GEAR
Outdoor swimming gear reviews and gear advice articles.
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Warm boots for outdoor swimmers
Insulating, easy to slip on and grippy on muddy riverbanks: keep your feet toasty in our pick of the best…
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Go to gear: outdoor swimming kit we simply couldn’t be without
The Outdoor Swimmer team shares the gear that keeps on giving – their ‘go to’ clothing and accessories that are…
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Body care: skin protection creams
Being outdoors in the colder months can be tough on our skin. Try these skin protection creams and repair balms…
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Body care: Swimmers’ shampoo
Hair can really suffer with regular swimming in chlorine or salt. Freshwater can improve hair, but regardless we all like…
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Best outdoor blankets for post-swim warmth
From wearable blankets to fleece-lined quilts that roll up into a pillow, we've tested the best outdoor blankets for winter…
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Warm hats for cold water swimmers
Reflective yarn for visibility, merino wool or fleece-lined for snugness or even a layer of neoprene for added insulation: Omie…
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Speedo joins forces with Folk for new swimwear collection
From swimsuits and robes to hoodies and base layers, swimwear brand Speedo has unveiled a limited capsule collection with British…
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New season swimwear from Zoggs – made from plastic bottles
Two plastic bottles go into every Zoggs Ecolast™ and Ecolast+™ swimsuit, single-use plastic that would otherwise go into landfill or…
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Best changing robes 2023: 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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Best prescription goggles – and how to choose the right pair for you
Whether it’s clearly sighting a course, deciphering the lido clock or simply enjoying the scenery, having the correct prescription goggles…
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Pants vs shorts
Do you favour sleek, quick-drying, performance-focused trunks, jammers and budgie smugglers or the modest coverage of swimming shorts? Jonathan Cowie…
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Best changing robes 2022 as tested by experts
Protection from the elements, roomy enough to change into warm clothes and easy to pack away in your kit bag:…
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Best jammers, briefs and shorts for outdoor swimmers
Whether you’re after a flexible fit for training, thermal fabric for core warmth or a lightweight hybrid short for impromptu…
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How to use a pull buoy
Pull buoys can help with coordination and arms-only training, and can also make for a very relaxing, even meditative swim.…
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Best beach bags for swimmers
Roomy enough for a changing robe, easy to rummage around in and waterproof to boot: we choose six of the…
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Review: Best Open Water Goggles
Polarising lenses with UVA/UVB filters for open water, anti-fog protection or a soft cushioned fit: whatever your priority when choosing…
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How swimmers can protect their skin from the sun
Protecting your skin from the sun while outdoor swimming can be challenging. Read our guide to how to protect your…
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Best plus-size swimsuits
Editor Ella Foote reviews the latest swimsuits for plus-size swimmers.
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Best new swimsuits
From Yulex suits to zero-waste training swimwear, Omie Dale reviews the best new swimsuits for women.
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Review: Swimming tech
From water cameras to swimming headphones, we review the best gadgets to enhance your outdoor swimming adventures.
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Footwear for outdoor swimming
It's a good idea to give our feet some protection when outdoor swimming. Here we share some footwear options.
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New swimming kit we love
Here at Outdoor Swimmer, we love to try out new swimming kit. It could be anything from something to wear…
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Review: Plus size wetsuits
For years it has been almost impossible to find wetsuits for bigger, curvier bodies. So it is exciting to see…
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Wetsuits for racing
New technical materials, increased range of motion and dynamic flexibility: Simon Griffiths reviews the fastest wetsuits on the market.
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What’s new in wetsuits
A wetsuit designed for breaststroke swimmers, super thermal insulation and a versatile two-piece: Omie Dale reviews the latest wetsuits.