What It Does

Foul weather gear has the challenging task of keeping active boaters dry from rain, spray and solid water. But, if these were the only requirements, we’d all be wearing simple slickers. In addition to external water protection, foul weather gear must also offer a wide latitude of ventilation options due to varying exertion levels, must offer freedom of movement for active wearers, must be durable to withstand the marine environment (including rough nonskid surfaces, chemicals and salt), and should be comfortable to live in for extended periods of time.

Matching Gear to Your Needs
Foul weather gear is built in five major categories: Rainwear/Fishing, Inshore/Lightweight, Dinghy/One Design, Coastal Cruising/Racing and Ocean/Offshore. So, which type of gear is best for your needs?

Rainwear/Fishing
While most foul weather gear 25 years ago was made out of welded PVC or a similar plastic sheet, most gear is now made out of a nylon or polyester base fabric with a variety of waterproof coatings. But PVC gear is still popular among those who fish due to its slick exterior which makes it easier to clean up after a day of angling. PVC gear also tends to be the least expensive for short-term or occasional use. Finally, heavyweight PVC gear is the choice of commercial fishermen for its durability and slick surface.

Inshore/Lightweight
Made for daily use in mild to moderate climates with the possibility of light rain, spray and wind. Use this gear for day sailing and weekend trips in warmer climates. This type is ideal for most types of boating, because of its light weight, very good protection, and relatively low cost. Some styles offer waist pants instead of bib overalls and most jackets are short for greater mobility.

Dinghy/One Design
Dinghy gear is made for daily use in very wet conditions and strenuous activities with the possibility of complete immersion. Very active sailors require extreme mobility, tight closures to keep water out and light weight for comfort. Dinghy foul weather gear is generally a simple shell worn over a rash guard or fleece. One-Design gear is more expensive and has more features, like the use of stretch fabric, more comprehensive hoods and additional pockets.

Coastal Cruising/Racing
Coastal gear is designed for several days of continuous use in rough conditions, for all but the longest passages. Competent hood and collar systems, multiple pockets and fully lined construction make coastal gear comfortable and protective.

Ocean/Offshore
Ocean/Offshore gear is designed for consecutive days or weeks of extended use in extreme climates. This is gear that you live in and depend on. Fabrics are heavy-weight and highly breathable as well as durable, and this gear includes the most protection and top-quality detailing. The hoods, storm flaps, collars and seals are the best available to keep water from penetrating through any opening. Reinforcements are the most extensive, guarding against abrasion from winches and deck gear. If you plan to engage in long distance racing or cruising—or if your local conditions tend to be nasty, invest in a top-quality suit, like West Marine's Explorer Offshore, Gill's OS5 Key West Breathable or Gill's Atlantic Offshore Gear.

Waterproofing
Breathable fabrics allow water vapor, but not liquid water to pass through them. Two methods make this water transfer process work; either mechanical passage (through microscopic pores small enough to block liquid water molecules, but large enough for water vapor molecules) or chemical passage through a non-porous coating. When the heat and humidity are greater inside than outside your clothing, a breathable fabric acts like a water pump and transfers moisture to the outside of the garment. The more effective the fabric is in removing moisture, the more breathable the clothing system, the less likely that you will feel cold and clammy, or hot and sticky.

Laminated microporous fabrics have a breathable membrane laminated between layers for strength and durability. The outer layer of the sandwich construction, usually nylon fabric, protects the membrane from both environmental and man-made exposures. The outer fabric is often coated with a silicone-based or other Durable Water Resistant (DWR) coating, which prevents water from soaking in. These fabrics, the most efficient in their breathability, are found on the most expensive Ocean gear.

Coated hydrophilic fabrics have a waterproof hydrophilic coating compound spread on the inside of the fabric. Hydrophilic, “water-loving” compounds are solid, so there are no pores or holes to facilitate the easy mechanical vapor transfer. Instead, the vapor moves chemically though the molecular structure of the coating from the warm, high moisture vapor concentration inside to the cool, low-moisture vapor concentration outside. They breathe at about 40% the rate of microporous coatings under ideal conditions.

We find that foul weather gear which utilizes breathable fabric is substantially more comfortable when boating in warm climates, or when the boating activity requires exertion, and therefore results in perspiration. After the pace of activity slows down, non-breathable gear leaves you damp and cold, while breathable fabrics keep a dry layer of air next to the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable.