If you are looking for Ocean grade foul weather clothing, then you must consider Line 7.  We only reveiw kit we've test out ourselves under real seagoing conditions, and we tried out one of their Ocean smocks on a recent delivery trip and were highly impressed. The Line 7 Ocean Smock is made in New Zealand, and anyone who knows about Kiwi adventure clothing will tell you that it’s usually very high quality.  Line 7 is no exception.  The quality is superb.

And if anyone tells you that you don’t need foul weather gear in the Med, don’t believe them.  The wind can get up strongly at short notice, and the seas are short and steep, giving a very wet ride.  But because of the relative temperatures, you don’t want to be wearing something that’s heavily lined and designed for the arctic.

The Line 7 Ocean range is ideal.  The Smock is designed to be lighter weight than standard ocean gear, and is unlined, again saving weight. It also means that it is light and easy to take on and off.  We hit strong winds between Malta and Tunisia, and I was completely comfortable and bone dry in the smock we were loaned.  The cut of the smock is long enough for it to cover your bum at the back, so there’s less of a gap for the wind or water to creep up.  There’s a rubber fitting on the sleeves so water won’t go up your arm, and a very comfortable rubber neck band to stop that awful cascade of cold water down your neck. A fleece lined face protector, that can be folded down to make a collar, rounds off the design well.  It works. 

And it’s comfortable over a long period, too.  The hood fits snugly, and is adjustable,  which isn’t something you can always say about other high-end brands of foul weather gear.  

The great advantage of a smock over the traditional zip front jacket is that it is easier to stop the ingress of water at the neck, and there’s room enough inside it to pile on the layers if you need to keep warm. But if you just need to stay dry, you can wear it over a T shirt and stay relatively cool.

The weight saving meant that I could pack the gear without it adding to my luggage costs, and it didn’t take up so much room in my sailing bag as my usual foul weather gear, which was great because we went out with Ryan Air.  And you can get great deals on Line 7 gear at the moment, making it a ‘must consider’ if you are looking for long lasting, high quality kit.

I rate this kit highly.You can buy the smock for around £360.00 if you shop around.

Line 7 Website: http://www.line7.com/Marine/Ocean_Range.htm

 Key Features:

    * 3 layer fabric with 100% waterproof, windproof and superior breathable membrane
    * Fabric is 100% nylon backed with soft tricot for comfort against skin. SDWR finish with extra stain resistant properties
    * Total smock is designed to be lighter weight than standard and is unlined for weight reduction,comfort and quick drying
    * Hi-cut close fitting fluorescent hood with 3 adjustment points for secure fit. Hood packs away into hood storage compartment
    * Durable 1000D Cordura abrasion resistant fabric on lower back hem & lower underarm
    * 3M Scotchlite reflective safety patches for high visibility
    * Ergonomic stretch fabric face guard for increased protection in foul weather Fleece lined for comfort and anti-chafe
    * 3 layer stretch fabric panels in areas where easy movement is required – across the back, back sleeve, elbow articulation, side panels & hood cover
    * Large fleece lined chest pocket with water resisatant YKK zips
    * Waist adjusters for improved body fit