Good oilskins are an absolute must for any sailing trip, whether on the Baltic Sea or the Mediterranean. Because if the sailing jacket and sailing pants don't fit properly or let moisture through, the trip can quickly become uncomfortable. Therefore, when buying your sailing clothing, you should pay attention to a few features. We've summarized them for you:
Basic Requirements for Oil Gear
The essential requirements for oilskins are clear: weather protection against water, wind, and cold, freedom of movement to perform all tasks on board, and visibility. Depending on personal preferences, oilskins might also include thermal insulation for sailing in cold waters, plenty of storage options, or a drop-seat opening for bathroom breaks.
Features of Functional Clothing
To reliably protect against wind and water, good oilskins must be waterproof yet breathable. A good indicator of this is the water column and the breathability specifications. The water column describes the water pressure in millimeters that a fabric can withstand before moisture penetrates. According to EU guidelines, a sailing jacket and sailing pants are considered waterproof starting at a water column of 800mm.
The Right Water Column for Sailing Clothing
However, it should be higher on the water:
For use on inland waters, we recommend a water column of at least 5,000mm. A good coastal oilskin, like our Halifax, should have a water column of at least 10,000mm, while offshore sailing clothing should not be below 15,000mm. The seams must be welded, otherwise moisture will get into the clothing.
Settings for Oil Gear
When this requirement is met, the wearing comfort is the focus. Even with one or two layers under the sailing jacket and pants, the oilskin should still be comfortable to wear and offer sufficient freedom of movement. Additionally, the oilskin should be adjustable. This can be done, among other things, via a waist drawstring to adjust the width, which also changes the clothing's heat retention capacity. Cuffs at the wrists and ankles ensure that sleeves or pant cuffs fit snugly. Many sailing jackets also feature an inner cuff at the wrist made of rubber and neoprene, which provides additional protection against water ingress.
For optimal protection against wetness and cold, a good sailing jacket features a high-cut collar. It should fit snugly but still be comfortable—whether the hood is used or not. Ideally, a fleece-lined collar provides additional comfort. The hood should cover the head well and not be bothersome or in the field of vision when moving the head. To offer good protection, it should also be individually adjustable and have a sturdy brim over the eyes to channel water to the sides.
Heavily used areas, such as the knees and seat, also have reinforcements. Many large reflectors and bright or luminous colors ensure that a person is more visible in the water.
Tips for Choosing the Right Oil Gear
Anyone looking for new sailing clothing should first answer the question about the sailing area. Those sailing in coastal waters can opt for lighter oilskins than, for example, an offshore sailor.
To always have everything with you on the go, a sailing jacket and sailing pants should have sufficient and easily accessible pockets. Patch pockets should have a drainage system to quickly channel water out. In lined jacket and pants pockets, you can warm your hands in between.
Try on functional clothing
Before purchasing, the oilskins should definitely be tried on once. It's advisable to wear several layers to check how much freedom of movement is available. Can you still perform tasks like cranking winches, retrieving sails, or stepping over to secure the lines? At the same time, you should also put on the life jacket to test how this important piece feels.
Conclusion on Buying Sailing Clothing
Feeling comfortable in your functional clothing is a basic requirement for a successful trip. Therefore, the purchase shouldn't be rushed. Take the time to find the right oilskin for you, try on different products. It doesn't always have to be the most expensive. If the most important features are met, the rule is: Does it fit your plans, do you like the look, and do you feel comfortable in it? If all that fits, you've found the ideal oilskin for you.
At Crazy4Sailing, you'll find the right oilskins for every sailing area. The Bergen II offshore oilskins are also available in special sizes.