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There are a surprising amount of similarities when it comes to gear made to wear for watersports and gear made to wear on snow.
You want to be warm in either case of course, stay dry to a certain extent. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are key and garments designed to allow of movement, whether you’re bouncing over the waves or the moguls.
So the snowsports potential of the Gill Marine range is intriguing, even if they are built for water rather than snow. The company was established 50 years ago this year by Nick Gill, a passionate dinghy sailor who was frustrated by the lack of available clothing for his sport.
We took the Gill AquaParka out on the snow, making it, essentially, a SnowParka for our purposes.
We weren’t actually skiing or riding in it during our test, but walking through a mountain top blizzard to shop and reach the apres ski bar, paired with some goggles, it was just brilliant.
Waterproof, windproof and breathable its designed to keep the elements out – be they snow, rain and/or gales – with maximum protection from head to tow.
Intentionally oversized, it is designed to be loose enough for you to pull your arms inside for changing after or before watersports, but works equally well as full body protection on the mountain.
Featuring a fully waterproof shell with stitch-free, welded seam construction, the fabric has full 4-way stretch.
The high loft thermal lining not only wicks water and moisture away from the skin, but will keep you warm even when worn on top of wet clothing.
The full length arms with adjustable cuffs and generous fit combined with the two way YKK zipper offers full coverage. That included over the tops of our boots, avoiding the usual problem of falling snow getting in at the top.
There are multiple storage pockets – including an internal zippered pocket for your valuables and a large internal stow pocket to hold other discreet items.
The Gill AquaParka is available in sizes XS to XL and in colourways eggshell/ash, navy/bluejay or graphite (pictured) priced at £145 with free delivery.
