Red Original Long Sleeve Pro Evo vs Alpkit Haven: how much should you spend on a swim robe?

Due to its dominance in the swim changing robe market, Dryrobe has become an example of genericide. Like Hoover, Frisbee and Jacuzzi before it, the trademarked brand name is now synonymous with the product genre.

That’s not to say there aren’t excellent Dryrobe alternatives out there. The Red Original Long Sleeve Pro Evo Change Robe is one of the higher priced and performing options while the Alpkit Haven Robe is much cheaper. 

So do you have to spend close to $250 on a swim robe, or can you pay a fraction of that for similar quality? To find out, 220 Triathlon editor and main swim gear tester Helen Webster put the Red Original and Alpkit swim robes head to head.

Design and key features

The more expensive Red Original Long Sleeve Pro Evo Change Robe has a full-length front zip and five poppers hidden under the wind-blocking cover. These enable you to leave the robe partially or fully open for easier movement. 

It also has some magnetic pockets to keep your belongings secure but easy to access. The hand pockets are fleece-lined for extra warmth.

Plus there’s a waterproof chest pocket, an internal bottle pocket to store a hot drink and somewhere to stow your underwear.

Additional weather protection comes from the peaked hood and roll-down cuffs.

Nonetheless, the Long Sleeve Pro Evo Change Robe packs down into a 10L dry bag (sold separately). 

A notable feature of the Alpkit Haven is its two-way reversible zip, allowing for easy closure from both the inside and outside. 

Like the Red Original, it has fleece-lined hand warmer pockets, an internal valuables pocket and a hood. But this isn’t peaked or adjustable.

Regardless of the size you choose, the three-quarter length Alpkit Haven is shorter than the full-coverage Red Original. Its cut also seems snugger.

Red Original Long Sleeve Pro Evo Change Robe vs Alpkit Haven specs

In the table below, I’ve compared the specs side by side and I’ll run through them now.

The Red Original Long Sleeve Pro Evo Change Robe stands out with its significantly higher waterproof and breathability ratings, making it a more suitable choice for wetter weather. 

The use of 100% recycled materials for both the inner and outer layers, along with a PFC-free durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, highlights its eco-credentials. 

Its more technical design includes a peaked and adjustable hood for better protection against wind and rain, alongside a greater variety of pockets, including a waterproof chest pocket for valuables. 

By contrast, the Alpkit Haven Swim Robe provides warmth through its combination of a fleece pile lining and 130gsm synthetic insulation. Both its outer and inner material are recycled.

While its 5k/5k waterproof and breathability rating is lower than the Red Original, it still offers adequate protection for light to moderate showers. 

	Red Original Long Sleeve Pro Evo Change Robe	Alpkit Haven Swim Robe
Price	$249 / £159.95	$169.99 / £129.99
Waterproofing	15,000mm	5,000mm
Breathability	8,000g/m2	5,000g/m2
Outer	100% recycled Polyester with PFC-free DWR	100% recycled polyester with PU coating
Inner	100% recycled polyester fleece	100% recycled polyester fleece with 130gsm synthetic insulation
Zip	YKK two-way	Two-way reversible YKK
Hood	Peaked, adjustable toggle hood	Standard
Pockets	Multiple including fleece-lined hand warmers, waterproof chest pocket, large internal pocket	Fleece-lined hand warmer pockets, internal security pocket, mesh goggle pocket

Performance and fit

Red Original Long Sleeve Pro Evo Change Robe’s oversized fit in a choice of sizes based on wearer height allows for easy changing.

With four sizes (small to extra large for women and men), Red Original says the robe will fit people ranging from 4’6″ to 6’8″ tall. 

In addition, its stretchy panels give flexibility to help you walk and change in the robe. 

The sizing for the Haven is based on chest and hip measurements from 35-38in / 89-96.5cm (small) up to 45-49in / 114/125cm (extra large). In theory, this offers a more tailored fit than the Red Original.

However, Helen found the Haven’s long arms and narrow arm holes trickier to change in. Its three-quarter length could also prove too short for taller swimmers. 

Price and value for money

Although the Red Original Long Sleeve Pro Evo Change Robe costs $70 / £30 more than the Alpkit Haven, it’s not the priciest swim robe available. 

Both the Dryrobe Lite ($340 / £280) and Vivida All Weather Puffer Changing Robe ($315 / £240) are much pricier. In our testing, the Red Original outscored them both. As such, it offers decent value for money albeit at the higher end of the market. 

And while the Alpkit Haven is cheaper, it is a less sophisticated product in terms of its weather protection, packability and features, notably its pockets. 

It does still punch above its weight, making it one of the better value options at the $170 / £130 mark. 

Red Original Long Sleeve Pro Evo Change Robe vs Alpkit Haven verdict

For those seeking maximum protection from the elements and a feature-rich design, the Red Original Pro Evo is the superior, albeit more expensive, option. And aside from the price, there’s little else to improve on. 

If you’re a regular outdoor swimmer and dedicated enough to continue through the winter, its bad-weather performance could justify the extra expense.

More affordably, the Alpkit Haven presents a capable alternative.

If you don’t mind taking a little longer to change and don’t swim often in poor conditions, it will do a great job while saving you a chunk of cash.

How we tested these swim robes

220 Triathlon editor and open-water swimming coach Helen Webster tested both robes extensively by wearing them before and after several sea and lake swims. She assessed their warmth, waterproofing, fit, storage as well as how easy they were to change under. For more details, see how we rate and test products.