15 Dryrobe alternatives for outdoor swims and watersports
Dryrobes aren’t the only swim robes out there. Here are 14 Dryrobe alternatives to consider for wild swims and other outdoor adventures

The word ‘Dryrobe’ has almost become synonymous with swim robes in general, but since the brand launched in 2010, a huge number of Dryrobe alternatives have entered the market.
While some people might invest in a Dryrobe without considering any alternatives, it’s worth doing a little bit of research to find the best option for you. You may even be able to save some money on a budget-friendly robe.
To help you out, we’ve rounded up 19 of the best Dryrobe alternatives at a range of different price points, as tested by our expert reviewers.
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Best Dryrobe alternatives at a glance
The Red Original Long Sleeve Pro Evo Change Robe (buy) must be one of the best changing robes on the market – it’s hard to fault in every way!
The Zone3 Recycled Thermo-Tech Changing Robe (buy) is luxuriously soft and made with recycled materials.
The Dhb Hydron (buy) is a great budget changing robe option with soft sherpa lining and weatherproof protection.
Best Dryrobe alternatives in 2025
Best overall Dryrobe alternative

1. Red Original Long Sleeve Pro Evo Change Robe
220 Triathlon verdict
Hard to fault; one of the best Dryrobe alternatives on the market. Score: 93%
Pros
- Stretch panels for flexibility
- Super soft lining
Cons
- Not budget friendly
- Not much else to fault
- $249 / £159.95
Red’s Pro Evo robe caught my eye with its smart contrast-trim colourways, but it also comes with some clever technical features.
As well as a zip, the designers have hidden five poppers underneath the wind baffle, so you can close the robe in just one or two places for extra freedom of movement.
They’ve also included magnets in some of the pockets, giving you easy access to your belongings.
There are adjustable Velcro cuffs to keep out chilly draughts. Plus, the entire changing robe fits into a 10L dry bag (check out our favourite dry bags if you need one).
Best eco-friendly Dryrobe alternative

2. Zone3 Recycled Thermo-Tech Changing Robe
220 Triathlon verdict
Portable robe from a respected UK triathlon brand; snuggly lining is a real plus point. Score: 87%
Pros
- Luxuriously soft lining
- Recycled materials
Cons
- More zipped pockets would be good
- Little else to criticise
- $240 / £149
This Zone3 Changing Robe is one of two change robes in the brand’s armory and features a 100% recycled water and windproof, but still breathable outer, combined with a soft fleece lining, which is where that ‘thermo-tech’ moniker comes into play.
The robe is designed to give lightweight warmth, which it does really well, and it feels much lighter than some of the others on test, but still did a good job of keeping me toasty after my winter swims.
A real plus point is the portability here – with a draw cord, decent zips plus a sturdy storm flap adding to the appeal. You get five pockets in total, but only two of them are zippered which is a shame on an otherwise very versatile coat.

3. Red Pursuit
220 Triathlon verdict
Cutting edge design which expertly combines a stylish coat with changing needs, just not the warmest. Score 91%
Pros
- Doubles as rain coat
- Easy to change inside
- Very portable
Cons
- Not as warm as some robes
- $299 / £209.95
Breaking the mould in this B category, the Red Pursuit is more of a high quality raincoat when you first see it – but that’s the genius of the design. Two long side zips plus a waist cord undo to reveal anough extra fabric and room to easily change within.
The jacket is also light and easily packable, perfect if you tend to carry your robe around a lot, or are prone to having impulsive swims mid-hike (I do this a lot!). Quality touches like ‘sticklebrick’ cuff adjusters and an inner wicking fleece are all welcome.
I’d say this is perfect if you want a changing robe that is practical and versatile, but without actually looking like a changing robe. The only downside is it won’t give you the warmth of the bigger, snugglier ones on test.

4. Passenger Tempest
220 Triathlon verdict
Impressively eco-friendly but only in muted colours and zip could be sturdier. Good waterproofing though! Score: 80%
Pros
- Green credntials
- Portable
- Warm and waterproof
Cons
- Dark colours only
- Flimsy zip
- $175 / £149.95
Arriving with a nifty matching stuff sack, the Passenger Tempest was winning points for portability from the start.
This one is designed, as the name suggests, with inclement weather in mind. The robe is constructed from 100% recycled polyester 50D ripstop, with a PFC DWR water-resistant coating and did well in showers during testing. Passenger cite it being able to withstand an hour in a sustained shower.
The cosy lining is 100% recycled polyester sherpa fleece. I enjoyed using this one in testing as it was a nice balance between warmth and weight.
More zipped pockets would be nice though and the front zip was a touch fiddly with cold hands.

5. D-Robe Beaufort
220 Triathlon verdict
Chunky and solid protection from the elements – quite a slim fit though, so size up for changing. Score 80%
Pros
- Good weather protection
- Pocket for valuables
- 100% recycled construction
Cons
- Not that easy to change in
- $195 / £155
This is the second time I’ve tried the D-Robe Beaufort, here in a snazzy new Opal Grey colourway. I sized up this time though having found they come up quite small.
Although this time the coat fitted comfortably (size medium and I’m a UK14) it was a slim not oversized fit and I didn’t have room to easily change inside – the coat comes in unisex XS to XL though so just one to be aware of.
That said, this was a very warm and cosy robe with a fleece lining and superb protection against the elements with taped seams, a waterproofed outer and a storm flap. Large fleece pockets and a removable valuables pouch are a nice touch.
The robe is made from 100% recycled materials and comes in five colours plus smaller versions for kids.

6. Gill Aqua Parka Changing Robe
220 Triathlon verdict
Substantial and very waterproof robe/coat with plenty to offer. Score: 92%
Pros
- Good waterproofing
- Full range of features
Cons
- Not the most exciting to look at
- Closer fit man mean it’s tricky to change for tall people
- $195 / £150
Within a market that’s seemingly saturated with swim changing robes, can watersports brand Gill Marine bring anything new?
Sitting at a reasonable price point (with 10% off online for new newsletter subscribers), I actually liked the Aqua Parka a lot during December when it felt like it rained every day.
Heavy duty with taped seams, it was fully waterproof even in the heaviest downpours and seemed to offer a halfway house between a waterproof coat and a swim robe, looking less ‘obvious’ and being slightly more fitted.
That said, my size medium (5ft7in female tester) still had plenty of room to change. Zipped pockets, a large zip pull and a generous hood add to the features, with a black and a green option also offered.

7. Vivida All Weather Sherpa Changing Robe
220 Triathlon verdict
We like the eco-nature, but that’s a pretty high price tag. Score: 83%
Pros
- Uses recycled materials
- Bag doubles as a travel pillow
Cons
- Not cheap
- Inner fabric does shed onto skin a little
- $215 / £165
All of Dryrobe’s weatherproof products use recycled fabrics, so we like the best Dryrobe alternatives to also have an eco-friendly construction.
That’s why we love Vivida’s All-Weather changing robe, which features post-consumer recycled polyester.
As you’d expect, there’s a cosy fleece lining inside, which helps you dry off after a swim.
You’ll find an internal zipped compartment to keep your valuables safe, as well as a roomy ‘stash pocket’ with a bungee clip that you can pack your robe away into.
On the outer, there’s a water-repellent layer, complete with deep hand-warmer pockets and a two-way zip to give you more space when changing.
Taped seams, a draft collar and an adjustable hood and cuffs help keep out the wind and rain in bad weather.
Read our full review in our list of the best swim robes.
Best budget option

8. Dhb Hydron Robe
220 Triathlon verdict
A budget friendly option best suited to milder months. Score: 78%
Pros
- Good value
- Weather resistant
Cons
- Not the warmest
- Less room to get changed than some competitors
- £100 (UK only)
If you’re on the lookout for a Dryrobe alternative with a slightly smaller price tag, try the Dhb Hydron.
It comes with three-quarter-length sleeves for greater freedom of movement, so it’s an ideal option in warmer months.
Of course, you’ll still get a cosy sherpa lining inside the robe and hood, as well as a waterproof outer to protect against rain showers.
A zipped, water-resistant internal pocket and a two-way zip with easy-grip pulls complete the package.
Read the full review in our list of the best swim robes reviewed.

9. Wild Moose Ocean Moose Eco Long Sleeve Changing Robe
220 Triathlon verdict
Solid robe with good features that should serve you well. Score: 86%
Pros
- Uses recyced materials
- Brilliant weather protection
Cons
- May be too boxy for casual wear
- On the heavy side
- $143 / £130
Founded by a wild swimmer based in Yorkshire, Wild Moose makes changing robes, handy waterproof bags and a range of other accessories for wild swimmers.
This eco robe is made from recycled nylon with sherpa fleece lining, which is made from recycled materials.
It’s wind and waterproof and one of the more ‘sturdy’ feeling robes on test, which gave superb protection against the elements and still allowed enough room inside to change.
The zip was easy to operate with cold hands thanks to handy rubber pull tabs, while Velcro at the cuffs allowed them to be tightened out of the way.
Two main pockets have a large loop zip pull, while one inner breast pocket is handy for valuables. You also get a large fleece inner pocket for a hot water bottle or bobble hat.
Five sizes are available with provision for curvier swimmers, while the four bold primary colours hit a nice balance between being fun but also wearable.

10. White Water Robes Arctic Camo Hardshell
220 Triathlon verdict
Very usable robe with good-quality features, eco fabrics and a water-repellent coating. Score: 88%
Pros
- Competitively priced
- Good weather protection
Cons
- Design may not be for everyone
- Little else to criticise
- $160 / £140
Another UK-based brand, White Water were founded in 2020 and the range includes Hard Shell robes (as here), Soft Shell robes ($150/£130), which are lighter and more packable, and kids’ robes.
Pricing is competitive and the features here are good. The fabrics are fully recycled with a waterproof, windproof and durable outer with taped seams.
I found the coat warm and able to withstand the worst of the spring weather (which was dreadful this year!). The zip is quality and a large pull tab features, along with loops on the three pockets.
The cuffs have large Velcro adjusters to pull them in, much like on the Drybones robe below. Reflective logos are a nice touch and I liked the grey camo effect (other colours/designs are available).
There are three fleece-lined pockets on the outside, while inside there’s one large fleece pocket suitable for a hot water bottle. All in all, this is a solid contender that should last well and is priced competitively.

11. Cape Cove Snuggler Waterproof
220 Triathlon verdict
Warm and comfortable with superb detail and recycled materials. Quite expensive, though. Score: 82%
Pros
- Very good quality
- Solid set of features
Cons
- High price
- Jazzy design likely to split opinion
- £259 (UK only)
Chances are you may not have come across this small independent womenswear brand before – stocked online and in John Lewis.
Crafting (beautiful) quality clothing inspired by the coastline, the Snuggler is one of the brand’s changing range.
The brand sent us two sizes and designs for testing, the Ikat print (shown here) in a medium and a pale pink version in a small. There wasn’t much in it so on balance I’d size down to make it more versatile day-to-day.
I loved the quality of this coat, which featured a recycled sherpa lining which extended to the hood and a cute collar that could be turned up or down for extra warmth.
There’s a draw cord to cinch it in at the waist and one on the hood as well as a tab with popper. The two-way zip is good quality with a large pull and three zipped pockets feature.
The coat is made from 100% recycled materials inside and out and comes with a nice quality branded drawstring bag for travel. The price may understandably deter some, though.

12. Manao Anu Siso Robe
220 Triathlon Verdict
This a heavier-weight, substantial robe in a subtle colour that will definitely keep you warm after chilly swims. It’s a stylish package overall.
Pros
- Warm and comfortable
- Waterproof
- Recycled materials
Cons
- Heavier/not packable
- Design may not be for all
- $203/£149.99
New brand Manao Anu (translating to ‘cold self’) was born from the founder’s search for better mental health by pushing himself in the outdoors. That translates to a robe which is substantial and warm and offers a waterproof outer shell with a black sherpa lining.
I liked the look of this one – the dusky pink and black colourway was subtle enough to get away with wearing it without drawing too much attention and it felt good wearing it out and about after swims. Three other hand-dyed colours are available (blue, sand and brown). The affirmations written in the lining might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I’ll take all the positive vibes I can get on long swim days!
I tested a size medium which was large enough to easily change in and snuggle up in afterwards, though the brand recommend sizing down if you want to wear it as a coat rather than a changing robe.
The nylon shell is made from 90 recycled bottles which is good to see. In heavy showers it repelled water well and the hood with drawcord kept me warm in poor weather.
The details are reassuringly chunky with quality zips, chunky pulls and a good number of pockets as well as large velcro wrist adjusters. The main pockets are fleece-lined, good for keeping chilly hands warm. I liked the borg lining too, which soaked up any remaining dampness from my skin without feeling soggy or leaving fluff behind!
If you like twinning with your kids too, children’s versions are available for £99.99.
Also consider…

13. Saltrock Recycled Changing Robe
Best features:
- Eye-catching patterns
- Waterproof ripstop outer
- Taped seams
It’s hard to ignore Saltrock’s stylish changing robes. The brand was launched in Cornwall more than 30 years ago by two surfing brothers from South Africa, and they’ve now created a wide range of outdoor clothing and accessories.
If you’re looking for something with a little personality, one of Saltrock’s changing robes would make a fantastic Dryrobe alternative.
Not only do they look great, but they also come with lots of convenient features. The outer is made with strong ripstop fabric to help you avoid snags and tears, and it’s taped at the seams for extra protection against the rain.
Inner and outer fleece-lined pockets and an adjustable hood also come as standard. Plus, they’re now also made with recycled materials!

14. Osprey Hooded Changing Robe
Best features:
- Simple, fuss-free design
- Two-way zip
With its all-black look and fuss-free design, Osprey’s changing robe is a mid-range option worth considering. Expect the classic weather-resistant outer and fleece-lined inner to keep you cosy and warm, as well as full-length sleeves with Velcro cuffs for extra protection.
Like a lot of the best Dryrobe alternatives, this one comes with a two-way zip, which gives you more flexibility in how you use the robe. If you’re wearing it for chilly walks, just pull up the zip from the bottom to allow for more space around your legs.

15. Northcore Beach Basha Sport Long Sleeve Changing Robe
Best features:
- Triple-panel hood with peaked cap
- Looped zipper pulls
- Lots of pockets
Northcore’s Beach Basha robe is another Dryrobe alternative that’s worth a look. It’s got a PU-coated nylon outer and a soft fleece lining, but the standout feature is the hood.
That’s because the brand says it’s been ergonomically designed with a triple-panel construction and a peaked cap to keep the rain out of your eyes.
Northcore has included Velcro cuff straps to help you get a snug fit, as well as plenty of storage compartments.
The Beach Basha has large fleece-lined pockets on the outside and shoulder compartment with Velcro closure for smaller items. Inside the robe, you’ll find one big pocket and a fleece-lined, zip-up section for valuables.
How we tested these Dryrobe alternatives
The products reviewed above have been tested by 220 Triathlon‘s editor (and open-water swim coach) Helen Webster and the magazine’s content editor, Rob Slade.
Between them, they have over 20 years of kit testing experience and have reviewed many dozens of swim robes.
Testing was done in mixed weather conditions, with each robe used multiple times after open-water swims.
We also tested the outer fabrics in a controlled environment to check how they coped with a consistent stream of water droplets.
Aside from that, we also rated these Dryrobe alternatives based on how warm they are, how well they absorb moisture when drying off post-swim, how easy it is to change under them and how good their features are.
On the latter point, we always like to see a two-way zip, an adjustable hood, adjustable cuffs, plus an array of pockets, including zipped ones for securing personal items (or snacks, like energy bars).
While cold water swimming has its benefits, it’s important to be safe. Investing in a swimming robe can be a great way to provide immediate warmth and insulation through the seasons.
If you’re looking for more cold water kit, check out our list of the best cold water swimming gear.