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.
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…
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…
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…
Putting the sass and style into modest swimwear
If swimming is for everyone, why is it that some needs are still not met when it comes to suitable…
Alpkit launches wetsuit recycling with Circular Flow
British outdoor brand Alpkit is partnering with Circular Flow to close the loop on wetsuit recycling.
How hard is it to make your own swimsuit?
Editor Ella Foote embarks on a two-day course with The Swimming Seamstress, Amanda Bowden, to learn how to make your…
Our Body, Our Swim: Swimwear designed to support all body types
When it comes to swimwear, everybody has different needs and concerns. We put your questions to Zoggs designers Giorgia and…
How to host a swimmers’ swish
Exchange your barely worn booties and ill-fitting goggles for a kit bag or second hand changing robe – all without spending…
New year, new outdoor swimming kit
Thinking of splashing out on a new piece of outdoor swimming kit for 2023? We have your guide to five…