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Love to venture out on the seas with your loved ones? Are you planning a family trip on a sailing boat? You may think that the regular coats and jackets will protect you from the varying temperature, then we suppose you might be totally wrong. Once you get soaked up in the water, you will be prone to hypothermia, cold, and whatnot.
Sailing jackets provide an easy and comfortable solution to protect your body from the chilly weather. With its unique design it keeps you dry and comfortable. The jackets also provide easily accessible pockets and zippers, which elevates the user-friendliness of the product.
When you are about to set sails for the ocean, what you must have is a sailing jacket. All the sailors look for these essential gears before going to the ocean.
These waterproof jackets not only help to keep you dry and warm but also enhance your look while you are in the water. So, you must buy a sailing jacket before you are leaving with your sailboat. With these jackets, you can stay warm in colder weather conditions and.
They are the perfect choice for offshore sailing that is very useful to keep you soak-free during winter. If you are avid for sailing, you must consider these jackets for a sail.
Sailing is fun until you experience a rough wave or a wild storm. In such situations, you have to regulate the wheel of your boat or maintain the sails, so the waves keep the boat stable.
So, there will be high chances of getting drenched with the water. Having a waterproof sailing jacket will help you to stay dry and soak-free.
Moreover, when you are sailing during the winter season, you must need a jacket for warmth and comfort. Otherwise, it will be difficult to sustain throughout a longer voyage.
Therefore, it will be better to get prepared with these jackets in advance so that you can deal with any type of tough situations in the ocean and enjoy your sailing without any hassles or discomfort.
Both the sailing jackets and life jackets are used for water activities, including watersports and rapid rescue. So, you may find these jackets have no differences at all. But the reality is that a sailing jacket has some unique features making them different from life jackets.
Here we will discuss the differences in detail so you can choose your sailing jackets without any confusion.
The sailing jackets keep you warm and dry when the tides are roaring and splashing. Also, you can use them to stay soak-free from rain.
Usually, these jackets are available in the sailing shops. They also protect you from getting wet during watersports and other water activities.
On the other hand, a life jacket is used as a floating gear, which helps you to keep afloat in the water. Life jackets are helpful for emergencies. With a life jacket, you can prevent yourself from drowning.
These jackets are commonly used for watersports per se you can find them in airplanes, swimming pools, cruise ships, etc.
Having the right sailing gear and outfits are very important for a good sailing experience. Also, they ensure the comfort and safety of the sailors. Therefore, you must search for the best sailing jacket before starting your voyage. Know the different types of sailing jackets to buy the right one for you. There are five types including –
If you have a shore jacket, you will be able to work comfortably on the boats or spend some days on the dock during cold weather. They are also suitable for just relaxing on the sea beach.
You should check the fleece lining of the jackets. It is suggested to get this jacket with lining. A removable lining will have an added benefit. Fleece lining is important to stay warm in windy conditions.
Also, you should go for a waterproof jacket. No matter you are going onshore or offshore, having a waterproof jacket will keep you less worried about getting drenched.
These jackets have a casual look. All the jackets and trousers are designed in a technical way to keep the wearers dry, warm, and safe.
Keel racing is considered as one of the most high-intensity sports. These jackets are specifically made for the crew members to ensure that they can perform their works without any discomfort.
Keelboat racing jackets are waterproof and extremely breathable. They come lightweight. So, overall they are very comfortable to wear and do not impede your movement in the water.
Inshore jackets are appropriate for the day sailing. If you are planning to sail near the shore, you can look for these jackets.
They are highly resistant to weather, so they are able to handle the harshest weather conditions, whether it is a strong gust of wind or heavy rain. Also, these jackets are designed with hoods.
Because of the waterproof features, inshore yachting jackets ensure the highest safety and comfort. Moreover, these jackets have better breathability.
You can move comfortably wearing a jacket as it is very lightweight. It is recommended to choose the right fit so the jacket will not slip off while sailing.
This type of jacket is convenient for both day and overnight sails, and they can deal with the poor weather conditions as well.
These jackets have special designs for the coast sailing. Designed with multiple pockets and in-built reflective patches, they are perfect for better visibility in low light situations.
Generally, Coastal jackets are a little longer than the inshore jackets, and they reach below your waist. The high collars combined with the larger hoods are effective in protecting you from stormy weather. Besides, they are waterproof and highly breathable.
If you are in search of the best protective jackets, these jackets will entertain all your purposes. Therefore, most sailors look for these jackets before they start their sail.
They come with the largest size so you can easily find them out. Because of the storm hoods and high collars, they can protect you from the harshest elements. With these heavy, waterproof jackets, you can easily keep yourself dry and warm during your journey.
These are the toughest jackets of all. The fluorescent colored reflective patches increase the visibility in low light conditions.
With different styles and variants, you must know the basic terminology associated with the jackets. Before investing in the product, you should understand the pros and cons of different types and materials.
The buying guide provides you all the information on these elements. You can easily go through it and select the best product for yourself.
Let us dive into all the characteristics of the product.
The comfort of the sailing jackets is closely related to the materials used in designing the jackets.Different materials come with different properties.
Wool is not a great choice for your sailing jacket because it will get heavier when wet. Though wool is soft and good for skin, nowadays, synthetic fibers are highly used in these jackets.
Rayon is not a synthetic fiber, and it has some similar properties, like natural fibers. Rayon is a type of manufactured fiber that is composed of natural elements like woods. Since they are regenerated from cellulose fiber, they differ from the synthetic fibers.
Moreover, you can have a softer feel like wool, cotton, or linen. Rayon fabrics are not only soft and smooth but also comfortable and breathable, so they are appropriate for a long journey.
Another important thing is that rayon fabric is extremely absorbent. However, they do not hold the body heat and thus ensure maximum comfort in hotter weather. So, it will be a good choice to keep you cool effectively.
Premium quality fabrics like Neoprene, Gore-Tex, Fleece, and more are used in making microfibres that help to transport moisture from the skin in humid conditions.
As they can maintain moisture in an effective way, they are ideal for transporting moisture started on your skin.
Your sailing jackets may get exposed to direct sunlight for a long period. Being resistant to UV rays microfibres ensure the durability and longevity of the jackets.
Layers are the vital parts of the sailing jackets that you should not overlook while making your choice. Layering is important because it helps to protect you in cold weather in the best possible way.
In the colder areas, your body temperature may fluctuate frequently. So you must choose the layers carefully to keep yourself protected. Here are the three types of layers –
This layer gets in touch with your skin directly. The main purpose of having this layer is to transport moisture. It plays a great role in the transport moisture from your skin to the next layers of the jacket. This is how your skin stays warm and dry.
The base layer is basically underwear. The underwear is able to absorb moisture properly so that it can transport it in less time. But make sure that this part can get dry faster.
The middle layer works for insulation, and thus it is popular as the thermal layer. Mid-layer can keep you warm significantly. It is recommended to go for fiber materials for this layer instead of cotton.
If you are sailing in hotter places, you can use this mid-layer as the outer layer. As it is flexible enough, it provides you with the utmost comfort while sailing.
It is better to choose the outside layer, which is resistant to weather. This is also called the shell layer that must be robust in design to withstand elements.
You can protect your body from external influences like waves, rains, and storms because of this layer. Nowadays, most of the sailing outfits are designed with breathable membranes, which are waterproof as well.
When buying your sailing jacket, make sure the outside layer is designed with storm collars for better protection.
The sailing jackets must be functional without spoiling the style. If you opt for high-quality jackets, you will find a smart design along with a nice cut.
The style and construction of your sailing jacket matters a lot because you do not want to compromise your appearance even if you are on your sailboat. No one wants to look shabby, wearing a sailing outfit, so it is highly important to pick up the right design.
Also, you should remember that designs like vents, straps, brand logos add a sophisticated look to your jacket. A sailing jacket modeled with a hoodie or popped collar looks equally attractive.
Though these additional features make your jacket look more stylish, they have some benefits as well. For instance, a jacket with a hoodie is good to protect your head from rain and windy weather. So, you should consider these features before buying your jackets.
Some people do not give priority to the pockets, but you should make sure that the sailing jacket you are choosing is designed with pockets. Pockets have several benefits for the sailors.
When you are setting sail for some days, you will need some essential gear, tools, snacks, etc. Having pockets in your sailing jacket are useful to keep those small things within your reach securely.
You will see some sailing jackets that are designed with inner pockets that can be zipped properly. You can keep your mobile, wallet, and important documents in these inner pockets.
Outer pockets are usually secured with velcro closures. Sometimes, there are fleece-lined pockets to keep your hands warm. Make a list of essential things to carry and choose the pockets accordingly.
Generally, most of the brands come up with a wide range of sizes for the sailing jackets that vary from small to extra large. Moreover, there are different sizes of jackets for male and female sailors.
When you buy these jackets, you must go through the sizing chart of the jackets given by the manufacturers. These charts have the measurement of the shoulder, chest, and waist. So you must check the size chart properly to get the right fit of your jacket.
You should get a size which is not too large or too small. As the fit for a men's jacket and women's jacket is not the same, you must consider the right size to get the best fit. Top-quality jackets offer a better fit for the sailors.
If you have a larger jacket, it may stop you from keeping yourself warm because it will have enough space for the wind to pass through your jacket. Also, make sure the jacket is not right so you can have enough free space to move comfortably.
A sailing jacket with a hoodie not only does increase the style but also supports you for better protection. If your jacket has a hood, it will help you to save your head from rain and wind.
However, you must consider that the hood does not impede your peripheral vision. Some jackets come up with adjustable closures that provide better visibility for the sailors. You are allowed to adjust the hood closures according to your convenience.
You can keep the hood in the collar pockets when you are not using it. Hoodies are designed with bright colors and reflective patches to maximize visibility inside the water.
Adjustable cuffs are useful to keep your hands warm. These are elastic in nature that is effective in keeping the sleeve down over the hand gloves.
Drawcord is another important factor to consider so that you can get the right fit for your sailing jacket. This is the easiest way to determine the perfect fit of the jackets.
You will see the drawcords at the bottom of your jacket. You may also check the back of your hoodie or near the waist area. These cords are attached to the jackets to make sure you can adjust them as you want for a snug fit. They help to adjust the fit according to your comfort.
The zips of the sailing jackets are a little advanced from the zips attached to the regular waterproof jackets. The previous type has alternative zips that perfectly match with the purposes. Typically, four types of zips are available for the boating jackets which are discussed below—
High-performance jackets are designed with water-resistant zips. They are mainly used on the main zips of the jackets besides pockets.
The downside of the water-resistant zips is they may damage the fabric used in the storm flaps. But, you can reduce the weight of your jacket by using this zip. Bear in mind that water-resistant does not mean waterproof.
So, it is better not to keep your important documents and mobiles in the pockets. Some water-resistant zips can withstand the toughest weather conditions, so choose your zips accordingly.
Without using the zip-pull, you can not move the locking zips. They do not open when you are working. So these zips are very convenient to be used because you are able to keep your jacket locked as long as you want. The zips will stay in their place until you move them. It is very important for your sailing jacket, so you do not have to worry about the unprotected pockets.
There are also no-slip zips that work as an alternative to the locking zips. They are designed with a series of bumps that help the wearer to pull the zip easily, but it remains stable while moving.
Asymmetric zips do not straight up the middle of the jackets. Instead, they are pointed to the side of your chin. They will reduce irritation on the chin as they do not touch your chin directly. Moreover, these zips add a stylish look to the boating jackets.
If you are going to use a harness with your sailing jacket, you can go for a model designed with 2-way zips. You will be able to unzip your jacket from the hem, but you have no need to unzip the jacket from the top. It ensures better weather protection and heat retention so you can use the jackets comfortably in any weather conditions.
For longer jackets, you can enjoy free movement that is very much required in sailing. You do not need to unzip the entire jacket. You can undo the portion you want as per your wish.
The importance of storm flaps is not something that you can overlook. Especially if you have previous experience of sailing, you must know how much it is important to protect your head from storm and rain. With a view to that, most manufacturers are likely to develop their sailing jackets with storm flaps.
You can see the storm flap over the main zip or on the pocket zips. Generally, these flaps come with a simple design of waterproof fabrics working as a barrier. They are secured with the help of loops and hooks. Double storm flaps provide the maximum protection from two sides of the jackets.
Rain drain fatality helps to stop the rainwater from getting inside, and it bypasses the rainwater outside the jacket. This protects the pockets from getting damaged by the rainwater and thus makes it long-lasting.
Although every jacket comes with its washing criteria, you need to read the label on the jacket. We still prefer you to do machine washing. It is easy, quick, and super-reliant. However, for brand-specific instructions, it is necessary to read the above label and then follow the given instructions.
No, but we recommend you buy jackets with adjustable hood closures. It is because they help you wear the hoods and remove them according to the prevailing weather. Whenever there is rain, you can put on your hood while you can remove it when it is sunny or winds blow.
No, the sailing jacket may seem like a life jacket as it is waterproof. However, its function is not the same. If you wear a sailing jacket and get into the water, don't presume that you will start floating. After a few minutes, if you don't know how to swim, you will start drowning.
Offshore jackets are the most amazing and keep you shielded from all kinds of things such as winds, cold, and rain. It is all because they have all the layers of protection as it is both warm and waterproof, making it the most protection of all types.
Investing in proper sailing gear and equipment will allow you to experience a smooth and comfortable expedition. The sailing jackets provide adequate protection from weather and also keeps you dry from the water splashes.
Here, we have provided a comprehensive buying guide that covers all the bases of the jacket. Read it and select an appropriate product to enjoy your sailing experience.
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