A Coat That Kills the Chill

The all-weather coat will take you from the morning racecourse check to the rig and launch. Zhik

Once in a while a great piece of sailing kit comes along that you can use off the water just as easily as on it.  Zhik’s All-Weather Coat is such an item. Think sitting on deck on a cool spring or autumn day. Or standing night watch in an overnight race. Or, maybe just re-splicing and rigging your control systems on a cold off-season afternoon. It’s versatile and there’s no official temperature rating, but I’m guessing this coat really comes into its own at temps from the low 30s–maybe even a touch lower–and up, not accounting for wind chill.

Zhik’s all-weather Coat is three-quarters length and designated waterproof. Coaches in RIBs will enjoy both benefits. Zhik

The first thing you’ll notice when you pick it up is how soft the face of the outer fabric is. Clearly quality stuff. Zhik advertises the outer layer as “highly waterproof and breathable.” I think that means it will be great in fog, mist, perhaps a light sprinkle, but if it really starts coming down or waves are crashing across the foredeck you’ll want to break out the real stuff to stay dry. 

The inner layer has polyester insulation, which is not removable, but I’m not sure why you’d want to remove it anyway, so no problem there. It’s three-quarter length, so if sitting, you’re insulated from a cold deck or dinghy seat. The jacket zips well around your neck, with soft fabric against your skin, so when conditions call for it, you’re comfortably tucked in.

An oversized, insulated hood provides further protection from the elements, and there’s plenty of room for a beanie. It can also be cinched to fit more snugly around your head. Two fleece-lined side zip pockets will keep your hands warm as well as providing storage. An inside pocket has enough room for a cell phone and then some. 

One cool detail is found at the cuffs. There’s a velcro closure on the outer shell, such as you’d find on most quality foul weather gear but not necessarily on generic outerwear, and an inner stretch cuff, as on more traditional outerwear. I found this comfortable and great for keeping out moisture as well as cold rushes up the sleeve. The front zipper is conveniently two-way, and there’s a hook on the lower right-hand side–a perfect attachment point for an outboard kill switch cord the next time you’re running a dinghy or out in a coach or small race committee boat. $299.

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