The Best Sailing Gear: 8 Top Picks from Sea|mester’s Sailing Experts

Packing the right clothing and gear is an important part of any travel experience, but it’s especially essential if you’re embarking on a sailing trip.

From the lack of space to needing to pack for variable weather conditions like warm weather and storms, you have to be very strategic about what you bring on a boat.

Plus, since you’re out in the middle of the ocean, it’s not exactly like you can go straight to the store to replace a bad jacket; you have to have confidence in your attire and equipment.

If you’re unsure what to pack for sailing trips, who better to ask than the people running the trips? Spending months at a time living on boats and sailing around the world, Sea|mester staff are gear experts, having tried all sorts of brands. Through some trial and error, they’ve found the best items that hold up in both fair and foul weather.

Tasked with keeping hundreds of students comfortable and safe while out at sea, we asked two of our Program Managers, Amanda Shuman and Samantha Mercer, for their top gear recommendations to help incoming Sea|mester students create the best packing list possible.

8 Essential Pieces of Sailing Gear for Sailing Programs and Trips

Based on their years of experience working on boats, these are the items that Shuman and Mercer always make sure are packed in their bags before leaving shore.

1. A sailing jacket

Waterproof and windproof jackets are one of the most important pieces of sailing attire. They should have long sleeves, collars, and hoods for full protection and coverage against the elements, as well as storage pockets and a protective flap over zippers to prevent corrosion from salty water. Another useful feature is reflective accents or colors to increase visibility.

2. Bibs

With their additional coverage, comfortable but secure fit, and adjustable shoulder straps, sailing bibs are a better bet than pants for staying dry in storms. Plus, with high-rise options, all you need to do is throw a jacket on over it and you’re all set. Just like sailing jackets, your bibs should be waterproof or water-resistant, with strong, durable construction and a comfortable, flexible fit that allows you to bend and move.

3. Sailing gloves

When it comes to sailing gloves, you want something that will allow you to work with your hands for tasks like tying knots while also keeping them warm and dry during bad weather. Full-finger gloves will help with grip and protection, while fingerless gloves keep most of your hands warm and covered while giving you full use of your fingers. Some designs even split the difference, with some fingers being fully covered while others aren’t. Either way, the gloves you choose should also be well-fitted, water-resistant, and fast-drying.

4. Beanie hats

Nights out on the open ocean can get chilly, so Shuman recommends bringing a warm beanie hat for night watches.

Another option instead of a beanie hat is a Buff, which Mercer says is handy as you can use it during the day as well. “I simply cannot do a sail day without a buff. It protects your face and neck from the elements, and as a bonus, nobody can see your face.”

5. Sailing boots and shoes

There are various schools of thought about the best footwear for sailing — many prefer to just go barefoot during fair weather — but options like water shoes or water sandals that are fast-drying and have good grip and traction are always a good call. While both Shuman and Mercer preferred to barefoot-it, both say that Crocs are a popular favorite, as they can pull double-duty as water shoes by day and keep you warm with some socks at night.

Shoes?” says Mercer “…By the end I was sad I didn’t have my own pair of hot pink Crocs to wear around deck.

Surprised? Crocs were first developed as boating shoes, so they’re in their element out on the ocean! Short wellingtons with good traction and grip are also solid choices, just on aboard Sea|mester’s vessels.

6. Polarized sunglasses

With reflective water all around you, you have to keep your eyes protected while sailing. Shuman recommends polarized sunglasses to reduce eyestrain and light glare, and also says it’s a good idea to bring several pairs. Odds are that at least one will accidentally go overboard at some point.

7. Sun Shirts

While sailing, you’ll be spending tons of time outdoors in the sun, and sunburns are possible even when the weather is overcast. Protecting your skin and preventing sun damage is essential, so both Shuman and Mercer recommend packing a variety of loose-fitting sun shirts you can easily put on and pull off as needed.

Bring loose, light, long-sleeved sun shirts!” stresses Mercer. “You are not stronger than the sun (no matter how tan you think you get) and you will lose the battle against sunburn and dehydration in a tank top.

In addition to sun shirts, other sun protection like sunscreen and a sun hat are also a good idea.

8. Headlamp

During night watch, it’s a good idea to have a headlamp to help you get around safely. Choose one that comes with a red light feature, which helps improve your vision at night, and opt for a waterproof and rechargeable model so it can last the whole voyage.

Samantha’s and Amanda’s Answers: Sailing Gear FAQ

Why is it so important to have the right gear?

“Out on the water, you’re going to encounter so many different conditions,” says Shuman. “…Having the proper gear to ‘weather’ any exposure makes all the difference and makes the entire experience more pleasant and safe.”

What other packing tips do you have?

“For a first-time sailor, expect anything you bring to get wet, so bring waterproof bags for electronics and no delicate/valuable clothing,” Shuman says. She also recommends labeling all your gear, as people’s things can get mixed up when you live in tight quarters.

What about basic, everyday clothing?

In addition to all your outer layers, thermal base layers are a great way to stay warm during cold nights and bad weather. Once again, these should be made with synthetic fabrics or fast-drying options like merino wool. Beyond that, a mix of T-shirts and shorts is fine for when the weather is warm. And of course, swimsuits!

What about safety equipment?

On a sailing program like Sea|mester, safety equipment like life jackets and buoyancy aids will already be on the boat; no need to bring your own. But a small, personal first-aid kit never hurts.

What are the best brands for sailing clothing and other nautical gear?

For durability and reliability suitable for a variety of sailing activities, Shuman swears by Gill Marine, especially for their foul weather gear and sailing jackets. “I found that my Gill foulies were the most reliable and durable — specifically the OS2 Offshore jacket and bibs.” She also recommends Mustang Survival.

Overall, she says to go for foul weather gear that is quick-drying and waterproof. “When you’re caught in an 8-day storm…[it’s] a game changer, as it minimizes skin irritations and improves overall experience.” This means steering away from natural fibers like cotton and using gear made from synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester, which perform better in extreme conditions.

Another favorite among sailors and marine workers for its durability and longevity is the Norwegian brand Helly Hansen, which is Mercer’s go-to.

I love love my Helly Hansen Aegir Jacket,” she says. “It’s cozy and dry, but not too hot. And the hood is massive with a structured brim. Feels like your own personal little house when you’re up on deck in the rain for hours.

What items would you NEVER bring on a sailing trip?

It may be tempting to bring items from fashionable sailing lifestyle brands like Sperry, but since you’re going to be on a working boat, Shuman says it’s best to leave them at home. In addition to taking up unnecessary space, “they will get ruined and are not very functional.” Best to keep those for casual sailing outings.

[Don’t bring] anything that you’re not ok getting destroyed,” adds Mercer. “Whatever you wear will inevitably get salty, greasy, oily, painted, spilled on, or ripped. Or some combination of all of the above.