Intro
When you're out on the water, having the right sailing jacket can mean the difference between staying comfortable and dry or ending up cold and miserable. After spending a good number of hours sailing on the Solent in all weather conditions, I've learned that investing in quality sailing gear, particularly a good jacket, is absolutely essential.
Gill has established itself as one of the leading brands in sailing apparel, offering everything from lightweight spray tops to heavy-duty offshore jackets. In this guide, I'll share my findings on the best Gill sailing jackets available for 2025, covering different weather conditions, sailing styles, and budgets.
Jump straight to the jackets
- 1. Gill OS1 Ocean Sailing Jacket
- 2. Gill OS2 Offshore Sailing Jacket
- 3. Gill OS3 Coastal Sailing Jacket
- 4. Gill Verso Lite Jacket
- 5. Gill Verso Sailing Jacket
- 6. Gill Pilot Jacket
- 7. Gill Voyager Rain Jacket
- 8. Gill Fitzroy Synthetic Down Jacket
Key Things to Consider When Choosing Sailing Jackets
After testing various sailing jackets in different conditions, here are the crucial factors you should always consider before making a purchase:
Waterproofing is the most critical feature for any sailing jacket. Look for jackets with high waterproof ratings (measured in mm) and sealed seams. Gill's range typically offers ratings from 10,000mm for lighter conditions up to 20,000mm+ for serious offshore sailing.
Breathability is equally important to prevent overheating during active sailing. The best sailing jackets balance waterproofing with breathable fabrics that allow moisture vapor to escape while keeping water out.
Fit and mobility are crucial for sailing performance. Your jacket should allow full range of motion for working lines, winches, and sails without restriction. Look for pre-curved sleeves and articulated panels.
When it comes to durability, sailing jackets face harsh conditions including salt water, UV exposure, and constant movement. Reinforced high-wear areas and quality construction are essential for longevity.
Pocket placement and functionality matter more than you might think. Well-positioned pockets with secure closures keep essential items safe and accessible while sailing.
Hood design can make or break a sailing jacket. The best hoods stay put in wind while providing clear peripheral vision and compatibility with sailing helmets.
My top 8 favourite Gill Sailing Jackets
1. Gill OS1 Ocean Sailing Jacket - Buy from amazon
Kicking things off we have the Gill OS1 Ocean Sailing Jacket. This Jacket certainly isn't cheap but compared to simlar level coats from other brands it's still pretty good value. Specifically designed for sailors tackling the harshest Ocean environments, the OS1 Ocean Jacket features advanced XPLORE+® 3-layer fabric for complete waterproofing and breathability. Enhanced with XPEL® technology, it delivers outstanding water resistance, resists stains, and controls odour, providing lasting comfort and high-performance protection. Expect to be out on the high seas to need this particular jacket as it's likely overkill for anything else!
- Deep cargo pockets with secure closure with hand warmer pockets behind
- Chest hand warmer pockets
- PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) attachment point
- Shackle tool included
- 2-way zipper protected by a double storm guard
What people are saying about the Gill OS1
A fantastic jacket. This is the second one I've purchased. The first lasted over 10 years.
The OS1 really exceeded my expectations. Lightweight, highly functional, and great for use on the water. It’s pricey, but definitely worth the investment
Very high quality. Money well spent
Buy from Amazon - From £399
2. Gill OS2 Offshore Sailing Jacket - Buy from amazon
The Gill OS2 Offshore Sailing Jacket offers excellent protection for serious sailing conditions at a more accessible price point than the OS1. Built with Gill's proven 2-layer XPLORE fabric technology, it provides reliable waterproofing and breathability for extended offshore passages. The OS2 strikes a great balance between performance and value, making it a popular choice among club racers and cruising sailors alike.
Honestly, if you're intending to stay in and around the solent coasts, or even some channel crossings, this jacket is more than enough, even for some of the wettest conditions. And for those with a stronger preference on colours, the OS2 offers 4 colours including Navy, Red, Yellow and Black.
- 2-layer XPLORE fabric with fully sealed seams
- Adjustable hood with high collar protection
- Adjustable shock cord hem
- Multiple secure pockets for essential gear
- Waterproof, breathable and windproof protective outer shell with fully taped seams
What people are saying about the Gill OS2 Offshore Sailing Jacket
Great value offshore jacket with excellent waterproofing.
The OS2 is a high-performance waterproof and breathable jacket, perfect for sailing and outdoor adventures in rough weather.
Superb Quality.
Buy from Amazon - From £300
3. Gill OS3 Coastal Sailing Jacket - Buy from amazon
The Gill OS3 Coastal Sailing Jacket is a versatile and reliable choice for inshore and coastal adventures. Designed with Gill's XPLORE 2-layer fabric system, it delivers dependable waterproof protection and breathability while maintaining a lighter profile than offshore models. With fully taped seams, adjustable cuffs, and a high-visibility hood, the OS3 is built to handle changeable conditions without weighing you down.
Realistically, if you're sailing local waters, whether it's day trips around the Solent or summer crusiing, this jacket performs exceptionally well. It's also ideal for those who don't need heavy-duty offshore gear but still want peace of mind in bad weather. Available in a range of colourways, including Graphite, Red and Navy (Ocean), the OS3 blends functionality with style at a very reasonable price point.
- XPLORE 2-layer fabric with fully taped seams
- High-visibility adjustable hood
- Adjustable cuffs for secure fit
What people are saying about the Gill OS3 Coastal Sailing Jacket
Excellent lightweight jacket. Waterproof, windproof, really well made, and looks great too.
Really well made jacket with great style and excellent rain protection.
Buy from Amazon - From £100
4. Gill Verso Lite Jacket - Buy from amazon
The Gill Verso Lite Jacket is the ultimate packable sailing companion that proves you don't have to sacrifice protection for convenience. Weighing just 420 grams in medium size, this jacket packs down into its own chest pocket to fit in the palm of your hand - making it perfect for sailors who need reliable weather protection without the bulk. Built with Gill's XPLORE 2-layer fabric, it delivers dependable waterproof and breathable performance for moderate sailing conditions.
What sets the Verso Lite apart is its incredible versatility and portability. Whether you're dinghy sailing, coastal cruising, or heading out for a quick sail around the Solent, this jacket is light enough to always have with you yet substantial enough to keep you dry when conditions turn. It's not designed for heavy offshore work, but for day sailing, club racing, and general boating activities, it's hard to beat the combination of protection and packability.
- XPLORE 2-layer waterproof breathable fabric with fully taped seams
- Packs into its own chest pocket for ultimate portability
- Grown-on hood with 2-way adjustment and stowing loop
- YKK AquaGuard zipper for reliable weather sealing
- Adjustable outer cuffs and hem for customized fit
What people are saying about the Gill Verso Lite Jacket
Comfortable to wear and much easier than many smocks to get on and off.
Ideal for moderate conditions and packs so small it's feasible to carry in addition to full ocean gear.
Perfect lightweight waterproof layer for dinghy sailing and various water activities.
Buy from Amazon - From £116
5. Gill Verso Sailing Jacket - Buy from amazon
The Gill Verso Sailing Jacket represents the perfect evolution of the Verso line, offering enhanced protection and performance features that make it ideal for serious inshore sailing and racing. Built with XPLORE+ 3-layer waterproof breathable fabric and exclusive XPEL plant-based treatment, this jacket delivers superior water and stain resistance while maintaining excellent breathability. The thoughtful design includes inner wrist seals, an extended back hem to prevent ride-up, and a packable hood with three-way adjustment.
What sets the full Verso apart from its Lite sibling is the enhanced construction and performance-focused details. The inner PU cuff seals create a watertight barrier, while the longer back hem provides crucial protection when sitting or moving around the cockpit. Whether you're racing around the cans or heading out for extended day sails, this jacket offers the protection and mobility that active sailors demand without compromising on comfort or breathability.
- XPLORE+ 3-layer waterproof breathable fabric with fully taped seams
- XPEL plant-based water and stain repellent treatment
- Adjustable outer cuffs with PU inner seals for watertight protection
- Extended back hem with adjustable drawstring to prevent ride-up
- Packable hood with 3-way volume adjustment
- YKK Aquaguard zippers throughout
What people are saying about the Gill Verso Sailing Jacket
Go-to foul-weather gear for racing around the cans and overnight sailing.
Simple in design but advanced in versatility with excellent watertight cuff seals.
Lightweight and highly breathable with comfortable all-day wearability.
Buy from Amazon - From £240
6. Gill Pilot Jacket - Buy from amazon
The Gill Pilot Jacket stands out as the ultimate versatile sailing companion, designed for sailors who demand one jacket that performs across multiple water-based activities. Built with XPLORE 2-layer waterproof and breathable fabric technology, this jacket delivers reliable protection whether you're inshore sailing, coastal cruising, or exploring new waters. The soft-touch, low-noise fabric ensures comfort during long days on the water, while the fully taped seams provide complete weather sealing.
What makes the Pilot Jacket truly special is its incredible versatility and thoughtful design details. The rollaway hood with improved volume adjustment packs neatly into the collar using a concealed zip, giving you a clean profile when conditions are mild. The internal storm guard protects the YKK front zipper, while adjustable cuffs and shock cord hem allow you to fine-tune the fit for changing conditions. It's the perfect choice for sailors who want one high-quality jacket for everything from club racing to coastal adventures.
- XPLORE 2-layer waterproof and breathable fabric with fully taped seams
- Rollaway hood with volume adjustment and concealed zip storage
- YKK front zipper with internal storm guard protection
- Soft-touch, low-noise fabric for all-day comfort
- Adjustable cuffs and shock cord hem for customized fit
- Internal security pocket for valuables
What people are saying about the Gill Pilot Jacket
Incredibly versatile jacket ideal for sailing, paddlesports and coastal adventures.
Great solution for staying dry on and off the water with excellent versatility.
Performance of an inshore sailing jacket with multi-activity functionality.
Buy from Amazon - From £105
7. Gill Voyager Rain Jacket - Buy from amazon
The Gill Voyager Rain Jacket offers reliable weather protection for sailing and marine activities. This jacket provides essential waterproof coverage while maintaining breathability for active use on the water.
This isn't really a sailing jacket as such, but more of a rain jacket that's ideal for lighter marine use. Think river trips, working on deck while docked, or staying dry during warm weather showers. The Voyager delivers solid weather protection at an accessible price point, perfect for general boating activities when you need basic coverage without the technical features of dedicated sailing gear.
- Waterproof and breathable fabric
- Adjustable hood for weather protection
- Multiple pockets for gear storage
What people are saying about the Gill Voyager Rain Jacket
Reliable protection for recreational sailing activities.
Good value jacket with solid waterproof performance.
Perfect for general boating and marine use.
Buy from Amazon - From £100
8. Gill Fitzroy Synthetic Down Jacket - Buy from amazon
The Gill Fitzroy Synthetic Down Jacket delivers lightweight warmth and windproof protection for sailing and coastal adventures, with water-repellent comfort that performs even in damp conditions. It's ideal when you're hopping off the boat or want to wear as an underlayer to a waterproof jacket for additional warmth.