Cold water swimming has surged in popularity, and for good reason. From mental clarity to immune system benefits, the rewards are incredible. But to truly enjoy your cold water swimming journey safely and comfortably, you need the right gear. Here are six essential items that every cold water swimmer should have in their kit bag.
1. A Weatherproof Changing Robe
If there’s one piece of kit you absolutely cannot skip, it’s a quality changing robe. After emerging from cold water, your core temperature drops rapidly, and getting warm quickly is crucial for both safety and comfort.
The Dryrobe Advance Long Sleeve is the gold standard for cold water enthusiasts. What sets it apart is its innovative dual-layer design: a waterproof outer shell that protects against wind and rain, paired with a quick-drying fleece lining that actively wicks moisture away from your skin. Unlike ordinary towel robes, the fleece lining doesn’t stay damp—it can be used multiple times throughout the day without needing to dry between uses.
Made with 100% recycled materials, the Dryrobe Advance offers 10,000mm waterproofing and features spacious ‘batwing’ sleeves that give you plenty of room to change underneath without exposing yourself to the elements. Independent research by the MMU Institute of Sport found that wearing a Dryrobe after cold water immersion helps lower heart rate, increase skin temperature, and improve thermal comfort—making it as much a recovery tool as it is a changing aid.
Why you need it: Post-swim warmth is non-negotiable for safety. A proper changing robe maintains your core temperature, speeds up recovery, and transforms the entire cold water swimming experience from an ordeal into pure enjoyment.
Click here to buy Changing Robe from Dryrobe
2. Thermal Boots
Your extremities lose heat fastest in cold conditions, and there’s nothing quite as miserable as freezing feet while you’re trying to warm up after a swim.
Dryrobe Thermal Boots feature water-resistant outer shells with fleece-lined interiors that create a cozy cocoon for your feet. They’re designed specifically for post-swim warmth, with easy slip-on access and grippy soles that work on wet surfaces. Whether you’re walking across a pebble beach or standing on cold poolside tiles, these boots keep your feet protected and comfortable.
Why you need them: Cold feet can undermine all your warming efforts. Thermal boots complete your post-swim recovery setup and are especially valuable during winter months when beach car parks and lakesides are freezing.
Click here to buy Thermal Boots from Dryrobe
3. A Microfibre Towel
While your changing robe does much of the drying work, a good towel is still essential—especially for your face and hair.
The Dryrobe Microfibre Towel is compact, super-absorbent, and dries in a fraction of the time compared to traditional towels. It packs down small enough to fit in any swim bag and won’t add bulk or weight to your kit. The quick-dry properties mean it won’t stay damp and musty, even if you’re swimming daily.
Why you need it: A compact, fast-drying towel is perfect for patting down before you slip into your changing robe. Its packability makes it ideal for swimmers who are on the move or have limited bag space.
Click here to buy Microfibre towel from Dryrobe
4. Thermal Gloves
Ask any seasoned cold water swimmer what they struggle with most, and many will say their hands. Cold fingers can make simple tasks like undoing zips or holding car keys genuinely difficult.
Dryrobe Thermal Gloves solve this problem with water-resistant exteriors and soft fleece linings. They’re designed with articulated fingers for dexterity, so you can still manage basic tasks like opening your car or holding a hot drink without having to remove them immediately.
Why you need them: Protecting your hands from the cold isn’t just about comfort—it’s about functionality. When your fingers are too numb to work properly, getting changed and driving home becomes genuinely challenging.
Click here to buy Thermal Gloves from Dryrobe
5. A Change Mat
Often overlooked but absolutely game-changing, a change mat creates a clean, insulated barrier between your feet and cold, dirty ground.
The Dryrobe Change Mat is water-repellent, fleece-lined, and packable. It provides a warm, clean surface to stand on while you change, keeping your feet off muddy riverbanks, sandy beaches, or cold concrete. The warm fleece adds an extra layer of comfort when you’re most vulnerable to the cold, and it prevents you from getting muck and debris on your clean, dry clothes.
Why you need it: Anyone who’s tried to balance on one leg while pulling on trousers in a muddy field will understand the value of a change mat instantly. It’s the difference between a dignified changing experience and a comedy of errors.
Click here to buy Changing mat from Dryrobe
6. A Warm Beanie
You lose significant body heat through your head, so a quality beanie is essential for post-swim warmth.
The Dryrobe Beanie features double-layer knit construction for enhanced warmth and comes in several colors to match your changing robe. It’s designed to fit comfortably without being too tight, covering your ears fully to protect against wind chill.
Why you need it: Keeping your head warm helps maintain your overall core temperature and prevents that post-swim chill from setting in. A good beanie is a small investment that makes a massive difference to your comfort.
Click here to buy Beanie from Dryrobe
Putting It All Together
Cold water swimming is an incredible practice for both body and mind, but having the right equipment transforms it from survivable to genuinely enjoyable. While you could technically get by with less, investing in proper gear—especially a quality changing robe, thermal accessories, and practical items like a change mat—will keep you safe, comfortable, and coming back for more.
Start with the changing robe as your foundation piece, then add the accessories that match your specific swimming location and climate. Your future self, standing happily warm at the water’s edge, will thank you.
The best cold water swimming kit is the kit that keeps you comfortable enough to want to get back in the water tomorrow. Invest wisely, swim safely, and enjoy every invigorating dip.
All Dryrobe products are made with sustainability in mind, using recycled materials and backed by their 3-year Performance Guarantee. They’re B Corp certified and trusted by everyone from wild swimmers to Olympic athletes.
Remember: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare provider before beginning cold water swimming, especially if you have any cardiovascular conditions or health concerns.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to products I recommend for cold water swimming. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your purchases help keep this blog running (pun intended), and I genuinely appreciate your support!