Apparel and Accessories

Helly Hansen is taking personal “temperature management” to a whole new level with its H2 Flow jacket, which can be worn as either a mid-layer or a stand-alone outer layer.

Gill’s new dinghy and technical-style lifejackets are configured with racing in mind, but thanks to their comfort and freedom of movement, they also work well for inshore cruising and daysailing.

Featuring a waterproof breathable nylon shell with taped seams, a Primaloft insulating layer, reflective piping and an elastic waistband, the Challenger jacket is equally suitable for cruising, PHRF racing or a walk in the woods.

Staying afloat is only part of the battle when you go overboard. It’s equally important to keep your head and mouth clear of waves and spray—which is where West Marine’s Universal Inflatable PFD thigh straps come in.

The third installment of our 2012 foul weather gear reviews brings you our favorite sportboat coastal foulies. Click here to view a PDF of the story from our November issue. And for more information on items that sparked our interest, read on.

The second installment of our 2012 foul weather gear reviews brings you our favorite racing and cruising coastal foulies. Click here to view a PDF of the story from our October issue. And for more information on items that sparked our interest, read on.

For cruisers and helmsman on racing boots, outer gloves like West Marine Cold Weather Gloves will keep your hands comfortable, yet still allow you to work the boats.

If you’re going to be at sea for any length of time, a pair of high-quality breathable boots is vital. A good pair of boots will also last much longer than a pair made of lower-cost materials using less rigorous manufacturing processes.

A look at the materials and design that go into bluewater foul-weather gear. Catch our September, October and November issue features on bluewater, coastal and dinghy foul-weather gear, and check back here for more information about our favorite picks and the materials they’re made of.

The challenge of bibs design is, not surprisingly, a very different one from that of jacket design. One the one hand, it’s a bit less complicated, because you don’t have things like collars and hoods to deal with.