Editor’s Choice: Zhik INS100 jacket

We're not quite sure how to pronounce the name of this recently-launched Australian jacket without appearing churlish, but what we do know is that the Zhik INS100 is a stylish piece of kit indeed.

The description offered by its makers reads, “the perfect technical lightweight cross-over jacket for life afloat and ashore”, leaving no doubt as to who this garment is aimed – us boaters.

They even promote it with the hashtag ‘Made for Water’. What we particularly like about the Zhik INS100 is that this is no in-yer-face product; it makes its own unique fashion statement quietly, without really trying.

Or could it be that the converse is true – it succeeds precisely because it conceals its street-style, trend-setting light beneath a bushel so well?

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The jacket’s clean lines, with no frills and modest branding, might make the casual observer think there’s nothing special going on here.

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But take a closer look and you’ll find a host of features to commend it. For example, there’s its construction. The Zhik INS100 is made of Vecta, a fully waterproof, two layer hydrophobic breathable fabric which promises comfort whatever the weather decides to throw at us.

A soft mesh lining maximises air flow, adding further to the comfort, and when the going gets really tough an additional coat of DWR – Durable Water Repellent – is there to turn the jacket into a duck’s back; water just runs off of it.

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All seams are fully taped with critical joints further reinforced for durability and personal effects are kept stay safe and dry inside the two external zipped side pockets and a discreet chest pocket.

As a brand, Zhik’s claim to the water runs deep – since its formation in 2003, its range of wetsuits and dinghy gear have become a popular choice among sailors around the globe.

The firm was the Technical Clothing Partner for two teams in the Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18 and the Official Technical Clothing Supplier to Alex Thomson Racing for the 2020 Vendee Globe Campaign. And with a pedigree like that, the Zhik INS100 surely has to be worth a look.

Price: £129.95 (inc. VAT)

Buy it now on Ebay.co.uk

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