Travel Products - "Foul weather gear"

My daughter needs "foul weather gear" for her summer program during which they will spend about 10 days at sea on a sailing vessel. FWG is the term that the program put on their packing list.

Is this kind of gear just waterproof jackets and pants or is it a specialized type of product? We have waterproof boots for her (wellies kind of boots).

Normally I would just phone but the midwesterner in me is a little afraid of looking like an idiot.

Does anyone have any recommendations for products?

Thanks.

http://walking.about.com/od/clothing/tp/rainjacket.htm

http://www.rei.com/gear/feature/search/Google/rain%20jackets/?s_kwcid=TC|13029|rain%20jacket||S|p|9983939765&gclid=CN356LqIzK4CFcHb4AodTyb0CA

Do you have a local boating store? They would have what you are looking for. Foul weather gear for a boat is a bit more intense than for jogging. If not check out places like westmarine.com

It will come in different types, based on where you will be sailing. It will have all kinds of features regular rain wear doesn't, like reflective stripes should she fall overboard at night, etc.

My set (used for ocean fishing in the Pacific Northwest) is commercial-grade Helly Hansen bib overalls and parka (you can get them from places like Cabela's) paired with PVC rainboots.

H/H has a very expensive line for serious sailers; it's probably overkill but you can get an idea of what sailing gear is like:
http://shop.hellyhansen.com/US/products/activities/sailing/?partner=6005

Mules, you don't say where you live, but most coastal cities have foul weather gear outfitters.

When I needed such as part of my job I bought a recommended set of gear in Nova Scotia. I have used the multi-layer jacket many times over the years. It is not a fashion statement.

Foot wear needs to be absolutely non-slip and water proof.

You need to let us know where your daughter will be sailing (hot/cold/cool etc) and if it is a live aboard situation. If it is a live aboard situation, then she will need quick dry underwear so she can rinse dainties out and hang them to dry.

Appropriate underwear is critical to her comfort.

Everyone, thanks for the feedback. Looks like I need to ramp up what we purchase for her.

She'll be living aboard a research vessel for about 10 days leaving and returning from Cape Cod. She has a land based component for a week before setting sail. They will have a special area to hang up the FWG but all other items have to fit in the bunk with her.

We are in the corn fields of the upper midwest. Most boating places here are geared to lake fishing. You know, how to bbq on a pontoon kind of thinking.

http://www.foulweathergear.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&category=3100
Any advice on how to analyze offerings like the above? Is something like the coast jacket or inshore jacket good enough?

The prices on the HH gear are scaring me.

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SiteSearchView?Ne=2000000&Ns=Most%20Popular|0&beginIndex=0&langId=-1&storeId=11151&page=CategoryDisplayLevel1&N=377+710+2050001&catalogId=10001

Westmarine has 3 categories - inshore, costal, and off shore?

Hi Mules
I agree with Oldpenny. But other posters are correct also, true 'wet weather gear' is v v expensive. How old is your daughter? If 'still growing', then would you consider searching second hand, asking at her school if someone purchased the gear last year, or asking those that run the sailing vessel, or other parents sending their children? Willing to bet that you are not the first one wondering what to buy! You may even be able to hire. If she is fully grown, and enjoys sailing, then buying new may be a worthwhile investment.
Think you may need to phone - simple waterproofs may be all that is required - good luck! Know that when my son went skiing on school trip all parents did swaps - stuff purchased and outgrown then had a second life.

Now just seen your other post - memo to self, refresh more frequently! Sounds as though you will definitely need either coastal or off shore. Surely the organisation running this course can (and should) provide you with some more detailed info?

Now that I know that waterproof athletic gear is probably not adequate, I will get in touch with the program for a better idea of what is required.

There is a Westmarine outside of Minneapolis; perhaps we should trek up there so that she can try everything on. She is still in that long, lanky, coltish phase that can be hard to fit.

Again thanks for the help.

Do you have a Cabela's or Bass Pro Shop?

I've been in the situation where all my basic gear (not the water proofs) had to live with me in my bunk. Fortunately I am small and managed.

Likely there are net bags hung in various places to hang clothing but it wouldn't hurt to take along a couple cheap ones. Damp is an issue and things can mildew.

Off Cape Cod in the summer it will not be freezing cold but it will feel chilly in rain and at night. Telephone to get more info.

The jacket I got in Nova Scotia has multi layers that can be worn all at once or one at a time. A vest, a fleece jacket and the waterproof outer. I have never been cold or wet in it even on the North Atlantic but it is a bear to travel with on airplanes. Leaving Texas in the hot weather it makes a ridiculous carry on item. That's just life.

In addition to the quick dry underwear (and socks) anti-dry skin lotion and sun screen are a really good idea.

It should be a fantastic experience especially with no iPhone, bag of beauty products and clean clothes each day. Call it a learning experience.

Here's the commercial-grade H/H stuff; the prices are much more wallet-friendly:

http://www.workngear.com/cgi-bin/frontrunner.cgi?ri=180&brd=HEHA&flg=S&nid=67&rc=WKNG&ro=T&rs=&ctc=1&os=GOOG_HHA&gclid=CN29oMiIzq4CFcFw4AodCHg3AA

My first attempt at foul weather gear was Gore-Tex stuff from Eddie Bauer. It looked nice, but I found that when you are out in the open water and rain, the items soak through after a few hours. I started paying attention to what the locals were wearing and it was the dark green H/H raingear. It's not pretty or sexy, but I can say that it is waterproof and I don't mind getting fish slime/guts on it. I use SimpleGreen or dish soap to wash it off when I am back on land.

Sailing off Cape Cod.

OK. Sailing North or South ? Exact time of year ?

Oldpenny 16 is quite accurate. These are not tropical waters, so a good source of reasonably priced foul weather items ( Jacket, bib pants, rubber deck boots, a knit hat, and most importantly sailing gloves ) can be purchased, as mentioned above from West Marine. If you handle sails and rigging lines which most do, sailing gloves are a must.

The comment about being wet and perhaps chilled in FW gear is common. Sailing at sea there is no such thing as being waterproof. Unless you are on a giant cruise ship or wearing a dry suit for diving. Taking green water over the bow will soak anyone eventually, even up in the crows nest. Insulation, and marine grade is vital. One should think of a layer like capilene to insulate and keep warm in, despite being wet. The US company Patagonia comes to mind.

I had the same problem with brand name Gore-Tex as described above and good luck with Patagonia's Capilene.

In recent years I've been wearing wool clothing made and sold by IceBreaker as my skin out layer.

One of my great worries on the North Atlantic (rough and wild) was slipping and falling. I was picky about my foot wear.

Stayed safe!

The hard thing to learn is how to stay relatively comfortable when trying to sleep. Took me a while to realize that I had to be really dry before getting dressed in dry clothes. Damp clothes and damp me meant chill.

We were required to sleep in daytime clothing so I did my best to keep one set dry. I rigged up a clothes line (brought with me) to hang up my clothes to (attempt) to dry them out between wearings. Our whole bunking area was full of much the same.

Eye shades are a really good idea also.

Just being sensible about the OP's post. Mules, is your daughter going off for a wonderful 10 day plus trip of exploring herself/expanding her horizons/adventure. Or is she planning (sorry, thinking, may be more appropriate) of a career that involves marine research in any field.

Whist anyone that regularly has to do off shore work must equip themselves with essential items, and keep themselves dry, as excellently and knowledgeably suggested and explained by oldpenny16, I just wonder if all this is necessary for your daughter's adventure. Non slip boots are an essential regardless!

Non slip boots are an essential regardless!

Do they make boots/shoes that are non-slip but also easy on /easy off?

for boots, sperry topsiders are still around

http://www.sperrytopsider.com/store/SiteController/sperry/subcategory?trail=1002%3Acat100156DM&catId=cat90048DM&subCatId=cat100156DM

this stuff does not have to be form fitting, but has to seal up well. all seals should be double seals. also look on ebay, and on comercial sites. get bright yellow or pink or some such. cape cod area can be very cold a large part of the year. put on full underware(for chaffing)(cover the whole torso) a full light weight wet suit for warmth, then your wet suit. they will stink plenty after a week. don't worry about that. comfort first. if it is wet inside, sleep in your wet suit.

you also need inside and outside pockets.

jamestown distributors is another resource along with west marine.

I'd focus on a layering system, gives the advantage of versatility to different temps and conditions, cheaper than buying an all-in-one parka, etc. Waterproof shell (jacket and pants, Marmot Precip is very good and affordable, check SierraTradingPost.com,), Primaloft sweater vest (Primaloft retains warmth when wet, wear underneath a waterproof jacket or by self when not raining, ExOfficio's storm logic jacket is great insulation layer), Wool long underwear (smartwool is best). Wool socks (i really like Lorpen). For footwear, focus on a tall rubber boot with a Vibram sole. Muck boots are very nice.

OP, Mules-

If you get any jacket/shell with gore-tex, your daughter will be happy. Expensive yes, but will keep you dry inside!

I may suggest visiting your local REI or Hudson Trail Outfitters or even Eddie Bauer stores. All 3 have lifetime guarantees on stuff they sell.

I've gotten some bags from REI and Eddie Bauer and due to normal wear/tear were replaced w/o any questions.

Do they make boots/shoes that are non-slip but also easy on /easy off?

I have some boots/shoes that are non-slip and are easy on/easy off but are not right for use on a boat in open water (tops not at all or not high enough).

For dry situations I wear SAS Brand Libery shoes with laces that are made to be non-slip and are.

(that's San Antonio Shoe Company).

For truly wet situations the choices are limited as several folks have explained. The boots need to fit or there is a risk of blisters.

As far as trying to sleep in a damp/wet bunking area......I'm too old to even think about that. Bless those who have to do so.

I phoned the program and was told that they can sell me some inexpensive HH gear at cost should we need it. I may go ahead and get her a coat and then purchase the bibs there. If I can find her a good coat she likes, it will be worn again versus something that may be ugly and never worn again.

I liked that brand of wool clothing and the layering possibilities.

The purpose of the trip is to give her exposure to a different area of research than she has been able to experience here. Wildlife conservation is her primary interest/passion.

I really appreciate all the advice.

Check out West Marine (website, if not near you). They carry a variety of foulies and have good explanations of pluses and minuses of each.

Will the program be providing her with SOSpenders (the lightweight PFDs that that activate by CO2 cartridge when submerged)? They are most important piece of gear she could own and are far more comfortable than any other PFDs.

She will want gloves and a hat with a clip to attach it to her foulies as well.

Check out West Marine (website, if not near you). They carry a variety of foulies and have good explanations of pluses and minuses of each.

Will the program be providing her with SOSpenders (the lightweight PFDs that that activate by CO2 cartridge when submerged)? They are most important piece of gear she could own and are far more comfortable than any other PFDs.

She will want gloves and a hat with a clip to attach it to her foulies as well.

What she said.

You can get an entry-level off-shore set of bib/overalls and jacket for maybe $250 that's West Marine brand. Another $50 for boots, and she should be good. Keep in mind, this will not keep her warm, just dry, so she will need to layer up.

You can go all the way up to $2000+ for a nice Henri Lloyd parka and pants... but if she's not going to be sailing in winter, to the north of the Cape, or much at all, you can start low.

I phoned the program and was told that they can sell me some inexpensive HH gear at cost should we need it. I may go ahead and get her a coat and then purchase the bibs there. If I can find her a good coat she likes, it will be worn again versus something that may be ugly and never worn again.

I liked that brand of wool clothing and the layering possibilities.

The purpose of the trip is to give her exposure to a different area of research than she has been able to experience here. Wildlife conservation is her primary interest/passion.

I really appreciate all the advice.

Very glad it is working for you. Don't forget the quick dry underwear. Ex Officio makes a nice selection of that.

We have been having a big rain west of DFW airport. I went out to lunch wearing some of my foul weather gear and stayed dry. No one else in the office had anything decent to wear in a hard rain. If you take care of the stuff, it does last.

Please let us know how it goes.

The program was GREAT. They traveled through the Cape Cod canal up into the Gulf of Maine. For the most part the seas were calm- just one evening a cold front went through and the kids were tossed around enough for it to be exciting and to use their foul weather gear. My daughter was look out that night and was double tethered to ship and loved it. She is ready to run away to sea.

Her cousin found a HH jacket that was being given away by a friend so we were able to snag that at no cost. We found a pair of water proof pull on pants at closeout price at a local store to take care of her legs. Layering kept her warm in the evenings and overnights.

Thanks so much all the advice and encouragement.