Product

Gill Hydrophobe Long Sleeve Base Layer

Promise

Comfortable at all times, wet or dry.

Performance

This water repelling (hydrophobic) base layer from Gill has been designed for performance dinghy sailing, but is by no means its only use. Still, when a frustrated dinghy sailor spends over 30 years developing Gill into the sailing gear specialists they are today, you have to appreciate such sport-specific design.

The Hydrophobe is a thermal stretch layer that’s tight fitting, like a second skin – but it’s not neoprene-based. Instead, the polypropylene has a brushed interior finish that is comfortable against the skin and wicks moisture away from the body. Perfect for any kind of sailing, it’s also great for kayaking or even as a rash vest for water sports.

Verdict

While getting a little damp through the layers, this technical top will help keep the chilling water off your skin. However, a good dousing at this time of year will still have you shuddering with expletives, and if swamped without extra layers you will be abruptly cooled off in the soaking before any hydrophobic activity can take effect.

Although a little short in the body, it’s less likely to hang down below layers and get drenched. This also makes it an excellent summer sailing or kayaking candidate while protecting you with its +50UV factor.