I spent years trying to find a sailing jacket that Synthia would actually wear and feel warm in.
We actually bought all the jackets listed below plus a few others and tried them all. Our goal was to find something warm enough that a girl from the Caribbean would feel comfortable sailing in the Pacific coast of California, waterproof, and decently stylish enough that she would wear it to a restaurant after we got back to the dock.
Here is the executive summary of what we found:
- The Venustas heated jacket is cool because it has a liner you can wear as a fleece. But unfortunately, the heating really only seemed to work for us if you pushed it into your chest – if it wasn’t completely touching you tightly then it didn’t make a difference. And when it did work, it caused one part of the body to be extremely warm while the rest stayed cold. A great idea, and hopefully works for some, but not right for us. We didn’t have a chance to test the waterproof-ness.
- The Gill OS3 is the classic offshore sailing jacket. I have a men’s version. But it doesn’t have a liner, so it didn’t really fulfill all of our requirements. Sure, you can wear a fleece underneath, but that wasn’t warm enough for Synthia. And she didn’t dig the boxy look. The fleece neck warmer and pocket warmers are awesome though – I love mine. Definitely waterproof.
- The Helly Hansen Hooded Crew Jacket seemed like it would work, but it was just too tight in the shoulders unless we got a size way too big for Synthia. So the fit just never worked.
One problem with all of the above options: they left the butt uncovered. She wanted to be able to sit in the cockpit on a cold, wet, windy day and feel cozy, and that required some good butt coverage, which led us to…
- The Helly Hensen Rigging Coat. Man this thing is awesome. She loves it and so do I. It’s long, covers the butt. Totally waterproof. Very warm lining. Fleece collar and hand warmers. And you can remove the liner if you just want to use it as a raincoat. Our search was over!
The Venustas Heated Jacket for Women is a fantastic investment for anyone looking to stay warm during the winter months. Its 3-in-1 design allows for versatile use, and the battery-powered heating elements provide effective warmth. Despite being slightly heavier than traditional winter coats, the jacket’s durability, quality materials, and numerous pockets make it worth the added weight. While the battery life could be longer and adjustable heating zones would be a nice addition, overall, the Venustas Heated Jacket is a great product that can be improved with some minor adjustments.
- Keeps you warm in mild temperatures
- 3-in-1 design allows for versatility
- Battery lasts for a couple of days
- Jacket is heavier than a normal winter coat
- Battery could last longer
- Heating zones are not adjustable
The Helly-Hansen Women’s Crew Hooded Waterproof Sailing Jacket is a top-quality raincoat that combines style and functionality. Despite some sizing issues reported by customers, choosing the appropriate size ensures a comfortable fit. The jacket’s excellent water repellency and versatile design make it suitable for various outdoor activities, not just sailing. If you’re in need of a reliable and stylish rain jacket, I highly recommend the Helly-Hansen Women’s Crew Hooded Waterproof Sailing Jacket.
- The Helly-Hansen Women’s Crew Hooded Waterproof Sailing Jacket is highly attractive and stylish, making it a great choice for those who want to look good even in the rain.
- This jacket effectively repels water and does not soak through, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking in rainy weather.
- The Helly-Hansen Women’s Crew Hooded Waterproof Sailing Jacket is made of great quality materials, ensuring durability and longevity.
- Some customers have found the sizing to be smaller than expected, so it may be necessary to size up.
- The jacket may be tight in the chest area for those with larger bust sizes, so it’s recommended to size up accordingly.
- The jacket may not provide enough warmth on extremely cold days, as it is designed to be lightweight and thin.
The Helly-Hansen Women’s Rigging Rain Coat Jacket with Hood is an exceptional product that I highly recommend. It offers excellent functionality, keeping you warm and dry in different weather conditions. Although a minor inconvenience with the zip was mentioned, the coat is well-made with attention to detail and quality. If you’re looking for a reliable raincoat that combines style, comfort, and durability, the Helly-Hansen Women’s Rigging Rain Coat Jacket with Hood is definitely a great choice.
- This rain coat is highly recommended by customers who have worn it in cold and rainy weather. It stands the test of time and keeps you warm and dry.
- The coat exceeds expectations and fits perfectly according to customers. It provides excellent functionality and quality.
- The coat is versatile and suitable for unpredictable weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and wind. It is a 3-in-1 jacket that can be used in various cases.
- Some customers found that the size of the coat runs a bit snug. It is recommended to consider sizing up if you prefer a looser fit.
- The zip under the chin can be a little uncomfortable due to the double jacket design. However, the overall construction and sewing of the coat are of good quality.
- One customer found that the material, stitches, and other details of the coat seemed cheap compared to its price.
The Gill OS3 Women’s Coastal Sailing & Boating Jacket is a top-notch product that excels in both performance and style. It is waterproof and stain repellent, making it a reliable companion for any water activity. The tailored fit and adjustable features provide a comfortable and personalized experience. With a high rating and positive reviews, the Gill OS3 Women’s Coastal Sailing & Boating Jacket is definitely worth the investment for any sailing or boating enthusiast.
- The Gill OS3 Women’s Coastal Sailing & Boating Jacket is waterproof, providing excellent protection against rain and water splashes. This feature ensures that you stay dry and comfortable during your boating or sailing adventures.
- The jacket is also stain repellent, which means that it resists stains and is easy to clean. This is especially beneficial when you’re out on the water, as spills and dirt are bound to happen. You can simply wipe off any stains or dirt, keeping the jacket looking fresh and new.
- The Gill OS3 jacket is specifically designed for women, ensuring a comfortable and flattering fit. It takes into account the different body shapes and sizes of women, providing a jacket that not only performs well but also looks great.
- The price of the jacket is on the higher side, with a price tag of $208.00. This might be a deterrent for some individuals who are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
- The jacket has a limited number of reviews, with only 2 reviews available at the moment. This might make it difficult for potential buyers to gauge the overall satisfaction and performance of the product.
- The jacket is specifically designed for coastal sailing and boating, which means that it may not be suitable for other water activities or extreme weather conditions. If you’re looking for a jacket that can withstand more challenging environments, you may need to consider alternative options.