Personal Gear Checklist
By Tom Burden, Last updated: 10/4/2019
This list is designed as a guide to aid you in fine tuning your own personal gear checklist for a boating excursion or outing, and ensure your comfort and safety while enjoying time on the water.
Many pro sailors, anglers, paddlers, ballplayers and other athletes prefer polarized sunglasses like this pair from Kaenon.
Apparel
- Foul weather jacket
- Foul weather bibs or pants
- Synthetic fleece or wool insulating layers
- Quick drying base layer clothing
- Gloves
- Hat
- Sea boots or boat shoes
- Warm socks
- Waterproof watch
- Polarized sunglasses
- Sunglasses retainer
Safety
Offshore life jackets for sailing, like this West Marine inflatable model, include an integrated harness that attaches to your safety tether.
- Personal Flotation Device — USCG approved
- Signal mirror and whistle — Both are small and easy to carry
- Sunscreen
- First aid kit
- Hand bearing compass
- Rigging knife
- Headlamp
- Bright flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Handheld GPS
- Handheld VHF
- Weather radio
Offshore
- Safety harness
- Tether
- Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Garmin inReach or SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker
- Personal flares (Skyblazer-4)
- View our current selection of Men's Clothing Accessories and Women's Clothing Accessories
- View our current selection of Safety products