The Best Cold Weather Sailing Gear For Winter 2025 (including checklist)
If you’re looking for the best cold weather sailing gear for winter then look no further. After living aboard our sailboat for over three years now, we’ve experienced some pretty horrific weather at sea, and we know the importance of having quality cold weather sailing gear that stands up to the task.
Whatever conditions you’re expecting out at sea, an essential piece of gear for cold weather sailing (or even warm weather sailing!) is a good set of foul weather gear.
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Foul weather gear is designed to protect you from the elements, whether it’s rain, snow, or wind. A good set of foul weather gear should include a jacket, pants, boots, and gloves, but buying quality is key to keeping you warm and dry.
By investing in the proper gear, you’ll be able to enjoy sailing during the colder months without having to worry about being uncomfortable or put at risk. But with so many brands out there, it’s hard to choose the right winter sailing gear to meet your needs.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best cold weather sailing gear for winter to help make your decision that little bit easier.
We’ve based our reviews on our own personal experience of the clothing listed and on recommendations from sailors within our liveaboard community who spend significant time on the water.
Quick List For The Best Cold Weather Sailing Gear
- Cold weather sailing gear
- How do you keep your hands warm when sailing?
- Is fleece good for sailing?
- What to wear under foul weather gear
- Cold weather sailing gear checklist
The Best Cold Weather Sailing Gear For Winter
If you’re a sailor, then you know that winter can be a challenging time to stay on the water. But with the right cold weather sailing gear, you can extend your sailing season well into the colder months.
In this blog post, we’ll share our recommendations for the best cold weather sailing gear to keep you warm and comfortable while sailing in winter. Stay safe and enjoy your sailing all year long!
Foul Weather Gear For Sailing
We all know winter can bring some pretty awful weather, so here are the top runners in foul weather sailing gear.
Dry suits
Sailing in winter can be a great experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Cold weather can numb fingers and toes, making it difficult to operate boat controls.
In addition, high winds can create waves that make it difficult to stay dry. For these reasons, many sailors choose to wear a dry suit when sailing in winter.
A dry suit is a type of clothing that is designed to keep the wearer dry and warm even in the most extreme conditions. Drysuits are made from waterproof and breathable materials, and they often have built-in insulation for added warmth.
While they can be expensive, dry suits are an essential piece of gear for anyone who wants to sail in winter. You can find the best dry suits for sailing in our ultimate guide.
If you don’t fancy wearing a drysuit for sailing, or you hope you won’t need something quite so extreme, then opt for a sailing jacket and waterproof trousers instead.
Winter sailing jackets
A sailing jacket is designed to provide both warmth and waterproof protection, making it an essential piece of clothing for anyone who plans on spending time on a boat in colder conditions.
Whether you’re racing around the harbor or just enjoying a day out on the water, a sailing jacket will help you stay comfortable and dry.
They are designed to be specific to the needs of sailors, with extra waterproofing, reflective strips, and other useful features. Make sure you opt for one with a hood to protect your head and face from the elements as well.
Skagen Offshore Jacket
Proper offshore sailing jackets tend to be the warmest and driest out there, but understandably they also come with a price tag to match.
If you do a lot of offshore sailing then we would highly recommend you invest the money in a serious offshore jacket like Helly Hansen’s Skagen Offshore Sailing Jacket.
These jackets are timeless and have been used by offshore sailors for many years with raving reviews. They have all the features you could possibly want in a jacket, with high tech materials to keep you warm and dry, and lots of added extras like the fleece lined collar and extra large hand warming pockets.
This is a jacket not to be messed with!
Helly Hansen Newport Regatta Jacket
If you’re more of a coastal sailor then take a look at the Helly Hansen Newport Regatta jacket. Adam and I both love ours and recommend them to everyone who will listen.
They are lightweight enough to wear for summer downpours but they also do a fantastic job of keeping out the wind and cold for those winter sails.
They have a very similar design to an offshore jacket, with reflective strips, high vis hood, a high collar, and double cuffs with seams – but they come at a more affordable price and we find them more comfortable than the heavier offshore jackets.
They are perfect for winter coastal sails, especially in places like the Med where you aren’t sure whether you’ll be experiencing a full-blown storm or a beautiful sunny day. These jackets will serve you well in both!
Women’s – Buy now from Helly Hansen
Men’s – Buy now from Helly Hansen
There is a huge range of sailing jackets out there for all sorts of different sailing, but not all were made equal.
We’ve reviewed the overall best sailing jackets and also the best sailing jackets for winter to help you make an informed decision before splashing out on an expensive bit of essential sailing clothing.
Waterproof trousers
Waterproof sailing trousers are an essential bit of cold weather sailing gear and can help to protect against cold water and wind. Even in warm weather, being exposed to the elements can lead to hypothermia, so it’s important to have a layer of protection against the wind, spray, and rain.
Waterproof trousers will help to keep sailors dry in rough conditions, which ultimately makes sailing more comfortable and enjoyable. If you’re not wearing a dry suit then you’ll need sailing trousers instead. Here are some of our favourites.
Helly Hansen Skagen Offshore Sailing Trousers
Skagen Offshore Sailing Trousers by Helly Hansen are designed for sailors who need protection from the elements while sailing in colder weather. The trousers were designed with input from professional sailors, so you can be sure they’ll meet your needs out on the water.
These trousers are made from a lightweight, waterproof fabric that is breathable and windproof. Helly Hansen has also recently updated their signature materials with 50% Oceanbound recycled fabric, so they’re making a good effort towards becoming a more sustainable and ecologically aware company.
The knees and seat are reinforced with extra strong fabric for durability, and the bib has a high back for splash protection. The trousers have an adjustable waist and leg length, so they can be worn over thermal underwear or other layers. They also have reflective strips for safety in low-light conditions.
Overall, Skagen Offshore Sailing Trousers are an excellent choice for winter sailing because they provide warmth, protection from the elements, and comfort. They get our vote!
Buy women’s now from Helly Hansen
Buy men’s now from Helly Hansen
Gill OS2 Offshore Trousers
Gill OS2 trousers are a great choice for winter sailing, thanks to their waterproof and breathable fabric. This ensures that you stay dry and comfortable, even in the coldest conditions.
The trousers also feature a Thermo-Guard insulation layer, which helps to keep you warm without adding bulk. The brushed lining is soft and cozy, making them ideal to wear on long voyages.
In addition, the trousers have a number of handy pockets, including an interior security pocket where you can keep your valuables safe. With all these features, it’s no wonder that Gill OS2 trousers are a popular choice among sailors.
Mid-layers for cold weather sailing
Gill Men’s Polar Jacket
The Gill Men’s Polar Jacket is a great mid-layer for cold weather sailing for a few reasons.
First, the knitted fleece material is warm and breathable so you won’t have to worry about getting too hot and sweaty while you’re sailing! Fleece is an ideal mid-layer material due to its thermal properties.
Second, the quick dry feature means that you won’t have to worry about getting wet and cold if you happen to get splashed.
All in all, the Gill Men’s Polar Jacket is a great choice for a mid-layer for cold weather sailing.
Women’s Crew Fleece Jacket – Helly Hansen
This is a staple fleece top for many a sailor! The crew fleece jacket is designed to be practical and warm, but also stylish, so you can wear it to the pub after a hard day of sailing.
Helly Hansen has improved the design, with a taller collar to protect your neck and zip pockets to store your valuables. This is a fantastic choice of mid-layer that can be worn alone or with a waterproof sailing jacket.
Base-layers for winter sailing
When sailing in cold weather, it’s important to dress in layers to keep yourself warm. Base layers are the first layer of clothing that you put on, and they play an important role in keeping you comfortable.
The material of a base layer is designed to be thermal, meaning that it helps to trap heat close to your body. This helps to keep you warm, even when the temperature outside is cold.
Additionally, base layers are usually quick-dry and breathable. This means that they help to wick away sweat and moisture, keeping you dry even when you’re active.
As a result, base layers are an essential part of any winter sailing wardrobe.
Tops
LIFA® Merino Lightweight Crew 2-in-1 Base Layer
This is a versatile base layer top and is ideal for all cold weather activities. The 2-in-1 layer system which combines LIFA® Stay Warm moisture management and the natural warmth of merino is extremely effective at keeping the cold out and the warmth in!
This is a lightweight base layer, designed to be warm and breathable but also comfortable. So much so that you’ll want to wear it for more than just your sailing adventures!
Icebreaker 150 Zone Long-Sleeve Crew Shirt
The Icebreaker 150 Zone base layer is a popular choice among sailors, and it’s no wonder. The nylon threads wrapped in merino wool and blended with Lycra offer the ultimate combination of durability and stretch, and make it feel incredibly soft and luxurious too.
The fabric is UPF 20, so although it isn’t as high a rating as we might prefer in a sailing top, it will go towards protecting you from the sun’s rays. It’s unlikely you’ll be wearing this base layer on its own though.
Bottoms
Icebreaker base-layer leggings
These leggings are made from 100% Merino wool, which naturally resists odors, wicks moisture, and helps regulates body temperature. They are the perfect leggings to wear under your foul weather gear and mid-layers to keep you warm when cold weather sailing.
Accessories for sailing in cold weather
Hats
One of the most important things to keep in mind when sailing in cold weather is to protect your head from the elements. A hat helps to keep you warm by trapping heat close to your body, and it also shields your face from the wind and sun. Try to find a winter sailing hat that covers your ears as well for ultimate protection from the cold.
Lifa Merino Balaclava
This Helly Hansen balaclava is perfect for more extreme cold sailing and is a great backup to have onboard in case the conditions turn bad. Wearing a quality balaclava either instead of or underneath your hat will give you ultimate protection from the wind and cold.
This balaclava is made from Merino wool for maximum warmth and minimum moisture retention. It’s the perfect accessory for cold weather sailing.
Gill Offshore Hat
This is one of the best winter hats for sailing, that is also great for the summer too. It’s made from a 2-layer laminated fabric for a waterproof and breathable finish.
The soft thermal fleece lining makes it comfortable to wear, and the removable chin strap and wired peak mean you can fully customise it depending on your preferences and needs, or just adapt it to the conditions of the day!
The hat extends around the head and neck to provide warmth and protection from the elements.
Gloves
Anyone who has tried to work a line with numb fingers will know just how important a decent pair of winter sailing gloves really are! There is a huge choice out there, but make sure you go for something designed for sailors. They have special features that you’re going to be thankful for when you’re out on the water.
Check out our complete guide to winter sailing gloves here.
Thermal socks
A pair of warm, thermal socks are essential for winter sailing. Merino wool is a great option, as it will help keep your feet dry from sweat as well as warm! Many decent quality thermal socks will also have built-in support for long days on your feet.
Cold weather sailing boots
Trainers are not going to cut it I’m afraid! Instead, buy yourself a decent-quality pair of sailing boots that will keep your feet dry, warm, and protected on slippery, wet decks.
We’ve detailed some great options for decent-quality sailing boots.
Lifejacket and tether
It goes without saying that you’ll want to put safety first when winter sailing, and even though a lifejacket might not be classed as an item of clothing, we wanted to remind you that for winter conditions you’re going to need a lifejacket that can stand up to some rough weather.
Even if you’re coastal or inland sailing during the winter months, it’s probably worth choosing an offshore lifejacket that can cope with tougher weather conditions.
Is fleece good for sailing?
There’s a reason why fleece is such a popular material for outdoor gear – it’s warm, comfortable, and quick-drying. That makes it ideal for sailing, where you might get splashed by cold water or need to layer up in cooler weather.
Fleece is also a great choice for thermal underwear, keeping you warm without making you sweat. It’s lightweight and easy to pack, so you can always have an extra layer on hand just in case.
So next time you’re setting sail, make sure you’re prepared with some cozy fleece gear. You’ll be glad you did when the wind picks up and the temperature starts to drop.
We can highly recommend the Helly Hansen range of fleece wear. It’s high-quality gear made with sailors in mind, so it will keep you snug when cold weather sailing.
What should you wear under foul weather gear?
When the weather takes a turn for the worse, it’s important to be prepared. That means having the right gear to keep you dry and warm. You’ve got an awesome sailing jacket and decent waterproof sailing trousers, but what should you wear under your foul weather gear?
The material of your base layer is important. You want something that will wick away moisture and dry quickly. Materials like fleece, Merino, and other wools do a great job of keeping you warm even when wet, and they have good moisture-wicking properties too.
You’ll also want to consider how many layers you need. In general, it’s good to have three layers: a base layer, a middle layer, and an outer layer. The outer layer should be your waterproof and windproof foul weather gear.
For your middle layer, consider a fleece or insulated jacket. Then layer your thermal base layer under that. These merino wool base layers from Helly Hansen are a great option.
Lastly, make sure you have socks and boots that will keep your feet dry and warm.
With the right gear, you can weather any storm.
How do you keep your hands warm when sailing?
Anyone who has sailed in colder climates knows that the wind can quickly chill your hands, making it difficult to work the lines.
In order to keep your hands warm, it is important to dress in layers and to wear gloves. Gloves will help to block the wind and keep your hands from getting too cold. You may also want to consider wearing a pair of fingerless gloves so that you can still maintain a good grip on the lines.
In addition, you can try tucking a handkerchief into your gloves for added insulation. By following these tips, your hands can stay warm and comfortable while sailing in colder weather.
Cold Weather Sailing Checklist
You can download our cold weather sailing checklist here, and either print it out or keep a copy on your computer for easy access, to make sure you never go to sea without the equipment you need.
Conclusion: The Best Cold Weather Sailing Gear For Winter
If you’re looking for some new cold weather sailing gear, or just want to update your current setup, be sure to check out the items on our list of the best winter sailing gear.
With something for everyone, we’re confident you’ll find what you need to stay safe and comfortable on the water this winter. Have a great sail!
