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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.
Good quality splicing tool, sensible price and swiftly delivered. Thank you
The mast was delivered the next day what a excellent delivery service I had the mast by 0830 I now know I can count on you, well done.
The 100m reel of 4mm pre-stretched polyester rope I ordered for our Club's fleet of training dinghies is very good quality and really competitively priced. It arrived quickly so we could re-rig control-lines before the week's training course finished.
Quick to order and fast delivery, thank you. Good to have the wheel washers and retaining clips included in the package.
Cannot fault the service received. Queries responded to very quickly, thank you Jason. Very fast, efficient despatch and delivery. My son is very happy with the Aqua fleece.
Wouldn't hesitate to use again.
Great service from Sailing Chandlery - ordered late Thursday evening and my order was dispatched on the Friday, delivered on the Monday (standard delivery option).
The Salopettes seem well made, good fit (per sizing guide) and comfortable. Also very lightweight - time will tell if that equates to less durable as they are definitely far thinner material than others I've had from different manufacturers in the past. I've only tried them on at home so far, so not tested them in the wet but I'm pretty confident they should do the job.
fast delivery with no problems
Ordered Zhik boots and wetsuit easily enough on-line, quick email response reviewing order, and they were despatched same day. Wetsuit is awesome, I wrongly ordered the boots size, a quick phone call, they explained what I needed to do, and they’ve changed them super quick. Didn’t miss any days sailing……..Highly recommend.
Got a set for my son who's 6' 3" and 92KG and L was way too small. Spoke to someone on the phone who was very helpful on sizing. Actually, went for a XXL in the end and he is happy with that fit so I would say these come up a bit small compared to other manufacturers although I guess you want a tight a fit as possible with hikers.
Vert happy with the service and advice. Video was helpful too.
Good quality product that was delivered very quickly
Got this top as I was looking for something which could keep me dry and warm at the same time in the best effective way possible, allowing me to have freedom of movement. All came to this top and it was definitely the right choice.
Well manufactured. Good quality product. The neoprene waist band makes sure you will be comfortable and as it stays adjusted all the time. Same thing goes to the wrist area.
Overall it is a really good product, best quality vs price I found and not disappointed.
Very speedy delivery and looks great on the Laser
Replaced easily enough. Same dimensions as the original on the boat. Works perfectly and keeps everything neat now.
I had given up all hope
Ordered gloves one evening and dispatched the following day
Very quick and efficient
Will definitely use again
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