Women's sailing gear - What's comfortable, a good deal or great quality...?

[Andrea]

At the boat show in Annapolis this year I needed to get a PFD with a harness and Foul Weather Pants.

I didn't realize until I tried it on how comfortable a PFD could be. I bought the one from Mustang (MD3154). Very comfortable!

When I was inquiring about foul weather pants for serious offshore passages, I was told that Gill doesn't make them for women. The market isn't big enough. It was so depressing! So I had to go with the coastal version or buy men's pants. I had checked other company's as well and found the same thing. I went with the coastal version from Gill called Storm. With good thermals, they'll work just fine. But the overall experience was still depressing since I see so many great women that are serious sailors.

[LOLA]

Actually I live on the coast, and I find sailing gear in thrift stores locally, for men and women. What I want to know is..do you wear them over other clothes for warmth?

[Wendy]

I have a full set of foul weather gear. In the cooler weather, it is a definite to wear over clothes. I find deck boots are a must have. Nothing worse than being cold and having wet feet and nowhere to get dry when you are on an extended trip.

[Andrea]

I haven't had to use them yet. I did make sure to buy them big so that I can wear clothes under them. I hate to be cold! :-)

[Mary F]

I have Henri Lloyd foul weather pants for women but I don't know if they still make them. When necessary, I do wear them over other clothes for warmth. Layering and keeping your trunk warm are important when it's cold and the bib helps with that. They're also pretty wind proof. There are not many things more uncomfortable than being cold on a night watch - unless it's being cold AND wet.

Wouldn't you think that the manufacturers would finally discover how many women really are active sailors - not just ride-alongs!

[Andrea]

Exactly!

I love the Henri Lloyd brand as well. The sale on Gill at the boat show was unbeatable though so I went with them.

[LOLA]

Questions on boots, gear.
I have a pair of all purpose rubber boots..I'm wondering if heavy or light weight is best? I bought these for walking in the marsh..olive green made by Wolverine. The soles have deep treads. They are knee high with lots of room in the foot...I will need 2 pairs of thick socks
I have the yellow bib overalls, and jacket.
Do you all have the wide brim slicker type hat?

How many of you have worn your gear, and what are some tips for when wearing.
Thanks

[Gecko Trillam]

Depending on where you are sailing - especially even somewhat offshore - layering, layering, layering. That works best for me - I tend to get cold. I try to wear a brimmed hat all the time to protect my face and ears from sunburn. Still, I slather on the sunscreen. If it's really cold, I wear a fleece winter cap, gloves, silk long johns under another pair of pants and then the foulie farmer john's. I have found, in general, that fabrics like polar fleece are better than cotton in that they don't trap moisture and help keep me warm and comfy. I have Gil boots which seem to work just fine. I'm not sure your all purpose rubber boots are going to grip the deck. You might want to try them out with and without water on the deck, just to be sure.

Good luck!
gecko

[Melissa Renee]

I have Mustang PFD and Gill foulies I bought last year at the boat show. The Mustang PFD I believe is rate # 1 by Practical sailor in all catagories espically fit for us woman. As far as boat clothes I love the mountain clothes for warmth, fit and flexability they offer. I usually get them on sale at the end of the season.

[Gecko Trillam]

hi there!

i have a Henri Lloyd foul weather gear set - made for women - in x-small. the brand is kinda pricey, but i think it's worth it especially for offshore cruising. my husband and i have not been way far offshore, but did sail from Cape Cod/Buzzards Bay to Northeast Harbor, ME and then across to Shelburne, Nova Scotia this past summer. i wear my foulies pretty much all the time when we're out, because i get cold easily. i've had the set for about 7 years and it has held up really well.

good luck!
gecko

[Rebeccaburg]

Excellent, high quality gear that actually fits and is made in women's sizes is the Italian-based SLAM. They market the stuff to hard core racing sailors, but it's rugged enough for us cruisers too. Not only do these sporty clothes fit well, but they look stylish. The down side is the cost and the hard-to-obtain factor. I get my SLAM foul weather stuff (they have great pants, heavy weather and light gear) when they sponsor big sailing events and I happen to be in the area. Probably could get their goods on the internet. They're the best fitting sailing wear I've found for ladie's sizes, slimmmer and shorter sizes than the clunky American sized gear.
Rebecca, s/v Angel

[Terri Sawyer]

Point Loma outfitters in San Diego sells SLAM and they have Camet, which has pants for women. SLAM is an italian company and I heard Point Loma is the only place that carries it in the US, outside of events they are sponsoring.

[LOLA]

Such good tips we are getting....Thanks all...I found SLAM on net