Gill Langland Technical Hoodie Review
Technology is one of the most valuable components of the sport of fishing. In the summer, where temperatures can reach more than 100° F here in Texas for weeks at a time, I look for clothing that provides strong UV protection. Having a technical, lightweight fabric that wicks moisture and gives me protection from the sun at the same time is a must.
Winter is no different. It’s actually my favorite time to be on the water because the temperatures are cooler on the Texas coast, though UV protection is still mandatory. That’s why I brought along the Langland Technical Hoodie for a coastal fishing trip I took in October.
The Langland Technical Hoodie is a staple for the UV clothing that I wear during most of the year. It is a well-made fleece-lined hoodie and has some weight to it. It’s manufacturer, Gill Fishing, has developed something called “XPEL stain-resistant technology.” I will touch on the water-repelling experiences I had in a moment, but besides water, the company says it will also repel blood, slime, and odors.
I had a week at the coast planned for the last week of October and anticipated that I would be able to wear the hoodie in the mornings. However, we had a major change in the weather once I hit the water. Hurricane Zeta blew through the Gulf of Mexico, and while it missed the Texas coast, it brought with it a cold front. Temperatures dropped, and I ended up wearing the hoodie for four of the five days on the trip.
The hurricane and cold front meant the wind was up, and the water was rough. Crossing a bay that is white capping in a flat-bottom boat typically equals a bad time. For half of my body, it was miserable. My pants didn’t repel the water nearly as well as my Langland hoodie did. I could literally wipe the water off of the hoodie, and what little that stayed on the fabric quickly dried in the sun.
I handled a lot of fish over the four days I wore the hoodie. To test it out further, I decided not to wash it right away when I got home. Instead, I hung it up in my garage. I was surprised to find that it didn’t smell and was odor-free the next day.
The treatment in the fabric is supposed to be effective for up to 50 washes. Once I gave the hoodie a chance to start to stink, I washed it. This is the system I’ve used every time I’ve worn the hoodie, and if I had to guess, I would say it’s been washed and dried seven or eight times. The water-repelling capability is still as good as the first day I wore it on the boat. If I pour a glass of water directly onto it, the water beads up, and I’m able to soak it up with a towel. The fabric is only slightly damp, if at all.
The Langland hoodie fits great. It has a four-way stretch, an adjustable hood, integrated thumb loops on the cuffs, and an internal zippered pocket within the kangaroo pouch. The thumb loops are a feature that I didn’t particularly like the feel of. My body just wasn’t used to the constant pressure of the fabric on the web of my thumb, and I found it uncomfortable after using the thumb loops for some time.
As I’m writing this article, we’ve experienced several days of near-freezing temperatures in Central Texas, where I live. My Langland hoodie is what I turn to when walking my dog or out running errands. If you’re in the market for a good, functional hoodie, check out the Langland Technical Hoodie. I am happy with mine. While you’re on the Gill website, don’t hesitate to look at their other apparel. They sell everything from base layers to rain suits and jackets.
Key Features: Gill Langland Hoodie
Revolutionary plant-based XPEL fabric coating technology for stain, odor and moisture resistance. Treatment is effective for up to 50 washes. Thermal protection. 4-way stretch. Breathable.
Pill-resistant fleece. Adjustable hood with inner drawcord. Zippered internal pocket within kangaroo pouch. Integrated thumb-loop on cuffs. Machine washable.
MSRP: $89.95
Based out of Austin, Jeremy has been fishing for 30+ years. Originally from Southwestern Pennsylvania, growing up fishing small creeks and lakes with family, moved onto to fly fishing the Colorado River outside of Granby, Colorado. Now being in Texas, the gulf coast has captured his attention and where he enjoys spending his time on the weekends. Articles range from product reviews, comparisons, catch and cooks, personal learning lessons, fishing journals, and more.