Early spring is the best time to buy sailing gear online! The warehouses of producers and dealers have to be emptied for the new collection of the next season and there is a chance for a good deal. After having experienced cold weather on my sailing trip in the Stockholm Archipelago last year I was looking for a warm midlayer that I wanted to wear under my foul weather gear. But it should also protect from cold wind without putting a raincoat over it. It should keep warm in the cockpit in the evening and it should protect from the first raindrops. So to say everything in one.
After a short search I found a good deal at the Gaastra® Online shop: A sharply reduced softshell jacket. What I liked about the online-shop was its clear arrangement and that the pages where reproduced very quickly. And you can find very quickly what you are looking for. Actually I don’t like to buy gear online because I prefer to try on things and test their quality. To send back clothes that do not fit is annoying. But I was convinced by the detailed instruction how to find the right clothing size. And so I decided to order the softshell jacket “Delton”.
Unboxing: Gaastra® Softshell Jacket
Just after two days the jacked arrived. It was well and safe packet in a carton. Immediately when unpacking the jacket I recognized the good and strong quality of the softshell-fabric, the good workmanship and the completely covered zipper. Color and appearance were the same as on the images on the website and the jacket fitted like a glove.
Chic silhouette and good workmanship
Because of the green fleece lining the jacket is comfortable to wear and it promises to keep warm even in cold wind. Nevertheless it is lightweight and to my impression quite breathable. The zipper is smooth running up to the top and easy to reach because of the broad strip that is attached to it. Inside of the sleeves are cuffs that protect from wind and splash water. The collar has a zipper and inside a hood is located. It is very light and fits perfectly to the heads shape, without offering too much resistance to the wind. I think it might protect well during a light rain shower. But it also helps when it suddenly gets wet while sailing and you can stay on deck till the rest of the crew put on foul weather gear.
Cuff | Fleece lining | Hood
The jacket has a chic silhouette and is stretchable. So it is easy to move in it while working on deck. But it also makes a good impression at shore leave or by visiting the sailing club. On the left side of the chest a discreet appliqués is located that interrupts the navy blue of the rest of the fabric a little bit. The back is a little bit longer than the front so that you are protected even when you bend down.
I am curious to see how the Gaastra® softshell jacket will stand the test in tough sailing conditions.