GEAR
Outdoor swimming gear reviews and gear advice articles.
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Review: THEMAGIC5 Vector, £75
We tested the THEMAGIC5 Vector, the new generation custom-fit goggles by the world’s only custom swim goggle company. Here’s how…
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An open water wetsuit for every level
Whether you're new to swimming and looking for an entry-level wetsuit that's comfortable and warm, are after a mid-level wetsuit…
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How do I choose the right level of wetsuit?
What’s the difference between an entry-level, mid-level and elite wetsuit – and how do you decide which tier is right…
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Swim safer in open water: why hi-vis gear matters
Open water is unpredictable—powerful, changeable and wild. But the freedom of outdoor swimming comes with safety considerations like being seen.
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Pitch perfect: swim and stay
Ella Foote and her family head to East Sussex for a weekend of swimming, camping and adventure with Vango Outdoors
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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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Open water swimsuits for all bodies
Whether you're looking for spaghetti strap training suits or more modest coverage, body positive styles or longer body lengths, we…
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Brighten up your spring swims
On an overcast and blustery day in March, Outdoor Swimmer founder Simon and digital editor Abi tested out Sumarpo's new…
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Which swimwear materials are actually sustainable?
These days, swimwear can be made from recycled fishing nets, plastic bottles, wood pulp or even beans! But which materials…
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How can I set up a home gym as a swimmer?
Wanting to build strength and improve technique outside of the pool? Try these simple and inexpensive pieces of home gym…
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Best pool and open water goggles
Whether you’re looking for a performance focused, low-profile style or a wide field of vision for sighting in open water,…
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Review: the Dryrobe® Nexus
The Nexus retains the familiar silhouette of the original Dryrobe® but introduces a more refined fit, improved zip and 'reach…
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The best kit bags for swimmers
Our favourite oversized totes and kit bags to fit all your open water swimming gear
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Dryrobe launches its “next‑generation” changing robe, the Dryrobe® Nexus
Dryrobe, creators of the original waterproof outdoor changing robe, has just unveiled the Dryrobe Nexus. They describe it as: “a…
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How do I choose the best swimsuit back style?
How do you balance performance and support when it comes to swimwear back styles? Margot Lundgren, Product Line Manager for…
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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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Sauna kit
An insulated water bottle, travel-ready toiletries and a swimsuit designed for the heat, get sauna-ready with our pick of the best…
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Don’t let your swimming goggles go mouldy!
Mould isn’t just unsightly, it might be doing you harm, says Simon Griffiths
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What to look for in men’s training swimwear
Streamlining is key to efficient swimming, so it makes sense to wear a costume that supports that – unless you…
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Waterproof headphones for swimmers
The best waterproof bone-conduction headphones for your swims
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Women’s pool training swimwear
Compressive support, hydrodynamic fits and durable fabrics: we review some of the best women’s swimsuits for pool training
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Best neoprene accessories for open water swimmers
Swim socks, fleece-lined caps and baselayers: as temperatures drop, we review some of the best neoprene accessories (and natural rubber…
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Open water testing strips
SwimSense from Sundfœrr is the first quick-response water testing strip designed specifically for wild swimmers – giving results in seconds,…
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How to layer up after a cold swim
With numb fingers, damp skin and scant shelter, it can be hard to get dressed and warm after a cold…
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Behind the scenes: How we perfected post-swim layering
What's the ideal clothing for outdoor swimmers post wild swim? Ask our Gear Editor, Jo who designed our new clothing…
