Gill Marine has partnered with Nikwax to integrate Nikwax Direct.Dry®, a factory-applied, PFAS-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR), into its updated OS1 Ocean System, marking a first-of-its-kind adoption in the marine apparel category. The collaboration delivers high-performance waterproof protection while advancing sustainability in professional-grade ocean gear.
Designed for extreme marine environments, the updated OS1 Ocean System combines dependable waterproofing with responsible material choices, addressing growing industry demand for durable and environmentally conscious marine apparel.
PFAS-free waterproof performance
Nikwax Direct.Dry DWR achieves the highest rating under the AATCC 22 spray test while maintaining wash durability, making it suitable for prolonged exposure to harsh ocean conditions. Garments treated with Direct.Dry can also be renewed using Nikwax aftercare products, extending product lifespan and maintaining waterproof performance over time.
While Direct.Dry DWR is already featured on award-winning outdoor products, including Outdoor Research’s Foray and Aspire jackets, its integration into Gill Marine’s OS1 marks its first application within the marine apparel sector.
Commenting on the collaboration, Brian Davidson, CEO of Nikwax, said, “Gill has a reputation of being a leader in creating waterproof systems for harsh, ocean adventure and it was an honor to use our 50 years of experience producing PFAS-free DWR to support the OS1. This partnership demonstrates that high-performance marine apparel does not need to rely on PFAS chemistry. Nikwax Direct.Dry DWR delivers dependable water repellency and can be renewed with our globally known aftercare products, ensuring the garments last longer. This is exactly the kind of collaboration that moves the marine industry forward.”
Tested beyond standards
Gill’s OS1 Ocean System is its most advanced ocean-level apparel to date, combining extensive in-house laboratory testing with more than 5,000 miles of real-world Arctic sailing validation by Matt and Amy from the YouTube channel Sailing Yacht Florence. Engineered with advanced materials and enhanced safety features, the system reflects Gill’s focus on durability, protection and performance in extreme conditions.
Sharing their experience, Matt Humphreys from Sailing Yacht Florence said, “In the Arctic, the real challenge is the wind chill coming off ice and glaciers. We wore the OS1 constantly and never had to dry out our mid or base layers. When the outer layer got wet, we shook it off and let it dry in the cockpit. That tells you everything about how well it performed.”
With over five decades of expertise in PFAS-free waterproofing technologies, Nikwax continues to support outdoor and marine brands in transitioning away from “forever chemicals”, reinforcing its commitment to long-term environmental responsibility and product performance.
