Our test captain, Capt. Chris Reid, spends half of his year delivering boats up and down the American east coast, most of which is in the spring and fall; notorious rainy seasons. So we asked him to inspect a new line of foul weather gear from West Marine.

MISSION

West Marine is probably the largest seller of foul weather gear in the U.S. and, recently, has significantly upgraded its house brands to include “breathability.” Anyone who has worn most waterproof gear any length of time knows that, while they might keep the water out, the sweat they induce almost makes the point moot.

West Marine wants to offer a jacket that will keep you dry; will have a light, comfortable profile; and won’t trap your own sweat inside with you in the process. These goals have then been spread across an array of garments meant to target specific weather and usage situations.

Third Reef 3L Jacket

Men’s and women’s Third Reef 3L jacket.

MAJOR FEATURES

 

• • 3L = Three Layers -- West Marine’s Third Reef 3L jacket features “three layer” technology that vastly improves waterproofing, wind-proofing, and breathability.




• • Durable Water Repellent finish




• • Bluesign®-Approved Nylon Shell Fabric -- These nylon outer layers are created in accordance with Bluesign’s standards for environmentally friendly and safe textiles. A process that eliminates harmful substances from the beginning of the manufacturing process and sets standards during production, West Marine has partnered with Bluesign to ensure these products meet those standards.




• • Seams 100% Taped-and-Sealed to Prevent Water Intrusion




• • Wind-proof




• • External hook-and-loop wrist adjusters

 

INSPECTION

A look at the Third Reef 3L Jacket.

A 3-Layer Design. West Marine’s new line of inshore/coastal foul weather gear is marked both in impact and name by its “3L” feature. “3L” means “three layers,” each one with its own specific mission without negating the purpose of the other two. These jackets represent the most sophisticated weather-combatting design of all those reported on here.

Layer #1. The outer layer of the 3L jackets is nylon, bolstered with a durable water-repellent finish. The finish is the first line of defense on the jackets; it causes rain and any other spray to simply bead up and run off. The finish makes the jacket windproof as well.

A look at the 3L Jacket’s pockets, with Velcro fastener and separate handwarmer side-pocket.

Layer #2. The outer nylon layer is bonded to a waterproof, breathable laminated layer that acts as both a second line of defense against water penetration through the jacket, as well as moving perspiration in the form of water vapor from inside-out to the nylon outer layer to be wicked away.

The breathability is a huge part of the design, and an important part of the jacket’s efficacy. But this mastery often comes with a price. We’ve all spent a vigorous day in the cold rain, kept safe from the precipitation but got soaked and cold nonetheless from our trapped sweat. The West Marine 3L line excels at mitigating this.

Front and rear view of the 3L Jacket’s hood, which is bright yellow as a safety measure and features full articulation.

Layer #3. Finally, the middle layer is bonded to a nylon tricot third layer that further increases breathability, allows for quick drying, and offers a significant reduction in weight.

Another factor in the reduction in weight? Removing the lining. The 3L line of gear has no lining, which makes for a quicker-drying jacket that is much lighter (which also helps in eliminating perspiration-soak). Without that lining, the jacket won’t stick to you when pulling it off, and it won’t bind obnoxiously when pulling it on over something like a fleece in especially cold weather.

Further improving water-intrusion prevention are seams inside the 3L line of jackets which are taped and sealed, eliminating a common culprit in failed “waterproof jackets.”

The Third Reef 3L jacket has double Velcro wrist fasteners that keep water and cold from sneaking up in the sleeves.

Other features. Much of the design focuses on slightly more intuitive and non-moisture-related improvements. There is a nylon “seat” reinforcement that maintains durability for the part of the jacket that gets sat on or leaned on with great regularity. Additionally, the hem has a differential cut which makes for a slightly longer back on the jacket than on the front, which comes in handy when bending forward. This hem comes with a shock cord adjuster to draw tight around the waist when needed.

The Third Reef 3L jacket’s double Velcro eliminates fumbling when “buttoning up.”

Easily one of our favorite design features were the wrist-cuffs on the jackets. The jackets combine an inner Dartex storm cuff that can wrap tight to your wrists with Velcro, and then is doubled by an outer hook-and-loop wrist Velcro adjuster.

The zipper is two-way, so you can open it from top or bottom. The elbows are fully articulated for a smoother, more comfortable range of motion. The hood is articulated as well, so it turns with your head -- a very useful update, and one that makes the 3L stick out. The hood has a shock cord adjuster for tightening and is designed to work with just one hand.

Pockets come two on the chest, with water-resistant zippers; two cargo pockets toward the hips with hook-and-loop closures; two side-entry hand warmer pockets; and an internal pocket with a zipper for valuables.

A closer look at the Third Reef 3L jacket’s inner layer.

In terms of safety, the hoods on the 3L are bright yellow for easier spotting, and the jackets are made with 360-degree reflective trim, also for increased visibility.

The jacket comes in a men’s and women’s model, which differ only in proportional design. They are offered in various colors and are designed with sailing/boating in mind.

PRICE

US$249.00

To order this jacket for men, click here…

To order this jacket for women, click here…

Men’s and Women’s Third Reef 3L Bib Foul Weather Pants

West Marine’s Third Reef 3L Bib Pants.

MAJOR FEATURES

 

• • 3L = Three Layers -- West Marine’s Third Reef 3L jacket features “three layer” technology that vastly improves waterproofing, wind-proofing, and breathability.




• • Nylon shell fabric is Bluesign® approved -- As throughout the line of products viewed here, the Third Reef 3L Bib meets Bluesign’s standards for environmentally safe and sustainable textile production.




• • External hook-and-loop ankle adjusters




• • Wide, adjustable shoulder straps with D-ring fasteners




• • Articulated knees for total range of motion

 

INSPECTION

The Third Reef 3L Bib foul weather pants.

West Marine has used the same “3L” three-layer technology on the bibs as they did in the jackets -- water and windproofing along with a breathability that compliments heavy weather and hard work.

Further, the bibs, like the Third Reef 3L jackets, are unlined, which allows them to dry quicker and weigh less. All seams are taped and sealed for further waterproofing, as in the Third Reef jackets.

The bibs are reinforced in high-impact areas -- knees, back ankle helm, seat -- to improve durability. The knees are articulated for a smoother, wider range of motion.

A close-up look at the 3L bib, with a view of the straps and center, insulated zipper.

The ankle adjusters have hook-and-loops that pull them snug to your leg and keep water out. Internally, a gusset is part of the design and channels rain and spray off and away from the center-front zipper.

The Third Reef 3L bib has a cargo pocket on the right front leg, seen here.

Pockets are present as two chest hand warmers with water-resistant zippers; a smaller easy-access leg pocket (with hook-and-loop closure) is great for tools, smaller items, and even gloves.

The bib can unzip and open up with ease, as seen here.

The Third Reef 3L bibs also feature 360-degree reflective trim for increased safety.

PRICE

US$199.00

To order these pants for men, click here…

To order these pants for women, click here…

Men’s Afterguard Jacket and Bib Foul Weather Pants

West Marine’s Men’s Afterguard Jacket (L) and Bib (R).

MAJOR FEATURES

 

• • Waterproof, wind-proof, and breathable performance




• • Center front YKK Vislon® zipper with double storm guard and drainage channel




• • Attached hood with one-handed shock cord adjusters (jacket)




• • Hood articulated for increased comfort and vision (in the jacket)




• • 600 denier polyester reinforcements at seat and knees (of the bib)




• • Thigh cargo pocket with hook-and-loop closure (bib)

 

INSPECTION

West Marine’s Afterguard Jacket (seen here in yellow) and bib.

A look at West Marine’s Afterguard bib alone, in action.

The Afterguard jacket and bib combo are designed to be more affordable, though still durable.

A view of the inside of the Afterguard jacket, with a look at its inner mesh pocket and a sense of its inner liner and overall weight, which is light.

The Afterguard jacket and bib are both lightweight and, in contrast to the “3L,” are both two-layer designs. The outer shell is nylon with a durable water-repellent coating that beads up and wicks away any rain or spray that hits you. The shell is bonded to a waterproof laminate layer that is breathable with a thin nylon backing.

The Afterguard jacket’s wrist insulation fasteners.

No lining, just as in the Third Reef jacket and bib, makes them more lightweight and quicker to dry. It also means the Afterguard jacket, for one, though formidable, can easily slip on over thicker, warmer layers without binding.

The seams are taped and sealed to keep out moisture, and have wrist and ankle hook-and-loop adjusters on the jacket and bib.

A closer look at the Afterguard jacket’s zipper and inner layer.

The attached hood on the jacket, as well as the elbows, articulate as in the Third Reef 3L jacket, providing in each a range of motion that makes work (especially when impeded by weather) that much easier.

A look at the Afterguard’s side pocket with protected zipper.

The hip pockets are lined in mesh, draining quickly should they catch a splash of water. Further internal mesh pockets are in place for one’s gloves or wallet or even waterproof map.

The Afterguard jacket’s hood, seen here, is sturdy and big.

Much like the Third Reef 3L bibs, the Afterguards have reinforced knee/back ankle helm/ seat, extra-wide adjustable straps, and a cargo pocket with hook-and-loop pocket perfect for tools.

A closer look at the Afterguard bib’s pockets and reinforced knee patches.

A look at the ankles on the Afterguard bib, with fasteners open (left ankle) and closed (right ankle).

The Afterguard jacket and bibs come in gray and yellow. The women’s editions of each are entirely the same outside proportional differences in design where appropriate.

PRICE

Afterguard jacket: US$129.00

Afterguard bib: US$99.00

To order the jacket, click here…

To order the bib, click here…

Ostria Jacket

The West Marine Men’s Ostria Jacket, with hood up.

MAJOR FEATURES

 

• • Welded front storm flap




• • Fleece collar lining




• • Articulated elbows for range of motion




• • Differential hem with shock cord adjustment




• • Taffeta lining with mesh drainage panel

 

INSPECTION

The West Marine Ostria jacket, seen here over the Third Reef 3L bib.

The West Marine Ostria jacket is a lightweight, casual jacket ideal for coastal on-shore activity or time spent on the water.

The jacket is both water and windproof, with fully taped seams and hook-and-loop wrist adjusters, all in a breathable design that makes it even more lightweight. The Ostria also has a welded front storm flap that is a formidable line of defense against any kind of weather -- sudden downpour or churned-up spray on the water.

The Ostria jacket close-up, with a view of its insulated front zipper and material.

The Ostria also features an inner taffeta lining that helps it slip over whatever base of cold-weather clothing you may be sporting, and has a mesh drainage panel that helps it dry quickly should any major contact with water overwhelm its defenses.

The hood folds away very easily behind a collar lined for warmth and comfort with fleece. The hood is articulated for improved visibility. The elbows, too, are articulated, which brings an unexpected level of comfort when in use. A differential helm makes for a better fit on the back side, with a shock cord to pull the hem tight in particularly cold or wet conditions.

A closer view of the Ostria jacket’s inner lining and inner chest pocket, with insulated zipper.

The Ostria is also full of pockets, all equipped with water-resistant zippers, so a VHF radio, gloves, or binoculars can be quick at-hand and are not in danger of getting wet.

The Ostria is 100% nylon and has a polyurethane coating.

PRICE

US$159.00

To order, click here…

Women’s Delmara Jacket

West Marine’s Women’s Delmara Jacket, with hood up.

MAJOR FEATURES

 

• • Waterproof, windproof and breathable performance




• • 100% seam taped




• • Hook-and-loop external wrist adjustment




• • Fold-away hood with one-handed shock cord adjustment




• • Articulated hood pod for increased comfort and vision




• • Quick-drying collar lining




• • Zippered internal pocket to secure personal items




• • Reflective trim details for safety in low-light situations

 

INSPECTION

The Delmara jacket is a lightweight, casual jacket in the mold of the Ostria above, but built from the ground up for women. Attention to proportion, darts, and shaped seams create a very subtle difference in shaping that won’t look like you’ve borrowed someone’s jacket.

The Delmara is ideal for a day on the boat or coastal activities. One of the goals in designing the Delmara was to make it a versatile, capable piece of outerwear that will be all you’ll need to keep unexpected wet weather at bay.

It is water and windproof, with a breathability featured in all the West Marine gear we’ve looked at here that virtually eliminates the soggy state brought by weather sneaking in or perspiration being trapped inside.

This is why the Delmara beats your average waterproof PVC jacket -- breathability means an even greater degree of “dry” all day, which makes for a better time on the water, the ability to work harder and longer, and makes everything lighter and more comfortable.

The Delmara has the same taffeta lining as the Ostria, which makes it an easy slip-on/slip-off garment. The lining has a mesh drainage panel that allows it to dry quickly.

The hood is articulated for better visibility and folds down into the collar. The Delmara replaces the Ostria’s fleece lining with a quick-dry lining that will keep you cool and dry. The elbows on the Delmara are also articulated.

Pockets are all over the Delmara as well, all with water-resistant zippers, including a small one on the lower sleeve for smaller items like lip balm, keys, or a small wallet.

The Delmara is 100% nylon with a polyurethane coating and comes in navy with magenta trim and in white with teal trim.

PRICE

US$159.00

To order, click here…

Scull Jacket

West Marine’s Scull Jacket

MAJOR FEATURES

 

• • Waterproof, windproof, and breathable performance




• • 100% seam taped




• • Differential hem with shock cord adjustment




• • Unlined to reduce weight, speed up drying time, and reduce binding




• • Reflective trim details for safety in low-light situations

 

INSPECTION

The West Marine Scull jacket is designed for a high-activity day on the water -- say, an afternoon paddle boarding. Veterans of a day spent paddle boarding may be used to a heavy poncho. The poncho may catch the wind and cause more trouble than it’s worth, the heaviness can be burdensome, and they aren’t very comfortable -- they usually leave you sweaty and miserable.

Like the rest of the West Marine gear we’ve looked at here, the Scull jacket keeps you dry from the water, wind, and rain and makes for a comfortable fit that can make a day paddle boarding more fun.

The Scull jacket is lining-free, making it easy to take on and off and super lightweight. It has a two-layer design, with the outer nylon shell layer coated in durable water-repellent that makes anything that does stick bead up and run off. This shells bonds to a waterproof, breathable laminate layer that has a thin nylon backing.

The seams are all taped, and the wrists have hook-and-loop adjusters with Dartex trim, all of which take the Scull jacket beyond just coatings and layers to practical water intrusion protection as well.

The hood is attached and articulated to move when you turn your head. There is a shock cord adjuster as well that can work one-handed to pull the hood in closer to your head and face. The elbows are articulated as well, creating an unimpeded range of motion perfect for the sporty events the Scull jacket profiles as being perfect for.

The differentiated hem design makes for a fit specific to both your front and back, which is ideal for coverage on the different ways you’ll contort yourself while wearing it.

All the pockets have water-resistant zippers, and the Scull jacket comes with reflective trim details that improve visibility in low-light situations. The Scull jacket is 100% nylon with polyurethane coating. It comes in bright blue and gray.

PRICE

US$149.00

To order, click here…

OBSERVATIONS

This collection of items is all similarly designed as far as water and weatherproofing technology is concerned. There is a sophisticated approach with various layers, coating, and materials, as well as more practical features like doubled-up hook-and-loop ankle/wrist adjusters and sealed-up seams and zippers.

What really stands out is how these concepts were spread across garments specific to different situations. The pieces themselves are versatile, but there are options for heavier weather and work conditions (the Third Reef 3L jackets) or something warmer, lighter, or less demanding in range of motion (the Scull jacket).