April 15, 2008

When I was a junior sailor, I scoffed at sun protection; now that rates of skin cancer have dramatically increased, I pay close attention. Sun Day Afternoons’s Adventure Hat offers great UV protection (the hat’s material carries a 50+ SPF rating) and, thanks to its generous, down-sloped bill, plenty of shade. What caught my eye was the hat’s long back veil, which keeps the sun off your neck. The