Henri Lloyd's new Gore-Tex Offshore jacket and trousers have definitely reaped the benefits of Ocean Racer technology. Reductions in weight and fast draining front stow pockets with water resistant Riri Aqua Zips are just a few of the top quality features that these oilskins boast. Highly durable Cordura reinforcement has been added to the knees, seat and back hem to protect against abrasion, and the higher bib offers extra wind and waterproof protection. You get a lot for your money with an R.R.P. of less than £530 for the set.
The first thing you'll notice about the set is that they look fantastic. You feel like you're part of the Volvo race team kitted out in this gear. Henri Lloyd certainly know how to make oil skins ready for the catwalk. The striking white jacket stands out to say the least, but proved a bit impractical pitted against my messy eating habits. Marks showed very quickly, but were also easily removed with the aid of a baby wipe, slightly redeeming this gripe.
Movement is easy because the Off Shore jacket and trousers are so light, a clever trick of the unlined design. You feel no restrictions - and you can sense there's no compromise in quality either. Another welcome addition is the Ocean Hood Pod, definitely superior to most of its counterparts. It means that when it's wet and cold at sea (like most of the time), a hat isn't a necessity. Thething is totally brilliant, windproof as well as waterproof, and lines your face with a fleecy rim.
It's really nice to have a women's set of waterproofs, shaped to fit a curvey figure, instead of a fob-off version of the men's. Both jacket and trousers have been tailored specifically for a woman's physique, giving a good fit and freedom of movement. The bat-wing adjustable waist is great because you can opt for a closer fit round the tummy without comprising elsewhere. And let's face it - we all have bumps and bulges, they just need to be in the right place.
Another specifically feminine feature is the drop-seat, allowing you to relieve yourself without taking off your jacket. This is becoming an increasingly poplar feature with oilskins, most brands now including a drop-seat option in their range. This Henri Lloyd design is particularly good because of the elasticated close-shoulder fastening system which aids your movements. It is definitely a feature I would go for, not just for hygiene as I have an all-in-one mid layer, but having two side zips means the trousers are easier to get on and off in a hurry - ideal for racing. Because of this there is some loose fabric at the back, not very flattering to the derrière, but a small price to pay.
Altogether I have only two criticisms, both are very minor. The first is the zip tags, which are a little on the small side. Though most of the time they're easier enough to grab, with a heavily gloved hand they're very difficult to get hold of, so you can't control the zip. My second rant is the braces. Yes, the shoulder system works well, but distinct skimping in the Velcro department means adjustability is lost.
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A racing jacket at a cruising price. It's so light you'll forget you're wearing it, but none the quality is lost in design. It also looks the part - and though the white colour highlights dirt quickly, it's easy to clean. Aesthetics are the key to this duo and little has been compromised to gain a fashionable effect. |
For more information on Herni Lloyd visit www.henrilloyd.com
Group test
Henri Lloyd's Offshore jacket and trousers are among the oilskin sets we will include in our up-and-coming MainSail waterproofs group test. Keep an eye out for this Battle of the Giants (Henri Lloyd, Musto, Gill, Helly Hanson, XM Yachting) all pitted against each other. Only one will be crowned Best of the Offshore Sets, so watch this space!
