GEAR
Outdoor swimming gear reviews and gear advice articles.
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Kit to help you swim faster
Can you buy swimming speed? Simon Griffiths explores which clothing and accessories can make a difference to your race times
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Best dry bags for wild swimmers
Keep your wet kit separate from your cosy layers with our pick of the best dry bags for wild swimmers
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Care for wetsuit zips and changing robe zips
“Clean your zips!” say Ceri Belshaw and Rosanna Watson from Snowdonia Gear Repair, who have advice for looking after your…
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Best changing robes 2025: tried and tested by outdoor swimming experts
With autumn water temperatures approaching, now is a good time to invest in or update your changing robe. Our outdoor…
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Protection and connection in the water
Designed to keep water out while allowing sound in, SurfEars new ear plugs are built to last with minimal impact,…
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Best tow floats for wild swimming
There are a number of different kinds of tow float on the market: we tested a range of products with…
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Water shoes: what footwear do you need for wild swimming?
Lightweight, insulated or easy to slip on pre- or post-swim – read our guide to water shoes and neoprene socks…
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Best swimming towels and towel robes
Whether you prefer a lightweight and quick-drying travel towel that fits easily in your kit bag or a cosy and…
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Warning: These goggles will transform your swimming!
How did FORM Smart Swim 2 PRO goggles revolutionise tech-shy swimmer Rowan Clarke's swimming – and her feelings about tech?
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How to: Explore the open water in the UK this summer
With the right kit, planning and sense of exploration you can step out of your comfort zone, expand your swimming…
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How to develop a swim product – the Otion® story
From brainwave to making waves – how SwimForTri and Drag2Zero created an innovative technical swim paddle from scratch
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Need a wetsuit repair? Meet Rooted Ocean
The longer we can keep our gear going, the less we need to produce, say Lee Newby who runs a…
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Best swimming ear plugs (and alternatives)
Prevent water and bacteria from entering the ear canal and reduce the chance of 'swimmer’s ear' with our pick of…
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The best sunscreen for swimming
What's the best sunscreen for outdoor swimmers? We put nine sun lotions, mineral sunscreens and zinc sun sticks to the…
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What’s the most eco-friendly wetsuit material?
Making ethical choices when it comes to wetsuit materials can be a minefield. It’s often a careful balance of weighing…
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Sustainable swimming kit
Looking for durable swimming kit that’s made with recycled or surplus materials, without compromising on performance? Look no further!
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Outdoor swimming kit we love this summer
A plant-based protein shake formulated specifically for women, a backpack that doubles as a tow float and a fully immersible…
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How to pack for swim travel
Your swim travel essentials – and how to carry them – as recommended by the Outdoor Swimmer team
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Eco comfort: Why wear Yulex swimwear?
It’s our favourite cold water swimming mashup where the warmth of a wetsuit meets the freedom and flexibility of swimwear.
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Best adventure bags for outdoor swimmers
Durable, weatherproof and ready for anything: whatever you’re looking for in a new adventure bag, we’ve got you covered. Read…
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NetPlus: How fishing nets are turned into swimming shorts
Not all recycling is equal, says Greg Swienton of Bureo, makers of this innovative material created from recycled fishing nets
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Yulex 2.0
A new iteration of the natural rubber alternative to neoprene, Yulex 2.0 has a superior degree of stretch and elasticity.…
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Best open water swimming wetsuits
A super flexible suit for breaststroke swimmers, a thermal suit for the coldest of temperatures and the first colourful open…
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On the Wilda side: a Q&A with founder Caitlin Paton
While many open water wetsuits are muted blacks and greys, Wilda has created a suit that embraces the joy, vibrancy…
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Best spring suits for swimmers
Shorties, long Janes, neoprene swimsuits: spring suits are a great option for when you don’t need a full suit, ideal…
