Maybe it's the scale of it all. But after ten years since my first trip to the Lake District I still can't get over this place.

Home to both England's biggest lake and its tallest mountain, you could visit 100 times and still feel like you're missing things. This time I'm here to spend a few days with Nemo Equipment - a high end outdoor brand with a focus on lightweight kit.

For the uninitiated, Nemo was founded in the US by MIT graduate and sometime spacesuit engineer Cam Brensinger, who, after spending five night's bad sleep in a poorly designed bivvy sack, decided he could do better. Fast forward 20 something years and Nemo is firmly established in the US as a go-to for thoughtfully-made ultralight gear with a sustainable focus.

It's a newer presence in the UK though, and so I'm here as part of a campout to find out more about Nemo's latest products, along with Advnture contributor Gary Moore (who also happens to be my partner) and other journalists, including Sian Lewis, who was involved in the launch of this very site.

Gary and I have already been in the Lakes for 24 hours before the Nemo campout, taking the opportunity to photograph kit including the best wetsuit I've ever had, and an update on a Patagonia classic. Day one saw us hiking off the Hardknott Pass and swimming in the very cold and very fast River Esk, and then staying the night in a fun Scandinavian barbeque hut near Ambleside.

The next morning we head to Grasmere to photograph more kit, including two excellent changing robes from Zone3 and Red, before driving on to the National Trust's campsite at Great Langdale to meet the group for the campout. The campsite is definitely on the fancy side, with a dedicated drying room (more on that later) and hot showers available 24/7. With the forecast promising heavy rain, we're going to need both, but weather regardless, we arrive very much in the mood for more swimming, more hiking, and lots of gear chat.

There are half a dozen other outdoor writers in camp and in theory we're all competitors, working for rival sites and publications. In practice though, many of us already know each other, having bonded at trade shows and events over our mutual love of the outdoors and nerdish level of interest in the kit. From the outset, it's clear that we're going to get along just fine.

After a short round of introductions the Nemo team wastes no time giving us the low down on the brand's latest kit.

The technical bit: new tents

If you're familiar with Nemo tents already, you'll know that they're very light, beautifully designed, and come with a price tag that reflects both those qualities.

We're shown both existing tents, and upgraded versions coming in the next year, with the Dagger, Dragonfly and Hornet, all making an appearance. Coming for next season are more sustainable fabrics, solution dyes, and more room.

Despite their relatively low profiles, it's possible to sit up in every tent - a boon in rainy British weather, when you may unexpectedly get stuck under canvas for a couple of days. All the tents also have a 'landing zone' in the vestibule to stick shoes and backpacks for more sleeping space, and the larger tents have an opening on each side.

While Gary is very much a thru-hiker, having recently walked from Bristol to Ireland, I'm more of a car camper, so it's been a while since I slept in a tiny tent. Happily, the Nemo Dagger Ridge 3P we've been allocated easily keeps us cozy and dry, despite the often torrential rain that has unhelpfully decided to arrive after a month-long drought.

The Ridge versions of Nemo's tents have an updated pole structure, which adds both height, and more usable space - without extra weight. After two nights sleeping in this one, I'm a fan.

The technical bit: ultralight mats

Finding a sleep mat that's light, packable, comfortable and well-insulated, is a holy grail for any wild camper, and Nemo's Tensor sleep mats seek to answer that quest.

We're shown the latest Tensor sleep mats, including the Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions sleep mat, which all feature 'suspended' insulation, that hangs between the top and bottom layer of the mat, massively reducing the noisy crinkling sound you often get when rolling over on a lightweight mat.

These mats are super lightweight and pack down to almost nothing, and I find myself marvelling - yet again - at how far this industry has come. We're also given a demo on how to use a pump sack, which I could have done with this summer when struggling to use one on my Therm-a-Rest mat.

The technical bit: spoon-shape sleeping bags

We're taken through a range of sleeping bags, most with Nemo's 'spoon' shape - which has a narrower middle section, but then flares out at the feet. It's an interesting compromise between rectangular bags and mummy-styles, that saves weight, while being a more comfortable option than mummy bags and better for side sleepers. Many of the bags have 'Thermo Gills' in the front - small sections that you can unzip to dump heat, which is a clever touch. I spend the first night in a Riff sack, while Gary has the Disco.

Both down bags hold up to the chilly damp conditions with remarkable ease and we agree the spoon shape is a winner, but I'm reminded when I wake up with a tight chest on the first morning that I'm slightly allergic to down and switch to the synthetic Forte for the second night. It's just as good, and it's going on my Christmas list.

Magic chairs: the Nemo Stargaze

With all that technical chat out of the way, it's time to relax. The Nemo team cook up a feast on the firepit (special shout out must go to Jo for her amazing homemade cakes) and we kick back in Nemo Stargaze chairs. Imagine a camping chair combined with a rocking chair and a recliner and you're on the right track. They are obscenely comfortable (admittedly with a pretty hefty price tag). There are two versions - the original Stargaze reclining chair, and the Stargaze Evo-X, which is a bit sturdier, a bit plusher, and quickly wins the vote over which of the two we prefer.

The group quickly divides between the rockers and 'non'-rockers, although, as you can see in my Insta post below, most of us eventually succumb. If I could take home a single piece of kit from the campout, it would be one of these.

The chat takes in some of our recent adventures and the revelation that one of our number doesn't know who Ilona Maher (US rugby legend) is - if you don't know either, you can check out her Instagram here and thank me later. We spend a while marvelling at how she's built her profile to become the most-followed rugby player in the world. We all agree she's awesome.

Swimming with monsters

The next morning the group splits into those keen for a five hour hike up the Langdale Pikes and, well, me. I have an old knee injury that makes me less nimble on the trails than I'd like. If I join the guided hike I'll be the one lagging at the back the whole time. And that's no fun.

So I set off on a solo adventure instead, making a short hike around the edge of Side Pike to Blea Tarn, where I want to swim. Once I'm off the road, a short wander around the side of another hill and through some very prehistoric-feeling woods, brings me to the lake.

Blea Tarn has existed for so long that the sediment on the bottom of the deepest parts hasn't been disturbed since this land was still covered in glaciers. I feel very privileged to be here.

It's pouring with rain and my only company is a female duck, who I share some of my lunch with before my dip. Because it's high up, the water is still and icy cold but I'm used to cold water, so I just chuck on my wetsuit and get in, admittedly with a gasp.

In recent years I've stopped putting my face in the water when I go wild swimming in the UK - the pollution scare stories are no joke. But I don't worry about that here. The water is clean and clear and high up enough that it's extremely unlikely that anything nasty is getting pumped into it,

I dip my head under and the water is pitch black. My lizard brain kicks in and I immediately foresee death by plesiosaur in my near future. The creeping dread so many people experience in open water is upon me. I know it's just a prey instinct, a genetic hangover designed to remind me not to swim with deep water underneath me (for there once were monsters), but it takes me a minute to recalibrate.

After managing to relax again and bobbing around for quite a while I feel like I've had enough, so I peel off my wetsuit in the water (much easier that way), but then the feeling of the cold against my actual skin is so lovely, I decide to stay in for a bit longer, and eventually strip off my bikini to swim naked. Life's too short not to skinny dip.

I do my best to dry off in the now pouring rain, and wander back to the campsite, taking in a pebbled path that runs down the side of Side Pike. I'm grateful for the Vivobarefoot hiking boots I've been testing recently, and my Silva walking poles, that aren't really designed for 'proper' hiking, but help to keep me upright on the steep decline anyway.

I arrive back at camp a little before the rest of the crew, and spread out my entire kit in the drying room before having a much needed hot shower.

The happy hikers return soon enough, with talk of swimming in waterfalls and trekking above the cloud line. I feel a pang of jealousy at not having been able to join in, but that's forgotten soon enough as the Nemo team starts cooking tonight's veggie chilli and we discuss the perfect S'mores combo.

As night falls the clouds miraculously clears and we pull our chairs out from under the awning, to spot a few constellations and track satellites across the sky.

Swimming in Coniston

After an action-packed couple of days we're ready to pass out soon enough, and crawl into our respective tents. Lots of heart-felt goodbyes are had the next morning, before Gary and I make one final stop - to swim in Coniston Water (here I keep my face out, as the big Lakes have seen increasing pollution).

The water is much warmer here, and there are ducks again.

I marvel at finding such peace in the middle of this crazy world and stretch out across the lake, once again reminded of how lucky I am to so all this and somehow call it work.

Food and accommodation at Great Langdale were provided by Nemo Equipment, without any editorial input to this piece aside from some of the photos you see here.

I've been on a mission to test an array of changing robes this year, and have come away from the experience surprised by how much they vary, despite all landing within a narrow price range.

At first glance, Red's new Alter Evo robe is almost identical to Zone3's Thermotech offering. But on closer inspection there's one big difference between them - weight. The Alter Evo is more than 1lb (500g) heavier than the Thermotech. And that's no small amount if your favorite wild swim spot requires a bit of a trek to get to.

But while the Alter Evo is less portable, it's definitely warmer, with a super soft deep-pile Sherpa fleece lining that feels like you're being hugged by a teddy bear.

So if it's heavier than the Thermotech, are there any other features to recommend it over its similarly-priced rival? In short, yes, so let's talk about that a bit more.

Red Alter Evo changing robe: weight

While the Thermotech's lightness was a winning feature for me, Red have gone in the opposite direction with the Alter Evo. Weighing in at nearly 4lb, it's the heaviest changing robe I've tested this year, but if you think of it as a luxury robe, it all starts to make sense.

Let's look at the hood, for example. It's got a proper peak, it's substantial, the Sherpa lining is deep-pile and cozy, and it's got a high neck and sturdy toggles to allow you to cinch it tight when it's really cold.

The old Red Pro Evo version had sleeves that came up just slightly short on me, but there's no chance of that here, with fold back cuffs that should satisfy even the most orangutan of limb.

The main zip is YKK, the zip on the outer chest pocket appears reassuringly water tight, and it feels like every other little detail has been well thought out too, from the mesh inner pocket (also zipped) to the decision to use fleece for the large inner patch pocket (traditionally used by wild swimmers for a hot water bottle), so that you don't have a 'cold patch' that would exist if this were made from the outer fabric.

It's also longer than most other robes I've tried (and longer than the Pro Evo), coming to mid shin - a reassuring feature if you're a winter swimmer like me.

If I have one gripe it's that the sleeves are now tapered, rather than straight cut, and I found this made it a little harder to slip my arms inside the body of the garment when I was getting changed.

But I'm splitting hairs here - there's so much to recommend it.

Sizing

Although men's and women's versions are available, the difference between them isn't obvious to me and the sizing guide is the same. I like the fact that the size guide on the Red website shows you which size is suitable depending on whether you're using it to get changed under or 'just' as a coat. It's a nice touch that recognises that, although these garments are designed with swimmers in mind, a lot of people now buy them for dog walking, school runs and country strolls and never go anywhere near the water in them.

You may have an opinion on that, but let's not gatekeep these garments. I don't just wear mine for swimming, after all. It's my first choice for campfire nights, and for gentle walks in the winter too.

Red has always had great color options in their changing robes and the Alter Evo is no exception. I tested the Deep Teal colorway, but there are seven other choices, and I liked the fact that the same colors are offered for both genders.

Absorbency and drying speed

Thanks to its deep pile Sherpa fleece lining, the Alter Evo is super cozy and wicks water like a dream, and this, combined with its length, makes it a great choice for winter swims.

However, I found this also makes it a bit slower to dry than lighter robes, so if you're planning on changing inside it, bear in mind that it could take a couple of days to dry out completely unless you've got access to a dry room or airing cupboard.

Getting changed inside it was straightforward, and the YKK zip worked smoothly, allowing me to unzip it from the bottom as I manoeuvred out of my wet swimsuit.

As it's a heavier changing robe than the Thermotech, it's one I'll use when I'm travelling to swim spots by car (or one day, by camper van - the dream!). But I know for the coldest days, when the water is barely above freezing, I'll be incredibly thankful for it.

Materials and care

Red's earlier iteration of this robe - the Evo Pro (now discontinued), had a waterproofing and breathability rating of 8,000 and 3,000 respectively. The Alter Evo is a big step up from this, rated at 15,000 and 8,000. This makes it impressively waterproof, while avoiding that clammy feeling.

The garment is 100% recycled and the outer has been treated with a Durable Water Repellent that's PFAS-free, so it ticks our environmental boxes too.

I absolutely love this changing robe. For a fairly standard price you're treated to a lot of luxury, and the confidence that, no matter how cold your swim, it'll get you warm and dry in no time.

• How Advnture tests products

It's incredible to me how far swim wetsuits have come in the 15 years I've been pulling them on and peeling them off. My first swim wetsuit was billed as a triathlon suit, but with 6mm thick neoprene all the way to the ankles, was an absolute battle to remove, even without the pressure of hopping on a bike after.

Fast forward to 2025 and it feels like, with its latest iteration of the Aspire, Zone3 has answered (almost) every complaint I've ever had about swim wetsuits.

And there's a lot to get excited about, so let's dive in:

Zone3 Aspire 2025 wetsuit: materials

Seeing manufacturers finally catch up with swimmers' desire not to pour themselves into petrochemical-based wetsuits has been one of the gratifying parts of my job in recent years.

With Finisterre championing the use of Yulex, and Zone3 switching to B-Prene for the new Aspire, it feels like the tide is turning (no pun intended). While suits using bio-sourced materials currently run on the costlier side, it's almost inevitable that over time these prices will come down, as they have with just about every other piece of wetsuit tech.

B-Prene is a limestone-sourced neoprene alternative, developed in Japan by Yamamoto. It's biodegradable in landfill, and tests have shown that under those conditions it should break down by approximately a third in just two years, continuing after that until it fully decomposes. That might leave you wondering how long it'll last you too. But incredibly, despite its ability to break down in landfill, B-Prene will remain intact during normal swimming conditions and home storage. By comparison, traditional neoprene isn't biodegradable, so 100 years after you've chucked your ragged suit away it'll still be hanging around and leaching nasty chemicals into wherever it ends up to boot.

What's interesting about limestone-based neoprene vs traditional oil-based neoprene is that it's also less absorbent, making it more waterproof. This doesn't mean you won't get wet using the Aspire. But it does mean the suit isn't going to suck up the water in the same way.

The use of a metal YKK back zip rather than a plastic one is a nice touch, and another nod to the quality of the suit. We're not cutting corners here.

Zone3 Aspire 2025 wetsuit: construction and fit

The Aspire 2025 is made from 25 individual panels, which has allowed Zone3 to target different thicknesses of B-Prene to enhance performance, and place different materials in key areas. Panels of different thickness are far from new in performance wetsuits, but the Aspire is incredibly detailed in this approach.

The upper chest and shoulders are 1.5mm thick (or thin) and cut from a single piece of B-Prene to allow for an impressive range of movement. The shoulder is a delicate joint that's easily compromised and many serious swimmers, myself included, find they suffer from niggles in this area. Keeping the B-Prene as thin as possible at this point makes a shoulder injury far less likely, even when tackling long distances.

The neck, lower arms, wrist cuffs, leg cuffs and crotch all use 2mm B-Prene - creating stretch where it's most needed. Elsewhere the torso uses 4mm B-Prene, injected with extra air bubbles to create a 'Body Rotation Enhancement Chest Panel'. Basically, it helps you rotate the right amount with your stroke, rather than over rotating. Zone3 calls this tech 'Aerodome', and the men's suit also includes Aerodome material on the legs, aiming to ease the problem cis male swimmers often have of sinking legs due to low body fat.

The waist, hips and legs use thicker panels between 3mm and 5mm, creating extra buoyancy where it's most needed to keep you aligned correctly in the water.

One of my favorite features of this suit is the 'catch' panel on each sleeve. Zone3 don't list what this is made of, but it feels like some kind of nylon/spandex and helpfully creates cool spots to improve your proprioception in the water.

As this is a high performance suit, it is on the tight side, which can take a bit of getting used to. But all this slim cut panelling means this suit really pulls you in, theoretically allowing you to move faster through the water. Despite the snug fit I've found it to be comfortable to wear, with no chafing so far around the armpits and neck edging, although the longest distance I've swum in it so far is only 2.5 miles (4km).

So, how does it perform in practice?

Zone3 Aspire 2025 wetsuit: performance

Tthe Aspire 2025 is a fast suit, whatever your discipline. Normally it takes me about 2km before I start to hit the 'flow' zone so loved by distance swimmers, when everything clicks into place and you're just gliding through the water without having to think too hard about technique.

So when I first put this suit on I thought I was just having a good training day as that flow feeling kicked in much sooner. But after repeated use I've come to realise it's the suit that's helping me hit that zone quicker.

This is due to a combination of factors. Firstly, all that fine tuning of the panelling matters. The bits that need to float the most float the most. The bits that need to stretch the most stretch the most. And the way the suit pulls you in and compresses you means there's physically less of you to cut through the water in the first place. The addition of the catch panels means you can feel where your arms are in the water far better than in standard neoprene, which allows you to get the most out of your stroke.

Zone3 have also looked at drag reduction, using a Super Composite Skin nano-coating to cut it to just 0.021 (normal neoprene has a drag co-efficient of 4.0).

All this tech combines to create a whizzy feeling in open water, so be prepared to feel the difference - you're not imagining it.

Zone3 Aspire 2025 wetsuit: warmth

When assessing high performance swim wetsuits, warmth isn't my first consideration – after more than a decade swimming long-distance open water, I'm pretty hardened to the cold.

But for super lean triathletes, or anyone else who hasn't got years in open water under their belt, fighting the cold is a serious concern, as in water below about 60-70°F (15-21°C) most people will become hypothermic, even if that's after multiple hours. Due to the thinness of the neoprene in a lot of the panelling, I think it's a stretch to call the Aspire a winter suit. But most big swim events and triathlons run from mid-summer to early autumn, and it should be sufficient for that, unless you have very low body fat.

If that is the case, I'd recommend buying a size larger and getting a neoprene vest to wear underneath it, to add extra protection to your core. Handily, Zone3 make one, and, having had my neo vest for at least eight years, I can testify that it's absolutely a worthwhile investment. I wear it under my wetsuit for swims of two hours or more, and under a long sleeve swimsuit for winter swims, when I can't be bothered to put on a wetsuit for a 10 minute dip.

Zone3 Aspire 2025 wetsuit: getting changed 

If you've ever battled to remove your wetsuit after a long swim, I have one big tip for you: take it off in the water. It is a night and day experience and, as long as the suit isn't too tight around your ankles, in the water it should simply slide off.

However, triathletes don't have the luxury of doing this, and Zone3 have done something about it. The suit's Silk X lining is soft against the skin and makes it easier to slide in and out of it and the Pro Speed Cuffs at wrist and ankle are designed to be extra stretchy. No complaints here.

Sizing

Before I wrap up I do need to have a moan, but it's not specifically aimed at Zone3. When are brands going to start making bigger wetsuits for serious swimmers? If you've ever taken part in an open water event you'll know first hand that swimmers come in all shapes and sizes and a lot of competitors at amateur level are on the larger side.

I may be tall for a cis woman, but as a UK 16 (US 12) I'm the national average clothing size. And yet, when I stacked up my measurements, I had to choose the largest women's size available in the Aspire 2025. It fits me well, but this kind of sizing restriction is exclusionary. What's doubly frustrating is that, across the range for both men's and women's sizing are several 'inbetween' sizes if you're a Small or a Medium.

I haven't reduced the score of this wetsuit because the fit really was exceptional, and it's an industry-wide issue, rather than something specific to Zone3. But brands do need to catch up. One visit to the start line for the Dart 10k (in any category) will show you that slimness and swim ability are not directly related - please think bigger!

So, given that I've awarded it a 100% score, you may be asking whether the Aspire 2025 truly is a 'perfect' suit, given my moans about sizing.

Yes, there are commercially-made suits that are faster (the Zone3 Limited Edition VanquishX is worth a look if money is no object), yes there are cheaper suits that offer similar performance, and yes I wish the sizing was more inclusive.

But it's the combination of sustainable materials with the performance it offers, that warrants the new Aspire 2025's perfect score and leaves me feeling I can recommend this wetsuit to serious open water swimmers without any hesitation. As long as you can get one to fit you...

• How Advnture tests products
• The best wild swimming gear: what to wear and what to take
• How to stay safe in open water: wild swimming for beginners

At one point earlier this year I had five changing robes on rotation while I tested them, which was no mean feat when it comes to finding somewhere to store them in my modest apartment. But it did also allow me to do detailed side by side comparisons in real time, and, as with so much outdoor gear, there were more differences between them in terms of features and quality than you might assume.

Zone3's new Thermotech changing robe was one of the quiver that impressed me, thanks to its comparative lightness. That doesn't mean it's packable – for something you can stuff in a backpack I would recommend Zone3's ultra simple microfiber poncho instead, which I've used all summer. But the Thermotech somehow manages to be more than 1lb (500g) lighter than Red's Alter Evo – so how has the brand done this?

Zone3 Thermotech changing robe: weight and packability

Shaving grams off a garment that's sole purpose is to keep you warm and dry is not for the faint-hearted. Finisterre tried it with their Tego changing robe, but in my view went too far, creating a garment that was stingey on features and not truly warm enough for winter swims (a newer iteration with more storage has thankfully been released since).

Happily, the Zone3 Thermotech does a better job of cutting weight without sacrificing function. There are five pockets, with a fine fleece lining the inside of the two hand pockets and the waterproof zipped chest pocket. Inside there's another zipped chest pocket and a large patch pocket where you can stuff your wet swimwear or tuck a hot water bottle. Both the chest and inner zipped pockets are large enough for my brick-like Android phone, which should be an obvious requirement and yet isn't always (I'm looking at you, Alpkit).

The main weight difference between the Thermotech and other similar robes seems to come from the decision to use a mid-pile Sherpa fleece for the lining, rather than a deep pile. And this is a bit of a double-edged sword, because it makes a significant difference to the garment's weight, but also means it feels less cozy when you pull it on after a cold swim.

Overall the garment just seems a little thinner than its counterparts. There's also no peak on the hood and the SBS two-way zipper feels less substantial than the YKK zips often used on changing robes. But I couldn't find any other obvious weight-saving measures that impacted the functionality of the garment and it made a nice change not to feel weighed down by a changing robe.

Sizing

I tested the Large size, which was the recommended size for me, and the lower hem landed just below my knee. I'm 5ft 10in (1.77m) tall, the same height as an average cis man in the UK and US, so for taller guys this robe may come up on the shorter side.

The sleeves are a generous length – like many 'natural swimmers' I have proportionately long arms – and covered my wrists nicely. You may find them on the long side if your limbs are a more average length, but that's not a bad thing after a cold dip when your hands are like two blocks of ice.

It's interesting that Zone3 has opted for unisex sizing, and then used a cornflower blue colorway that isn't classically 'masculine'. Of course, we all know that 'pink for girls and blue for boys' is an arbitrary gender construct, but I'd be interested to know what the split is between men and women buying this robe. It may just be that Zone3 knows its market and is leaning into that knowledge – any reccy of the wild swimming spots I favor reveals, come cold water season, there are significantly more women than men swimming outside.

Absorbency and drying speed

Despite having a shorter pile Sherpa fleece lining than comparable changing robes, I found the Thermotech to be impressively absorbent and quick to dry.

It was easy to get changed under thanks to the wide sleeves and generous fit, bucking the emerging trend of companies slimming down their changing robes now that people are using them for dog walking and the school run. I do understand why brands are jumping on the bandwagon and making garments that are similar to changing robes, but if it's too slim cut to change under, it's not a changing robe.

I took both the Thermoteach and the Red Alter Evo on a recent trip to the Lake District and found that, while the Alter Evo was slightly warmer and better at absorbing water, it was also heavier and slower to dry. So if you're choosing between the two – and there's almost nothing between them in price – it's really a case of deciding what you care about most. For me, the Alter Evo is slightly higher-specced, but the lighter weight of the Thermotech means I'm more likely to reach for it day to day.

Materials and care

While in real terms it's pretty hard to fit a changing robe in a front-loading washing machine (I do miss the top loader I had while living in the States), seeing that this garment can technically be machine-washed is heartening. I tend to use my changing robes both to change under and also to sit on at the river bank or beach, and so they do get mucky fairly quickly. The number of brands that think you should tackle this by washing your changing robe by hand is laughable.

Without knowing the hydrostatic head rating of the outer, which Zone3 doesn't provide, I can't attest to how its waterproofing compares to other changing robes, other than to say it's certainly held up its end whenever I've used it. But I appreciated the use of recycled materials throughout, and that the water repellent Bionic-Finish Eco coating is fluorine-free.

If you're looking for a robe that's lighter in your dry bag without sacrificing (much) functionality, then the Thermotech is a safe bet.

• How Advnture tests products

Although I’ve always been a water baby, I only started open water swimming seriously about 15 years ago, and in that time wetsuit tech has come on in leaps and bounds.

My first swim wetsuit was a 6mm men’s Xterra suit that cost a whopping £600 ($815 USD) new. I've still got it, and for winter swimming it provides impressive insulation, but the neoprene rubber it’s made from is so thick it’s hard to pull on and off. Nowadays I've relegated it to ‘suit I lend my mates, while I wear something decent’ status.

Likewise, my 3/5mm Orca smoothskin suit – now 10 years old and covered in micro tears and grazes from all my river adventures – just isn’t long enough in the legs, despite being a women’s size XL. So, I’ve been in the market for a new suit for a while and, as a fan of long sleeve nylon/spandex swimsuits for winter swimming, was intrigued by this number from Finisterre. It uses natural Yulex rubber rather than neoprene (yuck, petrochemicals) or nylon and spandex (stretchy and comfortable, but not warm).

Finisterre Nieuwland 2mm Yulex long sleeve swim wetsuit: fit and comfort

As I’m fairly tall at 5ft 10in (177cm) and have a long torso (very common among people who seem to be ‘naturally good’ swimmers) I normally have to size up in swimsuits as the body length is too short, sometimes even going two sizes larger. With the Nieuwland, I still went one size up from my usual, but that’s actually an improvement for me.

The sleeves of the suit are long, reaching all the way to my wrists, despite the fact that I also have a swimmer’s long arms. In smoothskin suits this isn’t an issue for the shorter limbed, as you can just cut the wrists down. But the stitched panel construction of this suit means that isn’t an option – if you cut the wrist, the long sleeve seam would unravel. So, be prepared for lengthy sleeves, which you may need to fold back if you have a shorter arm length.

I would have liked the leg openings to have been cut higher, as I find this provides greater freedom of movement when swimming. But this really is a personal preference and many swimmers may prefer the more modest shape.

Where the fit really fell down was in the front zip. I had no problem putting the wetsuit on. But when it came to taking it off, the zip was too short to be able to pull the suit back off my shoulders easily. This caught me out the first time I wore it, and I flashed my fellow swimmers quite spectacularly while trying to get changed, before giving up and asking a fellow dipper for help. I’ve since accepted that it’s absolutely impossible to take off by myself and so now I know to enlist the help of others when getting changed after a swim (and to wear a bikini top underneath it!).

While a newer version of this design exists, the zip placement doesn’t appear to have changed.

Finisterre Nieuwland 2mm Yulex long sleeve swim wetsuit: materials

Finisterre describes its Yulex fabric as a plant-based alternative rubber that reduces carbon emissions by 80% when compared to traditional neoprene.

This is no small achievement – it's the paradox of most wild swimmers that if you're wearing a wetsuit you're indirectly damaging the very marine environment you want to protect in multiple ways (production, emissions, shipping and so on). The fact that you can rent this suit makes it even more sustainable.

Yulex isn't a smoothskin fabric and so feels less flexible that a normal swim wetsuit, despite only being 2mm thick. Typical smoothskin suits for all but the coldest waters vary between 2mm and 6mm, normally with the thinner fabric in the shoulders for greater range of movement. Due to this suit's 2mm thickness, I did expect it to feel more supple than it actually does and when swimming freestyle, which is my preferred stroke, I did experience some shoulder restriction. However, this may also have been due to the shoulder construction, which is deeper set than the troublesome set-in sleeve on Alpkit's wetsuit jacket, but still not a raglan sleeve, which would provide the greatest freedom of movement.

The other disadvantage with the Yulex fabric is it's not as sleek as smoothskin neoprene, which is designed to help you really glide through water. But the upside is, the material isn’t as delicate and won't tear on a surfboard or abrade where your arms and sides rub together as you swim. It's not cheap compared to most nylon or spandex suits, but it is cheaper than the majority of quality smoothskin suits, and I can see it lasting many years.

Finisterre Nieuwland 2mm Yulex long sleeve swim wetsuit: warmth

At 2mm thick, this isn't designed as a winter suit, but I haven’t worn a full wetsuit in winter for years as, for the short amount of time I spend in the water over the coldest months, it's too much faff to take on and off. I like using this suit in winter and spring as it provides more protection than my normal winter combo: neoprene vest with long sleeve nylon suit over the top. I still wear neoprene gloves and boots with it at these times of year, and it does seem to keep my core warmer than the double layer I've previously worn.

But what of the average swimmer? Annoyingly, how warm you'll feel in this suit and how much longer you'll be able to stay in the water varies with, erm, you. People run hot or cold, and the amount of body fat you have is a big factor when it comes to keeping warm in the water.

It's why English Channel swimmers are typically advised to gain about 20lb (9kg) before tackling the swim, and it's why ultra distance swimmers like myself are often on the curvy side. So, if you're a lean triathlete, you're going to get colder more quickly in this suit than I am, and it may be a great choice for summer and autumn months, while the water is still warm.

As a side note, if wearing a suit like this does inspire you to try swimming through the seasons, stick to one minute per degree (celsius) of water temperature as a starting point and build from there.

• How to choose a wetsuit
• Alpkit Element wetsuit jacket: an easy-on, easy-off alternative to a full wetsuit for water babies
• How to clean a wetsuit in six easy steps

Need some new kit to wear as you wade into open waters this summer? Iconic swimming brand Speedo has come out with three new editions to their open water swimming range to help you navigate wild waters in comfort.

The new mask-style goggles and swimsuit were designed for swimmers who love an adventure and can't wait to get moving in the water.

Read on for our run-down of the latest kit.

Biofuse 2.0 Mask goggles

The Biofuse 2.0 Mask goggles are a water-sports-friendly pair, designed for unimpeded vision. They're made from flexible silicone and feature a unique curved lens, so you can benefit from an expanded field of vision as you make your way through the water.

They're kept in place by an updated split strap design, which aims to provide plenty of stability without sacrificing comfort.

At $52 (£32), the Biofuse 2.0 Mask goggles aren't outrageously priced, but certainly fall towards the expensive end of the goggles price range.

Hydrosity Mask Goggles

Speedo says that its new Hydrosity Mask goggles are a great all-rounder for maximum visibility during both indoor and outdoor swimming.

They feature a split strap lens like the Biofuse 2.0 Mask goggles, but have a different one-piece lens. The view on offer is a little slimmer, but still provides unobstructed visuals according to Speedos.

At $38 (£23), the Hydrosity Mask Goggles are a slightly more budget-friendly alternative to Speedos' other new goggles.

Women's Long Sleeve Zip Back One Piece

The new women's Long Sleeve Zip Back One Piece is designed to be a versatile option for swimming, surfing, or whatever else you're doing in open water.

It's made from Speedo's 'Ocean Flex Fabric', which combines nylon, elastane, and spandex to create a durable suit that's meant to be resistant to chlorine and pilling.

The Long Sleeve Zip Back One Piece, which costs $144 (£120), features a back zip pocket, and a full mesh lining designed to promote water flow.

For more wild water swimming advice, check out our expert guide to the best open water swimming gear.

• The best changing robes: cocoon yourself post-swim in a protective layer
• The best water shoes: fast-draining, quick-drying and ready to take you from the shore to the sea

Open water gear has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and now Zone3 is taking the next step, with a range of kit that's greener, sleeker, and aims to please swimmers of all levels.

There's a lot to get excited about in the new range, so click through the jump links below to skip ahead for more detail or just keep scrolling...

Vanquish-X Limited Edition wetsuit - a top of the range wetsuit brimming with new tech that's designed to keep you swimming harder, faster and for longer.

2025 Aspire wetsuit - redesigned for 2025, this mid-range suit is now made from biodegradable B-prene material and with a refined fit based on athlete and customer feedback.

Active-Flex wetsuit - a multi-use wetsuit aimed at people dipping their toe into water sports for the first time. it features a Yulex natural rubber chest panel for core insulation and is easier to get on and off than smoothskin swim-specific wetsuits.

Thermotech changing robe - a high performance robe designed for the worst conditions. We think the fully waterproof outer lined with Sherpa fleece will appeal to winter wild swimmers.

Active-Flex changing robe - with a budget-friendly price point, slimmer fit, and less bulk than other robes, the Active-Flex is designed with packability in mind, without sacrificing technical features.

Microfiber changing robe - if you're a summer-only swimmer or festival goer, then this may be the best option for you. Super light, quick drying, and budget friendly, it may be simple, but it ticks a lot of boxes.

Vanquish-X Limited Edition wetsuit

Star of the new season is the Vanquish-X Limited Edition, a top of the range wetsuit designed for serious open water event swimmers and triathletes. The limited edition suit includes Bio-Rubber material on the back lumber and front thighs, that Zone3 says improves blood flow and reduces fatigue build up in the legs, and an Alpha Titanium lining on the upper body to improve warmth and circulation.

It features a 1mm X-10 Extreme Shoulder Panel for range of movement, Body Rotation Enhancement tech in the chest to improve distance per stroke, and Cool-Spot forearm panels to improve feel and catch in the water.

It's a high tech suit and that comes at a price, with the brand calling it "arguably one of the best wetsuits in the world", but for swimmers who want to tackle the longest distances and the hardest races, it may well prove worth it.

The Vanquish-X Limited Edition is available now for $1233.70 (US) or £999 (UK). It comes with a free Transition backpack, Venator-X goggles and silicone swim cap.

What is Bio-Rubber?

If you've never heard of Bio-Rubber before you're not alone, but it sounds like a winner to us. Zone3 says its a cutting edge material that collects energy from the atmosphere and re-emits it for absorption into the body.

Made from synthetic rubber, in a honeycomb structure and sandwiched between a technical woven thread, it actually emits infrared rays into the body, changing the way the wearer feels warmth.

The company says the material is proven to increase blood flow by opening the capillaries, reducing lactic acid and fatigue build up in the leg muscles - particularly important for triathletes about to jump on a bike after their swim, but equally useful for long distance open water swimmers churning out the miles.

2025 Aspire wetsuit

The Aspire wetsuit has been redesigned for 2025, and now uses biodegradable 'B-prene' Yamamoto neoprene, derived from limestone. That means that, when it reaches the end of its life, it can biodegrade entirely in landfill, unlike suits made from petrochemical-derived neoprene. Zone3 says it's the first and only brand in the world to work with Yamamoto to develop B-prene swim wetsuits.

The 2025 Aspire features an SCS nano coating, designed to reduce drag, body rotation enhancement panel (also seen in the Vanquish-X Limited Edition), sensory catch forearm panels and Silk-X lining and Pro Speed cuffs, aimed at speeding up transitions for triathletes. We have an Aspire wetsuit on test at the moment, so look out for a review once we've put it through its paces, but we can already attest that it is really easier to get on and off than other wetsuits we've tried.

The Aspire costs $973.70 (US) or £549 (UK) from Zone3.

Active-Flex wetsuit

Newbies to wild swimming and water sports probably don't want to drop a thousand-plus dollars on a wetsuit, even if they are planning to enter an event the same year.

The new Active-Flex wetsuit is designed for people just starting out and, unlike smoothskin wetsuits, it won't get grated by the surface of a paddleboard or surfboard. There are also strategically-placed orange panels for added open water safety, and reinforced knee panels for use in board sports.

While dedicated open water suits tend to be designed for maximum leg floatation, which helps speed up a swimmer's freestyle stroke, the Active-Flex has thinner neoprene in the legs and a large gusset panel to allow legs to stay submerged. This makes it far easier to swim breaststroke wearing it. It's also easier to get on and off than smoothskin suits as the fabric tends to be stretchier.

It's available for £189 (UK only).

Thermotech changing robe

Like many of the best changing robes, the Thermotech is packed with features that we love to see. The lining and outer shell are made from recycled polyester, with the outer treated with a Bionic-Finish Eco® coating to keep it waterproof.

The zip is covered with a storm flap and poppers to keep the wind and rain out, and the cuffs are fully adjustable. It has five pockets for storage, two of which are zipped - one inner and one outer. This may not seem much of a big deal, but most changing robes only have one zipped pocket, so we think this is a welcome addition. The hood is over-sized, so it should easily fit over your favorite beanie during the colder season, and is adjustable.

The robe is lined with Sherpa fleece, to wick away moisture quickly and keep you cozy once you're out of the water.

We have a Thermotech robe on test right now, so check back for a full review soon. It's available for £155 (UK only) and comes in sizes S to XL.

Active-Flex changing robe

The Active-Flex changing robe is a slimmer cut than the Thermotech, and is designed to be more packable, so if you're after a technical robe you can still stuff in your dry bag, this is worth a look.

Like the Thermotech, it's made from recycled polyester and has a water-resistant outer shell, Sherpa fleece lining, adjustable hood and four pockets.

The Active-Flex changing robe costs £99 (UK only), in sizes XS to XL.

Microfiber changing robe

Sometimes less is more when it comes to water sports kit. If you're a warm weather water baby, or simply want something super packable for your wild swimming adventures, then Zone3's microfiber changing robe could be a good fit.

Zone3 says it's quick drying, light, and features a spacious hood and large front pocket. It also comes in its own carry case, so you can pack it down extra small.

It should also appeal to festival goers, with a wallet-friendly list price of £29 (UK only) and comes in khaki or black and grey (shown above).

• The best changing robes: cocoon yourself post-swim in a protective layer
• The best dry bags: keep your gear bone dry during adventures on land and water
• The best water shoes: fast-draining, quick-drying and ready to take you from the shore to the sea

Voited's changewear has always done a great job of standing up to chilly breezes, cold rain and frigid morning mists. Now the brand has relaunched two of its popular outdoor garments with new and improved features.

First comes the Drycoat 3.0, which answers demand for the cocooning nature of a warm changing robe but with a more streamlined look . The design team have removed the back slit to provide a sleeker silhouette and better protection against the elements.

Other upgrades include more secure storage: the side cargo pockets have been swapped out for inside zippered pockets with protective flaps to keep essentials safe and dry. The microfleece lining is now fast-drying to help get you dry quicker while still feeling cozy feel against your skin. The robe has also been given a fresh look, with pastel colors and check-patterned panels incorporated in the designs.

Reassuringly, the Drycoat 3.0 still features 100% recycled Ripstop fabrics. It's insulated and water-repellent with a CloudTouch lumbar insulation panel and multi-layered construction. There's an adjustable stormproof hood and durable zip for reliable weather protection. It's also machine washable.

The Voited Drycoat 3.0 is available online now, comes in sizes XS to XL in seven different colorways and costs $155 / £150.

Voited's Outdoor Poncho 3.0 has also been upgraded, with a quick-drying interior made up of a waffle-patterned microfibre fleece for super-fast moisture-wicking. It's also been given a glow-up with bold new colorways.

Like the Drycoat 3.0, it is water-repellent and windproof and made from recycled Ripstop fabrics. This robe, however, is lightweight and packable – you can fold it down into a pillow that's perfect for travel, vanlife and outdoor use. It also has a fleece-lined kangaroo pocket at the front with top zip to keep accessories safe and your hands warm.

The Outdoor Poncho 3.0 is available online now, comes in sizes XS/S to L/XL in six different colorways and costs $119 / £95.

We'll be reviewing it soon, so look out for updates here.

• The best changing robes: cocoon yourself post-swim in a protective layer
• The best water shoes 2025: fast-draining, quick-drying and ready to take you from the shore to the sea

Fancy a dip after your run? These unique Merrell shoes combine the fast-draining, ocean-friendly tech of water shoes with enough traction to help you speed through the trails as you run.

The Hydro Runner SE X RCI shoes from Merrell are now available for just $57.73 at REI - a handy 32% off their list price in the early summer sales.

Built for multisport use on the shore and in the waves, this unique pair features a lightweight EVA foam shell and mesh upper, designed to optimize airflow. The 100% recycled mesh footbed covers and high-rebound EVA foam midsoles aim to support your feet as you speed through the trails.

Alongside ocean compatibility, this pair's water shoe features are well-suited to coastal runs and boggy areas. The slip-on Hydro Moc construction aims to drain and dry quickly, so you can quickly return to running in comfort after the odd puddle or wet section.

Underneath your feet, Merrell's own sticky rubber outsoles are designed to provide a stable, slip-free running experience. They feature sizable, aggressively-positioned lugs, which dig into uneven wilderness terrain to help you run with confidence.

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Merrell Hydro shoes deals where you are.

These prices are updated daily, so you're sure to get the most bang for your buck.

• The most comfortable trail running shoes: put your feet first with these lightweight, cushioned buys
• The best water shoes: fast-draining, quick-drying and ready to take you from the shore to the sea

When Devon-based company Dryrobe seized on the concept of a wearable towel and transformed it into a multifunctional garment, a whole new category was born, and now there are plenty of great changing robes around for wild swimmers and paddlers to choose from, including the Heatwave, a big, bold offering from Bluefin, a brand best known for their stand-up paddle boards (SUPs).

Experienced outdoor types well know the multifaceted value of a good camping towel, but full-on robes such as the Heatwave, which looks at first glance to be a cloak so substantial it could protect you against anything up to (and possibly including) a nuclear winter, have proved themselves so practical and popular that many people wear them while wandering around well away from the waterside, as wind-stopping, chill-beating onesies at the end of running events, in campsites and even at festivals.

I took delivery of this one in mid January and although I do need to point out (lest the images look a little odd) that I ended up with a size too large (our admin error, not Bluefin’s fault) I have been enjoying it’s voluminous and cozy embrace ever since.

Fit, design and materials

I have been testing an XL version of the Heatwave, whereas I would probably opt for a large in normal circumstances. That said, at 6’ 2” I do sometimes wear XL gear, and this robe still felt absolutely enormous, so bear this in mind if you too are on the cusp of a couple of sizes. Err on the small side, as this is a huge piece of kit which extends to well below your knees.

It might be massive, but impressively, the Heatwave is made with mostly recycled material. The windproof outer is entirely constructed with recycled nylon and the warm fluffy inner is comprised from 60% recycled ‘Sherpa’ fleece.

The most innovative feature of the Heatwave is the fact that the robe, which is primarily designed for use in colder temperatures, has detachable arms. The forearms can be unzipped and removed from the main body of the garment turning it into a short-sleeved robe, albeit one with a massively warm lining.

All the zips on this change robe are top quality, and the main one has a large pull loop on the zipper, so you can get it done up and undone even when your hands are shivering (or while you are wearing gloves).

The comprehensive and cozy hood on this robe can be adjusted with pull cords and toggles, while the cuffs (when you have the long arms on) can be tightened with large Velcro flaps. There are two deep hand pockets in the front of this robe (without zips), plus a zipped chest pocket and an inside pocket for phones (and other valuables/don’t want to loseables) that also has a zip, plus an outlet for a pair of headphones.

• Check out the best water shoes for aquatic adventures in all seasons
• Explore the best hiking sandals on the market

Sadly, the robe does not come with a stuff sack, which would be a good addition given its tendency to take over half your vehicle when packed loose. You can, of course, just employ a good-quality dry bag as a stuff sack. Bear in mind, though, that you’ll need a large one.

On the coast and in the field

As mentioned, my Heatwave robe was a bit on the generous side, but I certainly didn’t mind the extra coverage it supplied during the colder months, and I really can’t fault the protection it offered me after emerging from icy water, and also while I was wandering around in campsites in the chill of spring evenings and the mist of early mornings. The cut of the main garment is longer than most robes, which means you can keep your knees warm and safely get changed out of wet swimming/paddling gear in public without anyone calling the police.

I really love the soft-feel fleece-lined hand pockets, and I prefer the fact that they don’t feature zips, because they’re so much more comfortable and less abrasive without a row of metal teeth. For more important and looser items than your hands, the zipped inside pocket offers a secure storage place. This inner pouch easily accommodates a smart phone, and there is an outlet for headphones, for when you want to stroll along the windswept foreshore listening to some tunes.

The adjustable hood is excellent – you can properly pull it tight in windy conditions, and it protects your ears, neck and head from the elements. Likewise, the closure system on the cuffs reliably keeps drafts out and enables you to warm up nice and quickly after a bracing immersion.

The detachable arms are an interesting and innovative feature, and they do allow you dump some excess heat once you have stopped shivering. With its comprehensive and utterly weatherproof outer, and super chunky fleecy inner, however, the Heatwave is every bit as warm as the name promises it will be, and the robe remains a very toasty garment whether you have the wings on or not.

We’re still a long way from mid-summer here, but except after very early morning swims, I’m not sure I’ll be able to bear wearing this robe for too long when the outside temperature starts to rise – it feels like it will cook me pretty quick. Of course, this all depends on where you are and how much you feel the chill.

My main issue with the Bluefin Heatwave is with its immense weight; it feels like a robe that has been designed for SUPers, surfers, paddlers, van campers and other vehicle-based adventures, because that’s exactly what it is. Nothing wrong with that, but you do need to be aware of it if you’re a wild swimmer who likes to hike in to your bathing spots (you could of course wear it for the walk-in, but unless it’s a decidedly chilly day, you may well overheat). It’s also a very large garment to store when you’re not using it, and I would have liked to see a decent stuff sack included (even if it pushed the price up a bit), because it’s a big presence to have lying around.

Also Consider

Despite Trump’s surprise 90-day pause on a great deal of his April 2-announced tariffs, it seems inevitable that we’re going to be shelling out more at the checkouts for our favorite outdoor items.

The threat of trade war alone has created huge uncertainty for businesses around the world, destabilizing prices, and the 10% universal duty remains in place, which they are already having to absorb.

Much of the manufacturing of clothes and equipment from our favourite brands takes place in Asia in countries such as China, which is facing a 125% tariff, and in Cambodia and Vietnam, both originally threatened with 49% tariffs.

The US Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) has said that these tariffs will hurt American businesses, workers and consumers. The number of Americans taking part in outdoor activity is at an all-time high, it revealed, with 175.8 million participating last year.

“These tariffs will raise costs for American manufacturers, retailers and families,” says Kent Ebersole, president of OIA.

“That’s going to slow growth, put pressure on small and mid-sized outdoor companies and could force some to close their doors. These tariffs also make it more difficult for global outdoor brands to operate in the US and maintain their American workforce.”

For brands such as Black Diamond and Columbia Sportswear, whose share prices have dropped as a result of these tariff increases, the situation is challenging. The higher tariffs raise their cost base, which makes it harder to maintain profit margins.

Logistics expert Will Kogan explains: “As publicly traded companies, any price hikes or shrinking profit margins directly affect their stock market performance. This has led to investor concerns, reflected in the decline in share prices. The challenge for these companies now is finding a balance between raising prices and maintaining their customer base.

"For US consumers, the effects of these price hikes are becoming increasingly apparent. For high-end brands like Yeti, this could impact demand, as consumers might start to opt for more affordable alternatives, especially in a time of economic uncertainty."

When will the price of gear rise?

Savvy brands have been trying to stay one step ahead of the looming tariffs, importing as much product as they could before April. Imports have been high since summer 2024, the US National Retail Federation has revealed.

“Retailers have been bringing merchandise into the country for months in attempts to mitigate against rising tariffs, but that opportunity has come to an end with the imposition of the ‘reciprocal’ tariffs,” US National Retail Federation spokesperson Jonathan Gold said.

Damon Street from Twist Distribution, EU distributor of Exell Outdoors, which owns brands such as Sierra Designs and Kelty, agrees that businesses have been preparing for these tariffs long before April 2.

"They have probably already been through two waves of pricing," he says.

However, he describes Trump’s latest 90-day pause as a “lifeline”. It will give companies a chance to manufacture and deliver on orders already placed and time to plan for the future.

How will brands absorb these costs?

Street explains that at this time of year, as brands get ready to present next year's spring/summer product at trade shows, they usually have pricing cemented. However, with the economic uncertainty, they are still working it out.

He predicts that they are likely to protect key products while pushing costs onto "accessories".

“Brands are having to look at what are the key products they need, the things that define their brands, and maintain performance there.

For Exell it's their sleeping bags, backpacks and tents. For Kelty, our best-seller is the Tru.Comfort Doublewide two-person sleeping bag. We will make sure this is hitting the right price point going forwards. Perhaps we will have to remove focus from other accessories, the things that are 'nice' to have," he explains.

Businesses are also considering manufacturing long-term. At Excell they have built a factory in Alabama where they can manufacture sleeping bags. However, it's not going to be a quick solution.

"We can switch on manufacturing there," Street says. "But where the products are currently being made, the quality is A1. To replicate the volumes and the quality is going to be a big ask."

Will gear cost less in Europe than the US?

One interesting development is that we may see global pricing disparity, Street predicts.

“At Exell, we have always maintained a global pricing policy. A £100 product in the UK might sell at €115 in the EU and $125 in the US. The brand price is roughly aligned, similar to Nike or Adidas products. The brand price is roughly the same whether you buy it in London, Munich or New York. This may be affected as realistically each territory will have to look at what they need for their own markets and find the right price point."

The end of store discounts?

Further down the supply chain, Street believes retailers will have to reconsider pricing too, which the consumer will probably notice over the coming months.

"As new deliveries arrive with higher-priced product, retailers can blend the price, and get a blended margin that won’t be too bad. However, as they run out of older stock that was bought in at the right price, the margin will be hard to hold without significant price increases.

He believes initially retailers will have to stop discounting products to keep their profit margins and sell at the RRP.

Ultimately, he says the consumer will have to make a choice to spend more or buy from cheaper brands.

Extend the life of your gear

With prices set to hike, it’s more beneficial than ever to takes steps to make your gear last longer.

• Invest in quality – paying more for well-made and durable gear is more financially sound that investing in budget-friendly options, which can be false economy. If you don’t have funds to lay out for brand new gear, consider buying used gear. There’s advice in our article How to shop for second hand outdoor gear.
• Look after your clothes – keep them clean and wash with Nikwax, or unscented detergent, after every few uses. Always store gear clean and dry. Repair tears, and if you can't yourself, employ someone who can.
• Reproof outer layers – when water starts to breach jackets and trousers, use a DWR product to make them waterproof again. There’s helpful advice in How to waterproof a jacket.
• Repair gear – there are amazing gear-repair companies out there who will bring your tired clothes and equipment back to life, especially if the item has a lifetime warranty. Whether it’s replacing a broken backpack zip or washing a filthy sleeping bag, there may be someone out there who can do it at a fair price.

• The best changing robes 2025: cocoon yourself post-swim in a protective layer
• The best running jackets 2025: beat the wind and rain on your run with these ultralight offerings

Surfing and camping go hand-in-hand, so it's hardly a surprise that UK surfing brand Finisterre has teamed up with Japanese heritage camping brand this spring for a capsule collection of sustainable and durable outdoor products meant for improving your days at the coast.

According to the official press release, the Finisterre + Snow Peak collection draws on Finisterre’s decades-long legacy in surfing and the "quiet camping knowledge" that Snow Peak is known for, with a focus on helping people deepen their connections to both land and sea.

Available now, it naturally includes a 3mm Yulex (a plant-based alternative to neoprene that cuts carbon emissions by 80%) wetsuit in both men's and women's sizing. It also entails a multi-use poncho made from recycled polyester with a PFAS-free DWR that can be used as a changing robe for wild swimmers and surfers, a blanket for picnics or even a summer sleeping bag.

There's a 24L "bucket," which is essentially a tough tote bag that reminds us of a smaller version of Yeti's popular Camino Carry-all. You can use it to haul gear, food or even water and ice and is also available in a 12L version, and there's a super lightweight titanium spork for when it's time to fire up the Jetboil and tuck into a hot meal after a long day in the water.

Of Snow Peak, Finisterre’s Head of Design, A Todd, says the brand "prioritises working in harmony with nature rather than conquering it, which aligns closely with our ethos and love for the sea."

"Our mission: get the surfers camping and the campers surfing.”

The collection is available now exclusively on finisterre.com and in the London brand store, with prices ranging from $20 / £16 to $400 / £310.

• The best changing robes: cocoon yourself post-swim in a protective layer

White Water Adults Hard Shell Robe: first impressions 

Not all changing robes are created equal, and the Adults Hard Shell Robe from British brand White Water is clearly intended for those who want to swim wild all year, and are seeking unbeatable warmth.

This technical robe has a soft, moisture-wicking fleece lining that will have you dry in no time after an icy dip, so no more standing at the water's edge shivering. The shell material is both windproof and waterproof, with fully taped seams, which means you don't have to wait for sunny days to get in the water.

If you're hanging out for a while with wet hair, there's also a cozy, adjustable hood and deep-zipped hand pockets for added protection. Speaking of pockets, a zipped chest pocket has ample room for your phone and any other gear you want to keep protected from the waves.

This robe comes in three different sizes and as long as you pick the right one, there's plenty of room to change underneath without too much contortionism, and a two-way zipper to help cut down on the wrestling. Also making life easier, when it's time for a wash, this robe can be chucked in the machine.

Like any more technical hardshell robe, it's a little heavy and bulky but not relative to similar designs. We do, however, think it would benefit from a stuff sack for better portability.

Made with 100% recycled materials and an ecological fluorine-free DWR, this robe walks the walk when it comes to sustainability. It's priced like the premium build piece of kit that it is, but should hold up to years' worth of adventures.

White Water Adults Hard Shell Robe: in the field 

I've been sitting on this changing robe for quite a while. I dip in the wild a lot, but outside of summer it's nearly always on a hike or trail run, so I'm usually air drying or using a small micro towel or lightweight robe to dry off.

When I first got this robe, I didn't have a car and it wasn't really feasible for me to lug it along a hiking trail. Since I've got wheels, I've been able to put it to good use over the Scottish winter at some of my favorite spots: waterfalls, lochs and the Atlantic.

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing and fit

I'm 5'4" and a US size 4 so I asked for the smallest size possible and that was the right choice. This robe comes down to just below my knees, a little longer in the back, and the sleeves come down below my knuckles. The whole thing is rather tent-like in design. I reckon if you're in between sizes, you could quite comfortably size down.

Performance

My first time using this was on a cold but brilliantly sunny day at a waterfall. I'm normally the only person there, but moments after I arrived, another fellow came along with his dog. I wasn't concerned, but it meant I took extra precautions to change without accidentally flashing anyone, whereas if I were alone I'd probably just throw caution to the wind.

Anyway, what I learned was that the big, flappy design of this robe is a good thing, as it was really easy to get out of my hiking pants and T-shirt and into my swimsuit, especially because of the two-way zipper which meant I could focus on my bottom half and then my top half.

After a couple of brazen plunges, I climbed out and got my robe back on. It's quite a sheltered spot, so on that day I didn't have to worry about wind and rain, fortunately, but I was definitely aware of how instantly comfortable, warm and dry it was, wicking the moisture off my skin without growing heavy and soggy.

I had wet hair so I just pulled the hood up, which you can adjust with a hook-and-loop fastening, and chilled out for a while enjoying the falls rather than rushing to get dressed again. I've since worn it at the beach where it was gusty and I think the windproofing works a charm. Water beads on the shell and rolls off, but I'm not the type to wear this outdoors in a rainstorm so I can't say for sure how it handles a downpour.

Another feature I really appreciate is the abundance of pockets. I needed to keep my phone out for photos and wanted my sunglasses nearby and it was great to just slip them in the chest pocket and still be able to use the other two pockets for my hands.

One small complaint is that I find the zipper can be a little sticky if I'm not careful, which is annoying when I'm cold and trying to change quickly. I don't think it's a problem with the quality of the zipper, more the oversized design of the robe.

Weight and packability

Compared to my lightweight Lifeventure robe, this is really heavy and bulky, but compared to other hardshell robes we've tested, it's pretty standard. It's not something I'd want to carry very far, although I was able to pack it into my Fjallraven Kajka 35 backpack along with my other day hiking gear pretty easily. However, it's definitely meant for missions that are more swimming than walking, and for people with cars.

When it's hanging in my closet, or even in a pile of gear, it just takes up a ton of room, so what I think it could actually use is a stuff sack that comes with it. Then I could easily pack it away with my camping gear.

Care and quality

I haven't washed it yet, though I do tend to chuck my robes down on the ground and stand on them to get my socks and shoes on, so one day I might. There was a little mud on it after my last jaunt, but it was easy enough to wipe clean. When the day comes, it is machine washable, though as I've said it's quite large, so if you go for a bigger size make sure your machine can handle it.

This is a robust, premium quality robe with a rugged zipper that's built to last, from the stictching and rugged materials to the YKK zips.

White Water Adults Hard Shell Robe: the bottom line 

It took me a while to get this out in the wild, but once I finally did, I totally changed my mind about hardshell changing robes. Not to the point where I'd wear it around town in place of a coat, you understand, but it's certainly staying in the trunk of my car for any and all wild swimming opportunities as it just means I can hang out comfortably and enjoy the views instead of rushing to get dressed and warm up.

Also consider

Comparison table

• How Advnture tests products

People living with disabilities can now receive specially adapted gear from outdoor specialists Berghaus.

The new initiative aimed at making the outdoors more accessible. Through the Berghaus Adapts initiative, disabled adventurers can request bespoke alterations to their clothing and equipment, to help them experience the countryside in comfort.

Adaptions will be specially crafted in consultation with each applicant, ensuring their unique needs are met.

Berghaus has been working with people possessing varying disabilities in preparation for the initiative.

Caroline Pakenaite has a rare condition called Usher syndrome, which limits her hearing and sight. The Berghaus Adapts team fine-tuned her outdoor gear, added extra protection to her jacket hood to stop the wind from interfering with her hearing aid and incorporated sensory badges to help with navigation.

British mountaineering legend Mick Fowler has also put Berghaus Adapts to good use.

The 68-year-old underwent extensive cancer treatment in 2017 but didn't let that stop him from returning to the backcountry. Last year, he completed the first-ever successful ascent of Pakistan's Yawash Sar mountain in kit adapted to accommodate his colostomy bag.

Roughly 1.3 billion people worldwide have a significant physical disability, a sizeable 16% of the global population.

But a lack of safe, suitable clothing and equipment can often bar those living with disabilities from experiencing the outdoors.

The Berghaus Adapts initiative aims to prove that the outdoors is for everyone, by removing the barriers that prevent people from getting into the wilderness.

"By opening Berghaus Adapts to the public, we aim to change the narrative and break down the barriers that prevent so many people from accessing the outdoors," said designer Alice Sainsbury.

"Ultimately, we hope this initiative will create an inclusive, welcoming space for all.”

• The best hiking shorts: tested and rated for summer adventures
• The best sunglasses: for hiking throughout the year

Changing robes are big news. Where once they were simple pull-over hoodies fashioned by surfers who stitched together a couple of old towels to protect their dignity on the beach, the market has exploded in recent years and is now awash (no pun intended) with highly technical garments, with prices to match.

It's pretty standard now to see changing robes sported by dog walkers, parents on the school run, and around many a campfire. Of course, wild swimmers and paddleboarders are still wearing them too.

But if you want the coverage of a changing robe without the voluminous size then other options are appearing.

Voited is the latest company to capitalise on this growing niche, and has just launched the Wearever jacket - a 3-in-1 garment designed for backcountry adventures and campfire cookouts.

The Wearever jacket is a twist on Voited's Drycoat 2.0 and offers the same protection in a slimmed down fit.

In a statement announcing its release the company said: "After many customers shared stories around why they use their drycoats for dog walks, school runs and countryside hikes etc, this jacket was constructed to offer the same comfort as a drycoat but with considered design tweaks to make it more versatile day-to-day."

The hooded outer has a hydrostatic head of 18,000mm and a breathability rating of 5,000mm, with a full length zip that has a zip garage and storm flap to keep the elements out.

It's made from 50D 100% Repreve Our Ocean® recycled polyester, which is manufactured from discarded plastic bottles, aimed at reducing ocean pollution. It's also treated with Bionic Finish®Eco Fluorine Free DWR (durable water repellent) and uses what the company calls TRFF technology in its insulation to created a three-dimensional grid structure for exceptional warmth, compression, and rebound properties.

The jacket also has fleece-lined and zippered side pockets with storm flaps, to prevent water seeping in during a downpour.

The padded inner vest, which attaches into the jacket with loops and poppers, is full length and, like the jacket, closes with a zip.

CloudTouch fleece lines the vest and pockets and hood of the outer to provide extra coziness. The vest is also reversible, and you can see what that looks like in the image below.

The Voited Wearever jacket is available online now in the UK, comes in sizes XS to XL and costs £199.

We've got one on test at Advnture, so look out for a full review soon.

• The best changing robes: cocoon yourself post-swim in a protective layer
• The best waterproof jackets 2025: brave the elements with these top-rated hard and softshells

With the best changing robes you can jettison your wet stuff in privacy and get dry and warm at the same time. Along with the best dry bags and the best water shoes, they will elevate your amphibious adventures, helping keep you and your stuff safe and warm.

The brands making these technical garments are moving them on from their first iterations and we're seeing better fits, warmer fabrics, handier features and improved eco credentials.

With the physical and mental benefits of cold water swimming well-documented, more of us are picking up the pastime, or opting to include an icy plunge as part of a hike or bike. A changing robe is a reasonable investment, but it's likely to become a trusted staple in your day kit. And, as most are hugely durable, you'll get great return on your initial outlay.

At the top end of the price scale, changing robes have a waterproof outer layer, deep-pile fleece lining and a host of pockets to keep kit organised. They dry quickly and repel dirt.

For dippers who want a more minimalist approach, there are lightweight, packable robes that act like wearable towels and are plenty absorbent enough for one or two people.

To create this guide, our experts took the best changing robes into the chilly wilds of the United Kingdom. They plunged into icy lochs, frigid rivers and blustery seas, evaluating the robes' insulating and drying capabilities. They assessed weight, packability and features, and compared it all to the price tag. Read to on discover which fared best.

The quick list

Here's our quick list, an at-a-glance guide to the best changing robes available to buy. For a more detailed look at these top performers, navigate further down the guide.

The best changing robes for 2026

The best 4 season changing robe

If you're after an extra-snuggly robe with a host of great features, there is no beating the Red Equipment EVO Pro.

It's a technical bit of kit that's built to keep you toasty on cold days. The two-layer outer shell that's been treated with a PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent) coating makes a great barrier against driving rain while still offering breathability.

The brushed fleece lining is made from 100% polyester. The deep pile gives extra warmth, and it's able to wick away moisture and and dry fast from your own body heat.

To keep things extra toasty, the fleecy lining extends up into the hood, which gives good protection from the elements thanks to the toggle draw cord. The robe has a high zipped collar with poppered wind baffle, too.

The bulk and weight that the technical features create mean this robe is not the one to pick if you need to walk far to your swim spot. However, a compression sack, which can be bought separately, makes it packable.

There are plenty of pockets, all well thought out. Fleecy side pockets warm your hands, a zipped mesh pocket is handy for valuables, and a patch pocket is designed to tuck your underwear into when you swim. It's also ideal storage for a flask or hot water bottle.

There's a great selection of colors to choose from, including bright and muted shades. The only minor grumble our expert tester Rosee Woodland had was that, with long limbs and wide shoulders, she found the sleeves only just came to her wrists.

Read our full Red Equipment EVO Pro changing robe review

The best budget changing robe

If wild water dips make up just small segments of longer outdoor adventures for you, the Lifeventure lightweight changing robe is the ideal thing to squeeze into your day sack.

It weighs just 1.2lb, and comes with a compression mesh bag to make it extra packable. Like many of the best camping towels, it's made of lightweight, highly absorbent material, meaning you can use it to dry off too. It will dry quickly back at base camp at the end of the day, as long as you remember to hang it out.

It comes in just one size, but will happily cover 6ft tall people. It's a minimalist garment, but still features a hood and large hand pocket for extra weather protection.

The SoftFibre material is, as the name suggests, comfy against your skin, and our tester Julia Clarke reckoned it offered more absorbency than a microfiber towel. All in all, a very worthwhile buy.

Read our full Lifeventure lightweight changing robe review

The best lightweight changing robe

The Finisterre Tego weighs in at under 2lb - lighter than traditional waterproof changing robes. This makes it a viable choice for swim hikes – it packs down reasonably well and is also breathable, meaning you can walk in it if you need to keep it on for a while following a dip.

It's made up of a recycled nylon softshell treated with a fluro carbon-free DWR (durable water repellent) coating. The fleece inner is designed to wick water away from your damp body. However, its fine surface isn't able to do this as thoroughly as others on test here - the trade off is it does dry out quickly.

Insulation is a little lacking too – our tester would have liked to see windproofing improved with a baffle over the front zip. However, the cuffs and hood are adjustable, which will keep some heat in, especially useful around your head and face. The sleeves are also nice and long to keep hands protected.

It's nice and wide to change in, and the light weight of the material gives you extra freedom.

When it comes to features, the original Tego only had two hand pockets on the front, with no storage at all for keys, valuables or a phone. However, a new version recently released, now has a zipped internal pocket, which is great news.

For spring, summer and fall adventures, especially if you will be walking with your kit, the Finisterre Tego is a smart choice. Opt for something more weighty and warm on cold days, or if you're socialising for a long period post-swim.

Read our full Finisterre Tego changing robe review

The best shorter changing robe

With a durable hardshell outer, fleecy lining and well-respected brand label, this short-cut changing robe gives a great first impression. Especially as the price point is lower than competitors.

The more modest price is probably due to the short length of the robe, which makes it less clumsy to walk in while still offering plenty of material to change under. Our tester Rosee Woodland is 5ft 10in tall and the Large size came down to her knee.

She loved that you can order by chest and hip size, rather than by height, which means you can choose whether you want a slightly narrower fit than with other robes.

The fleece lining is chunky, making it exceptionally warm.

The hydrostatic head rating of the hardshell outer is 5,000mm, which isn't the highest, although, in the field it performed well and the thick lining added another layer of water protection.

The weight isn't extremely heavy – it sits in the mid-range of others on test – just don't expect to be able to pack it away easily in your dry bag.

The wide sleeves and double-ended zip made it easy to use. Draw cords or Velcro tabs on the hood and cuffs would have been helpful to keep out the weather better. As would a zip baffle and more space in the zipped chest pocket to comfortably house larger smartphones.

Read our full Alpkit Haven changing robe review

The best custom changing robe

You can spot a Flanci garment a mile off! This brand of activewear is well-loved for its brightly coloured and patterned shorts, leggings and skorts.

The Huggle changing robe has been given the same treatment in the design studio – it's available in more than 50 different patterns and colours. It also comes in six sizes, which you can order in 10cm, 15cm or even 20cm longer lengths. You don't get more customizable in changing robes than that.

The overall shape is standard for a warm changing robe – it is reasonably big and bulky, but the fabrics are slightly stiffer than others on test.

The outer is showerproof, and our tester Fiona Russell, who lives in rainy Scotland, would have liked to see greater waterproofing.

The Huggle does boast some nice features though – the main zip is two-way and smooth running with a storm flap to cover it. The hood is large and fitted.

The pockets are good – one internal waterproof zipped for valuables and an open-top fleece pocket for other items. Our tester would have preferred the outer hand pockets not to have been zipped – the plastic rubbed on her skin causing friction and soreness.

When it comes to care, you can put this robe in the washing machine on a cool setting, perfect for after a muddy camping trip away.

Read our full Flanci Huggle swim robe review

The best changing robe for summer

Wearable towels are brilliant for car camping trips, days at the beach and post watersports chillouts. And they don't come better than this Dryrobe version, our tester and veteran paddleboarder Pat Kinsella reckons.

The brand is based in North Devon on the coast of South West England. The garments are designed by surfers for everyone who enjoys getting wet in the outdoors, whether that's wild swimmers, kayakers or board riders.

This changing robe is made from soft-feel organic cotton and comes in a simple range of block colors. It's wide enough to offer plenty of room to slip off swimsuits and wetsuits while the hood keeps your head warm.

Our reviewer found it was also a great robe for wearing around the campsite – especially back and forth to the showers. Or for changing in when you don't have enough room to do so easily in your tent.

It's comfy enough to hang out in for extended periods with a post-dip coffee or beer. The sleeves are short, giving you plenty of freedom. The only thing our tester yearned for, considering that many people wear these robes for long periods of time, was a pocket or two.

Read our full Dryrobe Organic Cotton Towel Robe review

The best changing robes comparison table

Meet the testers

How to choose a changing robe

As you can see, changing robes can very a lot in price, materials and weight, so which one is best for you? Take a look below at factors you could consider before investing.

How much weather protection do you need?

Are you a fair-weather swimmer or will you be battling the elements year round? For the best protection and warmth in cold-weather conditions, look for a waterproof outer shell, storm flaps that protect zips and pockets, adjustable cuffs and hood and a deep-pile, moisture-wicking lining.

If you like quick dips in summer and shoulder seasons, or want to keep on trekking post-swim, you'll need a lighter, more packable robe, perhaps one without an outer shell.

Consider sizing too. A full-length changing robe with long sleeves will keep you warmer and protected from rain.

A robe with a shorter cut and shorter sleeves allows you to change easier, which is a boon when trying to remove a wetsuit. It also allows you to walk and go about chores (re-packing the car, campsite duties) more easily.

What shape do you like best?

The newer, lighter weight iterations of the waterproof changing robe are closer resemble jackets. This style of robe can double up as an outer layer for general wear – walking the dog, outdoor film and music events. These robes tend to have multiple pockets for storing valuables and larger items, and a two-way front zip.

For warmer days at the beach, you may prefer the simplicity of a poncho-style changing robe.

What size should you choose?

Changing robes are made oversized, allowing you to discreetly remove and put on clothes underneath them, so there's usually no need to consciously size up when ordering. Follow manufacturers' guidance. In our reviews we've commented on the robe length and cut of the sleeves to help inform your buying decision further.

FAQs

What is a changing robe?

A changing robe is an outer garment designed to help you easily change your clothes underneath it. It's fast becoming an essential piece of kit for anyone who loves water-based sports and adventures.

It typically has a layer of soft, warm, absorbent material, and often an outer layer that provides extra weatherproofing.

Are changing robes eco friendly?

Some changing robes have better eco credentials than others. In our reviews we've highlighted where brands have used recycled and organic materials and whether they've created waterproofing using PFC-free coatings.

Durability and the ability to maintain performance without being washed are factors to consider when buying a more planet-friendly changing robe.

Will I need a towel too?

Some of the changing robes we've included in this guide are designed to replace the need for a towel. These are the lightweight versions that are perfect for spring and summer seasons. Other changing robes provide a certain level of absorbency, but in cold weather you will be more comfortable if you towel off first before putting it on.

 Finisterre Tego changing robe: first impressions

I’ve been trialling a few of the best changing robes recently and have been surprised at the difference in weight and bulk between them.

Finisterre’s softshell Tego robe (available from Finisterre) sits at the lighter end of the spectrum, clocking in at just under 2lb, and rolls down to a size that’s just about compact enough to fit into a medium size backpack, along with your water shoes. This makes it a realistic option to take on swim-hikes, without monopolising all the space in your dry bag. It’s also a viable garment to wear for a shortish trek to your favourite swim spot, as its light weight and breathability means you’re not going to get too hot and sweaty once you’re hauling your backpack.

But that does come with some sacrifices, as it’s not as warm as some others I’ve tried, and also doesn’t have as much in the way of features.

 Finisterre Tego changing robe: in the field 

The Tego robe is a two-layer garment, with a 100% recycled nylon softshell, which is treated with a fluro carbon-free DWR (durable water repellent) coating. It’s a more sustainable approach to manufacturing, aligning with Finisterre’s stated aims to make sustainable products with great longevity. I loved the Navy and Flame colour combo, and over-sized hood, and the fit is spot on, but in my view it's not a changing robe for all seasons.

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing

Unlike some others on the market, this robe comes in just two sizes. I tested the Large/X-Large size, which worked well on my 5ft 10in tall (1.76m) frame, reaching to just below my knees, and with the sleeves coming half way down my hands to keep them cosy. I particularly liked the deep hood, although it would have been nice to have a garage for the top of the zip, so watch out for getting skin or beard hair caught in it.

Waterproofing and drying capability

The fleece inner of this robe is designed to wick water away from your damp body after you get out of the water, but its fairly fine surface means it can’t absorb as much liquid as some other changing robes I’ve tried. Typically, heavier weight changing robes are lined with deep pile fleece, so this was an unexpected design choice.

In wet weather it kept the rain off, but where this garment could do better is in its insulation. It is definitely less warm than others we’ve tested, and when you’re getting out of cold water, being able to warm up fast is a must. Windproofing could also be improved by a baffle over the front zip where it currently has none, but with the cuffs tightened and the hood pulled in I found it kept the drafts out reasonably well.

The hood is a generous size, meaning your ears will soon warm up once you’re out of the icy water, but the small sponge toggles on the hood’s draw cord felt a little insubstantial, even if they are a neat way to save weight. The front is fastened with a double ended YKK zip, with an extra fabric pull designed to make light work even with cold hands. However, the zip is relatively chunky for such a light garment and in practice I found that it could be a little tricky to zip and unzip - there’s not enough weight in the fabric you’re pulling against. In my view, it needs a slightly lighter zip. The straight cuffs can be fastened with Velcro if you want a snug fit.

 Weight and packability 

This is a lighter changing robe than I've come to expect, having tested a few on the market recently. It's low profile does mean it's much easier to stuff into a daypack, but if you're keen to do a lot of combined swim-hikes then it's still worth investing in a compression sack to reduce the amount of space it wants to take up.

Thanks probably to its limited bulk, Finisterre say it’s fine to machine wash this changing robe on a cold setting, which is welcome news. You will need to recoat the waterproofing occasionally if you wash it a lot, but this can be done easily in your washing machine.

 Storage 

I tested this changing robe for some time, and Finisterre have now introduced a slightly updated model, which has a zipped internal pocket. I'm relieved to see this, as the version I've been reviewing only has two hand pockets on the front, with no storage at all for keys, valuables or a phone.

The pockets are lined with the same fine fleece that makes up the inner of the body, helping you to warm up your hands when you’ve escaped the water!

 Getting changed 

The Tego is wider than some other robes we’ve tested, making it very easy to change in. There are side vents that are just simple slits in the side and the light fabric means it’s easy to move around and wriggle out of your swimsuit, when you’ve pulled your arms inside to change.

It might not be your first choice in the depths of winter, but if you're more of a fair weather swimmer it'll do a fine job of drying you off and warming you up after a dip.

• How Advnture tests products

Alpkit Haven changing robe: first impressions

Although the best changing robes all seem to sit within a fairly narrow price bracket, the difference in spec between them continues to surprise me. The Alpkit Haven lives somewhere in the middle in terms of features, and its price reflects that - it feels like a fair equation. Unlike many other changing robes out there, the Haven has a hardshell outer, and so is well equipped to keep windchill at bay.

However, the mid-range price comes at the cost of a few elements I'm always keen to see in a changing robe. More on that shortly...

Sizing

Size guides for changing robes are often based on height, as they are all so oversized, but the Alpkit size guide was based on hip and chest measurement so I picked the Large to test.

This fitted me well, with plenty of room for changing in, but I found the length a little shorter than other changing robes I've tested, sitting pretty much on my knee. I'm 5ft 10in tall (1.76m), and with a unisex garment I'd expect it to fit an average man (5ft 9in in the US and UK!) at a longer length than this.

This isn't always a bad thing - changing robes can feel a little clumsy to walk in and a shorter length helps with this. But if you're after a robe with more coverage then you may want to try Red Equipment's Evo Pro robe instead, which I found to be a few inches longer (and in that robe I was testing a Medium). Alpkit adds 2in / 5cm in length per size, so if you're between sizes and want extra coverage, it's worth sizing up. The Haven is a little longer at the back, so that when you are sitting down you still get plenty of bum coverage.

Staying warm and dry

With a hydrostatic head rating of 5,000mm, the Alpkit Haven doesn't have a particularly high level of waterproofing, although its fleecy lining will also repel water to a certain extent. However, what doesn't look so impressive on paper, performed well in practice, and I've never noticed any seepage when I've been wearing it. The fleece lining is chunkier than that used in some other changing robes I've tried recently, and I found this garment to be very warm when I needed it most.

Where the garment is a little let down is in its lack of ability to cinch the hood and cuffs tight - there are no draw cords or velcro tabs to help you here. It also lacks a zip baffle, which would help keep the wind out better. And there's no zip garage at the neck, so do watch up when zipping up not to get your hair or skin caught.

Weight and packability

The Haven is a fairly chunky robe - if you roll it into your dry bag you won't have room for much else. But, like most of the best wild swimming gear, it's not designed with hiking in mind, and so it isn't reasonable to expect it to be very packable. This is a robe to saunter to the beach in. You might call it into action for double duties like walking the dog or doing the school run on a winter's day. I've also taken to wearing my changing robe round the camp fire - just watch out for sparks with all that synthetic fabric!

Weight wise it once again sits in the mid-range of other models - it uses a pretty chunky 130gsm fleece as a liner, but this doesn't seem to weigh it down.

Care

You can machine wash the Haven, although be aware that it will likely lose waterproofing after half a dozen cycles. I honestly don't wash my changing robes more than once a year. You can just wipe any muck off the outer, and in theory you're always going to be wearing layers inside - a bathing suit, a wetsuit, or day clothes if you're using it for other purposes. It takes a long time for a changing robe to get truly dirty.

Storage

The Alpkit Haven comes with two handwarmer pockets, a zipped chest pocket, and also has a large mesh patch pocket on the inside, that's ostensibly for your wet suit, but doubles up well as a hot water bottle pocket.

So far, so standard, except I could not get my phone into the chest pocket completely. My phone is a pretty average smartphone, at 6.5in / 16cm long and 3in / 7.5cm wide. So if your phone is smaller than that you should be fine, but it's worth checking if you're trying this on in a shop. It'll fit your keys and a small wallet, but there's no other pocket with a zip that you can put a phone in.

Getting changed

Getting changed in the Haven was relatively easy. The wide sleeves and double-ended zip meant I didn't have any kind of battle getting out of my bathing suit with my dignity intact. A slightly longer robe is preferable when it comes to getting changed - you're less likely to accidentally flash someone! But it did its job well and has earned a place in my changing robe rotation for colder days.

• The best dry bags: keep your gear bone dry during adventures on land and water
• How Advnture tests products

Finisterre Women's Nieuwland shorty wetsuit: first impressions

The fabric of the wetsuit is soft and feels nice to the touch. It feels much softer than normal wetsuit fabric. I also did a sniff test of the suit because some wetsuits smell a bit strange. The Nieuwland smells perfectly fine.

The suit is easy to put on – perhaps a little too easy. I am usually a UK10 (US 6) and I wonder if the size smaller would have been a neater fit, although it might not have been long enough.

Although the fabric is only 2mm thick, It looks durable enough and I wasn't worried about tearing it with my nails. I have torn other wetsuits because the fabric is too fragile. It’s possible to do up the robust back zip yourself thanks to a long zip pull, although it’s easier if you ask a friend to zip you in.

The suit feels very comfortable, even against bare skin, and not at all constricting. I have long arms and the sleeves are just long enough, meaning they will be fine for the average person. Sometimes with wetsuits, the neckline can be irritating but the Finisterre Nieuwland is comfortable all over. The neck cuff rises up a bit but it’s not uncomfortable.

The suit has shorts-style legs and the length of these are fine. I would personally prefer a slightly longer leg to cover a bit more thigh skin but they surprised me by staying in place when I was in and out of the water. One of the best changing robes would help me retain heat in between dips.

The fit is quite flattering and I expect it would be even more so if I had the smaller size. It's also worth being aware of Finisterre’s wetsuit rental system. It’s possible to rent a suit to try it and then send it back. This costs from £20 in the UK.

Finisterre Women's Nieuwland shorty wetsuit: in the water

The Yulex fabric is 2mm thick. I am used to wild swimming without a wetsuit in the summer months. I sometimes pop on a 1mm wetsuit vest on cooler summer days so a 2mm thick wetsuit in summer would feel quite warming for me.

I am not normally a long-distance open water swimmer, but rather someone who enjoys a dip and a bit of a swim. If I am planning to swim longer distances I would wear a full length wetsuit because I do suffer with the cold in open water. However, I like a shorty wetsuit because they are easier to get on and off compared to a full length wetsuit.

I received the Finisterre Women's Nieuwland shorty wetsuit in winter, so I tested it in particularly cold water conditions. I was surprised by how warming the 2mm Yulex rubber was. I was much more grateful for the long sleeves than I thought I would be. Having covered arms really helps with overall warmth.

Because I was wearing wetsuit gloves and socks, too, the only parts of my body without wetsuit cover were my legs, neck and head. Once the cold water had seeped into the Nieuwland shorty, it quickly warmed and I felt quite comfortable staying in the water.

Of course, everyone has different warm/cold tolerances and it’s worth noting that many people will find 2mm is too thin for swimming for a longer duration in winter cold water. However, if you are looking for suit for summer wear and for quick wild swimming type dips in winter it could be good choice.

Swimming in the suit was no problem at all. The fabric is stretchy and it didn’t inhibit my swimming.

I do wonder why Finisterre has chosen to make the suit in black only. I know many women like black because it is flattering to wear but black in open water seems silly. It would be much better to have a suit with some colored areas or even a fluorescent panel so swimmers can be seen.

A major test of a wetsuit is how easy it is to get off after the swim. No one wants to struggle after getting out of the water when they are cold and wet. I was able to unzip the shorty suit myself and then quickly take it off. The cuff of the arm where I wear a watch was a little more difficult to get off but I simply turned the arms inside out. The wetsuit was the easiest to take off of any I've ever worn. The wetsuit also dripped dry at home quite quickly.

The Finisterre Nieuwland’s eco-credentials seem better than other traditional neoprene wetsuits. Yulex rubber is a plant-based alternative to neoprene and it’s claimed this cuts carbon emissions by 80% compared to traditional neoprene rubber sheets. I have no way of verifying this but it does seem that many wetsuit manufacturers are turning their backs on neoprene for environmental reasons.

The wetsuit is made with AQUAA solvent-free glue that is said to “eliminate Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), without compromising on performance or durability”.

The wetsuit also includes recycled polyester fabric and the product is transported by the brand to their warehouse by land and sea, using less carbon-intensive journeys and avoiding air freight wherever possible.

The wetsuit is not cheap, but also it's not as pricey as some other brands. I'm hoping to get many years of wear from it.

• How to choose a wetsuit
• Alpkit Element wetsuit jacket: an easy-on, easy-off alternative to a full wetsuit for water babies
• How to clean a wetsuit in six easy steps

Cyber Monday may be over, but there are still great savings to be had for those of you who like a chilly winter dip in the wild. Right now, you can pick up the Revolution 3-in-1 Change Parka for just £194.95 at Red Equipment. That's a massive savings of £105 off this modular hybrid coat that gets a perfect five stars among customers.

This deal applies to both the men's and women's sizing in the limited edition Nixie Blue colorway. The Revolution has a slimline, bulk-free cut but packs the same punch as a weightier dryrobe with a soft inner layer, made from 250gsm 100%-recycled fleece and a windproof silk-feel panel top.

If it's windy or wet out, throw on the high-performance waterproof and breathable outer jacket with Thinsulate quilting and zip the layers together to make a sleek winter coat ready to take on whatever the elements throw at you.

Crafted with recycled fabric and eco-down, the Revolution is a planet-friendly and hard-working piece of kit for wild swimmers and campers.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on Red Original changing robes where you are.

Hide your valuables in the concealed chest Napoleon pocket, keep your hands snug in the military-styled two-way pockets, and stash everything you need in a myriad of other pocket options.

Not in the US? Here are today's best deals on Red Original changing robes where you are:

More great Black Friday deals

• The North Face: big reductions available on jackets, hoodies and other essentials
• Camping: keep cozy with great savings on tents, sleeping bags and other gear
• Hiking: the best deals from big-name brands
• Yeti: great deals on drink-ware
• Patagonia: Big savings available on base layers and waterproofs
• Arc'teryx: prices slashed for stylish winter jackets and softshells
• Garmin: Great savings on top notch Garmin sports watches

• The best wild swimming gear: what to wear and what to take

Flanci Huggle swim robe: first impressions 

Compared to some of the other best changing robes on the market, it was the bright colors and fabulous designs of the Flanci Huggle that struck me most when choosing one online. There are so many! The brand is well known for making brilliantly bright and uniquely patterned running skorts, shorts and tights and the Huggle robe is made in more than 50 different designs. 

In the end, I chose the Llama Dramas pattern, which I love. However, this is not a swim robe for shrinking violets because when you wear it everyone asks who makes it.

While this swim robe, just like all others, is too big, too flappy and really quite unflattering, it's the practicals that make it a good idea - and an excellent alternative to a towel.  

The large, outsized robe is comfortable and easy to wear. It has a smooth, two-way front zip and a choice of velcro-closed cuffs or open-zipped lower arms. 

It is immediately warming although it does feel big and bulky. Most changing robes I’ve tried are big and bulky so this is not unusual, although the durable fabrics of the Huggle makes it feel a bit stiffer.

I like the large hood and the length of the robe. It can be purchased in longer sizes, should you want to. The zips work well and I like the internal waterproof zipped pocket for valuables such as my phone, plus there is an open-top fleece pocket for storing items such as swim goggles and hat inside. 

I would have liked to see another deeper inner pocket for items such as a flask and snacks. But it looks well made, with thoughtful features, including an internal hanging hoop and a fleece-lined hood.

Flanci Huggle swim robe: in the field 

Changing robes are large and long and this makes them a bit cumbersome, in my opinion. I would not be keen to go for a long walk in a changing robe, whatever the brand, but the Flanci Huggle is particularly warm and heavy. 

I use the swim robe for a 10-minute stroll to my local loch or the sea, so I don't mind the weight and bulk of the Flanci version. In any case, after a swim I very much welcome the cosy warmth of the robe. 

The showerproof outer fabric is useful, especially if you plan to swim when the weather is damp or drizzly. This is not a waterproof fabric, but rather it’s water-resistant.

I think that any product that will be used around a water-sports should have a level of water-resistance, so the Flanci Huggle scores fairly well. It would be even better if the outer polyester fabric was more waterproof and also if it was made with more care for the environment – for example, being created from recycled materials. 

The two-way zip is pleasingly smooth and there is a storm flap over the zip. The press-studs are quite stiff to close but they get easier with use.

The idea of the robe is to keep swimmers warm after a cold swim and also to create a changing area. It’s easy enough, while wearing the Huggle, to change lower garments and if you take your arms inside the robe, you can also take off and put on upper garments. 

The part that requires more thought – and a bit of wriggling – is taking off and putting on over-the-head items, such as a t-shirt and sports bra. It’s possible, but you need to take your head inside the robe.

I always feel warm across most of my body (except my feet) when zipped up inside the robe and the thick fleece is nice against the skin. 

I wish the outer pockets were not zipped, however, because when I have cold hands the plastic of the zips rubs against my skin, which is sore. 

Sizing

The Flanci Huggle is over-sized so you can get changed underneath. I am a UK10 and I have the size “S”, which is nicely large.

I would quite like the arms to be a bit longer so they keep my hands warmer but I have long arms so I expect the length is fine for most people.

The hem length is excellent and the hood is great. There are longer hem lengths available if you would like it made 10cm, 15cm or 20cm longer. 

The hood is large but actually a good fit.

 Absorbency and drying capability

The fleece is fairly absorbent but not super soft. It is not a substitute for a towel and I would usually have a small packable towel to dry off wet skin while inside the robe.

The fleece is meant to be warming rather than absorbing, I think.  

Weight and packability 

This is not a lightweight changing robe and there are other lighter versions. It is not highly packable either. When I want to carry it to the wild swimming location, it takes up most of the volume of my 25L daypack. 

This is a robe to be worn for short walks to and from your wild swim. 

Care

If you need to wash the Flanci Huggle robe, choose a cool wash setting on your washing machine and do not use fabric conditioner. Hang dry after washing.

It’s recommended that you occasionally re-waterproof with something like Nikwax, as you would any outdoor garment.

Any mud etc can be wiped off the outer fabric with a damp cloth.

• How Advnture tests products

Out-size clothing is not my favorite, so when swim changing robes first appeared on the scene, they did not attract me. Even when I first dipped my toes into the cold water as a new wild swimmer, I was still adamant I had enough other clothing that would serve me well.

I eyed people wearing the Dryrobe – or other brands, such as the White Water Softshell Robe and Red Equipment EVO Pro robe – as a bit like sheep. "Oh, so you are into open water swimming, so now you need all the kit?" I didn’t say this out loud to fellow swimmers, but I definitely thought this. 

The huge jackets with long hem-lines, big bodies and arms, massive hoods and silly number of pockets, just seemed, well, ridiculous. They looked far too cumbersome and heavy to be practical – and really quite ugly. Anyone who wears a changing robe –  looked lost in the folds of extra material.

Instead, in comparison, I was sure I looked much better in my normal, well-fitting insulated jacket for hiking. I was certainly warm enough in a puffer jacket and mittens after a cold water swim and my jacket was a lot easier to carry to the swim.

The only issue I had was how to get changed at the side of the loch or on the sea shore before going for a swim. I tried a large beach towel. Then I invested in a towelling over-head robe (similar to a poncho only made of towel fabric). The towel robe worked well as a mobile changing room and for getting dry after the swim, but I would find myself shivering after a swim and before I could get into my nice insulated jacket and gloves.

My closest wild swimming friends all had swimming robes by this point and, reluctantly at first, I began to see why. Not only could they use the swim robe for changing before and after the swim but they were immediately warmed by the fleecy lining and windproof outer fabric. The multiple pockets also began to look like a good idea, too. This is where friends stashed swim goggles, hats, gloves, a flask of tea, cake and their mobile phone. 

And, so, feeling somewhat sheepish I bought myself a swim robe. I actually chose a Zone3 Oversized Heat-Tech Polar Fleece Parka Robe Jacket. I tried it on as soon as it arrived and, I have to confess, it felt wonderfully warm. It was a cold winter’s day and although I was working at my desk indoors, I stayed inside the big jacket. No one would see me, I figured, and it did feel so cozy. 

My first wild swim with the robe was a revelation. Despite being over-sized it wasn’t as heavy as I imagined. I could unzip it for the walk to the loch and then zip it up completely afterwards. I was able to do a swift clothes change before the swim and then quickly pull it on to warm up after the swim. The room inside the big jacket allowed me to change again into dry clothes and the fleece lined full-length jacket and hood was dreamy warm.

I lost lots of items of kit in all the different pockets but I didn’t mind because I felt warm and toasty from ankles to head.

I wondered, before I bought the jacket, if I could justify the price for such a sport-specific item. Now I can tell you that I wear it a great deal.

As well as wearing them for cold water swims, I have a robe ready for after a run or hike and I also wear my robe in my campervan, on camping trips, for garden barbecues and when the house is cold and I don’t want to put the heating on. It works well instead of a dressing gown, too.

In fact, I liked my first robe so much, I bought another and in a much bolder and brighter design. I wear the Flanci Huggle Robe (Flanci also make running skorts and shorts) with not a single trace of embarrassment.

I don’t think the swim robe is a thing of beauty - not at all – but it’s one of the most practical items of clothing that I now own.

Recently, I traveled to the Swiss Alps with the outdoor brand Columbia to test out their newest technology. Omni-Heat Arctic is an insulating technology that is inspired by how a polar bear’s fur works to keep it warm in frigid arctic conditions. Though polar bears appear white, they actually have heat-absorbing black skin and two layers of translucent fur that prevent almost all heat loss. 

Using a process called biomimicry – the design of structures and systems that are modeled on living organisms – Columbia developed the new technology and incorporated it into two garments – the Arctic Crest Down Jacket and Arctic Crest Sherpa Technical Fleece – that absorbs the sun’s rays while conventional insulation helps trap it there, in addition to your own body-generated heat.

Though Columbia’s technology is new, biomimicry isn’t. As explained in Biomimetics and the design of outdoor clothing, the term was coined by Otto Schmitt in the 1930s to describe an electronic feedback circuit he designed that was inspired by neural networks, but long before that, humans were taking cues from nature. Over the decades, birds have inspired aviation, the fins of humpback whales have improved the efficiency of wind turbines and gecko’s feet have prompted the development of non-toxic adhesives.  

Biomimicry has also played a big role in the development of outdoor gear, which makes a lot of sense. Why wouldn't we look to nature to help us better cope with whatever it hurls at us on the mountain? 

From creating synthetic fibers that mimic duck down in our down jackets to hiking shoes that help us grip to steep trails like the hooves of a mountain goat, we’ve borrowed a lot from the natural world. Here are just six ways that biomimicry has transformed outdoor gear: 

1. Fleece

Biomimicry is a fancy-sounding word, but it shows up in an everyday item you almost certainly have in your closet – the humble fleece jacket.

We probably all know about the magical powers of sheep’s wool as one of nature’s great breathable insulators. It wicks moisture away from your skin when you break a sweat clambering up a steep slope and repels odors from said sweat, but it’s also limited in supply and labor-intensive to harvest.

So back in 1979, a Massachusetts-based company named Polartec decided to replicate its properties in a synthetic version and came up with what we know today as fleece, according to a 2011 article published in the New York Times.

This synthetic pile fabric, named for a sheep's natural coat, was intended to mimic wool’s insulating properties but be tougher and more lightweight, making it ideal for rugged adventures. Though early fleece jackets did actually look quite a bit like wool, they’ve become more stylish and performance-oriented and you can head out into the cold without the bulk in jackets like the Berghaus Carnot Hooded Jacket and stay cozy in harsh weather without breaking the bank.

2. Velcro

Have you ever gone hiking with your dog and spent half an hour when you got home pulling sticky burrs out of its fur? These pesky seeds will stick to your canine companion and your hiking pants so they can hitchhike to new soils, but while most of us just find them a bit annoying, Swiss engineer and inventor George de Mestral used them to come up with one of biomimicry’s most ubiquitous technologies.

On a walk with his dog, de Mestral recognized the potential of the hundreds of tiny hooks on the burrs that caused them to “fasten” to passing animals. He spent years developing a method of mimicking this process and in 1955, he patented the hook and loop technology, made using tiny polyamide hooks and loops, that you almost certainly know as the brand name Velcro. 

That’s right, every time you cinch the sleeves on your waterproof jacket to keep out the driving rain or tighten your ski gloves against the snow, you’re using technology inspired by a common, and rather annoying, plant.

3. Nylon 

When you pull on a pair of running tights like the Arc'teryx Essent High Rise Leggings, you almost certainly want them to feel silky against your skin, and that’s exactly what American chemist Wallace Hume Carothers intended when he developed nylon on behalf of DuPont in the 1930s.

Silk has been a desirable textile across the globe for thousands of years, originating in China sometime before the middle of the 3rd millennium BCE. It’s long been a symbol of wealth and beauty, but it’s expensive, labor-intensive to produce and most importantly a cruel practice that entails boiling silkworm cocoons.

Enter nylon, which was designed to have a similar shimmery look and feel to silk but be tougher and was first used to make stockings at a lower cost during wartime. Fast forward nearly 100 years and nylon is everywhere in your outdoor gear – though you’ll often see it on the label as polyamide – from running tops to your best camping tent, where a ripstop version that’s less silky and more durable is used to hold off the elements.

4. DWR treatments

Spending time outdoors requires building your defenses against the weather. When you get soaked through on a hike, your clothes become heavy and burdensome and you get cold quickly, which can become dangerous. Fortunately, we’ve got brilliant, lightweight waterproof jackets and rain pants these days to keep us dry (and therefore warm) on the trail,  made with technologies such as a DWR treatment, which is the stuff that makes the water bead on the surface of your clothes instead of soaking it.

Traditionally, these treatments have been composed of harmful chemicals, known as PFCs, but the inspiration for them came an organic organism – the lotus flower. The leaves of lotus flowers are naturally hydrophobic, with tiny bumps coated in wax that repel water and dirt, and a German scientist named Wilhelm Barthlott started to study how to replicate this in technology in the 1970s. His work led to a number of innovations including dirt-repellent paint, while DWR for waterproof clothing can also be traced to these observations.

Fortunately, most of us who love the outdoors want to enjoy nature without damaging it, and there’s been a big push recently to replace harmful DWRs with non-toxic versions such as plasma-based treatments, so you can shake off the wet and dirt like a lotus flower. If you're in the market for a new jacket and want a non-toxic DWR, Fjällräven launched several new PFC-free waterproofs last year.

5. Snowshoes

Snowshoes are one of the earliest pieces of outdoor gear, and while modern day adventurers love floating across deep powder in a pair of the best snowshoes on a winter’s day just for fun, 6,000 years ago in Central Asia they basically amounted to public transport devices.

As the Guardian explains in an article on the history of snowshoes, these traction devices may be the original example of biomimicry, inspired by animals with larger feet or paws that spread their weight out and allow them to walk across the snow without sinking in – think snowshoe hares, bears and ptarmigans.

Archeological evidence shows that original snowshoes were made using animal materials, such as bearskin and deerhide, but these days styles like the Tubbs Flex ALP are fully vegan-friendly, made with lightweight carbon steel and Torsion Deck plastic so you pad through the snow without harming any bears in the process.

6. Wetsuits

Sharks get a bad rap, but if it weren’t for these marine predators, there would be a lot of cold wild swimmers and surfers out there in the water. Though it glides smoothly through the sea, the skin of a shark is actually rough and that’s because it’s covered in tiny scales called denticles which the Smithsonian explains lets them move through the water more quickly and quietly.

Perhaps it’s no surprise then, that wetsuits designed for water sports like this Osprey Triathlon suit have tried to copy this effect, replicating the texture of actual shark skin to reduce water resistance and increase hydrodynamics.

There’s no clinical research to prove that this technology works for humans the way it does for sharks, but after the iconic swimsuit brand Speedo implemented this idea into their FastSkin swimwear line, 108 world records were set in a single year. Consequently, it was banned by the International Swimming Federation because swimmers were deemed to have an unfair advantage, but that’s a good indication it might just work for you next time you’re taking the plunge.

• Best hiking boots: hit the trails

Meet the reviewer

Osprey Wildwater Dry Bag: first impressions

When it comes to bags and carrying solutions in general, Osprey products are high on my list of preferences. The North American brand’s backpacks and daypacks are amongst the best available, unfailingly featuring excellent harnesses, a range of fantastic features, robust materials and excellent build quality. They’re not cheap, but looked after they last decades and make carting gear on the trail as pleasant as it can possibly be.

These days Osprey also make bags for waterborne adventurers as well as trail trampers. At the beginning of this year I was using, abusing and tough testing the Osprey Transporter pack, which is essentially a 30L dry bag with one of those aforementioned quality harnesses attached to it, to give you a watertight daypack.

It’s a great bag that I still use regularly during wild weather days out, but sometimes you need a more traditional dry bag that you can take on SUPing and paddling adventures, or use to protect a precious sleeping bag or dry clothes such as base layers, fleeces and down jackets in a hiking backpack when you’re walking in the rain.

Over the spring and summer just gone, and now into fall, I have been wet-testing just such a product in the shape of the 25L Osprey Wildwater Dry Bag. I’ve taken it out on the water and on the trails in a range of conditions to see how it compares to the best dry bags on the market.

Osprey Wildwater Dry Bag: sizes and materials

I’ve been using the 25L-sized option, which I think is ideal for the uses described above – it makes a perfect liner for a daypack, will easily swallow a lightweight sleeping bag plus a range of clothing, and is ideally suited for taking a towel and some supplies on a SUPing or paddling trip, because it fits nicely in the storage compartments of a kayak or in the bow of a canoe.

However, this premium-priced dry bag is available in a wide range of sizes for a variety of uses, staring with the little 8L version ($35 / £45) – which is useful if you like to organize things into different bags within your main pack – and increasing in size through 15L ($42.50 / £50), 25L ($50 / £55) and 35L ($60 / £60), right up to the 50L ($70 / £70) beast, which will fit a huge amount of gear, and can be used as a liner for a large travel or expedition backpack.

All of the Osprey Wildwater dry bags are made with bluesign-certified, 100% recycled, 210D nylon double-ripstop fabric, with welded seams, and feature a TPU laminate lining. The tried-and-tested ingress rating is IPX5, which means that once properly closed (you must fold the top over at least three times and then clip the ends shut) the bags are waterproof, but not entirely submergible. They come with a 3cm / 1.5in wide shoulder strap, which clips into robust plastic D-rings positioned at the top and bottom of the bag, with some excellent stitching around the lower one to guard against failure.

Osprey Wildwater Dry Bag: performance

I first started using this bag in spring, and continued to test and it through what has been a pretty soggy summer (disappointing weather on many levels, but good for trialing dry bags), and into an equally watery fall. 

I’m a keen paddler of SUPs, kayaks, canoes, packrafts and anything else that floats, and this bag has been my reliable companion on many a water-based escapade this year. With strong and durable D-rings at the top and bottom, and a strap included, the bag can be securely attached to boards, canoes and rafts in various ways, or tucked safely away behind the seat, in the nose or within a dry storage compartment of a kayak. 

The waterproof protection it supplies during such aquatic adventures, when some splashing and general drenching is guaranteed, is absolutely fine. You’re not supposed to fully submerge these bags, but it’s difficult to imagine a scenario when you’d want or need to. In fact – unless you ‘burp’ absolutely all the air out of the bag, it’s almost impossible to push them under the surface of the water. This, of course, is a bonus, because if you fail to secure the bag properly and it ends up in the drink, it will float and be entirely retrievable, as opposed to taking you gear to the bottom of the river, sea or lake. (In my opinion, the bright orange is the best color option for this bag, because it makes locating it in the water much easier in such a scenario.)

The 25L bag I have been using is also ideal for carrying a robe-style towel, a wooly hat, a thermos flask full of restorative liquids, and some warm layers (like a puffer jacket) when you’re heading to the beach, river, lake or loch for wild swimming outings too. 

While it’s not as comprehensive as the harness on the Osprey Transporter (which is better for heavier loads) the shoulder strap on the Wildwater bags is perfectly comfortable for carrying such light loads. It can even be used as a tow-bag for short water crossings. The double-ripstop material is hard wearing and can put up with light-level brushing against rocks and undergrowth when you’re accessing remote put-in points (although I wouldn’t push it too far – definitely avoid scraping it over barnacles and the like). On the way home you can reverse the load and store your wetsuit and water shoes in the bag, which won’t drip all over your dry clothes as you walk back out with it slung over your shoulder. 

Well away from the sea and riverside, I’ve used this dry bag as a pack liner for my non-waterproof daypacks on numerous outings, and to store things I really want to keep dry (sleeping bag and clothes) within larger hiking packs on longer, multi-day adventures. It provides real security and peace of mind when you’re out on the trail and the rain starts falling hard. I’ve often found it useful to carry a second, smaller version of the Wildwater dry bag to stash my wet and dirty gear in after getting changed following a soaking, to stop it making the rest of my kit damp (the 15L bag is ideal for this).

Are the bags perfect? No – they’re missing a transparent window so you can see what you’ve got stored inside (particularly useful when using multiple bags), there is no valve incorporated into the design for squeezing out excess air (so you need to burp them in the traditional way), and the color range isn’t all that brilliant. However, the Wildwater dry bags are an excellent option for all-weather hikers, bikers, day walkers, wild swimmers and paddlers.

• How Advnture tests products

I live in Scotland where there is an amazing outdoors playground both on land and water. A great way to explore our long and varied coastline is by sea kayak. I am now a fairly accomplished sea kayaker and I own my own boat and kit but I remember the first time my husband Gordon and I went sea kayaking. There was a lot we didn’t know – and a lot we had to quickly learn. Here are 18 things I wish I'd known before my first sea kayak.

1 It’s better to get your kayak floating before getting in

Getting into a kayak is tricky and takes care and skill. The usual way is to allow the boat to be fully floating at the shallow water’s edge before then sitting on top of the rear of the cockpit.  Once the boat feels stable enough, you can post your legs into the boat one by one and then slide in your bum.

If your have too much of the boat on dry land and not in the water it can be difficult to then get the boat – and you – to float away from the shore. In addition, if the waves are big or strong, this adds another testing dimension to launching your kayak.

Unfortunately, on our first kayaking trip, Gordon was too keen to get into his kayak Instead of waiting for the full length of the boat to be floating, he attempted to climb into the cockpit. But because the back end of the kayak was still sitting on the shore, it promptly rolled over and flipped him into the sea. That was an embarrassing lesson learned because the rest of the group watched with amusement as he fell in before he had taken his first paddle stroke. 

2 Precious items can all too easily be washed away

Even on a calm day, things can easily slip off, or blow off, the kayak and yourself. There is always a chance you might fall in as well (see point 1!). This means you should ensure items such as sunglasses, phone, map, spare paddles, water pump, float etc are firmly attached to the kayak or yourself. 

There are all kinds of securing aids such as elastic straps on the kayak, straps for your sunglasses and waterproof phone cases. 

Gordon lost his sunglasses when he fell in the sea trying to get into the kayak because they were not attached to his head with a strap... 

3 It’s actually quite difficult to tip a stable sea kayak 

Despite all I have written in points 1 and 2, most sea kayaks are really very stable. These boats are designed to keep you afloat. Even the sleeker and, therefore, faster styles of boats are designed for good stability on the sea.

While I was concerned about paddling a kayak in choppy and windy conditions, I have never rolled or tipped a sea kayak. And this includes a trip around a Scottish island in extremely turbulent sea. 

4 For peace of mind… it’s better to be prepared than to be scared 

Despite the fact I have never tipped or rolled a sea kayak, I am do still worry that I might. This was especially true of my early days of sea kayaking and to help with my anxieties, as well as for safety, I have had many skills sessions to learn what to do if I do fall into to the sea.

it is vital that all sea kayakers know how to get themselves back in the boat should they fall in. This can be done in a number of ways, mainly with the help of a fellow kayaker or as a self-rescue.

What I know now is that regular practice is important so that when you are out enjoying a kayaking adventure but you do end up in the water, you can quickly and efficiently get back into the boat.

5 It might be a hot day on the shore, but it is likely to be cooler at sea

It is very difficult to guess how hot, cold, windy or sunny it will be when you are kayaking. You can check the forecast, but even then it might feel cooler due to the wind. Sometimes, it has felt hotter on the sea than at the shore due to the sun’s glare and reflected rays on the water.

I usually wear a breathable waterproof jacket with neoprene shorts, or a drysuit, depending on the seasons.

The best plan to to take spare clothing with you, including baselayers, an insulated (synthetic is best) jacket, a sun hat, etc so that you are prepared for different conditions and changeable weather. 

6 Pogies have become my best friends for sea kayaking 

Because I have Raynaud’s Syndrome, I am vey careful to protect my hands from the cold. Pogies fit over the shaft of a paddle like large mittens. This allows you to still grip the paddle but have protection from the cold over the top of the hands. 

7 Gloves are a great idea

The first time I went sea kayaking I didn't wear gloves. This was a huge mistake. paddling with bare hands can easily lead to sore blisters due to the combination of soft skin and salt water. Wearing a pair of kayaking gloves, or even fingerless cycling gloves, is great for protecting the hands from harm. 

8 I wear neoprene socks AND boots for warmer feet

Many kayakers manage with only neoprene boots on their feet, but I have found that I need both neoprene socks and boots to maintain heat in my feet. This is the case for me even in summer. 

9 Polarised sunglasses are the best choice 

Polarised sunglasses reduce glare from the sun on the sea and therefore provide you with a better view beneath the water's surface.

10 You will end up buying a lot of kit

There is the basic, or essential, kit list required for kayaking and then there is the list of products that you might need dependiong on different conditions and the weather.

So for example, you might own a drysuit but that will probably be too warm for kayak trips in the summer so the chances are you will own a waterproof kayaking jacket as well. 

But sometimes, it is too warm for a long-sleeved jacket and so you might also buy a short-sleeved waterproof jacket, too.

It's the same with shorts, leggings, socks, boots, gloves, hat, paddles and so on...

11 A wetsuit is not the best outfit

While a wetsuit is a great piece of kit for many watersports, such as stand up paddleboarding, water skiing and windsurfing, when it comes to sea kayaking you might end up feeling too hot and sweaty. 

Sea kayakers tend to spend more time out of the water than in the water. You also build up a sweat and have increased body temperature from paddling, so a garment that keeps the wet off and allows sweat to evaporate is a good idea. 

In very warm and calm conditions, I might wear a t-shirt for kayaking but you need to balance what you wear with the potential for getting cold if you fall in.

In inclement conditions, a drysuit is the best plan because it keeps you warm and dry if you fall in the water but should be breathable enough to keep you dry inside even if you sweat.

Gore-Tex kayaking jackets are another good choice. 

12 Everything gets wet, no matter how hard you try 

If might seem a bit obvious to point this out but the potential for all items of kit to get wet in a sea kayak is very high. The storage areas in most kayaks have excellent seals but, even so, water gets in.

I always use good quality dry bags to stow all my kit, which I then place in the storage areas of the boat.

Items such as phones and cameras should also be placed in waterproof cases to protect from the wet.

13 A lighter paddle is a good buy

When we first went sea kayaking, Gordon and I were in hire boats and used the paddle we were given. Since then, we have bought carbon paddles, which are expensive but a great deal lighter than other materials such as plastic, aluminium and wood. Lighter paddles save your arm and shoulder muscles from becoming too tired, too quickly.

14 A larger paddle is not always a good idea

You might think that the larger the paddle blade the easier it is to paddle faster. However, a larger blade is harder to paddle due to the amount of water it moves. Stronger paddlers will enjoy using a larger blade so they can move quicker but usually it is better to choose a smaller blade and enjoy a more relaxed pace, especially if you are planning a long trip with the potential for muscle fatigue.

15 You’ll use your core a lot more than you think

Effective paddling in a kayak requires the engagement of your core muscles. You’ll also find that you need to use your leg muscles a lot more than you might imagine. 

Paddling is much more of all-over-body technique than simply using the brute force of your arms and shoulders. It’s well worth taking a few skills lessons to discover how to paddle more efficiently. 

16 Navigation is even more important on the sea

The UK’s seas are subject to tides and this means that, as well as learning how to navigate on the water, kayakers must also be aware of the impact of tides. During certain points in the tidal cycle will be at its strongest, whereas at other times there's less of an effect. At times, there will be completely slack water, too.

Knowing when this occurs could have a huge effect on your kayaking. Time it wrong and you could end up paddling against an extremely strong current.

A tides and navigation skills course will help in your progression to becoming a competent kayaker.

17 You’ll see much more wildlife than you ever imagined possible

I knew I would spot wildlife while kayaking because the UK’s waters are a haven for so many different birds and creatures but the sheer range and number of wildlife spots has been incredible.

Being on the water and relatively small and quiet, a lot of the wildlife seems unaware, or not bothered, by kayakers. 

I have learned the names of many different seabirds and also been lucky enough to see dolphins, porpoise, a whale and otters. Recently, Gordon kayaked with basking sharks all around him. 

Scotland is a superb place to enjoy wildlife while kayaking and this is one of the gret things I have learned about this brilliant sport. 

18 The freedom to explore is mind blowing

The length and diversity of coastline in Scotland, the UK and overseas is vast. Then there are lochs and lakes and rivers. A kayak provides an amazing way to explore and you will never run out of new places to go. 

You can also take camping kit and head off for a multi day and night adventure.

Until I had enjoyed a few kayaking trips, I had no idea of all the possibilities available for people who have gained the necessary experience and skills. 

Meet the reviewer

Salomon Amphib Bold 2: first impressions

Most water shoes are – if we’re being completely honest – ugly looking things that we wear purely for their practical applications (and quickly kick off once we’re clear of the wet stuff). Salomon Amphib Bold 2 water shoes, however, are an entirely different kettle of fish.

Immediately impressed by their stylish look, I was quick to put these versatile, smart shoes on long before I was anywhere near the water, and I have henceforth always been happy to keep wearing them long after leaving the beach behind.

But good looks only get you so far – I wasn’t so bedazzled by their beauty that I’d be willing to give them a free pass or forgive them for any poor performance issues during the testing process. So, to discover how they compare to the best water shoes on the market, for the last nine months I’ve been putting the Salomon Amphib Bold 2s through their paces, tackling shore-hugging trails, exploring rocky beachside paths, going coasteering, wading out into the waves for wild swimming sessions, doing the occasional SwimRun adventure and wearing them while paddling a range of craft, from canoes and kayaks to SUPs.

Salomon Amphib Bold 2: design and materials

In order for any water shoe to work effectively, it’s imperative for the chassis to drain very quickly – this happens automatically with sandals of course, but with sneaker-style shoes such as the Amphib Bolds, it’s more of a challenge. To facilitate rapid draining, the designers at Salomon have stretched a loose-knit mesh across a TPU skeleton, forming an upper that protects the top of your foot from the sun and other things, but lets water in and out freely. Made from a hydrophobic synthetic material that barely absorbs any water, this upper is very quick to dry after being submerged (but it’s just a shame it’s not constructed from recycled fabric).

The other main element of the handsome upper is a floating tongue, which covers your forefoot beneath the lace system (to provide more weather protection and keep debris from getting into the chassis) but isn’t attached to the sides of the shoe. It is, however, integrated with the soft heel, which is itself an innovative and highly functional feature.

It’s important, of course, that water shoes can be secured tightly to the foot (so they don’t get ripped off in surf or stuck in silty conditions), while also being quick and easy to put on and take off. There are two ways to wear the Amphibs: you can put your entire foot in them and tighten the shoe using the Quicklace system (which has a BOA-style cord and toggle, and works really well), or you can push your forefoot into them and crush the heels down (they’re designed to fold for this purpose), and wear them like a slider.

The Quicklace system passes through six robustly stitched eyelets, and there’s an elasticated band to tuck the toggle through, which keeps it from flapping around or becoming a snag hazard.

Salomon don’t wax lyrical about the materials used in the midsole, because this is less of a priority in an aquatic shoe than it is in a running hoof, but there is quite a bit of padding between the insole and the outsole, which supplies some bounce when you’re bounding around.

Protection is more important than cushioning in a water shoe, partly to prevent the risk of sharp sticks, stones or other things puncturing the sole of your foot when you’re walking around or stepping down into murky water from a boulder, board or boat, and the Amphibs certainly have this side of things covered. There’s no rockplate, but the depth of the sole is substantial enough to supply a really good buffer.

The second form of protection the sole needs to serve up is some grip to keep you on your feet in potentially very slippery environments, such as wet and weed-covered rocks. To this end the Amphibs boast a contoured Contragrip outsole complete with rubber lugs, arranged to provide traction in watery terrain.

Salomon Amphib Bold 2: on the water and trails

As a water shoe first and foremost, the Amphibs are designed to be worn like barefoot shoes, without socks, which can lead to comfort concerns, with blisters a potential worry (especially in salty water). However, in all the different ways I’ve used these shoes over the last three seasons, I’ve never had a problem in this regard – not a single blister or any hint of rubbing discomfort. The collar is really soft around the lower ankle area, and the mesh doesn’t appear to be at all abrasive on the upper foot. 

I particularly love the fact that the Quicklace system enables me to put the Amphibs on fast, but then secure them tightly to my feet, so I never have to worry about them coming off in the water. This snug, comfortable fit also means I can happily walk and run reasonable distances in these shoes. They’re not as high-performing on rocky routes as a proper pair of good trail running shoes, of course (especially in terms of having a cushioned midsole), but Salomon know what they’re doing here, and the Amphibs have sufficient suspension where it counts – certainly more than you’ll find in a barefoot shoe – and I’ve found them to be perfectly capable of getting me around most SwimRun courses.

I also enjoy having the capability to just slip my foot quickly into the shoes and wear them like Crocs – although they can easily come off when you adopt this approach, and I definitely wouldn’t recommend it when running or wading through water.

When laced up properly, however, I feel very secure and confident in the hold these shoes have on my feet, which inspires confidence. The floating tongue does a good job of keeping grit and pebbles out of the main shoe too, and it has saved me from sunburn on the top of my feet while paddling several times.

I’ve also found that the grip, traction and control supplied by the Contragrip outsole is really decent, and I don’t recall having ever lost my footing while wearing the Amphibs, even when hopping across weed-covered rocks or dragging boats around on slimy slipways.

Essentially, this versatile sneaker really comes into its own during summer, but while it doesn’t offer a great amount of thermal protection from the cold, I found that I was completely comfortable wearing the Amphib Bolds in and around water from early spring to mid fall, without freezing my pinkies off, especially when engaged in high-energy activities such as paddling.

• How Advnture tests products

One of our favorite outdoor changing robe brands has sat up and taken note of its newfound popularity in urban environments.

No longer the reserve of cold water enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, last year the number of people stomping the city streets – doing the school run, hitting the gym, walking the hound – in oversized changing robes, exploded.

The classic changing robe, with its roomy fit, cozy fleece lining and good waterproofing, proved the ideal over garment for cold and wet weather days – something people could quickly and easily throw on over any outfit and keep warm and dry from head to toe. And it didn't seem to matter whether you were wearing it on a river bank or to the movies.

Now Red has launched the Pursuit changing robe, which it says offers a ‘slimline approach to conventional oversized change robes’.

At first look, it’s a more tailored shape, with cinched waist and adjustable cuffs. The outer is a stretchy shell fabric and there’s an adjustable hood, stitched seams and pockets.

It comes in men’s and women’s versions, sizes S to XL – with regular and long lengths too.

The hydrostatic head rating reveals solid waterproofing 10k, and breathability of 30k, and you can pick from three colors: Olive green, Ocean blue and Obsidian black.

When you look closer, things get even more interesting. It’s lined with a low-profile grid fleece to wick away moisture and regulate temperature; there are six pockets in total – two front pockets on the outside, two side-entry hand warmers, a small chest pocket for valuables and a secret ‘stash pocket’ for your undies.

But is there really room to get dressed and undressed in this ‘athlete inspired’ garment? Stretch side panels, with inconspicuous three quarter-length zips reaching from hem to elbow, allow you to lift up your knees underneath. 

All these technical elements come at a price. The Pursuit retails at £209.95. But its packability and breathability as well as waterproofing and warmth means it could be the piece of kit that replaces both your changing robe and your waterproof jacket.

See the Pursuit from all angles

If you want our opinion on how well the Pursuit fares in real life, keep your eyes on this site as we'll bring you the review soon.

As for whether it will take the place of the classic outdoor changing robe on the city streets, that’s for the masses to decide.

• Red Equipment EVO Pro changing robe review: a super cozy changing robe with great eco credentials
• The best wild swimming gear: what to wear and what to take

I’ve been testing several roll-top dry bags recently and, while I like the flexible sizing and excellent waterproofing they possess, it made a refreshing change to use a dry bag that didn’t require me to unroll the top to get into it. Instead, the top on the Dri-Tide bag simply zips off around its semi-circular side, and hinges open at the back flat edge, making it very easy to get items in and out, and the inside holds its shape well. Bluefin provides a rigid inner to insert in the bag so that it completely keeps its shape, but you don’t have to use this if you don’t want to.

My main use for dry bags is hauling around wild swimming gear, but this one has a specific purpose - it’s built by paddle board specialists Bluefin and is designed to clip directly onto your board's cargo loops so you can keep all your belongings safe on your latest SUP adventure. That doesn’t mean it’s not suitable for other pursuits though, and I've been using it for my wild swimming gear, as it’s a great size for my wetsuit, water shoes, and other swimming kit.

So how did it measure up against the best dry bags? 

Waterproofing

The Bluefin Dri-Tide Deck Bag has a waterproof zip and is made of thick nylon TPU with welded seams. On test the waterproofing held up completely, both when the bag was filled with wet kit, and when I submerged it in water. It has two larger outer mesh pockets that work well for water bottles and anything else you don’t mind getting wet. 

Obviously the outer mesh pockets aren’t waterproof, and what I felt this bag could really use is an internal or external waterproof pocket for small valuables. The hinge top design means you can really fill this bag to the brim without having to worry about folding it down like most dry bags. It also comes with a bungee system and webbing loops, so there is extra space for more items if you can’t fit everything you need in, although of course anything going on the outside can still get wet. 

 Harness and handles 

The main harness comprises some seriously wide straps, with a reasonable amount of padding, and separate webbing loops that you can use to hang smaller items off. The padding appears to be made of the kind of neoprene you would see on a surfing wetsuit and felt comfortable against the body, although it lacks the breathability you would find with a mesh backing and I did find my back got sweaty using it fairly quickly.

I’m always a fan of a chest strap, even on smaller bags like this, to help spread the load, particularly when carrying heavy items such as a sodden wetsuit. Unfortunately the Dri-Tide bag doesn’t have a chest strap and, given the weight of what you could be carrying in it if you’re using it for wild swimming, this felt like an oversight.

However, the bag does have two large top grab handles made from padding webbing, which are comfortable to hold and don’t cut into your hands, even when carrying a heavy load.

Design

This bag is designed to strap to a paddleboard deck - a job made easy by the short straps top and bottom on each side that clip and unclip with carabiner-style fastenings. As long as you have cargo loops fixed to your paddle board you can clip the bag on using this system. 

Unlike many other dry bags, which are usually a simple rectangle or backpack design, the Dri-Tide bag in shaped somewhat ergonomically, similar to the shape of the front of a paddle board. The wider end of the bag is at the top, which makes it a breeze to get kit in and out of it. However, this also makes it a little top heavy when it’s being worn as a backpack, something I noticed when carting heavy kit down steep steps to one of my favorite beachy wild swimming spots.

If you bear that in mind when you’re loading it, and put your heaviest things at the bottom, then it shouldn't be an issue, but if, like me, you chucked a few beers into the top last minute then you may notice a slight sense of being off balance.

This bag is only 22L, but its large top opening makes it feel surprisingly capacious. Roll top dry bags are very effective at keeping things dry, but can feel hard to get into and finding things buried in the bottom of them can be tricky. The hinge style opening on the Blufin Dri-Tide 22L bag is a useful innovation that means you can pack the bag with more care and really use up every scrap of available space.

• The best dry bags 2026: keep your gear bone dry during adventures on land and water
• The best water shoes 2026: fast-draining, quick-drying and ready to take you from shore to sea
• How Advnture tests products

  Keen Hyperport H2: first impressions

Having recently had a good experience with the Keen Targhee IV hiking boots, I was keen (sorry) to try the brand's new water/beach shoes, as my favorite outdoor pursuits are mainly water-based. The Hyperport H2 is a revamped, lighter version of the Keen Newport H2 shandal, with more sole cushioning and a touch of extra heel protection from the poly-knit lining, to save you from scraping your ankles on rock pools, stones and shingle.

So how did the Keen Hyperport H2s measure up to the best water shoes? Here’s how they performed on test:

 Keen Hyperport H2: Grip and protection 

I first put these shoes through their paces in north Devon, hiking easy trails between beaches along the coastline, stomping across the sand in them, and wandering between rock pools. 

Previously I’ve worn more traditional hiking sandals for these kinds of adventures, but have found them not quite up to the task, due to the lack of toe protection, heel slippage, and of course the incursion of trail debris. 

By contrast, the Hyperport design, with its enclosed toe and chunky bumper, did a fine job of saving me from painful stubs. The upper is made from webbing straps, stitched onto a stretch polyester lining, with a foam inner sole that Keen says is shock-absorbing. The lining does not enclose the foot fully so there's still the risk of trail debris getting in, but the gaps in the lining are fairly small and it didn't prove to be in issue when wearing them on rocky trails.

The midsole is injected foam, which provides a lot of shock absorption and a fairly bouncy ride. Between all these elements I felt confident that my feet were well protected. The downside was I found myself wanting a little more trail feel and flex, particularly when walking over uneven boulders.

The outsoles of the Hyperports are covered in a fairly flat lug pattern with siping designed to push water away, in theory enhancing your grip. In practice this worked well, whether I was clambering over boulders on the shoreline, or picking my way around the edges of seaweed-covered rock pools. I didn’t experience any slipping, which surprised me, given the low-profile of the sole. I also found the Hyperports lived up to their quick-drying claim.

 Keen Hyperport H2: Fit and comfort 

As someone with wide feet, Keen is a brand that suits me. The wide toe box, a hallmark of Keen designs, gives me plenty of wiggle room, and also allows me to spread my toes to grip better on slick or unstable surfaces. 

The Hyperport H2s are very easy to take on and off, with plenty of stretch in the polyester upper, a heel loop for extra help if you need it (I didn’t), and a quick to use bungee fastening system. 

I wore them with socks for hiking beach trails, and then sockless on the beach. While hiking I picked up a small blister on the arch of my right foot, which was placed exactly where my foot sat over the embossed Keen logo on the inner sole. I can’t be sure that was the cause, but it was the only part of the inner sole with a different relief pattern - the rest is a kind of scale design, presumably to stop your feet from slipping around inside when they’re wet. There are three other places on the outer where the logo is stamped, so this decision to put an embossed logo inside feels a little extraneous, particularly if I’m correct that it’s what caused my blister.

 Keen Hyperport H2: Environmental impact 

As with all shoes and boots produced by Keen, the Hyperport H2s contain no forever chemicals and have been given an eco anti-odor treatment to minimize the usual smell that comes from wearing synthetic shoes. 

These shoes are also sturdily made, giving me hope that they will last many years. And buying good quality kit that doesn’t constantly need replacing is one of the easiest ways to reduce your personal impact on the environment.

 Keen Hyperport H2: Swimming and water sports

The Hyperport H2 is a fairly chunky shoe and, as such, wouldn’t usually be my first choice for long swims. Its sheer size means it creates significant extra drag in the water, and so for me this design makes more sense for casual swimming than for serious training sessions, where I’m looking to be as streamlined as possible. 

Where I think the Hyperport H2 really come into its own is on the days when you are exploring the shoreline, or searching for woodland streams to go wild swimming in. The grip provided gives a lot of confidence on stony trails, slippery rockpools or muddy paths. You also get a significant amount of protection for not a great deal of weight and can wade across a rocky seabed or riverbed without worrying about hurting your feet. 

Whether this shandal works for paddle boarding seems to me more like a question of taste rather than a clear line as to whether it's suitable or unsuitable. I’d personally want something with a lower profile like the Vivobarefoot Hydra ESC, as the chunky sole on the Hyperport makes it difficult for me to initially stand up on an unstable surface - the extra height (the heel is 45mm / 1.77in) requires more knee and ankle flex than a shoe with a flat sole. However, I have had surgeries that have left me with poor flexion in one knee. For someone without this issue I think they would still be a viable option.

• How Advnture tests products
• The best water shoes 2024: tested for traction and protection in the water

 Vivobarefoot Hydra ESC : first impressions

I’ve spent years wild swimming but have somehow managed to avoid ever cutting my feet or doing significant damage to myself, other than the time I sliced my ankle on a boat propeller (which I don’t recommend). But that doesn’t stop me from worrying about what I might tread on. I have been caught up in fishing line and picked up giant shards of glass - the latter more times than I care to remember. Recently I’ve been testing a range of water shoes, and the extra security that comes from wearing a rubber soled hoof, as opposed to my usual neoprene boots, has given me a welcome confidence boost when I want to stand up in a river that could have all sorts of nasty things underfoot. 

So how did the Vivobarefoot Hydra ESCs stand up against the best water shoes? Here’s how they performed:

 Vivobarefoot Hydra ESC: Grip and protection 

The Vivobarefoot Hydra ESCs are barefoot shoes, so they have a minimal Michelin rubber 2mm outsole, with 4mm multi-directional lugs that feel cut for traction, and perform well on slippery riverbanks and slimy rocks. The outsoles also have a 0.8mm puncture resistant finish, and they felt reassuringly substantial. 

I first tried them at an old favorite swim spot, which is often littered with big rocks underfoot that like to move position, thanks to the urgent speed of the river. Due to the slightly murky water, it’s impossible to know where these obstacles might be until you stumble into one, and this day was no different. Normally that means a few bumps and scrapes but the toe bumper saved me this time, and I felt happy to stride around, without my usual fears about broken bottles and the edges of discarded cans. However, I would have liked a slightly higher toe bumper, as there’s still the possibility of stubbing your toe if you walk into something really chunky. 

Many of my preferred coastal swim spots in the UK are rocky rather than sandy, and these shoes really showed their worth at a Welsh beach where the tide comes in notoriously fast, meaning it's easy to whack your foot on a rockpool underwater. Because of this my partner unfortunately cut his feet on the rocks while I emerged unscathed, despite kicking against submerged obstacles several times.

The meatier than average sole (for a barefoot shoe) means that the Vivobarefoot Hydra ESCs are a little less flexible than some other barefoot shoes we've tested, but there’s still a good amount of feedback about what’s under foot - just without the actual discomfort that normally comes with standing on a riverbed. Walking across drying out seaweed I felt confident that the Michelin soles would keep me upright.

 Vivobarefoot Hydra ESC: Fit and comfort 

I wear a UK size 8 (US size 10), which normally translates as an EU size 42, but Vivobarefoot use an EU 41 for their women’s size 8s, and these did feel on the snug side (interestingly, the men’s UK 8s are listed as an EU 42). Normally with water shoes I wouldn’t worry about this too much - they need to be a bit of a scrimpy fit to stop them from flapping off inconveniently and floating downstream. And the heel loops do make it relatively easy to pull them on and off, despite the tight fit.

However, the ability to wear socks with these shoes is important for anyone planning to run or walk for extended periods in them as they have a lacing system that runs between the outside and inside of the upper with nothing in between. You can literally pull loops of the laces out from the inside of the shoe. And in my experience that’s a recipe for rubbing, so an extra layer is essential if you’ve got your eyes set on an ÖtillÖ-style swimrun event. The founder of ÖTILLÖ apparently wears Merino wool socks as a liner and we think a Merino mix pair of the best trail running socks would be a good option. As I’m not a runner (thanks knee injuries!) it’s not an issue for me, but do check out Vivobarefoot’s sizing guide to ensure you get the correct fit if you want to wear socks with the Hydra ESCs.

I’m not really sure what the thinking is behind this lacing system, other than maybe saving weight. It appears to be the same as that used in the Vivobarefoot Tempest ESC boot, and the Hydra very much feels like a shorter version of that design, with similar specs, look and construction. But I keep coming back to this feeling that an extra layer here to cover the laces on the inside of the shoe would add a significant amount of comfort that otherwise feels lacking. The laces are fairly thin and work on a toggle system, which you can then tuck into a little knitted pocket on the upper. 

I was happy to see a little padding around the ankle, giving some added protection to one of the most vulnerable areas on our feet but why isn’t there any between the laces and the top of your foot?

 Vivobarefoot Hydra ESC: Environmental impact 

 Vivobarefoot prides itself on its eco-credentials and the Hydra ESCs are no exception. Yes, the outsole is Michelin rubber, but it is built to last. Vivobarefoot says all its main materials are vegan and not derived from animals, although they don’t yet have full transparency over every single small component. So they don’t claim to be fully vegan, but they’re working on that. 

The insoles are made from Active Bloom Foam, which the company says is a sustainable alternative to EVA foam (made from synthetics and petrochemicals). The uppers are synthetic, with a large proportion of recycled materials. 

 Vivobarefoot Hydra ESC: Swimming and drainage 

I normally swim barefoot, saving my neoprene boots for winter swimming sessions only, as they reduce feel for the water and create a little extra drag. I was worried that the Vivobarefoot Hydra ESCs would be a worse version of this, and thanks to the chunky soles, they don’t exactly have a barely-there feel. However, the wide toe box and narrow heel actually created a similar effect to wearing small training fins for me and so I didn’t feel like they were holding me back - there is some drag of course, but this felt like it was offset by the propulsive shape.

The uppers, made from recycled synthetic mesh, and with an integrated tongue, are fast-draining so you won’t be piling on weight there. They did take a couple of days to dry out after languishing in the bottom of my D-Robe 20L dry bag overnight, but I wasn’t particularly conscientious  - if you stuff them with paper they should dry in no time. I've had these shoes a couple of weeks, so look out for an update on this review when they've had a longer testing period.

• How Advnture tests products
• The best water shoes 2024: tested for traction and protection in the water

Meet the reviewer

Alpkit Element wetsuit jacket : first impressions

So before I wade in, I need to say that I really wanted to like the Alpkit Element wetsuit jacket. As a long-distance swimmer with many miles behind me, I have never relished the rigmarole of hauling on a wetsuit or peeling it off while cold and wet. 

The idea of a zip up wetsuit jacket therefore massively appealed to me for training swims. Or at least it did until I tried it on, because in my view this jacket has a fairly significant design flaw if you want to swim crawl/freestyle in it. The star ratings here reflect my view that for paddle boarding it's a 4 star garment, but for swimming I can only give it 2 stars. More on why next…

Normally my first port of call when trialling a new wetsuit is to put in some serious open water miles. I have been swimming wild long before it was fashionable and the idea of a two hour swim makes me smile rather than shudder. But I honestly didn’t dare do that with the Alpkit Element wetsuit jacket.

The shoulder is one of the most complex and delicate joints in the body. Most swimmers have a slight imbalance in their stroke and I’m no exception. Over time that leads to niggles for most, and in my case means I’m prone to pain in my left shoulder if I am not careful about technique or clocking excessive mileage.

Because of this, in my view, the best swimming wetsuits should be designed to be as flexible as possible in the shoulder. If you look at the specs for one you will normally find the neoprene in this area will be thinner than elsewhere - for example my (very) old favorite swim wetsuit has 2mm thick neoprene in the shoulder and 4mm thick neoprene in the legs. The 2mm neoprene allows range of motion, while the 4mm neoprene helps my legs float and keeps warm the part of my body that’s moving the least on long swims. Alpkit’s all in one swimming wetsuits all use a raglan style seam, that is one that runs diagonally from the underarm to the side neck, giving great freedom of movement while minimizing the chance of excess material bulking up and causing drag or discomfort.

So why has Alpkit stuck a vertical sleeve join in its Element jacket? It’s not clear how thick the neoprene is here - from the information on the Alpkit website it could be 2.5mm or 3mm. But the garment construction used, known as a set in sleeve, means that you end up with more fabric here than if you used a diagonal seam.

This means that there is a lump of neoprene bunching up every time you rotate your arm, which is noticeably restrictive when rotating your arm in crawl/freestyle. The neck also ran a little loose on me, so it’s not going to be as effective at keeping water out as one with a tighter fit - again, more an issue for swimmers than paddle boarders.

Alpkit Element wetsuit jacket: in the water

Alpkit is marketing this jacket as being for paddle boarders and swimmers. And I think it’s a pretty great paddle board jacket. It’s impressively warm, has extra long sleeves you can cut to length if needed (I have very long arms so I have only trimmed them a touch since these pictures were taken), and is many times easier to get on and off than a normal wetsuit.

It also has two small mesh back pockets. Again, very handy for someone paddle boarding who might want to stow sunglasses, sun cream and some snacks there. But if you’re swimming then whatever is in this pocket has a fair chance of floating out unless the jacket is a really  tight fit.

The jacket is a mix of stretch panels and Glideskin neoprene, a type of Yamamoto limestone neoprene, which is made from limestone and plant oils rather than traditional neoprene. A massive thumbs up for me, as traditional neoprene is not only highly toxic to produce, it is also very difficult to recycle and doesn’t break down easily.

Because of the smooth Glideskin neoprene used, this jacket isn’t suitable for surfing in - lying on your stomach on a rough surfboard is likely to tear up the material in my experience. It is ideal for paddle boarding, however, and beautifully warm. But I’m just not convinced that it’s suitable for serious swimming - certainly not if you’re swimming crawl/freestyle and need a lot of freedom of movement around the shoulder. I haven’t yet had a chance to try one of Alpkit’s swim wetsuits, but their shoulder construction looks far more suitable for swimming’s range of movement. So if you’re a paddleboarder I’d recommend this jacket, but if you want to swim, a traditional swim wetsuit is probably a safer bet.

 Alpkit Element wetsuit jacket: Getting changed 

It’s very easy to get on the jacket and off, with a full length zip, which also allows you to vent and dump heat quickly if you’re wearing it for paddle boarding on warmer days. 

Getting in and out of a swimming wetsuit is such a pain that in winter I don’t actually wear one. It’s just easier to stick with neoprene boots and gloves and a normal swimsuit. I like the idea of using this jacket in winter, as it would extend the amount of time I could swim, but then would be very easy to get off quickly, reducing the loss of body heat in icy conditions. In winter I don’t usually put my face in the water, and instead swim breaststroke, when the issue about the shoulder fabric bunching wouldn’t be such a worry, as you’re not rotating your shoulder fully. 

• How Advnture tests products
• The best wild swimming gear: what to wear and what to take
• How to stay safe in open water: wild swimming for beginners

Meet the reviewer

Yeti Camino 35L carry-all: first impressions

The Yeti Camino is a tough as nails bag that does double duty to protect your kit in wet environments, and also keeps sodden gear from leaking everywhere, thanks to its excellent waterproofing. It would be a push to call it a dry bag, but it's a great bag to use in wet environments.

It comes in three sizes; 35L (the one we tested here), the smaller 20L and the very large 50L version.

Firm sides and a flat bottom mean that this tote will just stand up on its own, so you can leave it upright in a car boot or on a boat deck, safe in the knowledge that anything in it won’t get wet (unless a wave comes over the side!)

The 35L is perfect for a swim wetsuit, towel, water shoes, post-swim flask, and changing robe (as long as it’s not too bulky). And it’s actually big enough that in theory you can stand in the bottom of it, strip off your wild swimming gear and dump it straight in, saving the need to bring a separate changing mat or extra towel to stand on. In practice, this was a little fiddlier than it sounds with my UK size 8 feet, but is worth considering in a pinch, especially if you’re in a muddy or sandy environment and don’t want to get your feet dirty - or any dirtier than they already are, anyway.

Yeti Camino 35L carry-all: in the field 

Weighing in at 1.4kg / 3.08lb, this isn’t a light bag, and the lack of backpack straps means it’s best suited to lugging kit between a camper van and the beach, or stowing on board your rich mate’s yacht, rather than hiking to a remote wild swimming spot. But it does what it’s designed for perfectly and, while it’s not cheap, it's so tough we think it should last a lifetime.

If you need a small waterproof compartment for your valuables, Yeti recommend their Sidekick Dry Gear Case, which you can attach to the Camino using the Hitchpoint webbing loops and Velcro pad on one side, although it’ll set you back an extra £50.

Waterproofing

The bottom of the bag has a ThickSkin Shell welded-rubber construction that is completely waterproof, so you can just tip out any water when you get home, although we’d have welcomed a draining valve as well.

The open top and lack of insulation means it’s not suitable as a cooler, but it’s so capacious and strong that you’ll find plenty of other uses for it.

The rigid sides are double walled, meaning that water will struggle to get through and it dries impressively quickly.

There are two generous water resistant inner pockets, two large inner pull-out dividers, and plenty of webbing Hitchpoint loops on each side of the bag, creating an obvious place to clip on carabiners, or even tie on a waste sack if you’re doing a beach clean up before indulging in a picnic (you could definitely get a picnic blanket in it, with plenty of room left for a big lunch). You can also close the top with a small slide through clip. This felt a little stiff at first, and might be tricky with cold wet hands, but it’s a minor quibble. 

 Harness and handles 

We like the reinforced horizontal Crossbar grab handles that sit parallel to the top of the bag, which allow you to hold it with one hand, as well as loop it over your shoulder using the longer heavy duty webbing straps. These straps are multi-layered and padded where they sit on the shoulder, adding some comfort where they might otherwise dig in and cause extra discomfort when carrying heavier items.

This bag has been tested to carry up to 680kg / 1,500lb of kit - not something we’d recommend you try! But it does mean you can be confident it’ll deal with anything you can throw at it, weight-wise.

So no, the Yeti Camino isn't a dry bag, and it's not cheap either. But it is a real workhorse with an extended life span, and we reckon if you see it as a cost-per-use bit of kit it'll end up seeming cheap at the price as you keep using it again and again over a (very) long time.

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• The best dry bags

Vivobarefoot have launched a new water shoe designed for coastal trails, swim-run, wild swimming and other aquatic adventures.

The company says the Hydra ESC has been designed with the help of some of the world's best swim-run teams, but also performs as a trail running shoe, with grippy soles and a knitted upper to keep out debris and muck.

At the same time, the barefoot shoe brand is launching a Blue Health campaign aimed at encouraging more people to get on, in, or near water and reap the associated benefits.

The Hydra ESC has low wet weight and fast drainage, with a Michelin ESC sole to provide traction on uneven or slippery terrain. The shoe has a 2.5mm base and 7mm lug height, which Vivobarefoot says will give the wearer maximum grip without compromising ground feel. One of the colourways available - Obsidian, is designed to complement the colours of the ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Series, one of the best known events in the swim-run calendar.

Vivobarefoot co-founder, Galahad Clark said: “Around 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, yet there’s still so little we know about how much it can benefit our health and wellbeing. Simply being  near the sea or another body of water can have an amazing impact on our natural health, so we’ve designed the Hydra ESC to really encourage us all to get out and get our feet wet.”

The Hydra ESC will be available to buy in two colourways, Obsidian and Sea Green, from £165.

Find the men's version of the Hydra ESC here and the women's version of the Hydra ESC here, both available via the Vivobarefoot website.

• The best barefoot running shoes 2024: feel the ground beneath your feet
• The best water shoes 2024: tested for traction and protection in the water

Meet the reviewer

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag: first impressions

A dry bag isn’t something all outdoor enthusiasts would immediately rush out to put on their shopping list. Yet inexperienced folk underestimate just how important a dry bag is in one’s kit – as a top-notch, versatile piece of protection against the elements, a storage solution, an organization method, a way of life… 

The Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag is extremely versatile and comes with a DWR coating for water resistance. It’s also made using sustainable recycled fabrics that have been bluesign-approved. An dry bag that actually keeps your kit dry and is good for the planet? Read on…

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag: on the trails

I initially put the Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag through its paces as a means of storing spare layers when on a sea cliff climb on the rugged cliffs of Donegal in Ireland. It was also the bag I used to store layers I needed whilst out hiking in the mountains of Tajikistan, and to transport my winter kit when I worked in Iceland.

For me, carrying a dry bag isn’t even a choice, it’s a way of life. Gone are the days of stuffing layers in a leaky ‘bag for life’ or compostable plastic bag that shreds in your hands – a dry bag safeguards against unexpected spills, or, if you happen to be caught in bad weather during transit, precious layers like down jackets and sleeping bags don’t need to get wet. I was testing the 5L dry bag in Spicy Orange, and I’ve been struck by how little wear the Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag has shown, after nearly a year’s continual usage.

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag: fabric

One thing I noticed straight away was the feel of the fabric in the newly updated range of Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bags. Weighing the same as two skinny slices of bread, the fabric is sourced using materials that don’t harm the environment with harmful dyes and chemicals, using bluesign-approved recycled 70D nylon fabric. It also combines extra durability and water repellence thanks to a PFC-free DWR finish. One caveat would be that I’d use the dry bag to protect against gear stowed in a backpack during a heavy rainfall day, but would be less willing to drop camera kit in the dry bag into the sea. 70D is durable and means the product is resistant and long-lasting without adding significant amounts of weight.

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag: features

The Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bags have been made for adventurous people who don’t stop to put their feet up when the sun’s gone down. One thoughtful consideration was the incorporation of a reflective white interior made from polyurethane, so that it’s easier to see the gear you’re packing inside the bag. Another useful touch is having an oval base, which helps ‘prop’ the dry bag to stop it from rolling away, making it easier to pack into a backpack. There’s nothing worse than being in a remote location, removing layers out of a backpack and noticing your dry bags rolling away down the hill… Finally, perhaps the most useful feature of all is the D-ring attachment point at the buckle, which allows the dry bag to be easily secured onto boats, bikes, kayaks and also onto a karabiner snap gate.

Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag: functionality

As far as practicality goes, the Sea to Summit lightweight dry bags offer enough sizing options to give full organization to an outdoor wardrobe. They come in a large range of colors, helping to categorize different functions into different departments. It’s also incredibly easy to compress kit down.

Stowing kit away has never been simpler thanks to the same hypalon non-wicking roll-top closure that is found in the rest of the Sea to Summit range. It’s easy to deploy even with thick winter gloves on – a bonus if you’re using dry bags in all weather. Clear sided options (also color-coded) and first aid models also provide a surprising amount of room to stash everything you could possibly need to take with you on an expedition, or just for your next weekend away.

• How Advnture tests products

Meet the reviewer

Red 60L Getaway kit dry bag: first impressions

Dry bags used to be pretty simple affairs, but as interest has grown in wild swimming and paddle boarding, there’s been an influx of designs with higher specs and better thought-out construction. That’s not to knock the original roll-top dry bag design. But if you’re going away for an extended period then it’s helpful to have a dry bag that’s more accessible, and the new kit bags from Red certainly fit into that category.

All three bags in the range use the same tough Armour Tech fabric and have very similar features, so I’ve reviewed the 60L version here, but there’s little difference between them other than size.

With a roomy main compartment, an outer and an inner pocket, there’s everything you’d expect from a standard holdall here, but where this bag really stands out is in its carrying functionality.

If you’ve ever loaded up a holdall you will know that lugging one even a short distance can be a lop-sided affair. But the Getaway’s padded straps convert easily to backpack straps, complete with chest clip, and there’s even a drag handle if you really have stuffed the thing to the limit of its generous capacity. Other clever features include rope pulls on the zips, an emergency whistle on the chest harness - something we always love to see, and a changing mat included with the bag, which folds out to give you something to stand on while getting changed - a thoughtful touch.

Red 60L Getaway kit dry bag: in the field 

 As a wild swimmer, I can end up with a surprising amount of kit on weekends away. My swimming wetsuit is bulky and its smooth surface means it tends to unfold itself the second I’m not looking. I was able to get it into the Getaway bag easily, along with all my other wild swimming gear, and various essentials for a long weekend break. To reduce the bulk of all that, err, stuff, I then used the compression straps at each end, which allowed me to flatten the bag somewhat, and take up less room in our already overflowing car boot!

Once we’d arrived at our destination I realized that I could transfer my swimming stuff to the simple 30L Red dry bag I had with me, and use the Getaway bag as a waterproof container for everything I wanted to keep dry in our tent, as I was pretty sure it was going to stay a bit damp the whole time we were there (sadly I was right). However, despite freezing nights and a humid atmosphere, everything I put in the Getaway bag stayed bone dry. And when it came time to pack up and go home, I moved all my now soaking swim kit and wetsuit back to it, using the backpack strap configuration (I felt like blowing the emergency whistle it was so heavy now) and traipsed to the car and stuffed it in, on top of our very absorbent sleeping bag! After a six hour drive, despite the inside of the bag resembling a swimming pool, no water had leaked out at all. Just to make life more interesting, once emptied of my wet gear I stuffed a towel inside it and dunked it in the bath. Again, no water got through from the outside to the inside. As far as I’m concerned, it had definitely passed the test!

Waterproofing

The Getaway uses a TPU-coated fabric called Armour Tech for the outer to protect your belongings from the elements (or your other belongings from the wet things inside it). This is a sustainably-produced fabric made from recycled plastic bottles, and is designed to be tough and puncture resistant, lengthening the life of the bag - an important part of reducing its environmental impact. The seams are welded too.

The airtight main zip, which runs the full length of the bag, is guaranteed to IPX7 diving specs, which means it should hold up even when submerged (in water of up to 1 meter/1 yard depth). This can make it a little stiff to use, but the rope pull on the zip helps to make this more manageable and they have got easier to open and close the more I’ve used the bag. There are also two outer pockets, with the same type of waterproofing and a mesh bottle pocket. 

 Harness and handles 

 A lot of thought has gone into the carrying system for this dry bag. There are two standard holdall straps that can be attached together with a simple velcro wrap. However, these straps also convert into backpack straps, complete with adjustable height chest straps that also feature an emergency whistle. The straps are padded, with mesh outer on the inside, allowing air to flow through and reduce the amount of sweatiness when using them. They also have attachment points for carrying extra loads.

There is also a grab handle at one short end of the bag, allowing you to simply drag it along the ground if it’s literally too heavy to carry.

• How Advnture tests products
• The best dry bags

Meet the reviewer

SealLine Bigfork Dry Daypack: first impressions

The Seal Line Bigfork Dry Daypack is aimed at paddlers, but is also designed for folks to comfortably carry gear on single day and overnight adventures. There are similar minimalist packs in alpine hiking and trekking out there, so I tested it on an appropriate, typical damp-weather day in England’s Lake District.

Combining the waterproof sheen of a polyurethane-coated plastic with the weather resistant capability of a high-performance dry bag and the shoulder straps and waist belts of a decent lightweight hiking bag, the SealLine Bigfork is a bag that can be thrown around, resistant to scuffs, dirt and moisture penetration. The DrySeal roll-top closure and sealed seams are designed to offer protection against grim wet weather, and it quickly shakes off mud, grit and snow thanks to the smooth material that amplifies its waterproof protection.

SealLine Bigfork Dry Daypack: on the trail

Testing the SealLine Bigfork Dry Daypack walking up Haystacks in the Lake District on a particularly damp day, I first noted just how much I could cram inside the backpack. Into the bag went heavy camera kit with multiple lenses in a neat zip-up modular bag, waterproofs, food and first aid kit, along with an emergency survival bag (which was rather rotund and bulky) attached on the outside to the bungee cord.

The only issue with this was the amount of ‘tolerance’ needed at the top – I needed to make sure the rucksack wasn’t completely stuffed otherwise it was difficult to completely roll it and seal it. I found I was really having to use some force to scrunch the top down and get the buckles to clip together, and I worried that if the clips were to break, the bag’s usefulness would be limited. Getting items in and out of the bag is tricky and this seems a limiting factor in the usefulness of the SealLine Bigfork Dry Daypack.

There’s no easy way to access the bag’s contents once it has been sealed up. As the rolltop is the only way to get to the inner contents, this does restrict the rucksack’s useability as you can’t take things in or out quickly. My suggestion would be to have a zip access to get through the back panel and get hold of items easily (similar to a back panel on a camera bag), with some kind of compartment dividers or line marker to show where you should pack to.

The bag is also lined with a white fabric to help you see inside, but I would have preferred a marking line to show how much space I had left in order to make decisions about how much (or how little) I could carry for that day before I set off. This would make it much easier to access layers which often need to be taken on or off in the mild and muggy weather conditions typical of the UK.

This did impact on the functionality of the bag, which couldn’t be filled to its full 30 liters every time as it needed some space at the top to use the DrySeal roll-top closure. If I was just carrying soft layers I could ‘utilise’ more bag space, whereas more rigid contents create awkward gaps.

Compared to similar rucksacks aimed at purely hiking, such as the Exped Serac which uses a 400 denier ripstop nylon, many competitor bags out there are made from TPU film laminate, rated to a hydrostatic head of 10,000mm, which means that those bags aren’t fully waterproof. In contrast, the use of 100% waterproof material for the SealLine Bigfork Dry Daybag, in the form of a 300 denier, 17oz polyurethane-coated polyester alongside welded seams, ensures that moisture and condensation doesn’t reach the bag’s contents after a heavy rain shower.

The rigidity of the bag’s material means it’s great at protecting the contents but does mean that there is less ‘give’ to maximize how much you can fit in. Feature wise, the SealLine Bigfork Dry Daypack also lacks any kind of trekking pole attachment. I used the bungee cords which were okay but not secure. Having easy access to poles or even a side pouch (which wouldn’t need to be waterproof, so could just be a mesh pocket) would instantly add more user-friendly functionality. It would also be useful to have some attachment points for ice axes, or even a zipped pocket to put valuables such as keys in.

Another issue I had was the bag’s comfort – or lack of. With straps and waist belt designed to be easily taken off to turn it into a dry bag, it feels as though the SealLine Bigfork Dry Daypack has been designed as more of a dry bag with handles than a rucksack. Crammed with camera gear and layers, I found the bag put a lot of strain on my upper body, particularly my shoulders and neck, thanks to the vertical profile. The bag could have done with a slightly more padded back and more comfortable shoulder straps, which could be done without adding huge amounts to its weight and overall usefulness.

• How Advnture tests products

Meet the reviewer

Red 30L Waterproof Roll Top Dry Bag Backpack : first impressions

Upon initial inspection this is a standard dry bag. Roll top? Check. Clip fastening? Check. Lightweight PVC fabric? Check. So it might not be your first choice if you’re looking for a big investment purchase.

However, a closer inspection reveals a host of useful features, including multiple carrying options and fixings that allow you to fasten it to the deck of a boat or paddle board. It’s also a well-priced option, making it a great entry level choice if you’re new to wild swimming.

Red 30L Waterproof Roll Top Dry Bag Backpack : in the field 

I first used this dry bag to hold all my wild swimming gear on a long weekend away and it’s been a mainstay ever since. After a chilly dip at one of my favourite wild swimming spots I stuffed it full with a sodden wetsuit and other kit and it did its job to a tee, with no water escaping as I hiked and scrambled back to my start point.

I am lazy to a fault when it comes to taking my wet kit out and drying it, so it stayed there for a full day on the floor of our tent, without any water escaping. After (eventually) emptying out my stuff, I tipped out the remaining water. The inner needed a quick wipe with a microfiber towel, but was easy enough to dry and no water lingered in the seams or in the few bits of the back that aren’t made of PVC or hardware.

Here's more on how it performed:

Waterproofing

This bag is made from PVC, with welded and taped seams that will keep out any unwanted liquid. The outer wipes clean easily, meaning you can chuck it on a river bank or beach without worrying about it marking from mud or muck.

The large inner pocket is water resistant, but not fully waterproof, so if you want to store valuables in it then it’s worth wrapping them in something else first.

The PVC fabric isn’t thick, but it’s sturdy enough to feel like you can trust it. Unlike some other more expensive dry bags, it doesn’t claim to be puncture proof, but it feels reasonably tough for the price.

 Harness and handles 

The carrying system sets this bag apart from other entry-level options. There are standard backpack straps, but they are fully detachable - top and bottom, giving you the option to just use the grab handle, which is made from strapping with a rubber reinforcement that makes it more comfortable to carry when you’re lugging heavy loads.

You can also use the D-rings on the bottom of the bag that the backpack straps clip onto, along with one on the side of the bag, to fasten it to something secure if you’re taking it paddle boarding or onto a boat.

The backpack straps themselves are padded, and feature five webbing loops and a D-ring on each, giving you the ability to clip on extra bits and pieces that you may need. Because of the D-ring fastening at the bottom of the straps they are prone to flapping around, so you need to tighten them well when wearing it, to prevent the bag from swinging loose from your body.

The large clip in system that the straps fasten with at the top of the bag is easy to use, even with cold stiff fingers after a winter swim. There are no chest or waist belt straps on the harness, which is worth bearing in mind if you’re planning to use it to carry heavy gear.

Design

Like many dry bags, the top fastens by being rolled over three times - helpfully marked on the fabric - and then clipped down. Older styles of dry bags tended to fasten with a single clip at the top, and this was actually how I fastened it when I first used it.

It was only later that I realised that the side straps on the bag are actually designed to clip to each side of the top. This lets the top of the bag stay flatter, meaning you can get more in it - a really nice bit of lateral thinking.

There is also a top buckle and strap fastening that you can cinch tight for extra security and to compress the bag further when you’re tight on space. A small reflective logo on the front of the bag is there to help you stay seen in low light conditions, but it’s not that big to feel significant. Definitely don’t rely on it as your sole means of illumination!

This bag feels like a great option for someone just getting into water sports. It’s not a big purchase and you get a decent piece of kit for the price, and the simple reassurance that your wet stuff isn’t going to ruin your other stuff!

• How Advnture tests products
• The best dry bags

When is a splash hit not a splash hit? When it lands in a kayak. Which, to be fair, is a situation so improbable no one’s thought of a name for it. But they need to think of one now.

Just in case you don’t know,  a 'splash hit' is when, during a baseball game at San Francisco Giants’ Oracle Park, a player hits a home run that lands in McCovey Cove, which runs just next to the stadium. 

On game days, fans take to the water of McCovey Cove in boats, canoes and kayaks, often with fishing nets, in the hope of collecting a home run ball. But this weekend, one pair of kayakers (and their dog) didn’t need a fishing net when the Giants’ Patrick Bailey hit a home run into the Cove, and the ball landed right in the middle of their kayak. 

“I’ve watched a LOT of #SFGiants games,” said @Mike__McKenna on X,  “and I can assure you I’ve never seen that happen before.” 

Splash hits are tallied on an electronic counter on the right field wall.  Bailey’s home run marks the 103rd splash hit by a Giants player and the 165th in total, though this is possibly the first splash hit that did not touch the water. Thankfully it didn’t land on the dog (which, sadly, doesn’t appear to be a dachshund, so they can’t rename the feat a 'dachshit').

Of course, social media was quick to debate whether a splash hit that doesn’t actually make a splash is a splash hit at all, but the kayakers look happy with the situation either way.

• The best water shoes 2024: tested for traction and protection in the water

Red Equipment EVO Pro changing robe : first impressions

I’ve spent the last few years a little bemused by the trend of people wearing changing robes when walking their dog / doing the school run / stocking up at the supermarket. Changing robes are for serious swimmers, I thought, and must be too expensive and heavy to be a good choice in such domestic settings.

But now I’ve actually tested a few changing robes, I’m beginning to see the logic. Whether you’re sporting a classic camo-print Dryrobe, or one of the many great alternatives now on the market, there’s no doubt that the best changing robes beg to be worn off the beach too.

What’s not to love about a super comfortable cosy coat that is both waterproof and breathable, with a capacious fit that won’t feel too snug, even if you do a Joey and wear your entire wardrobe underneath?

Having said that, some are definitely more suited to the high street than others, and the Red Equipment Pro Evo fits firmly into this bracket, coming in an array of colors that aren’t for the faint-hearted, as well as some more muted shades.

Don’t be fooled by appearances though. This is a technical garment, with a brushed fleece lining that will wick away moisture and then dry fast from your own body heat. In fact, we think it’s one of the best out there right now.

 Red Equipment EVO Pro changing robe: in the field 

 Red Equipment EVO Pro changing robe: in the field 

You’re not going to get cold easily in this changing robe. The outer layer is both waterproof and breathable, with a 2-layer EVO outer shell that’s been treated with a PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent) coating. The eco-creds don't stop there. All of the fabric in the robe is fully recycled polyester, including the EVO deep-pile 300gsm Sherpa fleece lining.

The hood, also lined in the same deep-pile fleece, has a toggle draw cord to keep the wind out, but isn’t as deep as on some other robes we tried, although this does allow for good visibility. If you’re wearing a hat underneath it, pop that on first, as once you’ve zipped it up the collar is too high to slide the hood back. The front zip has a poppered wind baffle for extra protection.

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing

I tested the Medium size, which was the recommended size for me at 5ft 10in tall (1.76m), although that puts me at the very top of the range for the Medium. And if I’ve a minor niggle it’s that the sleeves could have been a little longer. Like many serious swimmers, I’ve got wide shoulders, and longer than average arms, both of which mean sleeves often come up a bit short on me. These came to my wrists - just - but I would have liked them a couple of inches longer to protect my hands. I got round this by stuffing them in the cozy pockets, but it was the only thing that really gave me pause.

If you’re long limbed like me, I’d definitely recommend going up a size. Red give the key garment measurements on their website so you can double check this before buying.

 Absorbency and drying capability

I took the Evo on a camping/swimming/hiking trip to the Lake District in the UK and ended up using it constantly. It was ideal for getting changed under after a dip in the River Esk on a sunny but chilly afternoon, with water temperatures of about 46.4°F/8°C. I had dried off a little already using a microfiber towel so it only got a bit wet and I was able to wear it immediately afterwards, my body heat getting rid of the last bit of dampness by the time I’d hiked back to the car.

On colder days when I go wild swimming I just chuck it straight on when I get out of the water and then it does take longer to dry out, but it’s still a fast process. I've found the key is leaving it spread out overnight with the sleeves inside out so that it can dry fully.

As well as using it after swims, while camping I also found myself reaching for it again and again at the campsite - shrugging it on when I needed to make one of those annoying middle of the night forays to the bathroom, and wrapping up in it around the campfire (although, as with all synthetics, you do need to be careful wearing it when the embers are flying around).

I ended up pretty much living in it for five days - even chucking it on top of my sleeping bag at night to add an extra layer of warmth when the air temp got down to 32°F/0°C at night, and choosing it over my usual waterproof/fleece combo several times.

When it rained (which was a fair amount), it did a fine job of keeping me perfectly dry, without getting too hot. The front YKK zip is smooth and easy to use if you need to dump some heat.

 Weight and packability

The bulk and weight of this robe initially made me think it wasn’t a good choice for hiking into remote wild swimming spots, when you want to keep heavier kit to a minimum. However, using a compression sack it was reasonably packable, and just about short enough to wear hiking on cold days as long as you’re not trekking for miles on end or through bracken, where it could potentially catch on thorns and branches.

After my chilly swim in the Esk I stuffed my waterproof and fleece into my dry bag and wore the Evo instead for the four mile hike back, as it was early evening and the temperature was dropping fast. Yes, I got a little warm, but I also didn’t experience my usual problem of feeling too cold for a few hours after a wild swim.

Care

Red recommends hand washing this robe in cool water, which isn’t the most practical option, but its bulk means it’s probably not suitable for most washing machines anyway.

Wearing it around the camp fire (not its intended purpose of course) meant that it got smoky, but after a couple of days hanging up the smell was gone. And, despite sitting on the ground in it frequently, the outer seemed to shrug off dirt. All this left me a lot more at peace with the idea of handwashing it, as it seems like I wouldn’t need to bother that often!

 Storage 

The Evo has plenty of pockets - the outer hand pockets close with magnets, and are lined with a close-pile fleece front and back, to help you warm your hands after a cold swim. Inside there’s a zipped mesh pocket for valuables, and a deep patch pocket in the same close-pile fleece as the hand pocket inners that would comfortably house a hiking flask as long as it’s not on the heavy side, but which Red calls a ‘pants pocket’, presumably for tucking underwear in while you swim. Most winter swimmers would probably use it for a hot water bottle on the coldest days.

The front chest pocket is well-sized for a phone, with a waterproof zip, and on test this stood up to a soaking. The hood has a toggle closure for when the elements get really rough and there are Velcro adjusters to the elastic cuffs for when you want to keep out every scrap of wind.

There is a reflective logo on the lower edge. Red calls this ‘reflective detailing for better visibility in low light settings’, which feels like a stretch - if you’re going to call a garment reflective then in my view it should have piping or reflective patches in more prominent areas and I couldn’t find any others when I shone a torch on it. But as complaints go, this is so minor I wouldn’t have mentioned it if they hadn’t made a point about it!

Overall this is a high quality robe, that should stand up to lots of wear, and will keep you warm and dry when you most need it. Any complaints I have about it really are minor and I would definitely choose it over some other, better known brands. It absolutely does the job it’s meant for, does it well, and can do plenty more besides.

Red also offers a limited edition version of this robe made from a patchwork of surplus fabric that you can find under the Recovered Collection on the Red website.

• How Advnture tests products

D-Robe 20L roll-top backpack: first impressions

At first glance the D-Robe 20L roll-top backpack (available from D-Robe) just looks like a really smart commuter bag. So much so that from the moment I showed it to him my partner has been regularly dropping hints about wanting one for himself! But this is a bag with a whole host of clever features, not least that it’s incredibly waterproof. This makes it suitable for cycle commuters, but also for hikers, wild swimmers, paddle boarders, and anyone else who has to brave the elements on a regular basis. For me it stands out as one of the best dry bags out there right now.

There’s an exterior, waterproof 14in laptop pocket, with an IPX5 rated waterproof zip closure, which means it will keep out ‘a low pressure water stream’ (ie rain), and this performed effectively on test. There’s also an internal 16in laptop pocket, another zipped inner pocket, a small mesh pocket inside (none of these are waterproof) and a small front pocket with a waterproof zip.

Many dry bags have an open top that rolls shut and fastens with a clip. The D-Robe has this construction too, but the top zips shut for extra security before you roll it down (or not), a feature I really appreciated as it felt I could trust it more to keep water in or out.

The interior is black, which is an incredibly common choice, but I do wish companies would rethink this for smaller bags - it’s not so easy to find things lurking in a black interior!

There’s an exterior, waterproof 14in laptop pocket, with an IPX5 rated waterproof zip closure, which means it will keep out ‘a low pressure water stream’ (ie rain), and this performed effectively on test. There’s also an internal 16in laptop pocket, another zipped inner pocket, a small mesh pocket inside (none of these are waterproof) and a small front pocket with a waterproof zip.

Many dry bags have an open top that rolls shut and fastens with a clip. The D-Robe has this construction too, but the top zips shut for extra security before you roll it down (or not), a feature I really appreciated as it felt I could trust it more to keep water in or out.

The interior is black, which is an incredibly common choice, but I do wish companies would rethink this for smaller bags - it’s not so easy to find things lurking in a black interior!

 D-Robe 20L roll-top backpack: in the field 

I was primarily interested in trying the D-Robe 20L roll-top backpack because I thought it would be a good option to take wild swimming, as long as I wasn’t hauling too much kit. So it had two jobs to do - keep my belongings dry at the river’s edge, but also keep my wetsuit from soaking my back post-swim. It managed both tasks beautifully, and when I left all my wet kit in it overnight, as I often do after a long swim, there wasn’t a drop of water underneath it the next day.

Here's more on how it performed:

Waterproofing

The outer shell is made from recyclable, biodegradable TPU, and feels like it will stand up to a lot of abuse. The top zips shut, and then can be rolled down and fastened with a buckle. There’s also a compression valve on the bottom edge that will allow you to reduce its size further if you’re trying to save space. The seams are welded, so this just isn’t going to leak. 

If you want to use this bag for wet kit then you can only really use the small front pocket and the exterior laptop pocket for things that need to stay dry. But if your primary interest is in keeping water out, then you’ll be able to use every single pocket as it feels incredibly weather-secure once the top is zipped and rolled down. The smooth surface of the outer is easy to wipe clean if you get mud on it, as I did when I accidentally left it on an oozy spot by a river.

 Harness and handles 

 The harness on this backpack really stood out for me. The straps are wider than I’ve come to expect for a bag this size and are well padded, meaning it’s comfortable to wear, even when it’s full of heavy wet kit. There’s also a grab handle at the top, which is also slightly padded, and a chest strap, which is height adjustable, another nice touch. To add to the comfort factor, the reverse of the bag is padded, which lifts it away from the skin a little, encouraging airflow and delaying how long it’ll take for you to get a sweaty back. 

Design

The look of this bag really does make it stand out from the pack (excuse the pun), but its sleek feel partly comes from its narrow shape, which does make it a little harder to get things in and out of than a chunkier 20L daypack. 

I also wished the small front pocket had been larger. I managed to squeeze a card wallet and keys in it, but it couldn’t really cope with more and certainly wouldn’t fit a phone. The small size of the pocket and the stiffness of the outer fabric seem to work against each other, as the stiffness makes it harder to get things in and out of an already tight space. The fact all the other pockets on this bag are a generous size made this seem doubly odd. 

I liked the solid metal D-ring on one of the straps, that I'd probably clip a water bottle too - there are also a couple of webbing loops underneath the main buckle closure.

Eco credentials

 While the TPU outer of this backpack is both recyclable and biodegradable - an improvement on standard TPU, which is hard to break down at the end of its life, it seems a shame that no recycled materials have been used in the bag’s original construction. It does come delivered in plastic-free packaging, and I do also think it will last for many many years, thereby reducing its impact compared to a lower quality bag that will give up the ghost after a season or two. It’s worth noting though that TPU is not UV-resistant, so prolonged exposure to sun will have an impact.

Sizing

 This felt surprisingly capacious for a 20L bag - I actually thought I might have been sent the 35L bag by mistake and had to double check! I think the outer and inner pockets have got something to do with this. You can fit a laptop into each of these and still have room for plenty of other kit. I stuffed in my swim wetsuit, a microfibre towel, neoprene vest, boots and gloves, and some other bits and pieces, with room to spare, although I couldn’t roll the top down without using the compression valve first. 

You could potentially fit in a lightweight changing robe like the Finisterre Tego as well or a waterproof jacket but it would be a bit of a squeeze. I took it when hiking out to a swim spot on the River Esk in the Lake District in the UK, and it felt very comfortable to carry, despite my relatively heavy kit. On the way back, with my wetsuit soaked, I was glad to have the chest clip. A waist belt is probably overkill on a 20L bag, but with my heavy wet kit inside, it would have been a bonus to be able to spread the load further. If you’re using this bag as a commuter I think you’ll be impressed. It looks smart enough for the office, but has been designed to really keep out the elements effectively. It’s not the cheapest out there by any stretch, but it has a quality feel.

• How Advnture tests products

Cinematographer Seth Ezekiel West has been bringing some sick skate-style filmmaking techniques to extreme kayaking for a while now, but his newly-released 15-minute short on YouTube, 'Hallelujah', has to be his magnum opus. 

It captures the joy and rush and excitement of top level kayaking with such a joy and passion that it makes you immediately want to rush out and fling yourself over a 50-foot waterfall in a small plastic torpedo yourself (except you suspect you’d probably bottle it).

Hallelujah showcases a range of the amazing rapids, waterfalls, along the Pacific Northwest’s Columbia River Gorge as well as the kayakers who dare to paddle them.

Highlights include the Bridal Veil Falls, Punchbowl Falls, Money Drop and Outlet Falls. None of them are for the faint-hearted. 

There’s also a section shot at the controversial Celestial Falls, which it is technically illegal for kayakers to negotiate for safety reasons, though which – as the film explains in its end credits in a call to legalize the falls – many kayakers continue to use, and which has become part of popular culture.

“In most action or extreme sports there’s a defined idea of what a film looks like. If you mention a term like ‘skate video’, a certain style of shooting and editing pops into your head, and I’ve always felt like whitewater kayaking is missing that,” says West. 

“With a new generation of paddlers taking the reins I think it’s time for a new definition of how a kayaking edit should feel. Hallelujah is my contribution to the community with some ideas of what I think that style could look like. As we progress more and more into downriver freestyle, it feels like a bit of skate culture is intermingled with kayaking, while there’s still that need for crisp slow motion shots that embrace the essence of sending a big waterfall.

“I’m hoping this edit reopens the conversation on what a whitewater kayaking video should look like in the 2020s, and inspires the next generation to define the new style of the sport.”

• Types of wetsuit: a handy guide to choosing wetsuits

Meet the reviewer

Osprey Transporter Waterproof 30: first impressions

Osprey makes some of the very best hiking backpacks and daypacks around, with the brand’s products justifiably renowned for the quality of their design and construction. True to form, the Transporter Waterproof 30 model boasts a brilliant harness, an easy-to-access main compartment with a huge capacity, and a range of excellent features. 

One of the frustrations I have with Osprey packs such as the Manta 24 and Mutant 52 however, is that they are never sold with a rain cover, which has to be purchased separately (pretty cheeky I think, especially given how expensive the packs are in the first place). The difference with the Transporter Waterproof 30 pack, is that it doesn’t need a rain cover, because it’s 100% weatherproof all by itself and will keep whatever you put in it completely safe from the elements. It’s basically a high-quality dry bag with a backpack-quality harness.

But can you really have the best of both worlds – the protection of a dry bag and the functionality and comfort of a backpack – without making some compromises? I have been trail testing the pack to find out, and to see how it compares with the best dry bags on the market.

Design and materials

Made from bluesign-approved 400D recycled nylon and double-coated TPU, the main compartment of the Transporter Waterproof 30 works exactly like a dry bag: you fill it up, then roll the top over at least three times before clicking the ends together. 

And once it’s securely sealed, the bag is completely weatherproof. Lab-certified as waterproof to IPX6, it can withstand rain coming at it from all directions, no matter how torrential. You can’t confidently submerge it without risking the contents, but I can’t think of a scenario where you’d actually want or need to do that anyway. 

The strong materials and robust construction also means the Transporter Waterproof 30 is tough enough to be hauled around canyons, taken coasteering, booted around in the bottom of boats and strapped to standup paddleboards. 

It’s not just for full-on adventuring, though. With an internal pouch specifically designed to take a laptop (up to 13in in size) and an internal zipped pocket for smaller, precious items, it can be used for day-to-day carry, or employed as a really reliable weatherproof solution for getting your electronic gear to work during rain-strafed (or even paddle-powered) commutes. 

Osprey Transporter Waterproof 30: on the trails and around water

I’ve been testing the Osprey Transporter Waterproof 30 during a range of adventures in all sorts of landscapes and conditions, across all four seasons. Used as a backpack for day hikes in wet weather I found it very comfortable, even when worn for several hours. It boasts a mesh-covered AirScape back panel that allows a breeze to blow between your body and the bag, reducing sweatiness. The mesh-and-foam shoulder straps are well aerated and comfortable too, and although the harness can’t be adjusted, the sternum strap (which features an emergency whistle) can be moved up and down to achieve a comfortable fit.

There’s no capacity for carrying a hydration bladder within this pack, and I did miss this feature. There are no side pockets for water bottles either, but the Transporter Waterproof 30 does have a large front pouch made from super-stretchy material and accessible from either side, which is very accommodating and can be used for stuffing all sorts of things into, from waterproof coats and rain pants to hiking gloves and warm hats. On one side of this pouch there is a secret zipped pocket for stashing valuables.

I’ve also been using this versatile pack during kayaking escapades and adventures on my standup paddleboard. The advantage of the excellent Osprey design in this scenarios is that you can use the bag as a high-standard dry bag while you’re paddling (it’s particularly good for securing a camera in such scenarios), but also load it up and wear it as a backpack during portages or when you have a long walk to get to the put-in point.

Other features include a strong haul handle, reflective graphics for improved visibility at night, and a little material hoop at the bottom of the rear pouch that you can attach a light to for extra safety.

• How Advnture tests products

Meet the reviewer

White Water Softshell Robe: first impressions

The White Water Softshell Robe offers something really quite different in what has become a pretty busy market over the last few years, following the success of Dryrobe’s pioneering products. Hailing from a new British brand, it’s an environment-friendly, stylish-looking softshell changing robe that’s warm, weatherproof and breathable, but crucially, you can wear it all year round.

Up until now, people have had to choose between a chunky, heavy and hot hardshell robe (ace in winter, but a bit too much for most of the year) or a towel-style robe (often inadequate outside of summer). This softshell robe provides the perfect in-between weight, which is weatherproof and warm enough for virtually all-winter use, but still breathable enough to be comfortable in the summer, and absolutely perfect for the shoulder seasons.

This robe is constructed with White Water’s trademarked SWB-Tech three-layer fabric, which comprises a stretchy outer material, backed by a breathable, waterproof and windproof TPU membrane, with a recycled microfleece lining. The outer layer has been treated with an ecological fluorine-free, water-repellent finish, so light rain and other moisture beads on the surface and rolls off. The S in SWB stands for sustainable and, impressively, the polyester used in the majority of this robe is all recycled.

The design of this stylish robe has been very well thought through, and practical features include a variable-volume hood, raglan sleeves, adjustable cuffs, a fully waterproof chest pocket, two hand pockets with zips and a YKK two-way front zip. The logos are reflective, and you can wear it in all kinds of scenarios. 

White Water Softshell Robe: on the coast

I’ve been testing this softshell robe while wild swimming along the coast of Devon and kayaking in Wales during the latter part of winter. The water temperature has been Baltic, frankly, and as I zipped the robe up during its first outing I was desperately hoping its thermal performance would prove to be at least half as good as it promised to be. 

Fortunately I was not left shivering and disappointed. After I emerged from the water, the robe wrapped me in a warm embrace. The lining is not as sumptuous as the deep-pile fleece you find on many hardshell robes, but the brushed-finish microfleece inner has a lovely soft and warm next-to-skin feel, and it doesn’t clog with salt. Meanwhile the smart softshell outer very adequately protected me from the brisk breeze that was whipping across Lyme Bay. 

I reduced the volume of the hood with the Velcro band on the back and pulled the cuffs tight to keep the elements out, and plunged my numb thumbs deep into the hand pockets, which were nice and easy to open – despite the reduced dexterity of my half-frozen fumbly fingers – thanks to the oversized pull loops. Meanwhile, my mobile phone was safely and securely stashed in the waterproof chest pocket, from where I could quickly and easily retrieve it in a second.

Keen to get out of my wet swimwear and put on some base layers and a good fleece as quickly as possible, I was relieved to discover how easy it was to get changed while wearing this generously sized robe. The raglan sleeves allow plenty of freedom of movement when you’re contorting yourself into awkward poses with one limb in and one out of various undergarments, and the two-way zip is very useful in these ever-risky alfresco wardrobe-change scenarios too. The inner material is reasonably absorbent, but if you plan on getting changed immediately into dry clothes, a decent towel is required.

After using the White Water Softshell Robe to keep me warm after my first sea swim of the year, I took it with me on various standup paddleboarding and kayaking adventures, and on more swimming sessions. While I’ve found myself shivering on occasion, as the seasons start to turn and spring begins to beckon, I’m increasingly convinced that this softshell garment offers the best balance of protection and temperature control for the largest proportion of the year.

As well as being a functional and high-performing piece of kit, this is a good-looking robe with some stylish branding (which is reflective if you happen to be wearing it at night around traffic) and it can be worn along the coast and around the campsite (or wherever else you want to take it) as a nice big, warm jacket (which is quite comforting, since it’s far too expensive to be used merely as a fancy towel).

White Water do offer a heavier hard shell robe as well, which is designed for use in properly freezing conditions (or for people who feel the cold more keenly), but this soft shell version is less bulky. ‘Less’ being the operative word here, though – because this robe is still a large, voluminous and heavy garment, and it doesn’t come with a stuff sack for transportation or storage when it’s not in use. (There doesn’t even appear to be an option to buy a compression bag or carry sack separately, which feels like something the brand really ought to offer.)

• How Advnture tests products

Once you start using dry bags for your outdoor adventures, you’ll never look back. If you’re someone who regularly heads out on the water on some form of floating vessel, the odds are that you’ll be acutely aware of the humble dry bag’s value. After all, when literally surrounded by water, it’s pretty essential to keep your clothes and valuables protected from the drink.

However, dry bags should not only be the preserve of kayakers, paddlers and the like. Hikers, mountaineers, campers, bikepackers – in fact, pretty much anyone who enjoys the great outdoors – benefit massively from utilising one or several of these simple but effective products.

If you’ve not introduced them to your adventures, I’m here with 7 reasons you need a dry bag or three. Their potential uses go way beyond protecting your iPhone and keeping your best down jacket bone dry.

Meet the expert

What is a dry bag?

• A dry bag is a waterproof bag designed to keep contents dry
• There are broadly two types: backpack style bags and sack style bags

A dry bag is a waterproof bag designed to keep the contents within dry. They’re loved by canoeists, kayakers and paddlers, while they’re also extremely useful for hikers, mountaineers and campers. Basically, anyone who stands a good chance of getting a little wet on their adventures will value one. So, you could say, in a rather counterintuitive manner, that a dry bag is a bag you expect to get wet – on the outside at least. 

There are broadly two varieties of dry bag: larger ones that can be worn just like a standard hiking backpack and smaller ones that are basically sacks designed to either attach to the exterior of your mode of transportation or be stashed inside a larger backpack. They come in varying thicknesses; some have the feel of a waterproof jacket's fabric, while others have a plasticky vibe.

Whether a stash bag or a backpack, dry bags typically feature a roll-top closure, which creates a watertight seal when folded over three or four times and buckled up. Not only is this design more resistant to water ingress than a zipper, it’s also more durable, as it’s less prone to failing after repeated use.

Without further ado, let’s get into my top seven reasons you need a dry bag, or several…

1. Dry bags protect your gear

• Not only are dry bags waterproof, they're also dust and dirt proof

I’m going to start by stating the obvious. The main reason you need a dry bag is to keep your clothing and valuables dry. However, something that's waterproof is also something that gives protection from a variety of other things you wouldn’t want on your kit, such as dust and dirt. So, not only are dry bags ideal for watery adventures and rainy backcountry days, they’re also great for adventures in more arid conditions too.

2. You can organize your kit

• Colored dry bags enable you to organize kit within your backpack
• This is great for being able to quickly grab what you need

Many manufacturers sell dry bags in sets, giving you several sizes and a range of colors. If you’re hiking or camping, having a few colored dry bags of varying capacities enables you to organize your kit effectively within your backpack. It’s simple, but highly effective.

When I’m mountaineering, I use three dry bags within my main pack to keep things organized. This means I can quickly grab what I need instead of having to faff around, turning the contents of my pack upside down every time I want to change my gloves. Of course, everyone has their own personal systems and it’s worth continuously optimizing as experience is gained. Nonetheless, my current system is this:

Large dry bag (green): spare down jacket, spare mid layers

Medium dry bag (yellow): survival shelter, blizzard jacket, first aid kit, spare gloves, spare hats, balaclava, goggles

Small dry bag (blue): power bank, cables, two headlamps, GoPro, snacks, sandwiches

This system can be easily adapted to other pursuits, and I alter it if I’m wild camping or heading out on the water.

3. They’re much better than waterproof covers

• Waterproof covers block access to a backpack's compartments
• They have a tendency to blow away, thus littering the backcountry

Most modern daypacks and backpacks come with a waterproof cover that can be draped over its main body in the event of heavy rain. There are two big disadvantages to such a waterproof cover. Firstly, it makes accessing your backpack’s compartments more difficult, as it covers up all the openings, meaning you have to at least partially remove it every time you want to get anything out. 

Secondly, these waterproof covers are prone to being picked up by the wind and blown off into the backcountry. By design, they’re shaped a lot like sails and once a gust takes hold of them, there’s not a great deal that’s going to stop them. Mountain guides bemoan the number of lost covers they find littered across our wild places.

Of course, using dry bags within it doesn’t protect your actual backpack from getting wet, but this shouldn’t be your main concern as long as you, your clothing and valuables remain dry.

4. They provide additional storage

• You can attach a dry bag to your pack or means of transport for additional storage

Dry bags can be attached to the exterior of a pack, bike or vessel, acting as additional storage. Most can either be attached via their roll-top closures, integrated D-rings or fabric loops via a carabiner or similar. Even if your pack isn’t full, there may be times that you want to store certain items externally, such as smelly, wet kit or food that’s past its best. There’s no need for your whole pack to take on a cheesy aroma.

5. A dry bag can be a weight-saving camping pillow

• A dry bag stuffed with cushioned clothing can double up as a pillow
• This saves weight on wild camping trips

If you’re lugging your camping equipment to a lofty pitch in the mountains, every gram saved makes the whole experience that much more pleasurable. Rather than carrying an additional pillow, stuff a good-sized dry bag with your fleece and down jacket and you’ve got a makeshift camping pillow. This negates the need to carry any additional weight, as everything has its use on the trails too.

6. You can use it to carry water

• Dry bags can hold water in, as well as keeping it out
• This makes them ideal for carrying water or laundering clothes in camp

One of the reasons some runners dislike trail shoes adorned with Gore-Tex is that, while they’re good at keeping water out, once it’s in, it can’t escape as readily. Basically, something that’s designed to keep water out, is also pretty good at keeping it in.

This gives dry bags a whole other use when it comes to camping trips. You can use them to transport water to your tent or to do a spot of laundry. Yes, if you need to wash clothes while camping, a dry bag is the way to do it. In fact, the Scrubba Wash Bag is a dry bag that’s specifically designed for campsite laundering – it even comes with an internal washboard. If you’re using a regular dry bag, no problem! You can use something like a spiky massage ball to agitate the fibres of the clothes you intend to wash.

7. Old bags can be reused

• Your old dry bags can be used as simple bags for all kinds of uses

Nothing lasts forever. One day, your dry bag’s performance will have deteriorated to the point it no longer functions as a dry bag – instead, it’ll just be a bag. However, even the most used and abused dry bag can be put to use. Use your old bag as a makeshift trash bag on camping trips, or to store dirty clothing. 

Finally, and I make no apologies for this, but the leave no trace principles dictate that poop should be carried out of any adventure in the wilderness. In a fix, what better than an old dry bag that you can effectively secure for transporting your delicate cargo out with?

Spanish kayaker Aniol Serrasolses has plunged down a 20m ice waterfall in the Arctic Circle to acheive the biggest ever recorded descent of a glacial waterfall.

The feat was the climax of a spectacular paddle along a glacial river – including through an ice tunnel – on Bråsvellbreen glacier in Nordaustlandet, Svalbard, all of which is captured in the video below.

“The first time navigating through those rapids was absolutely incredible,” says the 32-year-old Catalan adventurer. “Like kayaking on another planet. It was actually crazier than I ever thought it would be... one of the roughest, most wild and virgin places I've ever seen.”

Serrasolses and his team reached the glacial river following a 36-hour sea voyage followed by 11km of hiking across the glacier. 

“That feeling of levitating above the water. You could see the bottom with those textures, with those movements, with those shapes, and you were on top of your kayak totally transparent. You could look down and see everything.”

As the first person to run the waterfall Serrasolses got to name the descent, which will now be known as “Philip’s Ladder” in tribute to the crew member who pulled the ladder for the duration of the 11km trek which enabled the team to get from the boat to the waterfall.

The 45km long Bråsvellbreen (which in English means “The Sudden Swell Glacier”) streams southwards from the ice dome Sørdomen of Austfonna. It got its name in the late 1930s after research revealed that it had undergone a recent huge surge, forming a 10km long tongue into the sea. Bråsvellbreen represents 13% of the total surface of Austfonna, and  is well known in the Arctic for its spectacular waterfalls and glacial streams.

• Types of wetsuit: a handy guide to choosing wetsuits

Are water shoes good for hiking? If you’re asking this question, you’re probably after the footwear equivalent of James Bond’s 1976 Lotus Espirit, which the suave British action hero drove into the Mediterranean Sea during The Spy Who Loved Me. No, we’re not talking about secret rocket launchers in the midsole, we’re talking about the ability to seamlessly transition between the big blue and the land – the ability to go from sea to summit.

Anyone who’s donned water shoes for a spot of coasteering or canyoneering will know that a quality pair boasts excellent grip on wet rock and protection from abrasion, which are two desirables in hiking shoes too. However, water shoes, with their neoprene uppers and sock-like fit, often bear more resemblance to a wetsuit than something for the backcountry trails.

So, can you realistically take a pair of the best water shoes and use them to tackle a named trail or even summit a mountain? In essence, are water shoes good for hiking? The short answer is yes, certain water shoes are good for certain kinds of hikes but it really does depend on the individual shoe, as some are better suited than others.

In this guide, we take a look at how water shoes are different to hiking shoes, which ones we’d recommend for the trails and give our overall verdict on their suitability.

How are water shoes different to hiking shoes?

Designed for amphibious adventures, water shoes are an essential for those who spend plenty of time in and out of the water. Kayakers, scuba divers, snorkelers, beach dwellers and wild swimmers, among others, all benefit from the design of a good pair of water shoes.

Many of the finest water shoes feature a neoprene upper. Neoprene is a kind of rubber that’s used on wet suits and is completely waterproof, highly insulating, stretchy and durable. However, it’s not an ideal material for hiking, as it has zero breathability, unlike leather or polyester-based synthetics.

However, some water shoes feature a fast-drying synthetic mesh upper and closely resemble lightweight hiking shoes. The key difference here is that these kinds of water shoes are designed to get thoroughly wet but then drain and dry fast, whereas standard hiking shoes are designed to repel wet conditions in the first place, often with a waterproof membrane like Gore-Tex.

The area that water shoes and some hiking shoes have most in common is the outsole. Both these kinds of footwear are designed to provide solid traction on both dry and wet rock, as well as protection from cuts and abrasions. These kinds of soles are great for the kind of wet rock scrambling encountered when coasteering. In both, you can often expect aggressive treads, hard-wearing rubber and deep lugs.

For example, Vibram’s V-Aqua barefoot style water shoes boast the brand’s MegaGrip compound, which gives magnificent grip on both wet and dry ground. It’s the same compound featured in hiking footwear like Aku’s Rock DFS GTX approach shoes, Danner’s Trail 2650 Campo GTX hikers and Merrell’s Agility Peak 5 trail running shoes.

So, which water shoes are OK for hiking in?

Best for rocky adventures: La Sportiva TX Canyon

Looking more like a hiking boot than a traditional water shoe, La Sportiva’s TX Canyon is a holey cousin of the excellent TX Guide Leather approach shoe and is designed for unbeatable grip and protection when traversing wet rock. There are compromises, namely weight, price and the fact they’re hardly the most subtle pair for bar afterwards.

Best for beach walks: Chaco Torrent Pro

These comfortable water shoes are great for strolls along the beach. They’re quick-draining, quick drying, vegan friendly and won’t look out of place at the pool party. However, they’re not the grippiest or most protective, so not great for adventures involving rock.

Read our full Chaco Torrent Pro review

Best for comfort over long distances: Astral Brewer 2.0 / Brewess 2.0

A versatile water shoe that has sneaker-style good looks. Its slightly rockered sole and sturdy midsole makes them more comfortable over longer distances than most water shoes.

Read our full Astral Brewer 2.0 / Brewess 2.0 review

Overall verdict

The term water shoes covers a huge range of styles, so some are better as hikers than others. However, many pairs are perfectly suited to short hikes where you expect to be in and out of streams, walking along the beach or taking on a short boggy trail. In fact, they’re arguably better suited to these kinds of adventures, thanks to their quick-drying qualities and low weight. If wet rock is involved, as it often is on canyoneering missions, you’ll want an aggressive rubber sole with the high levels of traction you’ll need, such as with the La Sportiva TX Canyon.

However, more technically challenging coastal or mountain trails call for footwear with greater ankle support and more protection than water shoes provide. Comfort is also a huge consideration on longer hikes. Water shoes are designed to keep you comfortable when you intend to get wet. On a big mountain day, one of the main aims is to avoid getting wet. A cushioned and waterproof boot can feel like a snug protective cocoon for your feet on those kinds of hikes, certainly preferable to something with loads of holes in it.

Sea to summit? Not quite, unless the summit is a relatively modest hill. So, we wouldn’t recommend going up a mountain in water shoes. Nevertheless, when all is said and done, hiking in water shoes is certainly better than hiking in flip flops.

It’s a telling sign of the times that Merrell has decided to reveal the long-awaited update of its popular Hydro Moc water shoe on a trendy fashion site – Highsnobiety.

Part Croc, part Yeezy Foam Runner, the new Merrell Hydro Next Gen Moc say everything about the evolution of what was once a purely utilitarian type of niche footwear into bona fide streetwear. Even though Crocs have undergone their own cultural re-evaluation; they’ve been championed by arty bohemian types in a kind of anti-fashion statement rather than actually being cool.

But the Hydro Moc has been embraced by the true fashionistas, and Highsnobiety in its reveal article for the Hydro Next Gen Moc is gushing with praise. Of the original Hydro Moc, released amid the COVID chaos of 2020, the site says: “The Hydro Moc's golden ratio of familiar-yet-alien design cues truly hit different in the midst of a familiar yet alien year,” while this new Next Gen model, “one-ups the Hydro Moc by outstepping the stay-home sandal, literally. Note the shoe’s chunky outsole, made out of a denser rubber than the eco-conscious BLOOM EVA foam upper and perfect for pounding the pavement. No need for a heel strap, either: Merrell’s concocted a proper slip-on shoe.”

You can’t buy the Merrell Hydro Next Gen Moc yet – it will be released in spring 2024 with a price tag of $90. 

Advnture reviewed gave the Merrell Hydro Moc with BLOOM a decent 3.5 star review last year calling it, “a water shoe well-suited to summer walks where you know you're going to get wet, but want something more robust than a sandal or flip-flop.” 

But how will the Next Gen fare? Will it have substance as well as style? Or should it stay in the catwalk?

• What are water shoes? (And why you need a pair!)

Last weekend, top class mountain bikers hurtled down courses in Utah that dropped as much as 600 feet within 3/10 of a mile for the Red Bull Rampage event. But not all of them were just doing it on their trusty full suspension bikes.

Here’s KHS pro-team rider Bradon Sweeney performing what he calls “one of the craziest stunts I’ve done”, and what commenters on the video he posted are calling “feeyaking”. But don’t expect to see it becoming an official Olympic sport any time soon.

According to Paddling Magazine, Bradon is using a Sun Dolphin Aruba recreational kayak which the editors call “an interesting choice” because of its lack of a rocker – that is a pronounced curve at the front and back of the kayak; the more of a rocker a kayak has, the more nimble and easier to turn it becomes. In water, anyway. 

We’re not sure how much R&D top kayak manufacturers have made into how their craft perform on sandy red cliffs in the Utah desert. At least there was little chance of Sweeney being blown off course.

20 year-old Bradon Sweeney comes from St George Utah, so he’s no stranger to these kind of slopes. "Growing up near the home grounds of RedBull Rampage has been a huge constant motivation for me and my freeride career," he said. "I feel absolutely blessed to live in the freeride capital of the world and cannot wait to see what the future holds!"

We’re pretty sure it’s not  future where he runs an alternative Red Bull Challenge for feeyaking.

• Best hikes in Moab, Utah: a desert landscape that delivers otherworldly delights

Lomo 3mm Wetsuit Booties: first impressions

At first glance, these ankle-high, seemingly cheap-and-cheerful Lomo 3mm Wetsuit Booties don’t appear to offer a whole lot more than the average beach shoe. But try them out and you will soon discover a whole extra level of performance that should firmly secure them a spot in our guide to the best water shoes on the market.

Although extremely attractively priced (less than half the cost, for example, of the far more minimalist Helly Hansen Crest Watermoc), these mid-height booties supply really comprehensive coverage, with a very sturdy outsole that protects against puncture wounds from sharp shells, sticks and stones submerged in the shallows. 

Bristling with a series of pronounced ridges, this outsole also has absolutely fantastic grip, capable of keeping you upright on the slimiest of slipways and slickest of weed-covered rocks during put-ins and take-outs. The outsole also extends up the back of the heel and over the front of the toes, to guard against stubs and other knocks. 

And, although it’s not as tall as the chunkier Gill Marine Edge Boots, this bootie does just about cover the ankle, offering some padding to that delicate area too. 

Lomo 3mm Wetsuit Booties: in the watery wild

I’ve been testing these no-nonsense water shoes from Lomo for most of summer and early fall while wild swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and generally messing around on the rocks and pebbly beaches near where I live. 

As the summer heat wanes, their thermal properties are really starting to come in handy, and I expect to appreciate the warmth bestowed by the 3mm-thick neoprene more and more as the air temperature falls, followed eventually by the water temperature.

Acting like a mini wetsuit boot, this 3mm neoprene shoe takes in a small amount of water, which then warms up next to your foot and helps to stave off the creeping cold.

But it’s not just the thermal protection offered by these booties that makes them brilliant; the grip on the outsole is among the best I have ever encountered on any kind of water shoe. And they also keep you safe from all kinds of nasties that you might mistakenly tread on in the murky shallows, which fills you with confidence during put-ins and portages, and allows you to properly enjoy your paddling experiences.

The booties are also very robustly built, and we expect them to last for many seasons. If you don’t lose them, that is, because the biggest downside of these Lomo wetsuit shoes is that they don’t have any Velcro straps, waterproof zips or laces to secure them to your feet. They’re easy to get on and off, which can be a blessing, but if conditions get burly in the surf or amongst fast-flowing water, they can easily come off when you don’t want them to. This is a major omission in my opinion – one velcro strap would work wonders.

They also don’t let your feet breathe, of course, and they won’t drain (by design), so you do end up with a bootful of juice until such time as you empty it. Also, they can accumulate pungent odors over time if you don’t thoroughly dry them after use. Nor will you want to wear them at the beach bar after getting off the water. But these are limitations shared by all wetsuit booties, and as functional and protective three-season water shoes, these offerings from Lomo are a really good choice.

• How Advnture tests products

Sea to Summit Flow 35L Dry Pack: first impressions

The Sea to Summit Flow 35L Dry Pack is an incredibly versatile beast, and that versatility comes from the fact that it’s essentially a top notch dry bag combined with an excellent harness that’s festooned with loads of straps and loops for carrying all sorts of kit for various outdoor pursuits.

That all sounds good, but what about in practice? We put the Sea to Summit Flow 35L Dry Pack to the test in the mountains and on water to see how is measured up in relation to the very best daypacks available today. 

Made with TPU-laminated 420D nylon, the main compartment is completely waterproof. With a generous 35L capacity, the top rolls down like a dry bag, and then clips into buckles on the side to complete the waterproof seal. 

The interior of the bag is white, which may seem like an odd feature to highlight, but it does makes it surprisingly easy to locate specific items you have stashed away inside, plus there’s an interior pocket for keeping your things organized.

The external storage capacity is excellent. There’s a front pocket that zips shut – although this is water resistant rather than completely waterproof, so keep electronics and other items you really need to keep dry inside the main bag. 

The backpack has mesh waterbottle pockets on each side, and there’s a dedicated pouch for carrying a hydration bladder, complete with a velcro hook for hanging the reservoir. Myriad straps, loops and tough tabs feature on the outside, allowing you to attach everything from trekking poles and helmets, through to skis. Bungees are sold separately, which – frankly – is annoying on such an expensive pack. 

Other features include an excellent grab handle on the top and two compression straps on either side (with aircraft-quality alloy buckles).

Sea to Summit Flow 35L Dry Pack: in the field

I’ve been using various iterations of this backpack since Australian brand Sea to Summit launched it well over a decade ago. I love the versatility offered by such an all-weather, multi-pursuit pack, and I have variously used it for commuting, canyoning, coasteering, kayaking, canoeing, hiking in horrible weather, scrambling in soggy mountains and cycling in the rain. It has never let me down. 

It’s a very robust pack. The very first version I ever owned is about 15 years old now, and I still use it. The only thing that has perished is the zip on the front pocket, which I didn’t use often anyway, because it wasn’t waterproof (and doesn’t claim to be).

With each generation this pack has improved – although I must say the price tag has also risen exponentially. The harness on the new Flow pack is really top-quality, with super-comfortable shoulder straps made from quick-drying foam and breathable mesh, an easy-to-adjust sternum strap and a great waist belt, so you can fully load this pack and still carry it comfortably.

One gripe I do have, however, is that the pack sits directly on my back with no raised features to create any airflow – aside from a large inlaid Sea to Summit logo, which doesn’t cut the mustard – so it can be a bit sweaty to wear after a while.

It also seems a massive shame that – unlike on the Red Original Waterproof Backpack 30L – no recycled material has been used in the construction of this otherwise superb pack.

• How Advnture tests products