Rain in the forecast? Bring it on!
There’s a saying: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear.” Living in Alaska really embodies that phrase. Wet, cold weather isn’t something you can wait out — if you did, you’d never get outside.
I grew up sailing here. It can be as magical as it sounds — remote coastlines, beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, glaciers, whales, seals, bears… and, yes, so much rain. Spending time in Prince William Sound is a constant reminder that we live on the edge of a rainforest. But those sunny (and bug-free) days? Even more magical because of it.
I’ve spent a lot of time out in the rain. My mom and I always joke that we should be sponsored by big brands as rainwear testers — standing on a sailboat in sideways rain for eight hours at a time is a fantastic way to truly test a DWR coating.
Our first Ginny Rain Coat, at Bear Glacier Lagoon, AK
When the opportunity came to make a rain coat for SKHOOP, I was all in. Over the years, I’ve tested several prototypes on the water — and honestly, they’ve outperformed some of the most expensive rain coats on the market.
We launched the Ginny Rain Coat last year and were shocked by how quickly it sold out. This year, she’s back in a beautiful purple (I picked it, so if you don’t love it, you can blame me!). I love that this coat is long enough to keep my full body covered while wearing rubber boots. It’s perfect for morning trips to the beach with Stormy (SKHOOP’s unofficial mascot), standing at the helm in a rainstorm, walking around town, or dodging August downpours on the way to the coffee shop — it keeps me dry every time.
We’re also thrilled to add the Rakel Rain Skirt to our collection. This skirt has been a long time coming, and it feels like a natural progression for “The Original Skirt Company” to offer a rain skirt! Made from the same reliable material as the Ginny, it’s durable and perfect for all your wet-weather adventures. I love tossing it in my backpack for a quick waterproof layer on hikes or using it as a splash guard when kayaking. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a rain coat you already own.
Putting an early prototype of the Rakel Rain Skirt to the test.
Both pieces carry STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification, which is very important to me since I spend so much time on the water. That means these fabrics have been tested for harmful substances, giving you peace of mind while protecting the environment — no worrying about those forever chemicals that keep popping up in the news.
Anyway, I’m rambling. The bottom line: both styles are awesome. Tested and approved in the harsh, wet weather of Alaska, they’re the best combination of value and performance in my closet.
Here’s to staying dry in the wet weeks ahead!