Changing Robes
After a swim, surf or watersports session, the last thing you want is to struggle out of a wetsuit in a cold car park. A changing robe makes the whole process far more practical, giving you somewhere warm and private to get changed wherever you happen to be. Whether you're heading to the coast or an inland lake, Camping Depot has you covered for your time on and out of the water.
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A changing robe is one of those pieces of kit that quickly becomes essential once you've used one. Designed to let you change in and out of a wetsuit or swimwear without exposing yourself to the cold, they're widely used by surfers, wild swimmers, kayakers and anyone spending time in and around the water. Choosing the right one comes down to a few practical considerations rather than simply picking the warmest or most expensive option.
Fit, Length and Coverage
Most changing robes fall to around knee length, giving enough coverage to change comfortably in a car park or on a beach. Some styles are cut longer, which suits taller users or those who prefer more coverage. Fit varies between relaxed and more tailored cuts — a relaxed fit is generally easier to pull on over a wetsuit, which matters if you're using it regularly for watersports.
Children's sizing is a separate consideration. Robes designed for adults worn by younger users will restrict movement and make changing awkward, so sizing to the wearer matters more here than in some other categories.
Outer Shell and Lining
The outer material determines how well the robe handles rain and wind. A waterproof changing robe uses a laminated or coated shell that sheds water rather than absorbing it — useful if you're pulling it on straight after getting out of the sea in poor weather. Softer outer shells offer more packability but may offer less weather resistance.
Lining weight is equally important. Options typically range from a lightweight fleece to a thicker, more insulating pile. A heavier lining provides more warmth but adds bulk, which is worth considering if you're carrying the robe to and from the water. For milder conditions or warm-weather use, a lighter lining is often sufficient and dries faster after use.
When comparing options at Camping Depot, it's worth thinking about when and where you'll use the robe most — year-round UK conditions call for something noticeably warmer than a robe bought for summer holidays.
Practical Details Worth Checking
- Hood — useful for keeping warm immediately after exiting the water, and better on some designs than others
- Pockets — handy for keys, a phone or small essentials while you change
- Packability — some robes compress into a stuff sack; others are bulkier to transport
- Cuff and hem design — affects how well the robe traps warmth in cold or windy conditions
Care instructions vary between products, so it's worth checking whether the outer shell requires specific washing treatment to maintain its water-resistant finish over time.