EXTRA,  GEAR,  October 2024,  Product Reviews

Outdoor swimming kit we love this autumn

A wetsuit wash to freshen up your neoprene, a journal to log your wild swims and an elegant high neck swimsuit: read on for our round up of the best pieces of outdoor swimming kit we’ve tried, tested, and loved this autumn.

RED Waterproof Soft Cooler Bag

£179.95

They say: Carry your cold supplies anywhere in this second generation 30L Waterproof Soft Cooler Bag, which is ideal for families and groups. Insulated with super-efficient closed cell foam, it can keep ice frozen for days. Built to be strong and versatile, it has been developed in our upgraded waterproof fabric that defies scuffs, punctures and tears – it’s even oil and mould-resistant. Lined with BPA-free TPU, the Soft Cooler Bag is food safe and simple to wash out after use. It’s 100% leak-proof, too – an airtight zip ensures nothing gets out or in.

Why we love it: This is a robust piece of kit. We put it to the test on a warm beach day with the kids. Not only did it enable us to pack plenty of food and drinks for the day, it also did exactly as promised and kept everything cool. At the end of the day, our freezer packs were still frozen! Although the zip was stiff and tricky when we first used it, it came with a handy zip gel, which was simple to use. There is a decent handle and a detachable shoulder strap, which freed up our hands to carry more to the beach. It was also super easy to wash out and clean once we got home.


RAPANUI Elenna High Neck Swimsuit

£60

They say: The Elenna High Neck Swimsuit is a one-piece swimsuit designed for all water based activities from the sea to the pool. It features material made with post-consumer plastic bottles; flattering high neck for an elegant look; and a sleek design suitable for under a wetsuit. It is also UV resistant and resistant to sun cream, oil and chlorine. Seam detail designed for flexibility and effortless movement. (Size 8-18).

Why we love it: We love the high neck shape of the Elenna swimsuit, the first foray into swimwear by Isle of Wight based Rapanui. We tried the ‘Solent’ colour, which is a stormy ocean blue, on a city swimming trip to Lausanne, Switzerland, and felt confident wearing it as a vest style top walking between swimming spots; it looks great layered under an open shirt. In the water, the suit feels fantastic and allows a good freedom of movement. It has a generous fit, suitable for tall bodies or rounded tums. The legs are fairly high cut and the bum coverage a touch slight, which is, of course, a matter of personal taste.


DECATHLON Kids’ surfing shorty suit 1.5 mm YULEX100

£19.99

They say: Decathlon has developed a new kids’ shorty wetsuit made with Yulex100. It’s the world’s first 100% natural rubber wetsuit and priced at just £20, provides a high-quality option that is good for the planet and customers’ pocket to get kids beach ready. Decathlon has worked with Surfing England to create a wetsuit Fit & Care guide that aims to stop kids wearing ill-fitting wetsuits and the guide includes handy tips such as how to check that your wetsuit fits correctly and which suit to pick for the weather.

Why we love it: While we have a brilliant swim wetsuit, it was starting to perish with beach play so finding an affordable suit that can work on the beach for water and land activities has been great. The price point and sustainability credentials are to be applauded. The suit was easy to get on and off, was comfortable to wear and didn’t cause the usual chaffing around the neck. The short sleeves and legs ensured a greater ease of movement and comfort and didn’t interfere with fun or play. It kept our kid warm and happy all day. Our young tester spent a good eight hours in this suit – in and out of the water – it was a hit!


ONCE UPON A TUESDAY Wild Swim Journal Log Book

£18.50

They say: A Wild Swim Journal – for all those passionate plungers that brave the cold waters in pursuit of connection, stillness and that deep sense of feeling alive. Keep track of all your wild swimming adventures with this spiral bound swim journal log book – with colourful pages throughout and striking deep blue ocean artwork cover. Every detail designed for you to track and log your swims throughout the year.

Why we love it: Who doesn’t love beautiful stationery? This would make an excellent gift for a swimming pal, but it is also a wonderful way to log and track your swims. We love the simplicity of the design that enables you to log conditions, weather, distance and other details. The space at the back to jot down swim spot recommendations and then a 365 day log at the front to mark all the days you have swum. You could get one every year from now on and journal your swims into your own swim-record library! Made in the UK and 100% recycled paper – LOVE!


TRIHARD Kids Swim Care Kit

£41.35

They say: Swim with joy, protect with care. For healthy skin and happy hair. The kids essentials for healthy and chlorine-free skin and hair. The three-pack provides full protection against chlorine and saltwater by reducing the absorption and eliminating them from skin and hair while providing hydration and restoration. It also alleviates itchy skin and scalp and is the ultimate kit for young water lovers.

Why we love it: The bright, colourful packaging immediately captured our kid’s attention, and he was excited to have his own range of swim care products. The scent is fresh but not over-powering; it’s herbal but without a synthetic scent. The best items were the shampoo and conditioner. After just one use, our kid’s hair (which can be dry and wiry) was so soft and his natural curl had more volume and bounce. The scent stays on skin and hair, with no lingering chlorine smell. After using the Body & Face Wash, his skin was also noticeably smooth and soft with no irritation.


NIKWAX Wetsuit Refresh

£11.49

They say: Wetsuit Refresh is a powerful non-biological cleaner which removes contaminant build-up such as salt, chlorine, body oils and urine. Helping to extend the life of your wetsuit and accessories by eliminating odour and contaminant deposits which can degrade your wetsuit over time. Wetsuit Refresh is non-biological and biocide-free which prevents your fabric, seams, stitching and glue from perishing during the cleaning process. Cleaning and conditioning your wetsuit allows the fabric to remain supple with a fresh smell.

Why we love it: Simple to use, smells lovely and makes a difference to our stinky neoprene items. We tried this washing a wetsuit in a bathtub and also on a handwash cycle in the washing machine, both processes worked well. We love that it isn’t harmful to aquatic life and all Nikwax products are PFAS-free, water based and non-persistent in the environment. When you have expensive kit and swim in rivers/lakes, neoprene can start to get a little musty smelling. This was ideal to perking up our kit with the comfort it won’t harm the technical details we crave from our wetsuits. Will also be super for winter neoprene accessories!


All products were chosen independently by our editorial team. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Click here to subscribe to the magazine. Read more Outdoor Swimmer gear reviews.

Jo is the Gear Editor for Outdoor Swimmer and also writes news and features for the website. A keen open water swimmer and long-distance walker, she loves seeking out lakes and lidos close to her home in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. She is the author of The Slow Traveller, editor and founder of independent magazine, Ernest, and has previously tested outdoor clothing and kit for BBC Countryfile Magazine, BBC Focus and Ernest Journal.