My Helly Hansen jacket has finally given up after five seasons and I need a replacement. Looking for recommendations for foul weather gear that works well in the Med.
The challenge here is different from northern Europe — you need something that’s properly waterproof for the occasional downpour and winter sailing, but also breathable enough that you’re not cooking in 30°C when it’s just spray.
I’ve been looking at:
- Gill OS2 — seems like a good mid-range option
- Musto MPX Gore-Tex — top end but is it worth it for the Med?
- Zhik OFS800 — new kid on the block, getting good reviews
What are you all wearing?
I’ve had a Musto MPX for six years now and it’s been bulletproof. Yes, it’s expensive but the Gore-Tex breathability is noticeably better than cheaper options. In the Med specifically, that breathability matters — I’ve used cheaper jackets and been wetter from sweat than I would have been from spray.
That said, I think for 90% of Med sailing you’ll be in shorts and a t-shirt. The jacket comes out maybe 20 times a year.
I use a Gill jacket — not the top of the range — and it does the job perfectly well for Mallorca. We get properly wet maybe 10-15 days a year. For the money, I’d rather have a decent mid-range jacket and spend the difference on other gear.
What I would invest in is a good spray hood. That does more to keep you dry in the Med than any jacket.
I recently bought the Zhik OFS800 and I’m really impressed. The fit is more athletic than traditional sailing gear and it’s genuinely very breathable. It handled a 6-hour rain passage between Menorca and Mallorca without any leaking. The hood design is excellent too — actually stays up in the wind.
Not cheap but a step below the Musto price point.
Following this with interest! I’ve been getting by with a regular waterproof from Decathlon but I think I need to invest in proper gear. Is there anything specific for women that anyone can recommend? I find men’s sailing jackets are always too boxy.
@sophie_turner The Gill and Musto women’s fits are quite good actually. Helly Hansen (ironically) had the best women’s fit in my experience. Try them on in person if you can — Nautilus in Palma has a decent selection. Online fit charts are useless for sailing gear.