Zhik kiama
Jacket £175 Salopettes £159
A relatively new Australian brand that set about creating high-performance clothing, Zhik comes from a sports background. The jacket and salopettes are its entry-level waterproofs and follow Musto’s minimalist approach, albeit with a slightly heavier fabric and a few features for comfort. It’s a well-fitted suit of oilskins that looks modern and feel great to wear. Zhik claims its fabric has been developed to remain waterproof and breathable for much longer than other similar fabrics.
Jacket
The jacket is well fitted and has good long sleeves so the cuffs don’t ride up. It lacks reflective patches and the hood is the same colour as the jacket – the plus side is that you could wear this ashore without looking like a washed-up mariner. The hood has a stiff peak and is adjustable on top and at the sides. It rolls neatly up and rather than sitting inside a pocket, the collar has a narrow flap that Velcros over the hood to keep it secure. The hood also has a warm microfibre lining. The mid-height collar has microfibre lining too, as do the zipped handwarmer pockets, which are the only external pockets. Inside, the jacket has a soft mesh lining for some warmth and one small zipped pocket for a phone. The single outer storm flap closes with Velcro patches, making it easier to undo than one continuous strip. The hem has an elastic draw cord. The jacket has a single cuff but the inside face has rubberised material for a good seal.
Salopettes
A modern fit makes these more stylish. The neoprene shoulder straps thread straight into the front of the salopettes where they’re held on both sides by internal Velcro. The nylon lining in the legs helps the trousers slide on and there are two good cargo thigh pockets. These unisex salopettes have good reinforcement on the heel, knees and seat.
test verdict
These were popular on the test for the fit, styling and movement. The wrist was only moderately sealed and the neck let in a small amount of water. The fabric was perfectly waterproof but the outer material seemed more absorbent then others, rather than making the water bead up and run off. These are excellent waterproofs that will cope well with moderate conditions.