Are you tired of awkwardly changing whilst somebody holds a towel around you?
I know I was and that’s how I discovered waterproof changing robes, a simple yet effective solution to changing waterside. You can effortlessly change whilst maintaining your body heat (and modesty). They can also be enjoyed as coats too..
Stay warm and comfortable with dry robes that offer recyclable material, soft fleece lining inside, waterproof outer layer and handy pockets. Here’s what you need to know before making your decision, I tried the best DryRobes and Dry Robe alternatives in 2022.
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MY TOP PICK
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BEST VALUE
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ECO FRIENDLY
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BEST FOR USA
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5.0
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4.7
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4.9
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4.5
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£139.99
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£89.95
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£129
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£68.22
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Table of Contents
Top DryRobe Alternatives List
- Seashell Robe
- DryRobe Advance
- Goriilla Robes
- Voited Drycoat
- Passenger Sherpa Escapism
- Osprey Changing Robe
- Frostfire Moonwrap
- Zone 3 Polar
- Pro Change Robe Evo
- Oksun
Options for both the UK, US & Rest of the World
If you are into outdoor adventure, then a dry robe will be a great addition to your repertoire
Best Changing Robes
Changing robes may not be considered essential scuba gear but once you get one, it’s hard to go back to the non-robe days, trust me.
Here are the reviews of my favourite dry robes, pick the one that best suits you but be sure to research the below beforehand. You’re covered for your open water cold swim, walk on the beach or scuba diving excursion.
Seashell Robe
- Great fit
- Beautiful design
- Snug inner material
- Isn't cheap but it's quality
- Not recycled
The Seashell is the number one DryRobe alternative, in fact, I prefer this robe over all of its competitors’ thanks to the stunning design, warm, soft inside and its heavy-duty 2-way YKK zip that makes donning on and off as easy as 1,2,3.
The Nautilus company logo caught my eye on this beautiful waterproof robe but it’s as practical as it is stylish.
The Seashell changing robe is flying under the radar – but it’s my favourite and is not only super comfy but helps you dry nice and quick.
I tried the small and medium sizing which fit me perfectly, it’s not too long in the leg and the attention to detail on the product is there to be seen. There’s no short sleeve option, but it has Velcro adjustable bungee cords that allow you to turn it into a short sleeve.
SeaShell is one of the fleece lined ones and is one of the warmest robes I’ve tried.
Read the full Seashell Robe review for more details on what’s included with this changing robe.
Specifications
- 100% waterproof and windproof shell
- Velcro cuff and adjusters
- 2 large zipped fleece pockets
- 2-way YKK zip
DryRobe Advance
- Cosy synthetic lining
- Plenty of room to move about inside
- Great windbreaker properties
- Not budget friendly
There are other DryRobe alternatives that are more affordable and give the brand a run for their money but I have to be honest, they’ve set a high bar.
We all love to route for the underdogs but DryRobe has made its name for a reason- it’s warm, acts as a windbreaker and provides synthetic lambswool lining (vegan).
Not only does it have a super-warm fleece lining on the inside but the robe is made from recycled fabrics.
The robe is enjoyed by scuba divers and other watersport lovers alike, it’s an expensive option but it screams quality. It has a wind and waterproof outer shell, a comfy inside and lots of handy pockets including an inner pocket for your mobile phone.
They don’t get much better than the DryRobe Advance long sleeve, an option that cannot go wrong, they are made with top quality, recyclable and insulating materials.
Read my full DryRobe review where I reveal why so many love to use this robe for more than just open water swimming…
Specifications
- 100% wind and water proof
- Long sleeved
- Synthetic lambswool lining
Gorilla Robe
- 100% Recycled Materials
- Hot Water Bottle Pouch
- Great Fit
- No Pouch Bag
Gorilla Robes is one of the best DryRobe alternatives that you’ll find, it’s great value and has made it this far up my list due to the value for money.
They offer beautiful colours too, I got to enjoy the blue robe after an open water swimming session in the UK recently.
This robe offers an option on a budget yet it is of great quality. It’s waterproof and windproof, it’s made from recycled materials and who doesn’t love kangaroo pockets? This swim robe has a hot water bottle pouch on the front to help warm you up.
It has long sleeves, an inside pocket, and an inside fleece-lined hood and it’s easy to move around under, ensuring that your towelling robe warms up cold fingers with the inner lining. It’s like a towel dryrobe that absorbs water with its fleece inner material.
The robe is one of many long sleeve robes but it comes with extra features such as the front pouch, a windproof outer layer and taped seams – making it the perfect DryRobe alternative at half the price.
Specifications
- High performance recycled materials
- Double sided zip
- Two side zips
- Draw string hood
Voited Dry Coat
- 100% Recycled Materials
- Feels Like a Sleeping Bag
- Comes with Pack-Away Pouch
- Not Cheap
Voited were a brand that I first came across on Instagram. They provide outdoor clothing aimed at surfers, campers, van lifers and wild swimmers. I personally feel they should now add scuba divers to that list too!
This Voited Outdoor Change Robe is incredibly cosy. It is lightweight and feels a bit like a sleeping bag, but that means it packs down nice and is compact when not in use.
It uses something I had not seen others use, and that is the Teflon EcoElite coating on the outer layer. It blew my mind when I dived a bit into where this comes from – EcoElite is the very first renewably sourced, plant-based, non-fluorinated fabric treatment! This ensures its waterproof qualities but still allows for a breathable outer shell.
And best of all, it is made from recycled materials (94 recycled bottles to be exact!) and has that handy large internal stash pocket which you can zip up.
Voited has won me over, massively. They also have an amazing changing poncho – watch this space!
Use the above “Check Latest Price” button for 15% off your order (this will be automatically deducted at checkout).
Specifications
- CloudTouch added warmth insulation
- Polar Fleece lined hood and arms
- 1.5kg in weight (M size)
- Pockets Galore
- Microfleece inner body
Passenger Escapism Sherpa Robe
- Uses recycled plastic bottles
- Super comfy to wear
- Pack bag included
- Expensive
Passenger is a popular outdoor brand and for that reason, lots of people opt for this robe, for me – it’s on the pricey side considering all the Dry Robe alternatives now on the market.
But I must say, it comes with a stylish design and could easily be worn as a coat. The swim robe will definitely keep you warm with its thick sherpa fleece lining. Additionally, you will be thrilled to learn that it is made from recycled plastic bottles – 85 of them.
It has a 2-way zip on the change robe making it easy to change discreetly and you can also enjoy peace of mind knowing they have high-end wind-resistant and waterproof technology.
If you are looking for a comfortable sherpa fleece to keep your hands warm then you’ve found it.
Specifications
- 100% Recycled polyester ripstop (50D)
- PFC-free water repellent coating (DWR)
- 80g recycled polyester insulation
- Lightweight robe which packs down small.
Osprey Changing Robe
- Incredible value for money
- Well-known surf brand
- Dries quickly
- - Only one colour
- - If you are happy to pay a bit more money, there are more environmentally friendly robes out there.
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.
It showcases a waterproof and windproof outer, 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
Frostfire Moonwrap Changing Robe
- Sleeve length options
- Children sizes available
- Good value for money
- Get size up for room to change
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 zipped 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
Zone3 Polar Fleece Parka Robe
- Great temperature regulatory properties
- Natural ventilation
- Lovely choice of colours
- Not cheap
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
Pro Change Robe Evo from Red Paddle
- Handy front pocket
- Moisture-absorbent inner material
- Lots of colour options
- No mention of recycled material
- Expensive
Red Evo manage to pack all of the most useful features into one robe – and I must admit, I was late to the party when it comes to this brand but you can really tell it is created by like-minded outdoor enthusiasts.
It comes with a waterproof chest pocket on the outside, a discreet pocket for fresh underwear, zipped outer pockets and lots of handy inner pockets. It also has a high-quality zip, waterproof material and a toggle hood.
The Pro Change Robe Evo could quite easily be higher up on this list but I want to spend more time wearing this one before committing to putting it in my top 10.
If you’re searching for a waterproof long sleeve robe with exterior pockets then ditch the beach towel and dry in this pick. Definitely be sure to check out the long sleeve pro change robe, they also have a useful sizing guide, making it simple to find the right fit.
Specifications
- Soft inner fleece material
- Unknown material
- Heavy duty zips
Oksun Changing Robe
- Lightweight
- On a budget
- Big hood
- Isn't the most stylish
- Low quality in comparison to DryRobe
The Oksun is a brilliant choice if you are looking for a robe with a lower price tag and haven’t tried a changing robe before.
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.
It comes in black but they also have an option for bright colours and although it’s not as robust as some of the other options it trumps poncho towel robes outside of the summer season.
Specifications
- Thinner material for summer
- Short Sleeves
- 2 Way Zips
What is a DryRobe Alternative?
A DryRobe is a branded changing robe, they’re so reputable that many now refer to changing robes as a DryRobe. You can also find alternatives to this leading brand with options such as Seashell Robe, Saltie Robe, Gorilla Robe plus many more.
A DryRobe alternative is simply any changing robe that competes against the well-known brand – DryRobe.
Passenger vs DryRobe
When comparing Passenger and DryRobe you will find many similarities. Both are vegan brands with warm fleece linings and a waterproof outer.
Check out this table for an overview of the Passenger vs DryRobe.
It can be difficult to separate the two when looking online, after trying them for myself I’d say the main differences are as follows.
The DryRobe:
- Has more sizes for children
- Is slightly longer lasting
- Easier to find at online stores
Passenger:
- Slightly warmer
- More comfy
- Cheaper than other big brands
What are Changing Robes For?
Stay warm, dry, and comfortable without hassle with the best DryRobes and Dry Robe alternatives. If you do open water swimming, diving or other outdoor water activities then you will want to take a look at the options.
I have been wild swimming and scuba diving for years now and I can’t believe that it’s taken me so long to become acquainted with changing robes.
You can use DryRobes to keep you warm before and after:
- Paddleboarding
- Surfing
- Kayaking
- Wakeboarding
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkelling
- Hiking
- Beach Walks
- Sea Swim Races
- All Other Outdoor Swimming
What is the Point of a Changing Robe?
Changing robes and DryRobes are there to help you gain an easy layer of warmth before and after going in the water. They can aid you in drying, staying warm and comfort.
Here are some of the reasons I have enjoyed life with a changing robe.
Keeps You Warm
Essentially DryRobes and other changing robes are big, comfortable coats that have been designed for a specific purpose, their design of windproof, waterproof features and a fleece inner lining goes a long way when you climb out of the water after enjoying outdoor swimming.
Dry Faster
The clue is in the name, if you are hoping to remain waterside, then stay dry with the swim robe but you can also dry fast after leaving the water, many of the top brands including the DryRobe brand have natural highly absorbent material.
Keep Your Decency in Tact
Getting changed to go and sea swim or endure cold water exposure like Wim Hof isn’t as easy as you’d think and I am talking about the changing alone. Rather than asking somebody to conceal you decency with a towel, simply change under the robe and replace your wet clothing.
Quick Change
Not only do you get to retain your modesty but you’ll also be able to change much quicker, there have been many times that cold hands have prevented me from changing smoothly and privately but the robe makes changing a doddle, get changed without stress.
Get changed as you take the changing rooms with you as you change next to the open water and get ready to drive home.
I have had to change in a car park before my cold water dives in the UK and I can honestly say the robes have made a huge difference to my dives.
Features to Look for in a Change Robe
Here are the main features to look for when buying a DryRobe or Dry Robe alternative:
- Eco Friendly – Recycled materials from plastic or recycled nylon
- Waterproof
- Inner Fleece Lining
- Windproof
- 2 Way Zip
- Overall Comfort
- Durability & Quality
- Useful Pockets
- Carry Bag
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 Seashell change robe. This would be closely followed by Voited DryCoat and then DryRobe changing robe, based on both performance, choice of materials 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.
All the changing robes in this review are my top 10, I have trialled and researched all robes. Some of the robes have been given to me for free in order to thoroughly test them, this has not affected my judgement and I hope my objective take makes your life easier when making a choice.
