Buyer's Guide - Wet Weather Gear

Remaining comfortable at sea is mostly about keeping dry as moisture of any form cools the skin, be it a dump of the proverbial briny down your neck or your own body perspiration after a frenetic grinding session on the winch; the result is the same. Arguably, the really clever stuff happened in the late ’80s and 1990s when the first breathable fabric, Gore-Tex, arrived on the scene to transform our oilies into sportswear.

“This includes ergonomic athletic-fitting design, better waterproofing features such as sealed zips and hoods with side windows that allow unrestricted vision,” Burke told Trade-a-Boat.

Boat shows, like the upcoming Sydney show, are great opportunities to feel, try on and compare brands. Among the large manufacturers Trade-a-Boat talked to for this editorial both Musto and SLAM will be demonstrating new ranges at Sydney along with Gill as well.

Musto’s HPX Pro Series is a professional race-developed range. Cultivated from the Volvo Camper campaign it is a stiffer, tougher, stripped-out suit, designed to endure the punishing use of professional sailors in hostile Southern Ocean conditions.

Also at Sydney is the new range of SLAM Force gear, available in four levels, with the top Force 4 arriving this summer after its development on the leading Volvo Groupama round-the-world yacht. Joining them will be Gill’s new range of women’s OS1 offshore gear so there’s plenty to check out.

Top photo: Volvo 70 Camper is a tough test of the latest Musto HPX Pro Series wet-weather gear.

GILL
British-based Gill manufactures clothing for a wide range of boating, covering everything from dinghy, powerboats to full offshore. Gill’s patented material is 5 Dot, a waterproof and breathable three-layer fabric used in its high-end OS1 Offshore range of jackets and OC1 Smocks.

The OS2 range is also offshore-ready but of a lighter weight. Good features include double flaps on the jacket zip, Solas approved reflector strips and an internal chest pocket protected by a water resistant zipper.

For further information, visit www.gillaustralia.com

The OS1 Trouser. Hot features: internal fly eliminates need to undo braces, pockets for radio and multi-tool, plus adjustable ankle flaps.

FAST FACTS
OS1 Trousers hasn an RRP of $420, available in Graphite, and sizes S to XXL

The OS1 Woman’s trouser has a female-specific drop seat, knee and seat abrasion protection, and fleece-lined handwarmer pockets.

FAST FACTS
OS1
Jacket Woman trouser has an RRP of
$420, available in Graphite, and sizes 4 to 16 (Aus)

Gill OS1 Offshore man’s jacket. Hot features: ocean-height collar with wraparound face guard and fold-down face flap, lined with a gridded thermal fleece around the neck and face for comfort. The hood is rollaway and can be adjusted, while there is a fleece lining along the forehead. 

FAST FACTS
OS1 Jacket RRP is $649, available in Red or Graphite, and sizes S to XXL

The OS1 Woman’s jacket is of similar construction to the man’s, but available in a variety of bust, waist and hip sizes.

FAST FACTS
OS1 Jacket Woman RRPs for $649, available in Red/Graphite, and sizes 4 to 16 (Aus)

MUSTO
British Musto is one of the oldest brands on the market, established in 1965 by British Olympic sailing medallist Sir Keith Musto. This specialist company offers several ranges of offshore clothing — HPX, MPX, MPX Race and the just released HPX Pro Series.

The brand is strongly favoured by blue-water sailors and is currently used by several of the Volvo round-the-world yachts including Team Camper. The feedback from this severe testing, which of course includes the Southern Ocean, is invaluable to the development of its technical HPX gear.

Musto’s range topping HPX clothing uses a three-layer technology with Gore-Tex the core, plus Ocean Technology and Gore Micro Grid Backer. For comfort, stretch Gore-Tex panels are also used to allow freedom of movement.

Due for release at the Sydney boat show, the HPX Pro Series is a result of Volvo collaboration. Unique to Musto, it is a stiffer and tougher stripped-out suit, designed to endure the punishing use of professional sailors in hostile Southern Ocean conditions.

For more information, go to www.musto.com.au

HPX Pro Series Smock. Hot features: constructed with stretch material throughout, latex neck seal, spume visor with rigid hood, and high protective collar. The Pro Series also has lifejacket attachment points, fleece-lined collar, Cordura on wear points and adjustable cuffs.

FAST FACTS
HPX Pro Series Smock RRPs for $1359, available in Red, and sizes S to XXL

HPX Ocean Jacket. Hot features: Three-layer Gore-Tex, stretch material (polyamide, Lycra), two-way YKK zip, spume visor with rigid hood, and high protective collar. The HPX also has lifejacket attachment points, fleece-lined collar, Cordura on wear points and adjustable cuffs.

FAST FACTS
HPX Ocean Jacket has an RRP of $1200, available in Red or Gold, and sizes S to XXL

HPX Pro Series Trousers. Hot features: Two-way Riri zip with gusset, dual waist adjustment, Cordura seat and knee reinforcement, articulated knees with removable protective panels, and cargo pocket.

FAST FACTS
HPX Pro Series Trousers has an RRP of $1049, available in Red or Gold, and sizes S to XXL

HENRI LLOYD
Henri Lloyd has been manufacturing top-level ocean clothing since 1963, when it began production in Manchester, England. The company offers one of the widest range of foul-weather gear on the market, with several levels of offshore and inshore clothing.

Material used is primarily Gore-Tex for its high-end Ocean Explorer range and a mix of TP fabrics throughout the coastal and inshore clothing. Reflecting the high speeds super maxis reach, Henri Lloyd’s Shockwave range of smocks and salopettes includes body armour.

The Ocean Explorer collection is constructed in three layers, with Gore-Tex core-bonded to a tough outer material and an inner lining. As one of the major brands, its gear is used at the highest levels including the Volvo team Abu Dhabi, Wild Oats XI, and the Clipper Race, the round-the world event for amateur sailors.

For more information, click on www.henrilloyd.com

Gortex Ocean Explorer Jacket. Hot features: for men and women, protected hood with patented visor, hand-warmer pockets and EPIRB compartment, storm flap on zip, welded seams, Cordura reinforcement and adjustable cuffs.

FAST FACTS
Ocean Explorer Jacket RRPs for $1160, available in Carbon/Red, and sizes S to XXL

Ocean Explorer HiFit Trousers. Hot features: for men and woman’s cut, hand-warmer pockets, storm flap, Cordura reinforcement, and unlined for quick drying and free movement.

FAST FACTS
HiFits RRP for $825, available in Carbon, Yellow or Red, and sizes to S to XXL

BURKE
Sydney-based Burke has been supplying competitively-priced sailing clothes for about 35 years and manufacturers a range of offshore and inshore gear. Its offshore Southerly Jacket uses the company’s own PB20 triple-layer breathable fabric, while its inshore range is made from CB10 fabric, which is also breathable.

CEO Martin Burke developed the Southerly range in conjunction with leading Australian yachties and his clothing has featured in many Sydney Hobart races, including being worn by the author of this article, who vouches for its durability.
For more information, log on www.burkemarine.com.au

Burke Southerly Jacket. Hot features: welded seams, draining pockets and secure internal compartment, seat reinforcement, harness loops, weatherproof two-way zip, wrist seals and adjusters, fleece-lined pockets, high-visibility tape, EPIRB and knife pocket with lanyard.

FAST FACTS
Burkey Southerly Jacket has an RRP of $445, available in Red or Navy, and sizes XS to XXL

Burke Southerly Trousers. Hot features: internal gusset, articulated knee construction, fast-draining leg pocket, 500D Cordura knee and seat reinforcement, hand-warmer pockets, wide and easy adjustable braces, and external ankle adjusters.

internal gusset, articulated knee construction, fast-draining leg pocket, 500D Cordura knee and seat reinforcement, hand-warmer pockets, wide and easy adjustable braces, and external ankle adjusters. 

FAST FACTS
Burkey Southerly Trousers RRP for $360, available in Red, and sizes XS to XXL

HELLY HANSEN
Norwegian Helly Hansen pioneered foul-weather clothing for fishermen before the company went on to create North Sea survival suits and sailing garments. Founded in 1877, the company has plenty of R&D expertise to bring to sailing. It has a wide range of wet-weather gear that includes the lighter-weight Skagen line.

Its premium Ocean gear is made of proprietary Helly Tech three-layer breathable fabric, with many high-quality features such as waterproof zips and a styling that stands out. Volvo Team Sanya are currently using this range in their round-the-world campaign, so again there will be plenty of R&D for improvement for this ocean-toughened apparel.

For further information, visit www.hellyhansen.com.au

Helly Hansen Ocean Jacket. Hot features: stretch Helly Tech fabric, YKK Aquaseal waterproof zips, Polartec fleece collar, adjustable hood, cuffs and waist, Solas approved reflectives, and articulated arms and elbows.

FAST FACTS
Helly Hansen Ocean Jacket RRPs for $1995, available in Red, and sizes S to XXL

Helly Hansen Skagen Offshore jacket. Hot features: men and women fits, two-layer construction, suites coastal sailing, fleece-lined collar, double storm flap, Scandinavian styling, and Helly Tech breathable fabric.

FAST FACTS
Helly Hansen Skagen Offshore jacket RRP is $599.95, available in Red or Yellow, and sizes S to XXL in men and women fit

Helly Hansen Ocean Trouser. Hot features: bibs seat and knee reinforcements, high back, two-way front zip, and adjustable leg flaps.

FAST FACTS
Helly Hansen Ocean has an RRP of $1399.95, available in Red, and sizes S to XXL (men only)

STORMY
Stormy from Tasmania has been making offshore safety equipment since 1993 for both commercial and recreational boating. Its range includes life rings, vests and jackets. Last year it attained ISO accreditation for its inflatable clothing, the Stormy Jacket and Stormy Vest. It is also meets Australian standards.

The internal PFD design is based on the sensible rationale that its products are effective because they are worn and not stowed, like normal lifejackets, therefore they save lives. Construction is a nylon outer shell and polyester internal lining to provide both warmth and water protection for all weather conditions. All products have an impressive five-year warranty.

For further information, see www.stormylifejackets.com.au

Stormy Jacket with Harness. Hot features: integrated PFD with manual and water activated 33g CO₂ cylinder, removable sleeves, lightweight construction, lined hood, whistle, pockets, and
a storm flap over zip.
Stormy's integrated jacket and PFD gives the wearer an extra level of safety.

FAST FACTS
Stormy Jacket RRPs for $395, the Storym Jacket with Harness for $545, available in Red, and sizes XS to XXL, with custom fit as well

SLAM
SLAM is a brand synonymous with top-level racing and highly technical clothing. Materials used are proprietary three-ply breathable nylon, with Italian styling that invariably identifies the product as SLAM.

Recently, the Italian designed range has widened its appeal, as Australia CEO Marcus Ashley-Jones told Trade-a-Boat. “With our newest Force range, we are broadening our market to cater to a wide range of sailors and offering mid-range prices as well,” he tells us.

SLAM will be releasing the new Force collection, a range of technical wet-weather gear suitable for the budget-conscious daysailor to the extreme offshore racer, at the Sydney International Boat Show. The four-level line uses two-layer nylon composites on its Force 1, 2, and 3 products, while triple layers are employed in the top-level 4. As mentioned earlier, Force 4 is currently being tested by the Volvo Groupama team and will be available here this coming summer.

For further information, go to www.slamonline.com.au

SLAM Force 4 Trousers: Hot features: adjustable waist, reinforced nylon canvas seat and knee, and several pockets for tools.

FAST FACTS
SLAM Force 4 Trousers RRP TBA, available in Grey or Red, and sizes S to XXL 

SLAM Force 4 Jacket. Hot features: race proven, three-layer rip-stop breathable nylon, rubber cuff seals, inbuilt drainage, thermo taped seals, double collar with double closures, and available with body armour.

FAST FACTS
SLAM Force 4 Jacket RRP TBA, available in Grey or Red, and sizes S to XXL

SLAM Force 3 Jacket. Hot features: inshore/offshore, two-layer rip-stop nylon breathable, storm collar, micro-fleece lined pockets, reflective strips, pocket emergency whistle, large reflective hood, and safety tabs on the zipper to attach a beacon or knife.

FAST FACTS
SLAM Force 3 Jacket RRPs for $449, trousers $399, available in Grey or Red, and sizes S to XXL

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CLOBBER
Selecting the correct gear will give you more comfort so it’s best not to scrimp. Offshore gear is built for more rigorous
use than inshore, while coastal garments tend to offer the least protection but is lighter weight — and useful in the tropics. The differences are in the weight of fabric, features and the overall standard of the garment. However, wearing heavy offshore gear for boating around Sydney Harbour is not only overkill, but will also reduce your enjoyment on the water. The varied Australian climate dictates that more than one set of gear might be needed for year-round boating. 

Note: Importantly, but beyond the scope of this editorial, are the extremities: as head, hands and feet are essential to protect.

KEY FEATURES — WET WEATHER GEAR
› Base materials used: weight, breathability, stretchable.
› Stitching quality and overall cut: welded seams.
› Durability: abrasion protection, reinforced gussets.
› Fitment: men/women cut, suitable size (to include clothes layers).
› Safety features: PLB pockets, harness points, and even
inbuilt buoyancy.
› Seals, zips and fastenings: latex seals for heavy offshore
use, corrosion-proof fastenings.
› Drop seats in trousers: for quick toilet breaks.

From Trade-a-Boat Issue 429. Photos: Burke Marine; Gill Australia; Helly Hansen Australia; Henri Lloyd; Musto Australia; SLAM Australia; Stormy; Volvo Ocean Race 2012