Foul-weather Gear

[Patrick Turner]

I've recently been looking into getting some foul-weather gear and am having some difficulty deciding just how far to go.......so I thought I'd put it out to "the group". What's the general consensus on foul-weather gear? There is everything from light weight "breathable" shells to pretty sturdy bibs and jackets. Is the lighter weight stuff good enough or does it pay to get the sturdier stuff? At first glance the bibs and jacket seem almost too much , but better too much than too little perhaps.
I'm sailing in the San Francisco Bay, wich can get pretty fiesty, and I'm in a small boat (CD 22). Some of the name brands I'm sure you will recognize, like Gill, West Marines own stuff, Pro Rainer (little less expensive), Splashdown (I think that's the name - expensive,but good).
Anybody have any thoughts on this topic? What have you done for staying high and dry? What would you recommend and just as important,what would you recommend against?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Pat



patturner@earthlink.net

[Douglas McMullin]

Hey Pat,

Im sure there will be a million opinions on this topic... I guess it really depends on how much you sail and how much you are willing to spend??? I sail in Maine, and have worked professionally on schooners and Yachts. I have found heavy PVC (coated on Nylon)material to be the best for my purposes. There are many qualities and brands asociated with this stuff though. There is real cheapo(Kmart) and real expensive(Patigonia aka Patagucci and Henri LLoyd (spell that?). I have a mix of the last two expensive names that are fantastic. BUT.. I got them for free... Im not sure I would be so satisfied with these garments had I paid normal retail prices... I also use good old Black Diamond or Grundens rubber goods... Standard fishing rain gear... It gets low scores for comfort, but is indestructable(at least compared to other wimpy rain gear), truly water proof, and not to costly... This stuff is rugged and I still use it, but it lacks some features that I would like ie. wrist and ankle closures... One thing that seems to be a general belief... at least in these parts is that Gore Tex and other breathables just plain suck when it comes to use around salt water... They are not nearly as water proof as pvc(coated nylon), they are very expensive, and the minute they get salted up they no longer breath...

If I had to go out today buying for my CD25 I would still look for some kind of quality PVC Nylon.. I look for rugged taped seams, beefy zips, and gaskets at the ankles and wrists... Im not up on all the different brands but I think in this arena you get what you pay for...

Doug



ninab@acadia.net

[Olli Wendelin]

Having spent many a winter night in the North Atlantic on the bridge of a submarine (surfaced), I found the best combination to be rubberized canvas raingear over wool sweater(s) and pants. More recently, sailing in coastal waters off South Carolina, I use "Atlantis" raingear over spun polyester (aka pantagonia). Much lighter and snappier looking.
Whichever brand you prefer, I recommend the heaviest weight waterproof cloth. "Breathable" cloth (aka Gortex) is for freshwater use. As I understand, salt clogs the pores in the cloth, making it non-breathable.

Good Luck and Keep Warm.

Olli Wendelin
BLUE MOON
CD 30 Ketch # 36



wendelin@spawar.navy.mil

[John]

Pat: Gore now makes a new fabric that is claimed to be far superior to their original material "GORETEX". Check out their web site
www.gorefabrics.com I personally prefer gear that has adjustable neoprene gasketing at the jacket sleeve cuffs and also a decent sized bill on the jacket hood and mesh lined pockets that drain. As far as pants are concerned: heavy knees,seat and good quality suspenders that give but retain their elasticity.

[Mike O]

Can anyone tell me where I can get a catalog of Atlantis marine foul weather gear? I had a full suit for years, now I am having trouble finding it.



palapoo@bellsouth.net