Musto HPX MidlayerHow to stay warm under your oilskins

Michael Rinck

 · 01.03.2026

The HPX Midlayer Jacket was developed for professional offshore sailing.
Photo: Frisch
Warming layer under the oilskin.
HPX Gore-Tex Primaloft Midlayer Jacket:

Musto is expanding the HPX series with two mid-layer products for professional offshore sailing. The jacket and salopette combine Gore-Tex material with Primaloft Gold Active insulation and serve as a warming mid-layer under the oilskins.

Midlayers are the often underestimated second layer in the onion principle of sailing clothing. They are worn over functional underwear and under oilskins and have to perform a balancing act: providing warmth in cold conditions, while at the same time transporting moisture to the outside and not being too thick. With the HPX midlayer series, Musto is specifically targeting offshore sailors who are exposed to the cold during long night watches or legs lasting several days. The combination of waterproof Gore-Tex outer material and synthetic insulation is designed to provide warmth even when wet. This is an advantage over down, which loses its insulating properties when wet.

Gore-Tex with Primaloft insulation

The HPX mid-layer jacket is made from Gore-Tex material, which is waterproof and windproof, but at the same time transports water vapour to the outside. This is important, as mid-layer clothing not only protects against the cold from the outside, but also has to wick away perspiration from the inside. Moisture is generated during several hours of waking or physical work on deck and must be wicked away to the outside, otherwise the body will cool down as soon as the activity subsides.

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The insulation consists of Primaloft Gold Active. This synthetic filling is lighter than down and retains its thermal performance even when damp. This is the decisive advantage at sea: even if moisture penetrates through splash water or sweat, the material continues to insulate. The filling consists of 55 per cent recycled polyester and the outer material is made entirely from recycled polyester. All seams are fully taped and the YKK AquaGuard zip prevents water from penetrating through the closure.

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The cut is designed for wearing under oilskins. The jacket is not too bulky, but allows sufficient freedom of movement. Pre-shaped sleeves follow the natural arm position when trimming or steering. The collar is not cut too high and has a soft tricot lining on the inside to prevent chafing around the neck. The back hem is extended to cover the kidney area even when bent over. Adjustable cuffs and a drawstring at the hem allow for a customised fit.

Three pockets offer storage space: one side pocket with zip and two chest pockets. Reflective details increase visibility in the dark. An external hanging loop facilitates drying after use. The jacket is only available in black and costs 399 euros. Sizes range from XS to XXL.

Salopette as a supplement

The HPX Gore-Tex Salopette complements the jacket and serves as a second layer over functional underwear. It offers reliable thermal performance while remaining lightweight. The Salopette is made from the same recycled material as the jacket and is durably waterproof, windproof and breathable.

The Primaloft Gold Active insulation ensures high thermal efficiency without restricting freedom of movement or wearing comfort. The cut is close to the body but not tight, allowing it to be worn over thick underwear. Stretch inserts in the shoulder area of the straps improve the fit and flexibility. An elasticated waistband ensures a comfortable fit even when moving.

The legs are cleverly cut and tapered so that the Salopette can easily be worn with boots. YKK AquaGuard zips and fully taped construction keep moisture out. The Salopette is also only available in black and costs 429 euros. Sizes range from XS to XXL.

For professional offshore applications

The HPX midlayer series is clearly aimed at sailors who are travelling in rough conditions on the open sea. The combination of waterproof outer material and synthetic insulation is more complex - and more expensive - than simple fleece midlayers. The advantage lies in its versatility: the clothing can also be worn as an outer layer in milder conditions or as additional insulation under heavy offshore oilskins.

The HPX Midlayer series is available from Frisch, Musto dealers and the Musto webshop. At 399 euros for the jacket and 429 euros for the salopette, the prices are in the upper segment.

Technical data:

Material:

  • Outer material: 100 % polyester (recycled)
  • Lining: 100 % polyamide
  • Insulation: 55 % polyester (recycled), 45 % polyester
  • Gore-Tex (waterproof, windproof, breathable)
  • Primaloft Gold Active insulation

Equipment:

  • YKK AquaGuard zip
  • Fully taped seams
  • Extended back hem (tail drop)
  • Soft tricot lining on the collar
  • Adjustable cuffs
  • Adjustable drawstring at the hem
  • Pre-shaped sleeves
  • 1 side pocket with zip
  • 2 breast pockets
  • Reflective details
  • External hanging loop

Availability:

  • Colour: Black
  • Sizes: XS-2XL
  • Price: 399 Euro

HPX Gore-Tex Primaloft Midlayer Salopette:

Material:

  • Outer material: 100 % polyester (recycled)
  • Lining: 100 % polyamide
  • Insulation: 55 % polyester (recycled), 45 % polyester
  • Gore-Tex (waterproof, windproof, breathable)
  • Primaloft Gold Active insulation

Equipment:

  • YKK AquaGuard zips
  • Fully taped construction
  • Stretch inserts in the shoulder area
  • Elasticated waistband
  • Tapered legs
  • Optimised for wearing with boots

Availability:

  • Colour: Black
  • Sizes: XS-2XL
  • Price: 429 Euro

Michael Rinck

Michael Rinck

Redakteur Test & Technik

Michael Rinck war das Kind, das nach der Schule direkt aufs Wasser wollte – Segeltraining, Regatten, Hauptsache nass. Diese Vorliebe machte er zum Beruf: Erst als Segellehrer auf der Alster (während des Studiums), dann ab 2014 in der YACHT-Redaktion. Dort hat er im Bereich Test & Technik seine Berufung gefunden: Segelboote und Sicherheitsequipment testen. Was besonders bei Rettungswesten und MOB-Systemen bedeutet, dass er mehr Arbeitsstunden im Wasser treibend verbringt als die meisten Menschen im Büro sitzend. Höhepunkt: eine ganze Nacht in der Rettungsinsel auf der Ostsee. Seine Familie hat inzwischen durchgesetzt, dass Urlaubstörns auf der eigenen Fahrtenyacht deutlich trockener ablaufen.

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