Gear Advice
Discover our expert recommendations for outdoor swimming gear. Learn how to choose goggles, swimwear, wetsuits, and other accessories to suit your needs. Get advice on packing smarter for open water swims and races. Understand how equipment like pull buoys, shoes, and tow floats can enhance your swimming and safety. With trusted guidance on selecting the right gear for comfort, performance, and protection in cold water, this collection helps you prepare for a safer, more enjoyable outdoor swimming experience.
-
How to maintain your outdoor swimming kit
How not to be an “all the gear and no idea” swimmer. Simon Griffiths has your guide to maintaining your…
-
How to choose prescription goggles: our experts put six to the test
Whether it’s clearly sighting a course, deciphering the lido clock or simply enjoying the scenery, having the correct prescription goggles…
-
Watch our entire video wetsuit series – everything you need to know about wetsuits
Do I need a wetsuit for open water swimming? How do I choose the right one? And how do I…
-
Is it time for a spring review of your open water swimming kit?
How to check if your open water swimming kit is ready for the open water season, how to repair a…
-
Period swimwear: does it actually work?
Does period swimwear actually work, and can you trust it? We speak to an expert and put three swimsuits to…
-
How to design the perfect pair of goggles
What goes in to designing the perfect pair of swimming goggles? They might look simple but a lot of time and…
-
Open water swimming goggles vs open water swimming masks – which should I choose?
While open water swimming goggles are lightweight, adjustable and streamlined, open water masks can offer a better fit, a curved…
-
Choosing an open water wetsuit: thermal or non-thermal?
Digital journalist Abi Whyte explores the differences between thermal and non-thermal wetsuits from Orca, and the benefits they offer open…
-
Flexibility and buoyancy: Zoggs new wetsuit range is out now
Featuring Yamomoto neoprene and customisable cuff length, Zoggs new range of open water and triathlon wetsuits have hit the market.
-
How to choose supportive swimwear
The Outdoors Swimmer team put ZOGGS new supportive swimwear to the test.
-
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…
-
Deakin & Blue bring deadstock to life
From one swimsuit to a successful sustainable brand and stylish swimwear collection, Outdoor Swimmer meets Deakin and Blue founder Rosie…
-
Kit conscious: how to reuse, repair or recycle your swimsuit
What are the greenest ways to manage your swim kit? Rowan Clarke investigates how to reuse, repair or recycle your…
-
How to warm up after a swim: the wonders of merino
When it comes to warming up after a swim, material matters. Alex Feechan, founder of sustainable outdoor clothing brand Findra,…
-
How to recycle your swimwear
Sustainable and inclusive swimwear brand Deakin & Blue want your old swimsuits!
-
Worth the investment? The Platysens Marlin
In the first of our series exploring outdoor swimming investment pieces, first-time marathon swimmer Helen Armstrong (@thewanderingselkie) shares her experience…
-
How to remove your neoprene accessories fast
Check out these tips we’ve curated from the Outdoor Swimmer team and social media to avoid getting colder than necessary…
-
dryrobe® launches Adapt – a change robe designed with wheelchair users in mind
Leading outdoor change robe brand dryrobe® launches world’s first adaptive robe at the 2023 ISA World Para Surfing Championships in…
-
Does your hair suffer from regular chlorine or salt exposure?
We put TRIHARD’s hair care range to the test to see if it really does eliminate the negative effects of…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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.…
-
Footwear for outdoor swimming
It's a good idea to give our feet some protection when outdoor swimming. Here we share some footwear options.
-
What to carry in a tow float bag
Tow floats or tow bags and are now widely used by outdoor swimmers, but what do people carry in them?
-
How do I transition from a swimsuit to a wetsuit?
Reader Jenny Knights is new to outdoor swimming and has her first open water next month. Swimming coach Cassie Patten…