Sun-resistant long pants for summer sailing?

[Joe Myerson]

Now that I'm well into my 70s, I've discovered that my skin has suffered significant side-effects from years of sailing. In recent years I've taken to wearing so-called "fishing shirts" with long sleeves to protect my arms. Of course, I wear a broad-brimmed hat. But what to wear to protect my legs?

I'm not sure that ordinary hiking pants, rated SPF 50, would stand up the the wear on the knees and backside that sailing entails.

Does anybody have any suggestions or solutions?

Hope you're all staying safe and thinking about sailing when this ends.

Best,
--Joe

[John Stone]

Hi Joe
I have had good luck with these over the last 25 years. Not inexpensive but they have held up well. They are very light weight and breath well. Dermatology recommended.

https://www.sunprecautions.com/product/21000

[Tod Mills]

I also have some Solumbra, that John posted, and I like it.

[Ben Miller]

I don't have any specific recommendations, but I've really come to like wearing synthetic hiking/outdoor pants while I'm sailing. If they're thin enough they can actually be cooler than sweating in direct sunlight and I don't need to worry (as much) about sunblock. I have a pair from REI, I think, that work great. No unusual wear on them that I've noticed.

[Paul D.]

These are good and on clearance! Any pants like these will likely be mostly nylon with some spandex. Looking at climbing specific pants, though a bit more money, will have extra abrasion resistance and move with you however contorted you get below the cockpit sole working on the packing gland!

https://www.rei.com/product/131002/rei- ... pants-mens

[mgphl52]

These are good and on clearance! Any pants like these will likely be mostly nylon with some spandex. Looking at climbing specific pants, though a bit more money, will have extra abrasion resistance and move with you however contorted you get below the cockpit sole working on the packing gland!

https://www.rei.com/product/131002/rei- ... pants-mens

Those look nice and I like the price... but, I haven't had a 30" waist for about 50 years!!!

[Neil Gordon]

Patch the parts that wear out, either sacrificial (i.e., on the outside before they wear out) or as a repair (inside or outside, after the fact). You won't look like a yacht club member, but you will look like a sailor!

[wikakaru]

If you live somewhere hot, I recommend Haggar Cool18 pants in a light color (mine are a light tan). You can buy them at Kohls. They are actually dress pants not work pants, so they don't have wear patches and won't stand up to aggressive non-skid very well, but they are very cool in a hot climate. I prefer wearing them in hot weather to wearing shorts and putting sunscreen on my legs.

Smooth sailing,

Jim

[Neil Gordon]

I'm not sure that ordinary hiking pants, rated SPF 50, would stand up the the wear on the knees and backside that sailing entails.

What's the SPF of yoga pants?

[Joe Myerson]

Thanks, all, even Neil, for the suggestions.
I bought a pair of Dickies work pants with double knee patches, but I realize they will be too hot for summer use.
Unfortunately, I can't fit into those 30-inch REI pants either. But here's my plan:

I'll order some light-colored, SPF-50 hiking pants. Then, I'll also order some patches for the knees and butt.

I am the world's worst seamster (is that the male of "seamstress?"), but it might work. Of course, if sailing doesn't start until September, I can use my Dickie work pants.

Stay well,

--Joe

[Jim Walsh]

https://castawayclothing.com/collection ... ered-pants

A fine selection befitting a yacht owner.

[mgphl52]

https://castawayclothing.com/collection ... ered-pants

A fine selection befitting a yacht owner.

Geez... I'd rather argue over lock-prop vs free-wheeling

[John Stone]

https://castawayclothing.com/collection ... ered-pants

A fine selection befitting a yacht owner.

Geez... I'd rather argue over lock-prop vs free-wheeling

Uh...not wearing those...

[Neil Gordon]

https://castawayclothing.com/collection ... ered-pants

A fine selection befitting a yacht owner.

I’ll stick with the sunburn.

[tjr818]

I think the name says it all.