What do you use in the tropics, vs. higher latitudes where it is cold?

Since we really are only warm water sailors - at least so far - our fouly inventory is pretty limited. We both have relatively new midweight fouly jackets and a salopette. The salopette is essentially a bib setup that goes up to about mid chest. These work well and keep the water out on boisterous or rainy days. For the children we just have basic rain gear since they are rarely on deck in any kind of stormy weather.

Do you use anything special for working from the dink in cold climates?

How about immersion suits for emergencies? We don't carry any immersion suits. We wear West Marine version suspenders on top of our foulies with a harness when it is rough going. I think that it is better to have these things separate so you can choose exactly which combination to wear for which circumstances.

Do you use breathable gear, and if so, does it really work?

We wear Under Armor brand breathable tops under our foulies when we are expecting a wet and cold watch. They work very well and keep us dry and comfortable - we even wear it as a regular undershirt when we are expecting a cool evening.

If buying new today, what would you go for, and what are the most important features (like sealable wrists/feet, built-in harness, flotation, etc.)?

If we were buying new today, we would definitely look for pants that offer an easy method of answering the call of nature. Sealable ankles and wrists are really nice when you know you are going to get a hosing from either rain or waves.

If you use the long style pants, do you ever/often use these without a top?

Generally we would do this the other way around - wearing our jackets with a pair of shorts just to get thru a quick squall.

What about features to make answering the call of nature easier (both for men and women)?

This is something that I wish I had tried before I bought my Salopette. It is important to be able to at least answer the first call of nature (number 1) without completely disrobing. I can manage the deed in my salopette with a bit of uncomfortable contorting - I sure wish this was easier. Next set of fouly bottoms that I get I will test this feature before plunking down the money. Christy has to undo the whole thing in order to answer the call, which is always inconvenient.