Wild swimming robes for kids - Outdoor Swimmer Magazine

We try out the new Red Kids Dry Pro Robe and Poncho to see if they can keep little dippers warm and comfortable this autumn – but will they pass the kid-wriggle test?

Whether it’s to pass your passion onto the next generation or to buy yourself some more time in the water, supporting little ones to experience the joy of swimming outdoors can be a real delight; getting them changed and comfortable afterwards perhaps less so. So we were delighted to be given the opportunity to test two new kids changing robes by outdoor brand Red Equipment, but would they keep the teams’ kids snug as bugs after an autumn dip?

Red Kids Dry Poncho

Gear Editor Jo Tinsley tested the Red Kids Dry Poncho (£69.95, age 4-9) on her three-year-old daughter after a dip in Weston Marine Lake. “Nothing makes me happier than seeing my three-year-old, Ayla, take delight in being in water outdoors. Like when she joined us at the Outdoor Swimmer Henley Swim Festival last summer, aged two, and took a dip in the Thames Lido then proudly stomped around showing us her medal. But keeping her warm, safe and comfortable before and after her dips is a big priority. So I loved this roomy poncho, with its over-the-head design and quarter-length zip at the neck, which made changing (almost) fuss free. Once out of her wet kit, it doubled as a cosy coat, which she didn’t want to take off. It’s long in length and oversized, so it would be probably be best from age four up but with full-length adjustable sleeves it was just about adaptable for a tall three-year-old. I also liked the large micro-fleece lined pocket on the front for warming up cold hands and the reflective panels for being seen. The poncho will definitely be accompanying us on many coastal adventures in the years to come.”

Red Equipment Kid’s Dry Pro Robe

Digital Journalist Abi Whyte tried out the Kid’s Dry Pro Robe with her 11-year-old daughter, Bethany, on the River Teme: “My daughter Bethany really feels the cold when she’s outdoor swimming and instantly wants to get dry and back into her clothes after a quick dip. However, with this robe she felt so snug after her swim. She was able to play and run around on the riverbank with her sister, collecting pebbles and storing them in the handy (and very warm!) pockets. She loved the super-soft fleece lining of the robe – she said it was like wearing “a snuggly blanket”. The zip-up Dry Pro Robe comes in two sizes – 4-9 years and 8-13 years – and the one we tried was certainly generous and roomy, so would be easy for wriggling out of a wetsuit in colder weather. It features PFC-free waterproof fabric, a super soft lining and both the inner and outer layers are made from 100% recycled material, which is another big win for us.”