Are you in search of the best offshore foul weather gear? Your search has come to an end. In this post, we have elucidated the top-ranking foul weather gear to make your offshore activity fun while fully protecting from the dreary conditions.
Offshore foul weather gear is made to endure heavy-duty use and provide optimal protection to the boater. If you spend long weeks at sea for a good period of the year, you need to invest in foul weather gear. They will keep you warm and dry when offshore sailing or fishing.
Offshore foul weather gear is a huge investment hence should not be taken lightly. There are many options on the market to choose from, making it daunting to know the right gear to settle for. Worry not. We have researched the market and rounded up the best gear to help you make a sound choice.
Without further ado, let’s find out more about the best offshore foul weather gear:
Best Offshore Foul Weather Gear
1)Gill OS2 Offshore Sailing Jacket
Gill OS2 Offshore Sailing Jacket begins our list of the best offshore foul weather gear. The first feature that makes the jacket make the cut is the low weight and comfort levels it provides. The shoulders and neck area are lined with fleece, have a high-cut collar and mesh liner for maximum breathability and comfort. The collar also provides warmth and full face protection.
The jacket is windproof and waterproof making it the ultimate jacket for withstanding brutal conditions. Fully taped seams enhance the waterproofing feature, making the jacket ideal for you.
The jacket comes with brilliant color so visibility will not be an issue. The waist is adjustable and comfortable with an easy on and off design. The ankle area of the trousers has a great fastening mechanism.
When it comes to the hood, the jacket incorporates a visor for shedding water. When not in use, you can conveniently stow it in the collar.
Features
- Adjustable outer cuff
- Zipper closure
- Made of 100% nylon
- Full lining with mesh drainage panels
- Highly visible color
Pros
- Highly breathable
- Completely waterproof
- Durable
- Reflectively accents for visibility
Cons
- The hood flops forward
2)Helly Hansen Men’s Skagen Offshore Jacket
Helly Hansen Men’s Skagen Offshore Jacket is one-of-a-kind gear that is proof that outdoor adventures don’t have to stop when showers drop. Thanks to its impervious design, the jacket ensures you are not a victim of wind and water. It also has maximum breathability to prevent perspiration when there is much heat.
The jacket is fashioned with Helly-Tech fabric that makes adverse conditions bearable by keeping you dry and comfortable. The outer layer is made of Cordura fabric while the inside constitutes 100% recycled, mesh lining.
The collar is lined with fleece and paired with a Velcro wind flap to keep the neck comfortable. The wrist and sleeves have Velcro straps for adjustability. A Velcro flap covers the front zipper for immunity against water and wind.
Additionally, there are two sizeable cargo pockets at the front with flaps and Velcro closures. The breast area has two smaller pockets with zippers to store smaller essentials.
The pants have heavy-duty construction and feature a sturdy zipper. Both the shoulder and waist straps are adjustable, wide, and comfortable. Velcro straps on the ankles facilitate easy wear.
Features
- Adjustable hem and cuffs for customization
- The collar is lined with fleece
- Sizeable hand pockets
- Robust Cordura fabric on the exterior
- Velcro straps on the wrist and sleeves
- Breathable membrane
Pros
- Recycled materials for eco friendliness
- Effectively keeps you warm and dry
- Available in various bright and cheerful colors
- Fully breathable
Cons
- The jacket’s durability could be better
3)WindRider Pro Foul Weather Jacket
Any sailor or rider looking for a quality offshore foul weather gear should consider the WindRider Pro Foul Weather Jacket. You will love the comfort levels of this jacket that come in handy in long days of your offshore activity.
This is made possible by the adjustable ankle and shoulders for a personalized fit. The fabric is breathable to allow sweat to escape. Also, adjustable sleeve cuffs with an internal cuff deter penetration of water.
The jacket is made with world class durability. The hard-wearing materials stand up to wear and tear for long-term performance. The knees are reinforced for more robustness.
The dual zippers as so good and provide convenience as you don’t have to remove them when going to the bathroom.
The layered membrane helps achieve 10k waterproof rating making the jacket ideal for heavy downpours. The storage capacity provided by the jacket is in its league. Four chest pockets with fleece lining insulate your hand. There are two thigh pockets for more storage area. This jacket has thirteen pockets in total and this will surely impress you.
Features
- High neck collar protects your neck and lower face from wind and rain
- Roll-away hood for times that you don’t need it.
- Internal soft cuffs for water-tightness
- Zippered chest pockets
- Deep front pockets maximize storage
Pros
- Watertight yet highly durable
- Classy look
- Fits to size
- Ample storage area
Cons
- Price
- Not warm enough for winter
4)Columbia’s Men Watertight Jacket
Our next recommendation for the best offshore foul weather gear is the Columbia’s Men Watertight Jacket. This watertight jacket’s easy packability is a feature to behold. You can put in its pocket easily and carry it anywhere.
While lightweight, the jacket is dedicated to keep harsh elements out like wind. The jacket is also rugged with a nylon shell construction. The fabric is 100% waterproof protecting ultimate protection when it decides to rain heavily or when you encounter splashes.
An elastic drawstring at the jacket’s bottom allows easy adjustment while Velcro straps at the wrist helps tighten it when necessary. The hood is also adjustable and spacious. Moreover, the inner mesh lining provides comfort even when your session drags for long periods. Two zippered front pockets provide room to store other gear like wallet and keys.
Features
- Machine washable
- Zipper closure
- Unique technology ensures ai-permeable protection
- Fine mesh lining for more protection
- Available in different colors and sizes for more style
- Adjustable hood
- Zippered hand pockets
Pros
- Compact and folds into its pocket
- Highly breathable
- Rugged quality
- Lightweight
Cons
- No chest pocket
5)Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Rain Suit
If you are looking for a versatile foul weather gear, the Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Rain Suit that includes pants and jacket is what you should get. This suit is dedicated to ensuring that you have a great time whether during fall or spring by enriching your passion.
The tip of the iceberg is the rain suit comes at a price that is easy on your wallet. It is made from 100% polypropylene and nonwoven fabric to keep you dry and comfortable.
It is also fully breathable so that sweat building up will be the least of your worries.
The Dripore Gen 2 middle layer ensures complete protection from wind and moisture.
The hood features a drawstring and snaps for snug securing and easy removal. An E-Z push cord hem for loosening or tightening the bottom. The zipper is covered by front covers to prevent water from sneaking in. Raglan sleeves ensure maximum movement.
In addition, the pants feature an elastic waist that is adjustable for ultimate comfort. The ankle area is designed with Velcro straps that open widely making wearing of the pants a breeze.
Both the jacket and pants come in various sizes and colors, so that you pick the one that suits you best. The suis is perfect for various outdoor adventures including fishing, golfing, camping, and mountain biking.
Features
- 100% polypropylene
- Non-woven fabric for flexibility and durability
- Snap-down storm flap on the front zipper
- Adjustable, detachable hood
- Leg openings with an adjustable design
- Unique technology in the middle of the three layers for waterproofing
- Available in various sizes and colors
Pros
- Low in weight
- Approachable price
- Unwatched versatility
- Waterproof and windproof
Cons
- Some users have complained that the suit makes noise
- The cord on the hood is a bit short
6)Rain Ridder Rain Suit
Our last review of the best offshore foul weather gear is the Rain Ridder Rain Suit. The fabric used in the suit is soft and flexible for seamless movement and comfort. It has double welded seams to prevent penetration of water so you can rest assured you will be dry and warm throughout your fishing session.
The entire suit is made of 100% polyester, for maximum breathability during the hottest days. Underarm and back vents ensure optimum ventilation and double sleeve cuffs with triangle air holes prevent elements from sneaking in.
A real bonus on this impressive rain suit is its unisex design. The jacket has two flap front pockets for storage of smaller accessories like keys and a phone. An additional two air pockets on the pants provides more convenience.
There is a drawstring and snap cuffs at the ankles that ensure a snug fit around the boot. The jacket is a great fit and will ensure you feel comfortable all day long.
Features
- Double welded seams for waterproofing
- Unisex design
- Made of 100% polyester
- Back and under arm vent for maximum air circulation
- Two flap front pockets on the jacket
- Flap covers on the front zipper
Pros
- Durable
- Great price
- Robust design
- Great breathability and comfort
Cons
- The pants are smaller than the jacket
- Slightly heavy
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Factors To Consider When Buying the Best Offshore Foul Weather Gear
You need to the right gear to protect you from elements that you will be exposed to. Here are some factors to help you make an informed decision:
Fit
Foul weather gear is designed with various fits for plenty of freedom during movement. Ensure you select a snug fit from the various sizes. Always follow the chart and read reviews to get a perfect fit.
Length
The second factor to consider when buying the best offshore foul weather gear is the length. Look at how long the front and back are. Foul weather jackets mostly have longer backs for keeping your back dry. If you prefer wearing shorts, look at how long your shorts are and if the jacket’s back is long enough to cover it.
Appearance
How your gear appears is essential. When you head out to the sea, you want to be as visible as possible. If you wear a bright color suit, you will be spotted easily in case you fall overboard. If you don’t like bright colors, ensure the hood has at least anti-reflective strips. Storing high visibility cap swim into your life vest is also a sound idea.
Pockets
The more the pockets, the better. This allows you to store other accessories while boating. A jacket with interior and exterior pockets is a real plus. Ensure that the you don’t poke the pockets from the outside to prevent ruining the waterproofing. The zippers on the pockets should be easy to run and grab even when wearing gloves.
Seams
When buying offshore foul weather gear, always look for welded seams as they are more robust and long lasting.
Jacket
The jacket should be sizeable enough to accommodate a number of layers underneath and should have a drawstring at the bottom to prevent sneaking of elements. It should be comfy and long enough to cover your neck and go all the way down to the bottom. The zipper on the front should have a storm flap for optimal protection.
Material
Most foul weather gear were previously made from PVC recently, most are crafted from polyester/nylon fabric are treated with waterproof coating some are also made from Gore-Tex that is highly durable, waterproof, breathable but takes a significant hit on your savings.
Best Offshore Foul Weather Gear
- What makes foul weather gear special?
Foul weather gear is made to have a fit that usual types of activewear and provide ample freedom and movement and space for layers underneath.
- Are sailing jackets waterproof?
Sailing jackets are made to stand up to harsh elements they are designed with a waterproof outer layer and heat-preserving inside layer. They are essential when faced with weather adversaries.
- What is a foul jacket?
A foul weather jacket is fashioned to shield you from elements, keeping you dry and comfortable in all conditions. It is made from waterproof fabric to protect from rain, wind, and rugged sea conditions. It also incorporates high collars, adjustable seams, and hoods for optimal protection and to prevent water from penetrating.
Conclusion
With this comprehensive review of the best offshore foul weather gear, you should be able to make an informed decision. All the options provided above will give you peace of mind in your offshore boating.