The Polar Breeze is not a heavy-duty offshore jacket designed for continuous rain and rough seas. Rather, it bridges the gap between a lightweight rain jacket and full-fledged oilskins. This may be of interest to motorboat enthusiasts who are out and about in changeable weather, but who do not regularly spend hours unprotected in spray and strong winds.
On the other hand, anyone who frequently sails in open boats or covers long distances in rough weather needs greater protection in terms of waterproofing, the collar, cuffs and hood. The BOOTE practical test featuring eleven of the latest bad-weather sets.
Protection against rain, wind and splashing water
Henri Lloyd specifies a water column of 10,000 millimetres and a breathability rating of 6,000 grams per square metre in 24 hours for the Polar Breeze. This makes the jacket suitable for rain, wind and splashing water during short to medium-length outings, such as an autumn boat trip, when mooring or casting off, or when working on the boat in the harbour.
Fully taped seams are designed to prevent water from penetrating at critical points. The jacket also features waterproof AquaGuard zips from YKK and an adjustable hood. In terms of wind resistance, Henri Lloyd rates the jacket at five out of six; for waterproofing, thermal insulation, breathability and durability, it is rated at four out of six in each case.
A lined alternative to a lightweight shell
The key difference compared to a simple outer layer lies in the inner lining. The Polar Breeze features a ‘Sherling Cosy’ lining, and the sleeves are additionally insulated with recycled material. This is designed to be particularly helpful when you’re not constantly on the move on board, such as whilst waiting at the lock, at the helm or whilst making preparations in the harbour.
For high-intensity sporting activities that generate a lot of body heat and moisture, a lightweight shell is usually the better option. The Polar Breeze, on the other hand, is designed for situations where warmth and weather protection are more important than maximum ventilation.
Design and features for everyday boating
The ergonomic cut is designed to provide sufficient freedom of movement when manoeuvring, working with lines or walking across the deck. The technical hood is designed for changing conditions on the water and can be adjusted.
According to the manufacturer, the men’s jacket is available in Navy Blue, Black, Fjord Blue and Titanium. Sizes range from S to 3XL. The manufacturer’s price in the UK is 195 pounds. All technical specifications and colour options can be found on the Product page for the Henri Lloyd Polar Breeze Hooded Jacket.
What sort of jacket do you wear on a motorboat on chilly days: would you prefer a lined jacket for extra warmth, or a lightweight shell with an extra layer of insulation underneath?
Book recommendation
Weather at sea It sets out precisely the weather conditions in which a lined weather jacket proves its worth on board. Ralf Brauner, Boris Herrmann and Hans-Jörg Nafzger explain areas of high and low pressure, local weather events, sea state and meteorological trip planning. This book helps cruising and racing sailors to assess weather reports more accurately and to choose their clothing more carefully for each specific situation.
Michael Rinck
Redakteur Test & Technik
