Equipment: The big oilskin test: ten models for the coastal area
When it's raining and the wind and water are coming from below, the right oilskin is crucial. We tested ten models specifically for coastal tours, here is an extract from the report in YACHT 09/2020, which is available to download in full (see below). The products differ from the offshore oiler in terms of equipment - the coastal version usually does not have such a high collar - and in price, which is more favourable for the coastal oiler. For sailing trips in the North and Baltic Seas, however, the coastal version is sufficient.
Sailors who are also travelling in winter or who don't stop for a day in port in the most adverse conditions are well advised to look at the offshore range of oilskins manufacturers for better comfort, even if it is more expensive.
This is how we tested
After the last test, manufacturers and readers frequently asked why we didn't go sailing for the test. The idea was that the realistic conditions on board would provide the most meaningful results. However, these results are very much dependent on the prevailing weather. In bright sunshine, for example, there are no usable results at all. In addition, the weather could change during the course of the day, which means that the test conditions would not be consistent for all products. This is why we test clothing in a reproducible test set-up in the editorial office.
The main components are a fitting with consistently repeated movement sequences to determine the fit and freedom of movement as well as a leak test with a simulated rain shower in the shower.
How the models performed
AWN OCEAN PRO
The Ocean Pro Coastal has a very wide cut and is somewhat bulky. The hood is quite short, which in combination with the wide collar allows water to penetrate. Heat pockets with fleece on the trousers
Pros:
Heat pockets on the trousers, easily adjustable cuffs, thinly lined jacket pockets
Cons:
Hood is a little too small, collar is quite wide, water ingress at the collar
COMPASS
The Coastal Tech is cut wide, but fits well. The jacket is very long. The hood does not turn well. The adjustment is awkward. The new Oilskin smelled unpleasant, points deducted for that.
Pros:
Wide cut, good fit, cuffs seal well
Cons:
Patch pockets without drainage, no heat pockets, heat pockets on the trousers (under the jacket), oilskin smells very unpleasant when new
GILL
The OS3 oil stuff fits very well and ensures excellent freedom of movement. The hood offers intuitive adjustment and good visibility. The workmanship is remarkably high quality with attention to detail
Pros:
Very good fit and adjustment, very good freedom of movement, intuitively adjustable hood, high-quality workmanship, cosy, high collar,
good details
HELLY HANSEN
The test included Salt Power Jacket and the Pier Bib . Both garments fit very well and offer plenty of freedom of movement. The reinforcements on the knees are ergonomically shaped. Cuffs only single
Pros:
Very good fit, plenty of freedom of movement, intuitively adjustable hood, high collar
Cons:
Simple cuffs that are not completely tight, no heat pockets
MARINEPOOL
The Med series oilskin is the lightest in the test and packs down compactly. It offers a good fit and plenty of freedom of movement. It is the only one in the test without a fleece-lined collar
Pros:
Very light, lots of freedom of movement, good fit, packs down to save space
Contra:
No fleece in the collar, simple cuffs without elastication
MUSTO
The BR2 Coastal jacket is rather narrow cut. The Trousers BR2 Offshore is quite wide and has very thick fleece-lined heat pockets. The elasticated drawstring for adjusting the hood tore off during adjustment
Pros:
Heat pockets on jacket and trousers Reflectors on arms and shoulders, easily adjustable cuffs, easy-to-use pocket on the leg
Cons:
Collar a little tight with stowed hood, elasticated hood adjustment cord torn off
YACHTICON/CRAZY 4 SAILING
The Coastal Sidney Oil is quite wide and shapeless. The hood is very large, but it obstructs the view a little when you turn your head. The cuffs are easy to adjust. The workmanship could be better
Pros:
Well adjustable cuffs, very large inner pocket in the mesh lining, heat pockets on the jacket
Cons:
Hood obstructs the view, leg pocket without drainage, mediocre workmanship
PLASTIMO
The Activ' fits well, but is a little wide. However, it was also delivered in XL. So it runs small. The trousers have a detachable bib and the jacket has a button-down baffle. Most expensive oilskin in the test
Pros:
Good fit, very high collar with even higher storm flap, convertible trousers, hood offers good protection and visibility, many practical pockets
Contra:
High price
SEATEC
The CS2 Coastel is quite wide, but offers good freedom of movement. The hood can only be adjusted with two hands on each side and offers little protection at the sides. Simple oilskin at a reasonable price, hence the price-performance winner in the test
Pros:
Good freedom of movement, well adjustable and sealing cuffs, fair price
Cons:
Cumbersome hood adjustment, trousers wide at the leg, tight at the chest, no heat pockets
ZHIK
Jacket and Trousers from the Kiama series offered a very good fit and plenty of freedom of movement in the test. The oilskin has many compartmentalised, easy-to-use pockets. Despite a slight deduction due to the hood: test winner!
Pros:
Very good fit, plenty of freedom of movement, hood offers good visibility, high, fleece-lined collar, many usable pockets
Cons:
Hood rubs a little on the forehead
The complete test with further information on buying oil gear is still available as a downloadable PDF. Plus: Other personal equipment that sailors need:
