The OS1 offshore oilskin from Gill is designed for the toughest conditions. The collar is gigantic and reaches almost under the eyes. The hood closes over the forehead. You can really only see out through a slit. Maximum protection from spray, rain and wind - but also a certain degree of visual restriction. The hood does not turn perfectly, which further restricts the side view. For offshore passages in heavy weather, this protection is worth its weight in gold, but for normal coastal sailing it is overkill.
The trousers initially make an oversized impression, but are easy to adjust. They can be precisely adjusted at the feet, waist and shoulders. When squatting, it becomes clear that the seemingly excessive amount of material at the knees is intentional and offers excellent freedom of movement. What initially seems too big then fits perfectly.
Many well thought-out pockets
There are heat pockets in the trousers and jacket. The jacket even has four: above the chest and behind the patch pockets. In the right leg pocket, a multi-tool is firmly attached to an elasticated band - screwdriver, shackle opener, open-end spanner and bottle opener all in one. Practical, always to hand.
Two special holders allow a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) to be hooked in. Adjustable cuffs with PU coating on the inside seal the arms and legs. The ankle cuffs are easily adjustable. The double storm flap on the zip has a water drainage channel. You feel and are extremely protected.
Xplore+
The material is Gill's own membrane. The workmanship looks neat and tidy, and the many reinforcements on the knees and seat increase durability. Reflectors improve visibility. The Salopette alone - without the jacket - already reaches under the chin. It can be worn very well on its own. The jacket is the final escalation stage for really tough weather with rain and spray.
For extreme conditions
The OS1 is designed for offshore use and the toughest weather. On the Baltic Sea in summer, it is a little overkill. Then the high collar tends to get in the way. But anyone who sails long distances, plans Atlantic crossings or is travelling very early or late in the season will appreciate the protection. The oilskin is not for everyone - but for those who need it, it is reliable armour. What's more, the price is very fair.
Technical data:
Price:
- Jacket: 750 Euro
- Trousers: 600 Euro
Weight:
- Jacket: 1,352 g
- Trousers: 1,158 g
Material:
- Xplore+
- PFAS-free
- 50% recycled material
- Robust and durable
Field of application:
- Offshore
- Toughest weather conditions
- Long passages
- Extreme conditions
Colours:
- Jacket: Red
- Trousers: Black
Jacket features:
- Extremely high collar (reaches almost under the eyes)
- Double storm flap with water drainage channel
- Four heat pockets (two over the chest, two behind patch pockets)
- Double cuffs with PU coating on the inside
- Many reflectors for night visibility
- Massive reinforcements in exposed areas
- Inside pockets
- Special mounts for PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)
- Very clean finish
Trouser features:
- Salopette reaches under the chin
- Heat pockets available
- Pockets on the thighs
- Chest pocket in the trousers
- Multitool firmly attached to elasticated strap in right leg pocket
- Special mounts for PLB (Personal Locator Beacon)
- Adjustable at the feet, waist and shoulders
- Reinforcements on knees and buttocks
Hood:
- Very good protection
- Part of a solid hood-collar construction
- Does not rotate perfectly
- Slight visual impairment
- Maximum protection from spray, wind and rain
- Stowable in the collar
Cuffs:
- Double execution
- Inner cuffs with PU coating
- Adjustable
- Very good sealing
Special details:
- Detailed quality control on every seam on every part (according to the manufacturer)
- PFAS-free and 50% recycled (sustainable)
- PLB brackets (two pieces) - for offshore safety
- Integrated multi-tool in trouser pocket - always to hand
- Extremely many well thought-out pockets
- Water drainage channel on storm flap
Special feature in the test:
- Price tip in the offshore sector
- Best sustainable solution (PFAS-free, 50% recycled)
- Only model with integrated multitool
- Only model with PLB brackets
Michael Rinck
Redakteur Test & Technik
