Top 9 Best Sailing Jackets 2021

‍Written by Paul

Our editors independently researched & tested all of the sailing jackets mentioned in this article & we only recommend what we believe are the best. We may receive a commission on purchases made through our links (at no extra cost to you) Learn More

In a rush & just want to see the best sailing jacket brands?

Best Overall: Helly Hansens Waterproof Jacket

Best Lightweight: Columbia Men Glennaker

Best Foul Weather Gear: Navis Marine Sailing Jacket

Best For Heavy Duty Days At Sea: Gill OS2 Offshore Jacket

Worth Mentioning: Windrider ProRain

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What are the best sailing jackets on the market in 2021? Below is our top 10 list. These are the best sailing jacket

brands for sailor gear today. We list some popular sailing clothing manufacturers that most of you will be familiar with.

In finding our favorite sailing jackets, we looked at different types from the best waterproof sailing jacket, yachting jackets, general boating jacket, professional sailors jackets and coastal jackets and all these jackets are capable of withstanding extreme conditions.

We've found some great ocean gear for serious sailors capable of or those that enjoy simple dinghy sailing so there are a range of sailing jackets to choose from.

The sea is a beautiful world of its own. A place where water meets sun and the earth meets the sky.

An embodiment of serene beauty, breathtaking, intimidating, peaceful and tempestuous, quite and turbulent.

And what other experience is greater than the giddy feeling of cruising on the surface of a sea or an ocean. Sailing is an amazing experience.

Cruising around the impressive world of majestic mass of blue water with no land in sight is one awesome and addictive sports.

However, the sea or ocean has a mind of its own and is in control of its world. The best thing you can do while sailing is to flow along and level up with the right gear, as the ocean dictates.

On a sail, you'll be more exposed to the sun,feel the cold and heat more intensely, and more prone to getting wet.

The most important item, therefore, to bring along while going sailing is common sense. You need it to dress accordingly, and, most especially, to choose the right type of sailing jacket.

Choosing the ideal jacket for your sailing voyages can be quite daunting and we are glad to be of help, and so here are the current top 10 best sailing jackets.

We've included some serious technical sailing clothes and sailing brands with some of the best jackets and ocean sailing gears to choose from. You can pick these up online or in most Sailing Shops.

The sailing jacket brands listed include:

Helly Hansen
Gill
Navis Marine
Wantdo
WindRider
Charles River Apparel
Moerdeng
Musto

Okay, let's check out the list below.

NAVIS MARINE Sailing Jacket

The Navis Marine lightweight, windproof and waterproof 2 in 1 sailing jacket is Amazon Choice for foul weather gear. Available in six different colors; from brighter colors such as yellow and red, to darker colors.

Some outstanding features of the Navis Marine sailing jacket and bib pants are;

Nylon outer seratex shell
Nylon YKK brand zippers with pull-tabs
Retro reflective piping on sleeves,shoulders and collar
Fleece lined hand warmer pockets
Stow-in-collar hood
A white patch to write your name on the inside A size chart indicating measurements for each body size.

Pros

Nylon fabric
Flexible and lightweight
Water resistant
Unisex
Neat finishing
Sleeves and pants have Velcro and seals well
Soft collar lining
Pants have elastic suspenders
Affordable
Good layering
Size chart available, with measurements for chest, waist and shoulders
Provisions made for relieving yourself without removing the pant
Double storm flap
Withstand harsh conditions

Cons

Bib is loose and not fitted at the waist
Flimsy chest straps
Straps and fasteners loosen easily
Ill-fitted hood
Not for prolonged stay under the rain

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Check Price On Amazon →

Wantdo Women's Waterproof Jacket

Although the Wantdo jacket is especially useful for skiing, it's also very popular among sailors. This Amazon #1 Best seller jackets made from 75D*150D Polyester, which is waterproof, windproof, durable and stain repellent.

Prominent features of the Wantdo jacket include;

Warm Fabric; 100% polyester
Professional water repellent coated
Relaxed-fit style with quick-dry material
Adjustable elastic cuffs
Internal drawcord hem
Detachable and adjustable storm hood
Highly wind resistant
Multi Pockets: 2 zippered hand pockets and 1 zippered chest pocket
An earphone line fastening and supporting fixture available inside the jacket
Ergonomic 3-structured cutting
Multiple outer layers
Double cuffs

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Pros

Comfortable soft and fuzzy faux fur lining
Excellent quality
Deep pockets
Excellent waterproofing
Does a good job of keeping you warm and dry
Nice fitting and design
Detachable hood

Cons

A little heavy
Pockets only good for holding objects and less of a hand warmer

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Check Price On Amazon →

Wantdo Men's Waterproof 3 in 1 Jacket

Following closely on the heels of the Wantdofemale jacket is the Wantdo Men's Waterproof 3 in 1 Jacket.

Some outstanding features of the jacket are:

The jacket is made of Taslan material
Versatile and detachable liner
High-class polyester pongee fabric
Detachable hood with adjustable drawstring
Adjustable cuffs
SBS zipper and buttons to connect shell and inner jacket together
Windproof
Waterproof
1 internal zippered pocket with supporting fixture hole for earphone line
Multi pockets
This winter jacket can handle harsh weather such as heavy fog, rain or snow

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Pros

The liner can be worn separately or together with the rest of the jacket, as the weather demands
Provides great warmth
Perfect fit
Deep pockets
Durable
Great range of motion
Water resistant

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Cons

Zipper pulls; the strings on the zippers are a little small whichmakes it very hard to manipulate
Sleeves a little short

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Columbia Men's Glennaker Lake Packable Rain Jacket

The Columbia Men's jacket is Amazon's #1 Best Seller in Men's Inshore Jackets.

A classic mountaineering-inspired design lightweight-nylon rain jacket. It is stylish, efficient, comfortable, lightweight sailing jacket and will provide weather protection in the cold weather.

This is most ideal in summer evenings when out sailing and things get a bit chilly but you don't want something to heavy to wear.

Pros

Lightweight and packs down flexibly
Water resistant
Perfect for summer evenings when out sailing

Cons

Not for prolonged stay in the rain
Sleeves are not lined

Check Price On Amazon →

Helly Hansen's Waterproof Jacket

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The next on the list and our favorite of them all is the popular Helly Hansens Crew Jacket. Some of its prominent features include;

100% polyester
Waterproof and windproof
Fleece lined collar for comfort and protection
Breathable fabric that minimizes sweating
Easily adjustable cuffs and hem
Versatile; for sailing and as a lifestyle jacket
Unisex
Embroidery friendly

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Helly Hansen comes in a wide range of color options; black, grey, yellow, orange, blue and ash.

Made with Durable Repellent (DWR) treated Helly Tech fabric, the Helly Hansen's Men's Crew sailing jacket sizes uniquely range from very small to 5X-Large.

Pros

Durable
Comfortable lining
Fitted style and great design
Zippered inside and outside pockets
Adjustable waist hem and sleeve cuffs
Collar high enough to keep off wind

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Cons

Sizes run small
No hood for covering head
Helly Hansen (HH) Logo brandingon jacket a little too much

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WindRider ProRain Jacket

Next jacket perfect for boating and general sailing is the Windrider Pro rain. This is one of the best brands for sailing and is suitable for day sailing and offshore sailing.

‍Features include:

Durable water repellency
Fully taped seams
Fleece lined collar and hand warmers
Adjustable hood & cuffs
Reflective Logo branding
5 over-sized internal pocket

The WindRider jacket is a water resistant, breathable foul weather gear with size range of Small to 3X-Large and is suitable in many types of sailing, the harshest weather conditions and all sailing adventures.

Pros

Suitable for foul weather
The high collar keeps wind out
The double cuffs cinch tightly at the wrist and ensurewater doesn't get into your sleeves.
Hood neatly stows into collar when not in use and collarstill stands even with hood tucked in
Lightweight
Water repellent.
Large Velcro sealed pockets
Hood has a bill to prevent water getting into the eyes
Excellent fit, nice design and tasteful cut

Cons

Runs a bit bigger
Limited color options; comes mostly in silver and black.
Not suitable for emergency situations because of the dark jacket colors.

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Check Price On Amazon →

GILL OS2 Offshore Coastal Sailing Jacket

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The next on the list of jackets when out on the sea water is the awesome Gill 0S2 Offshore Sailing Jacket. This is a great piece of sailing kit and is perfect for strong winds and rough conditions.

Features include:

Laminated moisture management fabric technology
Durable water repellent outer finish
High cut thermal collar
Anti-corrosion YKK zippers with lightweight moulded gliders
Deep cargo pockets with secure closure
Fully lined hi-vis hood
Hand warmer pockets
Thermal fleece collar and chin guard

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This jacket is most suitable for offshore or coastal sailing. The outer fabric is made of 100% nylon,main lining 100% nylon, mesh 100% polyester and fleece 100% polyester too.

The 2 layered laminated fabric create a waterproof, windproof and breathable protective shell.

Pros

Anti-corrosive zippers
Waterproof
Availability in men and women models
High visibility hood
Chin guard
Deep pockets

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Cons

The high cut collar is not suitable for individuals with short necks

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Check Price On Amazon →

Charles River New Englander Rain Jacket

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With a wide range of 13 soft and feminine colors, and size range of small to 5X- Large, this lovely jacket is worth considering.

Special features include:

100% Polyurethane
Reflective stripe accent on front & back with 2-wayfront zipper
Zippered side pockets
Adjustable cuffs with hook & loop closure
An A-line styling
Front yoke and underarm vents to allow for air-flow circulation
Wind & waterproof with heat-sealed seams
Lined with grey mesh for air-flow circulation
Tafetta nylon in sleeves for easy on/off.
Front vented capes for breathability and easy decorating access.

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Pros

Zipped & fleece lined pockets
Holes under the armpits for breathable air
Double front zipper
Cord around the bottom of the jacket to make it fitclosely to the body
Warm
Breathable
Lightweight
Durable

Cons

Fabric makes a crinkling sound

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Check Price On Amazon →

Moerdeng Men's Hooded Raincoat

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The Amazon's Choice for winter coat for men. Moerdeng Men's Jacket is the final among the 10 best sailing jackets.

This affordable gear, although a skiing jacket, functions excellently well as a sailing jacket too.

Features include;

Zipper closure
Water Resistant
Windproof
Adjustable cuffs
Stretchable glove hole to help seal in warmth
Adjustable hood closures
Highly wind resistant.
Professional water repellent coated
Fluff lining
Durable fabric guarantees the best heat retention
Relaxed-fit style
Quick-dry material.
Multi-purpose

This unisex jacket is made from high quality polyester material, which is waterproof, windproof, durable and stain repellent. Its ergonomic 3-structured cutting and fuzzy lining provides enough warmth.

Pros

Fits perfectly
Multiple pockets
Neat waterproofing
Quick-dry
Warm and comfortable
Great price
Excellent quality

Cons

Zipper breaks easily

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Check Price On Amazon →

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Now you know the best quality sailing jackets and where to get them. The choice is entirely up to you. Mark your preferences and select a sailing jacket brand that appeal to your taste and needs.

Don't underestimate this. You will be disappointed if you get a heavy duty ocean jacket when all you need is a yachting jacket for the practical sailor.

Or if you want a sail jacket for serious sailors, (athletic sailing, coastal sailor etc.) you'll need to find a waterproof jacket that does the job.

WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE PURCHASING YOUR SAILING JACKET

TYPE OF MATERIAL/FABRIC/Jacket Designs:

An ideal sailing jacket should be made of synthetic materials. Jackets made with synthetic materials like polyester,nylon or neoprene are usually durable, lightweight and impermeable to water.

LIGHTWEIGHT

You definitely don't need a bulky and heavy sailing gear. Go for a jacket made with lightweight fabric and easily packs down to nothing. You'll feel more at ease and comfortable. Moreover your movement will be less restricted.

Breathable

Your sailing jacket while being protective should be made of breathable fabric. You shouldn't be wearing a jacket thatfeels like a heated oven.

DURABILITY

Choose a sailing jacket that is durable enough to withstand the unfriendly splashes of salty water, take the rough winds and is able to weather the harsh weather conditions on sea.

The quality and type of material used in constructing your jacket determine its durability. Look for brands that are reputably known for durable products.

WATERPROOF

A jacket is not meant for sailing if it isn't properly waterproofed. A great quality sailing jacket should not only be water-resistant but should be able to take the drenching of heavy waves an drain, and still remain impervious to water.

Water should simply bead off the jacket and never penetrate the fabric. You'll need such a jacket to stay dry,protected and warm.

Also check for provisions made to seal off any water that might leak in from the cuffs, collar or waist end.

FIT

Choose a jacket that fits snugly to your body. Too large and you'll be left with spaces that could trap in wind and get you cold. An overly tight jacket will equally have you uncomfortable. Go for a sailing jacket that is comfortably your size and tailored to suit your body structure.

SIZE

Most brands of sailing jackets available for sale come in a wide range of sizes, from small to extra large. For the plus sized, some brands like Helly Hansen have an expanded size options in most of their jacket designs ranging from small to 5X- Large.

Use the size chart, where available, to cross-check how the measurements of the shoulder, chest and waist tally with your body size.

STYLE AND DESIGN

A sailing jacket brand worth the money aptly combines functionality with style. A quality jacket should have a nice cut,smart design and nice construction.

You don't want to appear shabby in your sailing jackets. Look good for the fishes, even if you're alone on sea and not bothered about your looks.

Additional features like straps, vents,adjustments and brand Logo make jackets look sophisticated and eye-catching.

Sailing jackets come in different styles.There are jackets that have hoodies, popped collars, pockets, zippering, etc.

These extra features aren't just for aesthetics but equally serve some vital functions.

For example, a jacket that has a hoodie will keep your head and neck region dry while you're sailing under the rain.

POCKETS

No sailor jokes with the pockets on his sailing jacket, as this is one of the most useful features on a good sailing jacket. Your preferred sailing jacket should have pockets deep enough to house small items like your sailing gloves, sunglasses, cellphone, keys, etc.

Some nice jacket brands even come with exterior and interior pockets in order to help the sailor organize and store his immediate personal effects.

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So with that being said, hopefully you'll find the perfect sail jacket. There are some serious sailing brands mentioned so you should have found your favourite sailing jackets above.

Choose the ideal ocean gear and hit the waters.Happy Sailing!