weather

[Damikaan]

Does anyone have tips on how to dress for the weather on Pacific coastal cruises. We are leaving Sat. from Los Angeles, stopping at San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Astoria Oregon, Victoria BC, and Vancouver. Thanks for any suggestions you can offer.

[CruiserBruce]

Layers. It is unlikely it will be shorts weather when at sea. In port is another question, but a search for a weather site like accuweather would reveal we are cooling off the next week or so north of Santa Barbara..

Edited April 30, 2014 by CruiserBruce

[martincath]

Layers.

 

Lots and lots of layers.

 

Even if the weather report were 100% accurate for your whole cruise, things are different at sea/onshore/further inland on excursions.

 

You will need something wind/waterproof as a top layer (breathable is ideal, but unless you're planning to hike or otherwise get hot & sweaty in the rain not necessary).

 

A fleece garment is an ideal mid-layer (preferably one with a zip all the way up the front for versatility).

 

This time of year your base layer doesn't need to be ridiculously efficient - but a simple set of light long undies to wear under your trousers if it's a chillier day packs small & light; regular shirts, long & short-sleeved, for the top.

 

For your feet - boots IF you already own them and they're broken in. If not, the sturdiest pair of comfortable, water-resistant shoes you have - if you don't have any, spray an old comfortable pair of sneakers with waterproofing spray. Take more socks than you need so you can change out of damp/sweaty socks ASAP to avoid blisters.

 

Always find room for a pair of gloves and a knit hat, and always stick a spare pair of socks in your pocket or backpack when you're out and about - even if your feet are warm, they're ideal as emergency mittens; and you can entertain your fellow cruisers with your sock puppets;-)

 

A decent hat with a wide brim is also useful for keeping the sun off on good days and the rain off your face/glasses/camera if bad. Be sure to get one with a lanyard so it doesn't blow off. Tilley hats are great but not cheap - about $75 but they will last a lifetime (and get replaced free if they wear out), but Target sell $15-20 cotton ones that work just as well in the short-term if you're not a 'hat person.'

[Damikaan]

Thanks for the suggestions. Great ideas!