The best kit bags for swimmers
Our favourite oversized totes and kit bags to fit all your open water swimming gear
C-MONSTA Mini Split Bag
£40
We already love the C-Monsta Split Bag, but this mini version feels much more versatile. The dual compartments keep your wet and dry kit separate, while four internal pockets are great for organising smaller items like goggles, phones and watches. We also love the durable recycled fabric, which feels like it will last forever. You can clip it down when not in use, but we keep ours in the boot of the car for easy kit sorting.
FINISTERRE Waterproof Tote Bag 35L
£95
As you might expect from a cold water surf brand, the capacity of this waterproof tote bag is enormous. It has one single compartment, plus two waterproof internal pockets, which work really well for carting a full wetsuit and towel robe, with space for your valuables. Made from a heavy duty 100% recycled polyamide fabric with welded seams, it’s robust and ready for action.
KITBRIX, Totepack
£75
The main selling point of the Kitbrix Totepack is the heavy duty waterproof base that allows you to place this bag on the beach, at the side of a lido or a on muddy riverbank without having to worry. But there’s so much more to this bag besides: we love the wet/dry pocket, accessed from the side, the water bottle holder, large internal space and an outside pocket that fits a laptop to make it super versatile.
IN BED WITH YOUR LOCALS The Wild Dipper Bag
£35
We love this roomy wild swimming tote from In Bed with Your Locals – a South West based company that curates gift boxes from local artisans. Made with 100% cotton canvas, it’s sturdy and spacious with plenty of room for your towel, wetsuit and a post-dip pastry. The new designs, featuring an embroidered ‘wild dipper’ slogan, are particularly lovely.
WARMCOR Water-Resistant Canvas Tote Bag
£55
We really appreciate kit that’s made by and for outdoor swimmers, so we were excited to try this bag by Warmcor, who brought us the innovative Changing Tube. The tote style, with a wide opening, means you can access your kit easily even with cold hands, while a central zippered compartment allows you to separate wet and dry kit. It also has a reinforced base so the bag stands upright.
ORCA Mesh Backpack
£20
We use this mesh backpack all the time for coached swim sessions as it’s an ideal size and shape to fit a pair of fins, a kick board and your goggles without worrying about it getting splashed beside the pool. The best part is the mesh material lets everything breathe, so you don’t end up with damp, mouldy kit.
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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.
