Musto HPX: 14 years of evolution

It is 14 years since Musto launched HPX: the first durable, waterproof and breathable foul weather clothing incorporating Gore-Tex Ocean Technology.

Since then continued developments in yacht design, rigs and communications, have contributed to phenomenal increases in boat speed and the exposure of crew to the elements, says the company, and “HPX has kept pace.”

Endorsed by some of the world's most experienced and successful sailors such as Dame Ellen MacArthur, Mike Golding, Grant Dalton, Yves Parlier, Skip Novak, Pete Goss and Mike Sanderson, Musto's HPX is still regarded as the world's best, they say.

The input of such demanding wearers has kept Musto on its toes. Mike Sanderson has explained how the phenomenal speeds achieved by Open 70s in the last Volvo Ocean race led to further developments of the HPX suit, to meet their extreme demands.

“If you are going seriously offshore this season and you have any doubts about your foul weather clothing system, check out the HPX Offshore Jacket, Smock, Trousers and Dry Suit,” says Musto.

HPX Ocean Jacket

• Gore-Tex Pro Shell (Ocean Technology) laminate
• Roll-away fluorescent hood with width and height adjustment
• Spume visor to protect face & adjustable top collar edge
• Stretch Gore-Tex fabric covering upper back, shoulders, sleeve area, elbows, base of hood and hood pod
• Unlined for ease of movement
• Articulated elbows and underarms
• Adjustable cuff design giving virtual drysuit cuff protection
• Double storm flap with drainage channel covering two-way zip
• Handwarmer chest pockets secured with Velcro and zipped inner security pocket
• Handwarmer pockets with 'pull out to dry' fleece lining
• Large zipped pockets with mesh drainage

• Adjustable hem
• Adjustable internal drawstring
• Seat patch with abrasion-free internal seams
• Facility to attach lifejacket
• Musto prismatic reflectors
• Riri zip
• Available in Platinum/Dark Grey, Gold/Dark Grey, Red/Dark Grey, sizes XS to XXL, at £500

HPX Trousers

• Gore-Tex Pro Shell (Ocean Technology) laminate
• Heavyweight Donnington outer fabric
• Velcro-adjustable, non-slip, wide, elasticated braces
• High chest fit for extra protection
• Elasticated underarms
• Multi-tool attachment facility
• Unlined for easy access and speed of drying
• Heavy duty, two-way zip and high waterproof gusset
• Waist adjusters
• Articulated knees and seat
• Durable seat and knee patches with abrasion-free internal seams
• Chest fleece-lined handwarmer pockets with mesh drainage
• Thigh pocket with water-deflecting inner lip
• Extra wide, Velcro-adjustable ankle closures
• Available in Platinum, Red, Gold, XS to XXL, at £350

HPX Ocean Smock

If you expect to be on deck in really severe conditions, the Smock substitutes the full-length zip with a double neck closure for extra protection. For maximum flexibility and unrestricted movement Gore-Tex Stretch fabric (30% elastication) is incorporated in panels across the upper back and shoulder areas.

• Gore-Tex Pro Shell (Ocean Technology) laminate
• Heavyweight Donnington outer fabric
• Roll-away fluorescent hood with width and height adjustment
• Spume visor to protect face
• Non-abrasive, stretch fabric neck seal with Velcro adjustment
• Stretch Gore-Tex fabric covering upper back, shoulders, sleeve area, elbows, base of hood and hood pod
• Unlined for ease of movement
• Articulated elbows and underarms
• Adjustable cuff design giving virtual drysuit cuff protection
• Large fleece-lined handwarmer tunnel pocket with Velcro closures
• Pouch pocket with water-deflecting inner lip and secure Velcro closure
• Velcro-adjustable neoprene waistband to prevent garment riding up
• Side waist adjusters to reduce bulk at front
• Scooped skirt with adjustable hem
• Facility to attach lifejacket
• Musto prismatic reflectors
• Riri zip
• Available in Platinum/Dark Grey, Red/Dark Grey, S to XXL, at £450

HPX Ocean Drysuit

This is a drysuit which gives essential protection to those on deck - particularly the bowman ¬- facing the full onslaught of wind and wave, perhaps with 30 knots of boat speed under him. It is also vital for survival in potential MOB situations.

• Gore-Tex Pro Shell (Ocean Technology) laminate
• Provides 2-3 hours survival time in water at 5°C
• Metal Dynat diagonal front zip
• Internal braces for optimum fit
• Roll-away, fluorescent hood with width, height and face adjustment
• Fleece-lined collar
• Spume visor to protect face
• Oral inflator for insulation
• Articulated elbows and knees
• Protected latex neck and wrist seals
• Chest handwarmer pockets
• Thigh pocket with water-deflecting inner lip
• 500 denier Cordura seat and knee patches
• Extra-wide, adjustable ankle cuffs
• Musto prismatic reflectors
• Available in Gold, S to XXL, at £850

“HPX is the best foul weather gear so far, but we're still working on it,” says Musto.