Take our quiz: what tow float should I get?
Do you prefer a point-to-point swim, a dip and a chat or the latest piece of kit? Take our quiz to find out the best tow float for your swimming style
It’s Sunday morning and you’re about to go for a swim, what are you packing?
A. A topographic map, a flask of hot soup, change of clothes, and a sturdy pair of walking boots for the hike to the water.
B. A giant flask of tea, a Tupperware full of home-baked cake, and my favourite warm bobble hat. Did I mention I brought cake?
C. My smartwatch, a fully charged phone, my waterproof bone-conduction headphones, and a digital water-temperature gauge.
What is your absolute favourite part of a wild swim?
A. The thrill of discovering a hidden, hard-to-reach waterfall or crossing a lake from one side to the other. I love the thought of swimming a new route or an A to B swim.
B. The chance to catch up with my circle of friends and to come away with a face that aches from laughing.
C. Looking at my post-swim data map and tracking how my cold-water acclimation is progressing over the season. I’ve just discovered a new function on my watch!
Ideal conditions for your swim would look like…
A. A misty, dramatic morning in a remote mountain tarn where I won’t see another soul.
B. A sunny, calm afternoon at the local river entry point where the whole swimming club is hanging out.
C. A magical, pitch-black night swim under the stars or a misty dawn dip.
You’re mid-swim and you need to access your tow float. What are you reaching for?
A. Nothing – everything is securely locked away until I reach my destination on the far bank.
B. My lip balm, a handful of jelly babies, or a quick sip of water while I float on my back.
C. My phone to check my live GPS tracking or to snap a video of the water.
How do you usually get to your swimming spot?
A. A trail run or a rugged hike – the journey to the water is half the fun!
B. I stroll down from the local car park or walk a short path from the café.
C. I plan it around specific light conditions or a unique event, checking apps for local weather and water quality data first.
Mostly As: The Adventurer
You don’t just go for a dip, you like to travel, and to explore! You need a robust, adventurer-ready tow float that can handle rugged terrain and get you from point A to point B. Choose a wild swim backpack or dry bag tow float featuring removable shoulder straps so you can hike or trail-run with your gear on your back, then convert it into a tow float when you hit the water. Look for dual air chambers for safety, rugged nylon fabric, and a large 30L to 50L capacity to hold your hiking boots, clothes and map.
WILD MOOSE Adventure Tow Float
£30
With a generous 28L storage capacity, this is a great float for an adventurous point-to-point adventure. The mesh pocket lets you access your snacks easily, while the webbing handles make it easy to grab the float whilst in the water. It’s well-made with robust materials, double air chambers for extra safety and has an in-built safety whistle.
LOMO Swim Run Rucksack Tow Float
£28
Designed with swim-runners in mind, this tow float is a great option for those who like to walk or run after their swim. You can pop your running shoes in the roomy 10L dry bag. The removable rucksack and tow straps add versatility, while an adjustable chest strap helping keep it comfortable and secure when running with a full load.
Mostly Bs: The Dipper
While you love laps in the pool, when it comes to outdoor swimming, let’s be honest – you’re here for the chat. And the cake! You need a tow float to keep your bits and bobs safe while you catch up with the latest lake gossip. A ‘donut’ style tow float features a central dry pouch that sits right on top of the water, giving you easy access to your things without letting water into the main chambers.
ZOGGS Tow Float Plus
£26
The central pouch of this ‘donut’ style tow float will hold things like a t-shirt and a small towel. It’s not guaranteed to be waterproof, so you might want to pop your phone inside a waterproof case first. While you can access the pouch while swimming, it’s tricky to do so without letting in water. It’s also best to keep the central pouch puffed up to avoid pooling.
ORCA Bungee Safety Buoy Accessory
£30
This tow float is solidly constructed; the bladder is tough, as are all the fittings and the inflation valve. I managed to squeeze in a water bottle, flips flops, snacks, a hat and clothes plus my phone and keys in a separate waterproof pouch. The elastic bungee cord, designed to prevent the buoy from tugging in waves, is an interesting design touch.
Mostly Cs: The Innovator
You love data, safety gadgets, and capturing unique moments, whether that is tracking your stats or swimming under the stars. Integrated LED lighting systems for night swimming? Tick. Touchscreen phone windows? Yes please. Built-in thermometer? Sign you up! Look for a tow float with an integrated touchscreen window so you can check your phone’s GPS or change a music track. If you love night dips, look for a float with built-in LED light slots or an integrated digital temperature gauge to satisfy your inner data analyst.
SWIMMING WILD Tow Float with Thermometer
£40
Many swimmers love to know the temperature of the water, especially in the cooler seasons. I have often seen swimmers with thermometers hanging off their tow floats; this combines both bits of kit into one. The tow float comes in several bright prints, offering great visibility. The built-in thermometer measures temperatures between 2ºC and 20ºC.
ZONE3 Recycled Safety Buoy/Dry Bag 28L + Waterproof Phone Pouch
£35 + £10
Made from recycled polyester, this tow float combines a robust, durable construction with plenty of storage capacity. It’s easy to inflate, while thoughtful features such as reflective strips and sturdy handles. Pair it with the Waterproof Phone Pouch to track your progress from in the water.
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Jo Tinsley
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.
