Product Reviews

Dive into our collection of outdoor swimming gear reviews. From wetsuits to goggles, swimwear to accessories, the expert enthusiasts at outdoorswimmer.com put each product to the test. Explore our honest assessments and kit recommendations to enhance your outdoor swimming experience.

Long-sleeve swimwear for sun protection

Protect your skin from the sun in these long-sleeve swimsuit and swimming top
Skincare for swimmers

Protect your skin from the harsh effects of chlorine, salt water and windburn with these innovative products
Best shoes to wear after swimming

Lightweight and slip-resistant sliders, cosy outdoor slippers and an innovative thermoregulating wool boot: we review the best shoes to wear…
The best sunscreen for swimmers

What's the best sunscreen for outdoor swimmers? The unique combination of water reflection, continuous immersion and abrasive wetsuit friction requires…
Outdoor swimming kit we love this summer

A reversible tow float and backpack, a pour-over coffee set for post-swim brews and lightweight post-swim shoes: read on for…
The best swimming bikinis

Dive-proof, wave-proof and cut to allow freedom of movement in the water, our experts put nine swimming bikinis to the…
Towel ponchos: supersoft cosiness

From cold-water dips to cosy comfort: digital editor Abigail Whyte tests Dryrobe's new Organic Towel Ponchos
Book Review: Conquering the Straits

Anna-Carin Nordin recounts how she became the first woman to complete the Oceans Seven
Active sunglasses

Floating sunglasses, polarised lenses with crystal clear clarity or robust frames made from abandoned fishing gear: we test the best…
Trail running kit

Trail running provides a similar connection with nature and sense of flow to open water swimming. Here is some kit…
Swim camping kit

A swim camping trip requires balancing lightweight gear with quick-drying, water resistant accessories and clever packing solutions
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…
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…
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
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
Review: the Dryrobe® Nexus

The Nexus retains the familiar silhouette of the original Dryrobe® but introduces a more refined fit, improved zip and 'reach…
The best kit bags for swimmers

Our favourite oversized totes and kit bags to fit all your open water swimming gear
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…
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…
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…
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…