Very warm clothes for winter sailing

[davidpm]

I have a boat in the water this winter until it sells so I might as well take advantage of it. If the sun is out the wind is fair I might try some sailing.

I was at the dive store recently and they have a jumpsuit type thing that is used under a dry suit. It looked very warm.

Anyone ever use anything like that?

So what is the warmest stuff you have warn. Some of you guys must winter hunt and fish and know how to keep warm.

May dad always used to say their was no such thing as bad weather just inappropriate clothing.

[erps]

For me, it's all about footwear. In the winter time, I switch over to wool felt lined winter packs. If my feet are warm, I'm warm.

[DRFerron]

Agree on keeping the toes warm.

Stay away from cotton. Silk long underwear, wool sweaters, layers and layers of stuff that isn't cotton.

I have a Mustang float coat that I wear. It helps cut down on some of the layers and it has a built-in hood.

[Minnewaska]

These are expensive, but will last long enough for your grandchildren to inherit it. It is downright the warmest thing I've ever worn. In fact, if it isn't downright cold, you can't keep it on. Seriously.

Barbour Waterproof Clothing / Barbour® Storm Waterproof Sweater -- Orvis

[tjvanginkel]

For me it is a Merino wool underlayer with 2 - 3 layers overtop of various wool or polar fleece and something wind/waterproof on top.
Merino is wonderful, in that it is warm even if damp and it does not get stinky when you sweat like some of the manmade fabrics.
And always a toque on my head!
Happy winter sailing!
Tanya

[CalebD]

I'm with Donna (DRFerron) in that cotton is inferior. Silk long underwear makes an amazing difference under whatever other layers you have.
I have some long underwear from this place: Men's Warmth Factor 5: Heavyweight spunsilk long underwear, Techno Silks, Thermoknits
It ain't cheap but it breathes and is uber comfortable and warm. When it gets below freezing I'm wearing my silk underwear.

[sailortjk1]

Base layer is very important.
RedHead, Underarmour, etc..
make good base layer long underwear. It has to be able to wick away moister. Once you have the proper base, like as already been said, layer up.
Wool is good but the top layer must be able to comfortably block the wind.

Just be careful, what happens when you layer up? you loose mobility. I know if I went in with winter clothes on and sea boots that I would be in very big trouble, especially with the water temps what they are. Remember, stay on board.

FYI, I am in the midwest, I have a crazy buddy who has left his boat on the water, a 21 footer on an inland lake. We plan on going out this weekend. Temps should be in the mid 30's.

[Bene505]

Sorel boots -- They are rated to minus 40 degrees (Celsius or Fahrenheit, pick one, it doesn't matter at minus 40). I've had the same pair for a very long time.

SOREL | Shop Direct for Womens, Mens & Kids Winter Boots


They leave scuff marks, but I don't care in the winter. My feet are toasty warm.

Remember to dress in layers. Spun polyester (fleece) is your friend. I wear fleece "sweatpants" under jeans and under foul weather gear. Same for the thick fleece jacket.

I like your wet suit gloves idea from a few years back. (IIRC, I borrowed them for a turn at the helm.)

Regards,
Brad

[sep2x]

Wow! Those boots look amazing. My biggest problem is always my feet. I have some great fleece leggings that I wear under jeans, they are super warm and comfortable. If its' really chilly out, I put on wind-proof outer layers, like my foulies, and we sail with a friend even in the coldest months. Too bad the christmas kitty is pretty low this year, or I would totally get those Sorel's for my husband!

[Tempest]

I don't do much winter sailing anymore,

I still have the original pair of sorels that I purchased in 1972, for winter camping.
( $40.00 back then) I have worn them every year since, only in snow or on ice, rarely on pavement. I have two sets of the removeable wool liners that can be washed in woolight. I have worn them in 50 below 0 F. and my feet have never been cold. You can remove the liners and wear them as slippers in the tent or boat. One of the best purchases in warmth and comfort I've ever made.

I have neoprene winter sailing gloves, Balaclavas keep your head and neck warm, I have poly underliners and wool.

My Old Peter Storm oiled wool sweater, is incredibly warm. I don't think they're made by storm anymore, The Barbour is probably a close likeness. If you can find some of the old dense wool navy sweaters at an army/navy store they are worth grabbing up.
And a good windbreaker.

I agree with the undergarment suggestions: silk, merino wool, etc for wicking moisture.