The Slam OD Hooded Jacket immediately stands out due to its very light colour. Basically white with a slight blue tinge. That looks fresh. However, the light colour is extremely sensitive to dirt. Signs of wear will be visible after a few uses. If you want to keep your oilskin clean, you need to wash it regularly.
The shoulder section can also be adjusted - simple but effective. The length of the straps can be adjusted so that the Long John fits both tall and short people well.
The ankle cuffs are adjustable. They can be fastened tightly around the ankle or opened wider if you are wearing boots. Reinforcements on the knees and seat protect the most exposed areas.
Pockets: Practically placed
There are pockets with zips on the thighs - practical for gloves, multitools or energy bars. A chest pocket, also with a zip, offers space for smaller items such as a smartphone or keys.
No heat pockets - not necessary with an inshore oiler for summer sailing. If you sail in cold weather, you need a warmer model anyway.
Jacket with detachable hood
The jacket has an adjustable waistband at the bottom. There is a soft rubber lining on the inside that sticks to the long john and prevents the jacket from riding up when you move. This elasticated lining is also intended to provide some waterproofing.
The hood is part of the collar, but can be removed completely with Velcro and two buttons at the back of the neck. This is practical for regatta sailors who often don't need the hood at all.
Hood: Simple but functional
The hood only has a simple adjustment - there is an elasticated strap at the back of the head that adjusts both the length and the peak at the front. This is not ideal because you can't adjust both independently of each other. But it works and keeps the weight down.
The hood turns well when you move your head. Visibility is good, no significant restriction. This is perfectly adequate for an inshore oilskin.
One problem can occur for women or men with long hair: If you wear a plait, the hood can be a little too short at the back. The peak then slips too far onto the forehead.
Simple cuffs
The cuffs are kept very simple - no PU coating on the inside, no double cuffs. They can be adjusted with a Velcro strap. This is certainly sufficient for inshore conditions in pleasant temperatures. For offshore use or in really cold and wet weather, double cuffs would be better.
Slam Shield
The lightweight oilskin from Slam is equipped with a membrane called Slam Sjield 20. The manufacturer promises very high breathability. In the test, the oilskin was completely waterproof.
But: the equipment is reduced to the bare essentials. No storm flap over the zip - just the zip itself. No double cuffs. No heat pockets. No massive reinforcements.
Breathable and quick-drying
The Slam Foil is designed for high activity. Anyone who moves a lot - setting sails, trimming, manoeuvring - sweats quickly under heavy oilskins. The Slam Foil is so thin and breathable that perspiration can escape easily. You stay dry on the outside and inside.
The oilskin dries quickly after use. Hanging in the fresh air overnight is sufficient. This is practical for regattas or summer cruising.
Wide cut, good adjustability
The cut is rather wide. This has advantages and disadvantages. Advantage: plenty of freedom of movement, you can wear thicker layers underneath if it does get cooler. Thanks to the adjustment options and the lightweight material, the wide cut is not a negative factor. You don't feel like you're walking around in trousers that are too big.
Price-performance: Very good
630 euros is a fair price. If you are looking for a lightweight inshore oiler for the summer, the Slam Foil is a very good choice. The workmanship is good, the material is high quality and the functionality is great for most conditions.
The light colour is a matter of taste. If you don't have a problem with it, you'll get a good oilskin set at a fair price. Alternatively, the set is also available in a light and a darker shade of blue.
Technical data:
Slam Foil Hooded Jacket & Long John:
Dimensions:
- Jacket weight: 504 g
- Weight trousers: 730 g
Material:
- Slam Shield 20
- 100% waterproof
- Breathable
- Quick-drying
Features trousers:
- Adjustable shoulder section
- Adjustable ankle cuffs
- Reinforcements on knees and buttocks
- Pockets with zip on thighs
- Chest pocket with zip
Jacket features:
- Detachable hood (Velcro + 2 buttons)
- Adjustable waistband
- Soft rubber lining inside (prevents slipping up)
- Simple cuffs
- No storm flap
Hood:
- Simple adjustment (rear only)
- Turns well with
- Good visibility
Price:
- Jacket: 260 Euro
- Trousers: 370 Euro
- Complete: 630 Euro
Colours:
- Light grey, light blue, dark blue
Availability:
Michael Rinck
Redakteur Test & Technik
