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.
-
Men’s swimming costumes: what to wear, where and when
We polled our readers to find out what men prefer to wear in six scenarios ranging from wild swimming, open…
-
How to choose a swimming cap
Durable silicone swimming caps, long hair swimming caps or thermal swimming caps: read our guide to choosing the right head…
-
How to choose a swimming watch
What features should you look out for in a swimming watch? We polled our readers about what they found most…
-
Goggles from the future
Rowan Clarke finds out how innovative goggles fit the face of future swimming.
-
Power up: how to embrace technology for your swimming
A strictly analogue swimmer, Rowan Clarke discovers technology’s place in the water.
-
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…
-
The winter swimming gloves and booties debate
Outdoor Swimmer readers share their opinions and advice on the use of neoprene accessories for cold water swimming
-
Should you winter swim in a wetsuit?
A wetsuit might keep you warmer but is it worth the additional hassle when the water is cold?
-
Dryland training for swimmers
What is dryland training and why is it important?
-
How to choose the best wetsuit for your swim
With the wide range of open water wetsuits available on the market, it can be challenging narrowing down the right…
-
How to get started in swimcamping
If you love swimming and camping, expand your swim horizons with an overnight adventure and go swimcamping, says Colin MacLeod
-
This booty was made for walking
Ella Foote heads to the hills with Every Body Outdoors and realises how having the right kit can completely change…
-
How to fuel your long-distance swim, plus energy gels tried and tested
Swimming in open water poses unique challenges in terms of energy needs. Read our tips for staying fuelled on long-distance…
-
Wetter by design
Rowan Clarke delves into the fascinating evolution of our swimming kit, and how these humble items can go way beyond…
-
How to train in the pool for open water success
American Olympic hopeful Ivan Puskovitch speaks about the training regime that earned him his place in the Paris Olympics
-
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.