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.
If you missed our Bluewater Foul-Weather Gear coverage, click here.
Base Layers
There are few things in this world quite as rank as a well-worn set of long underwear. The Nilit that Musto uses includes antibacterial agents including silver ion technology, while Gill’s i2 Base Layer, which includes a highly porous weave to allow perspiration to escape, employs activated carbon derived from bamboo to ensure the garments are not only comfortable but easy on your nasal passages as well. $30/ea
Not surprisingly, given its history supplying mountain climbers and polar explorers, Patagonia also manufacturers a wide range of different base layers suitable for pretty much any climate you can imagine. The warmest is their new Capilene 4 Expedition Weight, but their Capilene and Merino lines both come in four increments of warmth to suit your every weather need. Top $99; bottom $79
Mid Layers
Musto’s Shell Middle Layer Salopettes are a snug, head-to-toe mid layer option for a chillier day of coastal racing. The lightweight shell and polyester fleece lining are designed for comfort and warmth. Legs are tapered and ankles elasticated to fit easily beneath another layer or boot. Shoulder panels stretch, and the zipper is double-ended to make getting them on and off as easy as possible in a rocky cabin. 165 euros
Henri Lloyd’s Genesis Jacket is a great choice for a mid layer that’s also waterproof and can be worn on its own. Hydrophobic Primaloft Insulation will keep you warm on a long cruise, and details like reflective collar and wrist adjusters keep you safe and comfortable. Best of all, this jacket doesn’t overthink things with too many unnecessary bells and whistles. $139
Outer Layer
Musto’s BRI Race Jacket will keep you dry on inshore race days. You don’t want to don it in chilly offseason weather, but for the bulk of your season, the Race Jacket will get you to the finish. A fleece-lined collar, double-velcro cuffs, waterproof zipper and foldaway hood will keep you insulated from wind and spray. Exterior is comprised of Polyamide and Polyurethane. Jacket comes in a variety of colors. 179 euros
Shoes
In its 2012 line, Sebago tackled the classic boat shoe and added its signature high-quality construction to create a new line of handsewn boat shoes that can be worn on deck, at the club and everywhere in between. The uppers are constructed with a single piece of full-grain leather that has been hand-sewn to the sturdy rubber, slip-resistant, non-marking sole. The rawhide laces feed through non-corrosive brass eyelets and the detailed stitching creates a truly classy look.
The line is expansive, and we especially liked the men’s Grinders and the women’s Spinnakers, which add a discreet tribal look to give the classic dockside some flair. Grinders $90; Spinnakers $95
Boots
TheSperry SeaRacer Boothas everything you’ve been seeking: waterproof construction, insulated hdrophobic mesh and lining, odor reduction treatment on all materials touching the foot, a grippy sole for wet or dry conditions and something Sperry calls “adaptive wave siping technology” that disperses water to prevent slipping. They’re also lightweight, soft and flexible for easy movement and comfort even with shorter socks. A bungee cord at the top ensures heat stays in and water out. $180
