When you put on the Gill OS1, you immediately realise that this oilskin is not a half-measure. The extremely high collar and wide-fitting hood ensure that you can only see through a narrow slit - like looking through the visor of a knight's armour. The result is maximum protection from spray, rain and wind. A certain degree of visual restriction is part of the package, as the hood doesn't exactly turn perfectly. In heavy weather on offshore passages, this protection is worth the price. For use on the coast, in most cases it is simply overkill.
At first glance, the trousers appear oversized. However, they can be adjusted at the feet, waist and shoulders, making them precisely customisable. The supposedly excess material at the knees turns out to be a concept: it is deliberately cut this way and provides excellent freedom of movement when squatting. What looks too big ends up fitting just right.
Clever pocket concept
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 finish 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 cold.
For extreme conditions
The Gill 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. Anyone travelling on an open tender, for example, or sailing very early or late in the year 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
David Ingelfinger
Volontär
