The Best Foul Weather Gear For Sailing

The best foul-weather gear overall is the Gill OS2 Offshore Series. The OS2 will serve the needs of most recreational sailors.

But, the topic is more nuanced when considering what type of sailing you will do.

For example, coastal foul weather gear won’t perform well under open ocean conditions. And ocean-going gear is overkill for day sailing.

The team at Sailing Savvy has nearly 50 years of experience in the yachting industry, having sailed the likes of Alaska, Canada, and Norway while also experiencing torrential downpours in the Caribbean and Central America. Here are the products we recommend:

🏆 Best Overall: Gill OS2 Series
🌊 Best for Open Ocean Sailing: Gill OS1 Series
⛵ Best for Dinghies and Racing: Gill Verso Drysuit
🥶 Best for Cold Weather: Helly Hansen Aegir Smock
🛟 Best for Buoyancy: Mustang Survival Catalyst

Before I begin, it’s essential to note that my discussion on foul weather gear will focus on the jacket and trousers (or bib, depending on your region). To complete the ensemble, you can read my recommendations on the best sailing boots to complement your gear.

Top Picks for Foul Weather Gear

Below, you’ll find thoroughly vetted options that stand out for their durability, design, and functionality, ensuring you can focus on navigating the seas with confidence.

Gill OS2 Offshore

🏆 Best Overall

During my 10-year career in yachting, this is the foul-weather jacket I enjoyed wearing the most, even over more expensive brands like Henri Lloyd and Helly Hansen. You cannot go wrong with the OS2!

The first thing you’ll notice is the exceptional water resistance. During a downpour or when facing rough seas, you are shielded against the elements.

Not only do you stay dry, but the added stain repellency also keeps the gear looking sharp trip after trip.

Equally noteworthy is the sustainable construction. Crafted from recycled nylon and polyester, it gives a nod to environmental responsibility without sacrificing performance.

Comfort undoubtedly plays a crucial role in selecting foul-weather gear. On a recent journey, the thermal lining proved invaluable for warmth without adding bulk. The fleece-lined pockets are a sanctuary for cold hands, and the high collar shields your neck from biting winds.

However, quality comes with a price, and the Gill OS2 is an investment. It may stretch your budget, but consider it a long-term purchase. Additionally, if you’re the type to desire a variety of colors, choices here are limited, which might disappoint some.

If you’re serious about staying dry, the OS2 series is indispensable. On the other hand, for more casual endeavors, there are less intense options that may suffice.

Gill OS1 Ocean

🌊 Best for Open Ocean Sailing

If you’re tackling the open sea and battling the elements, the Gill OS1 should certainly be on your radar for its professional-grade protection.

Slipping into the OS1 Jacket, I felt an immediate sense of security. Its robust 3-layer XPLORE+ fabric didn’t just keep the biting ocean spray at bay, but its breathability was a godsend during strenuous maneuvers on deck.

The adjustable cuffs fitted snugly against my skin, preventing any unwanted water from creeping up my sleeves.

Visibility is paramount when the fog rolls in, and the jacket’s photoluminescent safety reflectors are like a beacon in the gloom.

They didn’t impede movement and provide peace of mind that crewmates would see you no matter the time of day.

Despite the jacket’s impressive features, I would be remiss not to mention the premium you’ll pay.

Quality doesn’t come cheap, and while I found the Gill OS1 to be exceptional in performance, the investment might be steep for casual sailors.

Is the price justified? That’s a decision you’ll weigh against your sailing needs.

Gill Verso Drysuit

⛵ Best for Dinghies and Racing

These are designed for the hardcore racers who seek the pinnacle of performance in foul-weather gear.

Using a suit of this caliber, especially in challenging conditions, signifies that you’re engaging in high-level racing. Indeed, this is the apex of sailing performance gear for those where cost is not a concern.

When I slipped into this drysuit, I immediately noticed the snug yet comfortable fit provided by the neoprene Dryseal gaskets at the neck and cuffs, and the overskirt that fine-tunes the fit to your body’s shape.

Taking on the wind and spray, the three-layer XPLORE+ fabric and the XPEL plant-based treatment repelled water effortlessly while allowing my skin to breathe.

It’s evident that Gill understands that staying dry is one thing, but remaining comfortable is another. The laser-cut face ventilation speaks volumes about their attention to detail, providing ample airflow without compromising the suit’s waterproof integrity.

Sailing often comes with a need for accessibility and storage. Gill’s Verso Drysuit comes with a sleeve pocket, secured with a YKK AquaGuard zip that’s easy to reach even with a buoyancy aid or life jacket on.

This feature was particularly useful for stashing key accessories needed close at hand.

Although it’s a premium product with a price to match, the versatility and robust construction of the Verso Drysuit appear to justify the investment for serious sailors who are out on the water in all conditions.

Helly-Hansen Aegir Smock

🥶 Best for Cold Weather

Your sailing exploits demand gear that adapts to the most rigorous conditions, which the Helly-Hansen Aegir Smock is engineered to handle.

When you zip up the Helly-Hansen Aegir Smock, you immediately appreciate the thoughtful design.

The YKK AQUA SEAL zippers not only keep the water out but also offer a level of ventilation that is a rare find in foul-weather gear.

Whether the sun peeks through stormy skies or the gales demand full fortification, adjusting your protection is swift and practical.

Sailing in full swing, the Aegir Smock displays its stellar build quality. Developed with input from professionals like Thomas Coville, you sense the robustness. The touch of the fabric, 100% polyamide, assures you of its ability to endure.

The detachable hood might not be for everyone, but HH markets Aegir as modular, so you have full control.

Mustang Survival Catalyst Jacket

🛟 Best for Buoyancy