Reading time: Four minutes
5th May 2026 Day 23
Nerdiness Quotient: 3/10
Work is progressing well and I hope to have the boat afloat very soon. In the meantime I have been sleeping in the van but the general service battery is now flat and with no mains power there is no heating. The temperature at night drops to around freezing so rather than dying of hypothermia I have been togging up. I am in my sleeping bag right now wearing Gill Crosswind Salopetes and a qiviut beanie!
I was chatting with my friend who will be sailing with me from Iceland to Greenland and he asked about kit to bring with him. Paul is a super experienced ocean sailor and we sailed together to Spitsbergen, but that was a long time ago and since then he has been living in the warm sunshine in Spain. His cold weather kit needs replenishing so I thought I would jot down a few ideas.
My kit is easier to select because it is my boat so I can stash “just in case” stuff in secret hiding places. I am also able to refine things on the sail to Iceland. Paul’s kit needs to be just right first hit and, as he will be flying out with it – and as it will live on his berth, he can’t over egg it.
So these are my thoughts for what they are worth.
Firstly everything should ideally fit into an approximately 85 L bag. Ideally it would be waterproof so the bags can be tossed into the cockpit when we are at anchor to get more space below. I like the Ortlieb Duffle Bags which can be carried as a rucksack if needed. But any soft bag will do. A selection of lightweight different coloured dry bags can help organise the big bag. Socks in the red bag etc. A small waterproof day bag will be useful too.
Paul has one thing in his favour, his Fladen Floatation Suit will already be on the boat. That is handy because it would have filled the 85 L bag!
If it is cold or wet on watches we will probably wear the Fladen gear but a light weight waterproof jacket and trousers would be useful for a light shower and walking ashore. I have a set of Guy Coten “yellows” on board.
A climbing belay jacket will stash away into a small space but provide comfy warmth on cold night. The Rab Generator belay jacket made from Pertex Endurance with Primaloft lining is great. Avoid natural down, it’s not great on boats.
Thermals
For warm thermals, I always go for ones made from merino wool partly to avoid the environmental micro-plastic issues associated with polyester fleece but also because you can live in merino for weeks without it smelling.
My preferred underwear are merino from EDZ. Suggest 4 pairs.
My Long Johns and tops are Devold Expedition 250 g weight. I would suggest 2x Long John’s, 2x long sleeve round neck tops, 1x long sleeve zip neck top. Other makes would be equally suitable but care needs to be taken to ensure the merino wool is museling free. SportPursuit often have good offers.
Mid layers
I have a Gill mid-layer. It was called a Crosswind but they keep changing the name. It is a lightly insulated salopette. It is ok in a very light shower and blocks out the wind. It can be pretty much left on while you sleep, if the nights are cold. It has no pockets which means is is comfy to sleep in, but a bit of a pain during the day. I think Musto do something similar.
I take a canvas smock too. It keeps out the wind and is comfy to wear. They need to be big so there is no struggle getting them put on over a thick pullover.
A big thick wool pullover with a couple of merino snoods will finally keep you warm and also act as a pillow at night (bring a pillowcase for luxury).
Socks and Boots.
Getting thick wool socks which are stretchy enough to get over damp salty feet is a real struggle. Some are near impossible to get on. Devold and Moggan’s seem to work. For practicality the socks need about 30% nylon or elastic to reinforce them. Bring 5 pairs. If your feet suffer from cold, add a pair of thin socks underneath. I have made insulated floor mats for Sumara’s cabin which will help.
I like Guy Coten’s Thermo boots. They are easy to don, grippy, warm and cheap!
Hats.
Whatever you have will be fine but I recommend a thinish merino beanie and a Lowe Alpine Gortex on top. This combo is waterproof, warm and breathable. I also have a qiviut beanie but that is a different story!
Gloves.
On the basis that during most of the watch you will be just watching or holding a tiller, then thick felted wool mits are the warmest. They stay warm when wet. A couple of pairs will help to ensure a dry pair are available.
I also have a pair of cheap Fishermen’s thermal gloves. They are moderately warm and totally waterproof. Just the thing for hauling up the anchor chain.
News Flash – Sumara is now afloat. I had better get on!😃
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