Our review: a good value, ultra-warm and waterproof choice for a range of activities, but not the ideal buy for shorter people
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First impressions
This long-length, roomy fleece-lined robe with a waterproof outer offers all the protection from the elements, plenty of space to change discretely out of a wet swimsuit, and the warmth you need on a wild swimming or dog walking adventure. It also has a full-length chunky YKK zip that comes up to the chin for extra cosiness; two pockets to keep hands warm and a zipped internal pocket for your phone and essentials.
Fit
The medium size is designed for those up to 5ft10; I’m just 5ft so it reaches almost to my ankles, so I did feel a bit swamped, but the size was helpful and cosy when I was changing on the beach. I would have chosen a size small in this robe if it were available (I take a size 8–10).
It’s generously wide and loose-fitting, giving plenty of room to get changed underneath. The first time I used it I pulled both arms inside the robe to finish getting changed but then realised I couldn’t move the zip up or down from the inside – a two-way zip would be useful for moments like these.
Is it comfortable to wear?
The short-sleeved version has extra wide sleeves so it’s super easy to slip on and off when you’re wet and have frozen, fumbly hands. Side splits make it easy to stride about in, too. The inner fleece lining means it’s instantly cosy when you need warming up and it’s so comforting it’s a wrench to take it off!
Are there any weatherproofing features?
This gave me brilliant protection on a blustery, squally day – I put the fleece-lined hood up and tucked my hands in the fleece-lined pockets and felt toasty and dry, as if I was in my own wearable tent. The hood doesn’t have any toggles for tightening, but I found it was weighty enough to stay up in a breeze.
Wind does whistle up the wide sleeves though, so if you plan to use this in autumn and winter, the longer sleeve version, which has Velcro straps at the wrist, would be a better choice for keeping the warmth in.
Is it easy to pack?
While the fleece lining makes this bulky and quite heavy – for comparison, another well-known brand is slightly lighter at 1.2kg, while another weighs 1.7kg – it comes with two wide elastic bands so you can roll it up and make it reasonably compact for carrying, which really helps fit it in a backpack or beach bag.
That said, because of the weight, I thought twice about taking it on a trip to a beach where I had to walk for 15 minutes over cliffs before reaching the shore, when I already had a picnic and a wetsuit to carry. If you like to travel light, a simpler towelling robe may be a better choice.
Durability?
The polyester outer is thick and strong and the overall feel is one of good quality, although no recycled materials have been used. The full-length YKK zip is chunky and feels sturdy too. It doesn’t seem there’s much that can go wrong with this one, even when you’re getting changed on rough, rocky shores.
Good value?
When compared to other similar changing robes, many of which retail for over £150, this is a good price for such a well-made and durable product, but you do miss out on the eco-friendly credentials some other brands offer.
Best suited for:
Wild swimming adventures, dog walks and for staying warm while watching outdoor sports in all seasons.
Facts at a glance: Lifeventure Fleece Lined Changing Robe
- Sizes: Medium and Extra large, short or long sleeves
- Colours: Black with grey lining only
- Material: Outer is 100% nylon; lining is 100% polyester
- Weight: 1,300g
- RRP: £119.99
For more outdoor kit, check out the best wild swimming gear for an outdoor dip.
