GEAR

Outdoor swimming gear reviews and gear advice articles.

Best plus-size swimsuits

Editor Ella Foote reviews the latest swimsuits for plus-size swimmers.
Review: Swimming tech

From water cameras to swimming headphones, we review the best gadgets to enhance your outdoor swimming adventures.
Footwear for outdoor swimming

It's a good idea to give our feet some protection when outdoor swimming. Here we share some footwear options.
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…
Review: Plus size wetsuits

For years it has been almost impossible to find wetsuits for bigger, curvier bodies. So it is exciting to see…
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…
AI: A new source for swim training inspiration

Artificial Intelligence can provide ideas for coaches and swimmers, Simon Griffiths reveals.
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…
PREVIEW: New Orca wetsuits

Orca is launching its new Open Water 2023 wetsuit collection with two exciting new product lines: the ZEAL, a collection…
Send your sleeping bags to Syria and Turkey

Outdoor gear brand Alpkit is working with Sheltersuit to send warmth to Syria and Turkey. Find out how you can…
The best flasks for outdoor swimmers

Robust enough to withstand knocks on the beach and riverbank; study enough for cold hands to grasp; and able to…
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…
From Fire to Ice: Ram Barkai (Book Review)

The story behind a man’s obsession with cold water swimming Ram Barkai grew up on a kibbutz in Israel, built…
Product Review: Zoggs Prescription Goggles

Glasses wearers have two options: either pay a substantial sum of money to an optician to get goggles made with…
30 gifts for swimmers

Kit bags, kids jelly shoes and cosy core warmers: the Outdoor Swimmer shop has gifts for all types of swimmers…
Fastnet: The Final Challenge, by Stephen Redmond

What does it take to swim the Oceans Seven? Or rather, what did it take to become the first person…
Review: new Zoggs goggles

Light filtering features, barely there comfort and a borderless field of vision. Omie Dale reviews two new Zoggs goggles that…
Myth busting: you only get the benefits of cold water without a wetsuit

If you go for a winter dip wearing a wetsuit, will you be getting the same benefits as those swimming…
Review: tow floats

Keep hydrated, protect your valuables and stay seen: a tow float is a trusty companion when you’re swimming in open…
A smart swimsuit: is that even a thing?

WHOOP announces the launch of “the world’s first truly smart swimsuit”