If you are into outdoor adventure, then a dry robe is a must for your backpack!
Maintaining your body temperature (and modesty) whilst on the boat in between dives or on land after a nice cold wild swim is pretty important. Gone are the days where we would have to ask our buddies to hang around us and hold a towel around us on the dive boat or in the car park whilst we quickly try to fumble around and pull dry clothes over our dripping wet bodies.
Waterproof changing robes have taken the industry by storm in recent years. With the increase in wild swimming, amongst other outdoor water sports, changing robes have become a popular accessory for outdoor enthusiasts, including us scuba divers.
Table of Contents
Quick Look: List of Top Dry Robes
- Dry Robe Advance
- Passenger Escapism Recycled Sherpa Robe
- Oksun
- Frostfire Moonwrap
- Osprey
- Zone3 Polar Fleece Parka
- Northcore Beach Basha
- AquaTec
- Seashell
- HUT
Best Changing Robe
If you are a cold water scuba diver, a changing robe is an excellent piece to add to your kit list! If you’re not yet a cold water diver (can I tempt you by reading my reasons to cold water dive blog?), then they are still super useful to have packed into your car or backpack!
There are many different brands offering different styles of changing robe. From long sleeve to short sleeve poncho towel robes, full length to short length, fleece lined to exterior pockets, take a look at my top ten changing robes suitable for all types of watersports.
What We Love
- Cosy synthetic lining
- Plenty of room to move about inside
- Great windbreaker properties
What We Don't
- Not budget friendly
- Relatively heavy
A changing robe that is suitable for all weathers, allowing you to stay warm even in the lowest of temperatures. This is a firm favourite amongst many UK divers and water sports lovers alike. It has a thick front full length zip that is easy to use, handy external pockets along with an internal pocket that is great for keeping those valuables secure.
They also have sizes suitable for children too!
I love Dryrobe because not only does it keep you warm, it really acts like a windbreaker thanks to the exterior fabric. The synthetic lambswool lining inside helps wick away any moisture effectively, getting you warmer and drier quicker. There’s a ridiculous amount of room inside too, which is great for getting changed under. Even when donning on or off a difficult wetsuit!
Although very much on the pricier end of the changing robe scale, and a little heavier and bulkier than others, it’s definitely worth the money if you are looking for that trusty robe that can be used all year round for many years to come.
Specifications
- 100% wind and water proof
- Long sleeved
- Synthetic lambswool lining
What We Love
- Uses recycled plastic bottles
- Super comfy to wear
- Elegant design
- Pack bag included
What We Don't
- Nothing!
This is my favourite changing robe, by quite a bit. Unlike the other brands, it is made with 100% recycled single-use plastic bottles and has an 80g recycled polyester insulation with full sherpa fleece towel lining. Apparently, each one contains 85 recycled plastic bottles! I love how they are one of the only changing robes out there that have considered their environmental impact when designing such a material heavy product.
It’s also super comfy and the fleece lining is very soft. On top of that, it’s one of the lighter weight robes and comes with its own handy and compact stuff pack. Great for packing away and throwing onto your paddle boards or into your dive bag!
The long sleeves aren’t too long, and they have velcro cuffs to secure the wrists. The full length zip front works two ways so that it’s really easy for changing and the outer shell is made with a PFC – free water repellent coating, so it’s bound to keep you nice and dry.
The multiple pockets on the front even have a had warming tricot lining. Tricot fabric is incredibly good at retaining heat, so if you are anything like me and suffer from cold hands in between dives – this is the robe that will keep your hands warm!
Specifications
- 100% Recycled polyester ripstop (50D)
- PFC-free water repellent coating (DWR)
- 80g recycled polyester insulation
- Lightweight robe which packs down small.
What We Love
- Great for those on a budget
- Nice sized hood
- Lightweight
What We Don't
- May not provide enough warmth in winter
The Oksun is a brilliant choice if you are looking for a robe with a lower price tag. It certainly offers best value for money. It is still fleece lined, like the others here, but it’s a bit of a thinner material. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it still appears to retain the warmth really well, yet only weighs around 800g – great for traveling with!
The outer shell is made with polyester fiber and is coupled with a soft wool lining. There are two zippered pockets on the outside which I found really handy, especially protecting my phone in the rain. The fleece lined hood is a great size too, not too small and not too large but protects your face from the wind and rain well.
This change robe is not full arm length, but mid length, which some may not find the best. To me, this is a great choice for warmer climates or summer time wearing. It may not be the one to ensure you are staying warm in the winter.
Specifications
- Polyester fiber + wool lining
- Machine washable
- Fleece lined hood
- Mid length sleeve
What We Love
- Options for different length of sleeves
- Childrens sizes available
What We Don't
- Need to size up to make sure there's enough room for changing inside
Another changing robe with a short sleeve option, the Moonwrap is an impressive bit of kit with a 100% waterproof outer shell and warm fleece lining. However, if shorter sleeves is not what you are looking for then they also come with a long sleeves option! Short sleeves are less of a faff and does make the weight of the jacket
It is not as expensive as some of the others listed here so is another changing robe that is great value for money. As well as it’s two outer zip pockets that provide plenty of room, it also has an internal zip pocket which is perfect for keeping keys and mobiles safe. The outer zip has some large finger pulls that are perfect to handle, even with gloves on.
Frostfire have also taken into consideration children. They offer the Moonwrap in kids versions so it won’t just look like your child is drowned in one huge sheet!
I found this robe a little smaller in size than the others, so if you’re looking for room to change in side, I’d say by a size bigger than you would.
Specifications
- 100% waterproof
- 3/4 length robe
- 100% nylon outer lining
What We Love
- Trusted brand
- Warm lining
- Draws water away quickly
What We Don't
- Nothing!
Osprey are a trusted brand, having been part of the outdoor apparel industry for some time now. I feel like this changing robe competes very closely with Dryrobe, but at half the price. It has a similar sherpa fleece fabric lining, long sleeve with velcro cuffs and outer and inner pockets.
Waterproof and windproof, this is a great one for colder environments and really keeps the wind out when your getting changed inside it. It is made with a polyester outer shell and you can almost feel the inner lining wicking away any moisture into the heat insulating pile.
There’s not much more to say about the Osprey changing robe, other than it’s a great choice for all outdoor lovers!
Specifications
- Waterproof & windproof
- Fleece lining
- Double zip closure
What We Love
- Perfect length
- Great temperature regulatory properties
- Lovely choice of colours
- Natural ventilation
What We Don't
- Nothing!
A name that is familiar to anyone that has dabbled in the world of triathlons. Zone3 have built themselves a well respected brand that is loved by those into their extreme, and challenging, sporting events. Made with performance and ease of use in mind, it keeps your body heat locked in and the elements locked out.
Zone3 use their own polar fleece fabric within the inner layer, which is extremely impressive. The fabric has inbuilt heat regulatory properties, ensuring that your temperature is maintained. These properties ensures that the robe provides natural venting by allowing too much heat to move to the outer shell of the jacket – keeping you at the perfect temperature!
The Water-Block outer shell is water and wind resistant and has a large internal pocket on the inside. It comes in a long sleeve style and is three quarter in length. I liked this changing robe – I was pleasantly surprised by it’s good price!
Specifications
- 3/4 length
- "Polar Fleece" material on inner
- "Water Block" material on outer shell
What We Love
- Plenty of pockets
- Moisture wicking lining
- Range of colours and patterns available
What We Don't
- No two way zip system
If, like me, you are always looking for extra pockets to store bits and bobs in, then look no further. The Northcore Beach Basha is a changing robe that delivers on pockets! There are two large external fleece pockets, a large inner pocket, a zipped internal pocket and even a pocket on the shoulder for those smaller items! Out of all the robes I review here, this is the handiest one, thanks to it’s pockets.
It is a unisex, long sleeve robe with fleece lining which will absorb water, so you can be sure you are getting the best level of warmth. The zip teeth are heavy duty and the outer layer of the robe is made with PU coated nylon and you can tell it will survive years of adventures with you.
The only thing missing from this changing robe is insider zipper pulls! Surely this is an important feature of a robe that you zip up over you to get changed inside?!
Specifications
- PU coated nylon outer soft shell
- 100% super soft sherpa fleece lining
- Heavy duty plastic zips with looped pulls
What We Love
- Elegant design
- Super cosy
- Great for traveling
What We Don't
- Longer length robe may not suit shorter people
The AquaTec change robe is a beautifully designed robe, that boasts its Fibre Dry Technology which helps prevent any water from entering inside the robe. This feature also aids the escape of unwanted moisture within. It’s shell is fully waterproof and has a zipped pocket on the left hands side of the chest which is easy to access, along with two hand pockets lower down.
I love the fact that it packs down into a really compact size, making it easy to travel with and fold away once finished. There’s also a lovely little addition of a storm guard which covers the zip to stop drafts from entering – perfect for those windy conditions!
It’s actually a bit longer in length than other robes I have tested. I’m only 5’4 and this one reaches my ankles. Not the worst issue in the world, but anyone shorter than myself may want to look at another robe unless they want it dragging on the floor!
It is a unisex, long sleeve robe with fleece lining which will absorb water, so you can be sure you are getting the best level of warmth. The zip teeth are heavy duty and the outer layer of the robe is made with PU coated nylon and you can tell it will survive years of adventures with you.
The only thing missing from this changing robe is insider zipper pulls! Surely this is an important feature of a robe that you zip up over you to get changed inside?!
Specifications
- Fibre Dry Technology Shell
- Fleece lined storm guard
- Highly water resistant zipped pocket
- Fully waterproof shell
What We Love
- Beautiful design
- Perfect fit
- Cosy lining keeps you warm
What We Don't
- Nothing!
By far my most favourite looking changing robe!! The Seashell is an absolutely stunning design and I really love their branding.
This dry robe has a heavy duty 2-way YKK zip that makes donning on and off as easy as 1,2,3. The fleece lining ensures warmth and protection from moisture and although there is no short sleeve option, the long sleeves do have a set of handy velcro cuff adjusters.
I tried the small/medium sizing and it fit perfectly. It is obviously oversized to allow for changing and getting your arms inside but it was not too long in the leg. The attention to detail in this produce is simply impeccable; it’s taped seams and embroidered sections throughout really do make it stand out from the rest.
If you’re looking for an exquisite changing robe, you’ve just found it.
Specifications
- 100% waterproof and windproof shell
- Velcro cuff and adjusters
- 2 large zipped fleece pockets
- 2-way YKK zip
What We Love
- Very fast drying
- Nice hood
- Good amount of pockets
What We Don't
- Nothing!
The HUT waterproof changing robes performed better than I expected in my test. It is a similar price to some of the others I review here, but I wasn’t familiar with the brand.
In fact, this change robe was one of the faster drying out of them all and actually comes with really nice colour choices, which I found some of the other robes lack. It has a PU coated outer shell which makes the robe 100% waterproof and is lined with soft and cosy fleecing. I like how the fleece extends into the hood, and is a brilliant addition for “towel drying” your wet hair!
The HUT robe also doesn’t lag behind other on pockets. With two pockets on the outside and two internal pockets on the inside plus a smaller one for your phone with extra features like the handy earphone opening, you won’t be loosing your valuables with this one.
Specifications
- 2 way main zip
- Sherpa fleece
- Velcro cuffs
- Pocket for phone/mp3 & headphones
Conclusion
There are many types of changing robes on the market and at first glance, they all seem to do the same thing. It’s because, ultimately, they do; they are all built to keep you warm and dry!
But it really comes down to the finer details. The style you want, the amount of pockets you need and the type of lining that it boasts are all things which are quite personal.
My firm favourite is the Passenger change robe because it has taken into account it’s environmental impact, using recycled materials at every point possible. This would be closely followed by Dryrobe and Seashell changing robes, based on both performance and appearance.
Without a doubt, change robes are the best way to stay protected from the cold and change into dry clothes without flashing the person next to you. It is a must have item for anyone involved in outdoor pursuits and will be a trusty companion for many years of adventures.
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