Gill OS3 Review Of The Coastal Series

The latest Gill coastal sailing jackets and trousers series come in men’s and women’s models. They are sleek and modern-looking garments packed with clever features to ensure you’ll be kept dry in foul weather.

During my 10-year career in yachting, this is one of the best foul-weather sets I enjoyed wearing on deck, even over more expensive brands like Henri Lloyd and Helly Hansen.

Gill OS3 Coastal Jacket Review

Our Rating 0/5

The OS3 coastal jacket has waterproof fabric that is also breathable and durable. With safety features like the high visibility adjustable hood, safety accents on the pocket piping, and callouts on the zip pockets. On the wrists, there are retro-reflective molded rectangles to help you attract attention if you are in the water.

The use cases extend well beyond sailing. For example, if you are powerboating or saltwater fishing, this jacket is also perfect for those situations.

The jacket is constructed using Gill’s patented Xplore Fabric Technology, a two-layer fabric consisting of an outer and inner shell. The outer layer is abrasion resistant with good water-repellant capability from Gill’s new Xpel treatment.

The inner is made from a breathable and waterproof coating which keeps you dry and prevents you from overheating. It’s fully lined to make getting in and out easy.

The front of the jacket uses a YKK Aquaguard zipper with storm guard. This feature eliminates metal in the zipper, which is ideal for marine use. In addition, the storm layer provides the wearer with a double layer of protection so that if any water does ingress, it simply collects between the zipper and the jacket and falls through the bottom.

Two well-sized hand pockets are enclosed with a hook and loop design to ensure valuables won’t fall out. In addition, they are fleece lined to keep your hands nice and warm in colder conditions.

On the inside, there is an extra security zipped pocket for items like mobile phones. Finally, a mesh section on the backside of the jacket means that if you are unlucky enough to fall overboard, the jacket will drain itself when help arrives to haul you out of the water.

Waterproofness 0/5
Breathability 0/5
Durability 0/5

Gill OS3 Coastal Trousers Review

Our Rating 0/5

The OS3 coastal trousers are designed to compliment the OS3 coastal jacket and are available in men's and women's options.

As with the jacket, it's made from Gill's Explore Fabrix Technology, their two-layer waterproof material with a durable outer face and fully breathable coating.

The bibs are lined all the way through to ensure getting them off or on is easy. The exception is at the ankle, where a drainage mesh lining works the same way as the jacket to allow the water to fall out of the trousers when being lifted out of the water.

These trousers are built with a practical approach. The durable outer shell will come into contact with items on deck, so they are reinforced in the main contact points, such as the knee, so they hold up during rough use.

The men's and women's models have elastic stretch braces over the shoulder. In addition, you can adjust the height of the trousers with an easy velcro system.

There is a full-length front zipper, the YKK Aquaguard, so they have eliminated the metal components of the zipper. In addition, there is a waterproof gusset on the inside to prevent water from gushing in when the zipper is down.

A generous side cargo pocket and wide hem openings round out these trousers as a truly premium product that'll keep even the heaviest downpour from getting you wet.

Waterproofness 0/5
Breathability 0/5
Durability 0/5

Who Are These For?

Coastal boaters and sailors in the market for their first set of foul-weather gear. You can't go wrong with these; they are ideal for coastal boating and day cruising.

Alternative Options

If you are weighing up cost against performance then this comparison of the Gill OS2 vs OS3 series article should make your decision clearer.

If your budget can stretch a little further and you need something you can pair with a set of bibs then I'd suggest reading my review of Gill's OS2 series which is designed for the offshore sailor.

If money is no object or you need the best of the best then here is my complete review of the OS1 Ocean Series.

I’m the founder and chief editor here at Sailing Savvy. I spent a decade working as a professional mariner and currently, I mix those experiences with digital publishing. Welcome, and I hope that we can be the hub you need for safe passage.