How to decide if you need a changing robe

[@kfardell5898]

Oh Rachel that towel story made. Me smile so much, and theres me thinking you were the cool expert hahaha. Im very very new to wild swimming and im glued to your vids they’re so helpful xx

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thank you for your comments. Whenever people leave a message it makes my day x

[@cats8428]

Love this, especially the sensible bit about using a big jacket instead. Rachel you just need a bigger towel!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thing is a big towel doesn’t fit in my tow float which is the reason for the toddler! 🏊‍♀️😀

[@Daveonarave]

One of the many things I love about you Rach and your award-worthy channel is through obvious passion, your absolute focus on every detail of the outdoor swim experience and your knowledge and many tricks up your sleeve or your cossie :) Didn't have time to comment as I was on a tight schedule but you made me laugh so loudly at 6.30ish this morning with the thumbnail and use of your mouth to hide Rachel before gagging made the towel tumble and reveal Rachel! 🤣 As long as body temperatures aren't tumbling too - Serious point noted esp now we're in winter.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thanks for watching Dave, glad you had a good chuckle 🏊‍♀️😀

[@susanyoung255]

Managing ok having sewn up sides of a microfibre towel with elastic around the top for arms in or out. Quickly dry and layer up in warm clothes. Older tops and bottoms easy to put on and have a waterproof if needed. Ideal as I cycle to most swims so don't want anything to bulky. A pair of fingerless gloves help when cold to speed warming up. Thanks for the videos, they are so useful.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Thanks fir watching Susan, it sounds as though you have a good routine worked out there. Lovely to be able to cycle to your swims. Enjoy the water 🏊‍♀️😀

[@rosieblue79]

Another great video Rachel, thankyou! I found my poncho was great for changing in during the warm months but very glad to be reintroducing the smoc smoc mownits colder. Couldnt help giggling at images of you exposed and gagging on the beach lol......

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hey Amy! It was amusing when it happened. Had me scrabbling for the towel in the wind all nakey!

[@geebutteree4755]

If just treated myself to a well known brand of robe, after lots of consideration, and watching your vlogs, I absolutely love it and used if for many things already not just swimming, another great vlog for people undecided thanks 😊

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Glad you're pleased with your purchase Gina. It can be hard to take off sometimes, can't it! 🏊😃

[@logothaironsides2942]

We have those really cheap quick dry robes for summer. They aren't wind proof but you can use them for changing out of your sweaty stuff after running or cycling too or for changing in front of others in a big camping tent . When it gets colder, I have a towelling robe which takes ages to dry after use but is easy to change under. I was given a very nice posh robe recently a bit like your RED robe and that is lovely and warm after October swims and dries crazy fast.

[@yvonnewright7856]

Another great video Rachel. My current routine is dry off using a hooded, towelling robe and then into chealp joggers and fleecy sweatshirt. I actually rescued an Asos fleece lined, oversized black coat that my daughter was putting in the charity bag. Its not quite roomy enough to change under, but it often gets mistaken for a swimming robe, due to its styling, and as I waterproofed it using some wash in proofer, it does the job for now :-) .

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Cracking sustainability effort Yvonne! The towelling robesare absolutely great for the quick dry off and clothes back on game 🏊😃

[@TheBeaver06]

Just love my Two Bare Feet robe and couldn’t do it without this very handy warm piece of kit whilst dipping every day ! Great channel thank you Rachel xb

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

It’s brilliant when you find a piece of kit that you live which makes all the difference, isn’t it?

[@Andre.R]

Practical down to Earth advice. Great.😎 I have a dry robe and they are excellent.🥶🥶

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

So nice to be wrapped up and protected from the elements 🏊😃

[@swiminthesea6391]

This is a very informative video. As were all previous videos about changing robes. I made up my mind to get a weather proof one after my first cold water swim at the end of October 2020. It was a grey, drizzly day and I stayed in a little to long for someone who had last swum four weeks before in a heated lido. I had expected the water to be cold, but hadN't thought about the ground being even colder or the wind whipping away my towel. All I wanted was a bit of warmth and protection that wasn't available. After that the idea of a waterproof changing robe was really appealing and seemed very sensible. After watching all your videos about changing robes, I decided to get the eco friendly Welsh one with the bamboo lining. Thanks to Brexit and covid I had to wait for ages until it was delivered, but ever since I've been very happy with it in cold or wet weather. It is like a little home to take with you and because it actually works very well as a towel (bamboo lining!) it accelerated drying and changing a lot. I've also used for walking to the wash rooms from the tent while camping in very windy and sometimes rainy conditions, early morning walks on the beach not wearing much underneath and a garden party which drowned in a torrential rain storm. On that occasion people remarked that I was the only person suitably dressed and my neighbour, who doesn't swim but goes camping a lot, asked where she could get one. While waiting for the robe to be delivered, I got a towelling robe, which I love using in summer and in the sauna. Incidentally today when I went swimming in wonderful weather I forgot the robe and was fine. So, they are not strictly necessary, but they make cold water (and cold weather) swimming a lot more pleasant.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

You’re so right about the benefit of a waterproof changing robe for the cooler months. Sounds like you’ve really had value out of your smoc smoc - I like to think of big ticket items in terms of costs per wear.

[@swiminthesea6391]

@@EverydayAthleteRach Yes, you're right. Also, I expect I'll be using the smoc smoc for a very long time.

[@sproutgrrl9017]

After watching one of your other comparison videos, I got a Moonwrap. I hope to try it out this week...I did wear it around the house though. Very toasty!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Great stuff! Hope you enjoy it! Good idea to practice changing under it before the first go is live at the swim spot!

[@sproutgrrl9017]

@@EverydayAthleteRach oh that is a great tip! Thanks!

[@John-bs6ut]

@@EverydayAthleteRach I bought a moonwrap - really cosy but very bulky - new to all this so I never gave thought to a tow float. Would a tow float accommodate a Moonwrap? Thanks for great videos. Really helpful

[@marycharlebois6627]

TIP: To wrap a towel around oneself, and have it stay up… DO NOT TUCK the corner of the towel in, but instead use the WRAP & ROLL technique. Start by wrapping the towel around your body, and then ROLL the whole affair down one or two rolls and this will secure the ends and keep the towel up around your body. I can’t remember where I learned this swimmer’s hack, but it is a game changer as I am that person who does the WRAP & ROLL with a towel around my waist, then I throw on a fleece jacket and a toque, and then I drive home with my swimsuit underneath it all. There’s lots of good advice in today’s video Rachel and I’m going to think about these options over the winter. Wild swimming season here in northern 🇨🇦 is soon about to end for the winter, so I have time to consider my options. AND, speaking of northern 🇨🇦 I saw a LYNX on the way to my fave lake for my Sunday afternoon swim last weekend. What a rare sight (especially in the afternoon sunshine)!! Great video and great info Rachel, thanks and have a great week. 🌎💦Ⓜ️ary🏊‍♀️

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Wow Mary, this is a brilliant tip. The wrap n roll method had to be worth a go! Pls tho f time over the winter to plan some summer swimming adventures like your cross-lake one. The wild life with you sounds amazing!

[@Daveonarave]

How are you Mary? You sound as awesome as Rachel but is your swimsuit wet when you drive home in it underneath everything? Please don't get chills. Lynx sounds fab though - is swimming outdoors typically how you spend Sunday Afternoon? I like a Sunday swim or walk but I'm still not as adventurous as you and Rach. Stay well and safe Mary 🤗

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

@Christele sounds like you have a slick system for getting dressed again!

[@marycharlebois6627]

@@Daveonarave Hi Dave, hope you are well and enjoying an occasional walk or swim during these Autumn days. Yes, I drive home with my wet swimsuit under all my layers, but the lake is only 10-15 minutes from my house and I have layers over top and a motor mug of hot tea to warm me from the inside out. I had two lynx sightings last weekend… one sighting is quite rare, let alone two sightings. Our weather is unusually warm for this time of the year, but with that said… the water is chilly and swims are kept to 15 minutes max. Have a great day. 🌎💦Ⓜ️ary🏊‍♀️

[@marycharlebois6627]

@Christele Wow… kudos to you Christele for cycling and swimming all in the same outing. It sounds like you have a system that works well for you, thanks for sharing. I’m really glad that the WRAP & ROLL towel technique will work for your changing system. It works awesomely for me too as I find that this method ensures that the towel stays up and does not fall off. Thanks for sharing and happy Autumn swims to you. 🌎💦Ⓜ️ary🏊‍♀️

[@mrguillemot]

Love my flowery Gorilla Robe for changing and the secret side pockets come in really handy for undercarriage drying.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Nice discreet usage of the pockets!

[@racheltree7533]

My changing robe is fab & turns out to be one of my most important pieces of kit especially for keeping my dignity intact when changing quickly! . When it's really cold I also pop my changing robe inside a zip up or velcro up insulated bag with a hot water bottle (like ones used to keep food cool found in supermarkets as the material reflects warmth back on the objects inside). This makes it super toasty for when I get out. You can add other things like gloves, thermal tops etc if you need. 😊

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

The hot water bottle trick is great. Such a nice feeling to have warm clothes. 🏊‍♀️😀

[@lottieisthequarry]

I've been wrapping clothes in hot water bottle, but stashing them in one of those bags is a great idea. Thankyou

[@lucysmith594]

“Towel management skills” 🤣🤣 That’s PowerPoint speak! Something to put on my CV

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

It certainly is if you are outdoor ninja level, I’m indoor pool proficient - not much to shout about 🏊‍♀️😆

[@lottieisthequarry]

Towel skill level made me lol.. I'd say mine was good, it's my balancing on one leg on my steep Rocky beach that needs work, and getting the wetsuit off that last bit of leg faster. Lol This was useful, thanks as I've been tempted by a dry robe but it's a 40 min walk each way with a steep uphill home and I don't fancy carrying one and a wetsuit.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Sounds like an action packed changing location. Have you thought of taking the wetsuit off in the water as they come off super quick like a banana skin! As for carrying wet stuff, I put it in my towfloat and clip it together then and fasten the waist belt loop through the top of the towfloat and wear it like a duffel bag over my body. Then I walk back in my changing robe hands free 🏊‍♀️😀

[@lottieisthequarry]

@@EverydayAthleteRach I dont have a tow float, and my walk home is an uphill slog. Yes peeling ot off in the water works, but perhaps not at this time of year .lol

[@maryellen21]

I bought a fleecy one last year but haven't used it yet. It always seems like overkill but then I've mostly swam in warmer months. I think I will get use of it one day when I work up to swimming in autumn/winter. Great video!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

They're great to have after a swim in the colder months. I hope you get some use out of it 🏊😃

[@watersportstraining]

The selling point to me would be “hand warmy” bits 🙌

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

They are a big hit with me too!

[@Franscampi]

Great video! I have 3 different robes, 2 cheapies and a dry robe, don’t often use the dry robe though! At the moment I get out, quick dry under my towelling robe and then into a most unattractive, huge fleece onesie for a cup of tea outside my beach hut. I get some funny looks walking back to the car but do I care? NOPE!

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I just got a fleecy onesie from eBay. It is wholly unflattering but toasty warm so I'm in your don't give a monkey's camp! 🏊😃

[@martaexplorer]

Hello 👋 Great video with handy tips. You've got a new subscriber here ☺️

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Hey! Great to hear from you. Thanks for watching and super to have you as a subscriber! Welcome along 🏊‍♀️😀

[@Matt-yw8tj]

Not long just bought a Moonwrap. I like a swim before work and although the beach is commonly deserted when I head down, every so often you get people coming down. Makes life a lot easier when I don’t have to turn up at work in a shirt and sodden swimming shorts 😂

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Wow, sounds like you have the work-life balance down pat! 🏊😃

[@watersportstraining]

How long do they take to dry (particularly thicker ones) post swim?

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

It depends on the inner liner and if it is just damp from getting changed without a towel, or whether it gets drenched. Drenched takes much longer, but damp from changing is over night I would say. I hang mine up on the coat rack by the front door (there is a radiator there too) and it's always dry next time I go to use it and it never smells. Luckily.

[@rachpwanders6095]

I use a Robie that I was given years ago for surfing. It's pretty basic, but it's thick, warm and absolutely massive! Pretty sure a fair bit of boob flashing happens via the arm holes though 😂.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Boob-flashing is a competitive sportwhen it comes to outdoor changing! The trick is not to let the get too cold! 🏊😃

[@patriciapowers3751]

I’m so awful at using the changing robe, that I sometimes think it’s quicker to just use the towel and do a quick deck change.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Sometimes that can be the case. I’m now pretty quick at the changing robe change.

[@kfardell5898]

Ive been holding off putting the heating on so im wearing my Dryrobe indoors

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

Nice sustainable use of swimming articles! Me too!

[@ilsekleijne-thoonsen9283]

In your changing robe videos the Smoc Smoc seems less bulky than the Dryrobe,. Does it also keeps you as warm as the Dryrobe? I am wondering because I am particularly interested in a changing robe that keeps me as warm as possible in windy wintery days.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I would say that the smoc smoc is less warm than other fleecy-lined changing robes that I’ve tried. The Gorilla Robe is worth a look. Very warm but compresses down well.

[@ilsekleijne-thoonsen9283]

@@EverydayAthleteRach thank you very much!

[@scano7738]

Does a dryrobe fit in the lomo swim run towfloat

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

The dryrobe advance long sleeve medium size does :)

[@hammothw4814]

so you still need to towel dry off before the robe? or put on the robe then still need to use towel to dry off before putting on clothes? i understand this if going from beach to quickly nearby shelter, but for me, i will be on an open beach, need to dry off and change before 5 minute walk to my vehicle. not sure if a changing robe would be useful for me. hoping to take dips until the ice comes.

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

I just use the inside of the robe to dry off. I like the towelling kind for summer but in winter it’s nice to have a warmer one which shelters you from the weather whilst changing. Neither are essential though.

[@hammothw4814]

@@EverydayAthleteRach . thanks. i hope i can make the quick dips into late fall. you encourage me

[@charlottegush4104]

@@EverydayAthleteRach Hi Rach, please can I ask more about this. I had thought that changing robes would dry you off, but then I've read in several places that the synthetic fabric repels water, so will stay dry itself but won't dry you. A couple of them (dryrobe, Red) claim to 'wick away' water, but Ddipp told me it was a misconception that they could be used as towels, and that you should dry off before putting a robe on. Now I am extremely confused! What robe do you use that you can successfully dry yourself off with? I don't want to carry a great big changing robe and a towel if it's possible to just use a robe. Really love your videos. Thank you

[@EverydayAthleteRach]

@@charlottegush4104 👋 I rarely use a towel too - a tea towel is an option. I’m never bone dry but dry enough to stick my clothes on. I can’t be bothered to carry too much kit, I’ve found that all changing robes I’ve tried have been good enough to get the worst off and won’t soak my clothes but help to insulate me.