Reccomend Fall Sailing Jacket

[deeman]

Can anyone recommend a good, versatile jacket? I am just starting to crew on a 30' race boat in Michigan and we have all the seasons….and all the extremes with weather. I would like to get a jacket to start out. I was hoping a Spring / Fall type jacket that I can add layers underneath to add more warmth as necessary. I see the Gill jackets are very popular - but pricey. What about a Columbia type jacket with a waterproof exterior and a removable fleece liner?

Are there any considerations I should be aware of?

Thanks!

[Barquito]

Doesn't have to be expensive, but, it is worth getting a jacket that is made for sailing. They have closures around the wrist and neck, beefy zippers, hoods, reflective tape, etc. I found a couple for my wife and I cheaply on e-bay. Gill, Helly Hanson, Henry Loyd, whatever. Some may be more selective ($) about clothing than me.

[QuickMick]

love these products, and you can get lucky in the clearance section:

Gill North America: Gill Inshore Lite Jacket IN10J
Gill Marine Closeouts: SHELLED WARMWEAR

second link is clearance.

[deeman]

Gill style multi-activity Sailing Jacket Boating/Marine | eBay

I've noticed some Gill Jackets on Ebay being sold from Hong Kong for a crazy cheap price. Seems like they are tapping into the knock-off market so I will stay away.

I had to laugh at this knock-off (linked above). Unless I am missing something, I am guessing something was "lost in translation" and the Brand should be "Top Decks" not "Top Desk" that is some funny stuff!!

[LandLocked66c]

Originally Posted by QuickMick

love these products, and you can get lucky in the clearance section:

Gill North America: Gill Inshore Lite Jacket IN10J
Gill Marine Closeouts: SHELLED WARMWEAR

second link is clearance.

No XLT, that stinks!

[RichH]

Gore-tex Anorak (LL Bean, etc.) worn over a 'fleece' under-jacket for me is the most 'versatile'. Mostly waterproof, easily 'vented'/closed to control 'comfort', etc. The fleece doesnt absorb water and if it becomes 'soaked' quickly drains/dries, etc. ... and 'vastly cheaper' and longer lasting than purpose made 'sailing gear clothing/garments'. Example: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/68818?feat=2-SR0 but in RED or YELLOW

For leg protection ditto - a pair of sno-ski 'wind pants' made of GoreTex with nylon taffeta on the 'outside' ... and with full side-seam zippers for easy on/off.

[PaulinVictoria]

What about the current WM Third Reef range? Looked at it yesterday and it seemed pretty well made, at least considering it's made in China at made in China prices (unlike the $600 Gill next to it which to my eyes didn't look 4 times better).

[cb32863]

Another vote for the Gill stuff. I have the inshore lite, small lake sailor, coastal foulies from them and wear a hooded sweatshirt underneath if I need too. I have used them up on Superior too but, there wasn't much water flailing about either.

[QuickMick]

oh, ive had good luck with their stuff too:
Helly Hansen Online Store - Outdoor apparel, Sailing apparel, Skiing apparel and Technical Apparel - Helly Hansen Official Online Store
though i really refuse to pay retail. again with the clearance you may want to check out:
evo.com
sierratradingpost.com
moosejaw.com

[vega1860]

Originally Posted by PaulinVictoria

What about the current WM Third Reef range? Looked at it yesterday and it seemed pretty well made, at least considering it's made in China at made in China prices (unlike the $600 Gill next to it which to my eyes didn't look 4 times better).

We use WM gear and like it. My only gripe is that I tore the liner in the left sleeve with my watch but that is no fault of the product.

Gill is worth the extra money, I am told, for serious sailors.