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May 16, 2020 2 min read
The rash vest has been a popular accessory to wear with a wetsuit for many years. More recently we've seen the introduction of the Hydrophobic Top which is very similar, but what is the difference?
Hopefully you've noticed the main difference in these sailing tops from the key facts. The rash vest is designed to cool the body, where the hydrophobic top is designed to keep it warm. We see many sailors, especially younger sailors, getting kitted up in cold conditions into rash vests. This is going to do you more harm when it comes to being warm in colder sailing conditions.
The hydrophobic top has a fleece lining inside the rash vest material so it sits close to your skin to keep you warm and the technical fabric also takes sweat away from the body should you get hot (or work hard on the boat).
For me, the large majority of my sailing is done in a Zhik Hydrophobic fleece top, it's my most worn piece of kit and I also use it for paddle boarding, snowboarding and kayaking.
It's only really in the heat of the (very short) UK summer that I change into a rash vest where I will likely combine a short sleeve rash vest with a skiff suit, or wetsuit trousers. As you saw above the rash vest is great for keeping the sun away from your skin and will protect your body from those UV rays.
In summary, we recommend you have both of these in your sailing wardrobe, if you have to pick one and you sail in the UK you are going to get far more use from the Hydrophobic fleece top.
We recommend the Zhik hydrophobic top which is available in mens and ladies cuts. It's a well made quality top that will last.
We sell a range of rash vests here at Sailing Chandlery, men and womens, long and short sleeved and in a variety of colours. I have to say, my personal favourites are the short sleeve blue Zhik rash vest, and the long sleeve hi-vis rash vest.
Explore the range and pick your chosen colour.
Have you got questions about our sailing tops? Our team are experienced in using all of the products we sell so please do get in touch if you have any questions.
Excellent fast service from this company. Very good price for the Parka & free shipping. As a Motorhome & dog owner I bought the Parka to use when these activities frequently get cold & wet! I haven't had cause to use it yet. I've tried it on & it's just what I needed. It's a good long length (I'm 5ft 8") & does away with the need for waterproof trousers. Very handy zipped pockets & I like the fact that you can tighten up the wrist cuffs. I'm very pleased with my purchase & would certainly recommend Sailing Chandlery. Thank you.
Good quality product and easy to fit.
Not used yet but known it will be perfect. Excellent customer service from sailing chandlery as usual.
Great service and a great price. Order delivered in a timely manner.
Would definitely recommend and use again, the next time something on the boat inevitably breaks :)
I had a difficult repair, with a part of the sail that har ripped off. I used the tape to cover a large darn, taped it on both sides, and oversewed it for additional security. Easy to use, decent adhesion, probably no need to oversew.
This is exactly what I wanted. It’s super easy to charge, it’s convenient to store and carry but most importantly, it’s incredibly loud!!
A very reliable cleat Will not accidentally re-cleat.
It’s great- love it for my open water swimming.
Fits everything in.
Super fast delivery and friendly
Sticky back peels off easily and glue seems strong. Quite possibly this is the same product as supplied in the pre-cut kits for the ILCA mast bottom sections?
Makes a lot of sense to use sacrificial strips to slow down wear on the mast and gel coat.
Better value to buy several meters of this one and with care and a sharp blade you can cut desired lengths by wrapping around the mast and cutting neatly.
Replacement laser block arrived very quickly. Part was exactly the same as the original and I was back on the water without missing a weekend. Great service.
Very good quality cover, should protect my granddaughter’s boat for many seasons to come, thanks.
This looks more like a proper hold all.
Great, speedy service and quality product. Thank you
Well thought out kit bag with a large internal compartment and small mesh pockets inside and out. The wet compartment is really useful. Appears to be well made and the strap is comfy over the shoulder. Easily packed in my winter gear plus a few spare tops etc but if you like to carry multiple winter wetsuits or have lots of spares you may want to go for a larger 90l bag.
Great for work at sea and lesuire
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