Kit Review: Dryrobe
Having moved to Devon this time
last year, I’ve really embraced the opportunity to use the abundant free
swimming pools available locally: also known as the sea. I admit I’m not quite
as hardy as those who brave the waters without a wetsuit, or those who continue
right through the winter, but I did keep swimming until the last weekend in
October, have been every week since the first weekend in May this season, and
hope to prolong that a bit this year depending on conditions (though I might
have to invest in some extra neoprene- hat, gloves, shoes- to make this feasible).
One of the worst things about
outdoor swimming though is the cold afterwards: once you peel off that wetsuit
which has been insulating you nicely and the wind hits, you can cool down
pretty rapidly. This is then followed by the battle to get changed with your
towel around your waist or chest as you try to maintain a semblance of decency
and modesty. In more severe conditions with cold air temperature and the
wind-chill factor, this is at best uncomfortable and at worst potentially
dangerous.
Enter the Dryrobe: a waterproof,
windproof, and lined changing robe designed
here in Devon and manufactured overseas (for the full story click here). The
brainchild of a surfer who was fed up of getting changed in the cold and wet of
winter, these can now be seen at many beaches, lakes, and lidos being used by
surfers, triathletes, kite-surfers, and swimmers (and anyone else who is silly
enough to get in the water when it’s cold!)
I did buy myself a cheap
towelling change robe from Saltrock in Exeter, which is fine for the warm,
still days, but eventually decided to splash out on a Dryrobe this year when my
wife kindly convinced me that it was worth the outlay!
I bought mine from online outdoor-clothing
and equipment retailer Surfdome, who offered free next-day delivery. I’ve since
used my Dryrobe on several occasions at the beach post-sea swim and my wife
used it while we were camping as she was cold one evening!
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| Box Fresh! |
The Look:
The Dryrobe pretty much looks
like you’d expect it to: it’s essentially a massive, hooded poncho with a zip
up the front. It’s quite bulky due to it being waterproof and lined, but is
really light and packs down reasonably well (there is also a compression sack available to buy, similar to those used for sleeping bags). However, it's probably worth paying the few extra pounds for the Dryrobe specific one, I'd guess.
I got the adult standard size
which does drown me a little bit (I’m only 167cm / 5’6” tall and 66kg), but
that’s kind of what you want from it anyway- more coverage equals more
protection from the elements! There is also a small, an XL, and junior version
available, as well as long- or short-sleeved options.
With a good selection of liner colours
available and a more limited choice of outer colours, as well as the option to
personalise for individuals, clubs, and events (at extra cost) you do have a pretty good
choice. The outer is available in black, red, navy, or camouflage (!) There are
six liner choices with the black, two for the navy, and a grey liner only for the
red and camo. I chose the black with orange liner, though now wish I’d went for
light blue to match Exeter Tri Club’s colours.
I like it that they give you
instructions on how to get it personalised yourself if you have the skill or somewhere
nearby you can take it as it allows you to spread the extra cost (and probably
do it a bit cheaper), or the option to use heat applied vinyl.
The Feel:
When I first put in on I did feel
very warm, very quickly, though I was fully clothed and indoors at the time-
come on, we’re all the same when we get a new toy or piece of kit! However, it
was pretty apparent it would keep me nice and toasty outdoors too.
Wearing it against my skin I must
say I found the synthetic liner to be a little scratchy, but I do find real
wool a bit of a challenge at times as well. However, I have got used to this
over time and I think after a wash it will make it a bit better (NB Dryrobe recommend minimal washing).
As I have already said it’s light
and, especially with the hood up, also very cosy. It basically feels like a
nice warm protective cocoon.
The Performance:
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| Double Zip |
The full-length zip works from
both inside and out by flipping a single loop over, though I’d probably prefer it
to have a separate one for each. It’s a nice chunky YKK zip though, which is
what you need for these things, especially if your fingers are a bit numb and can also be unzipped from the bottom up.
It has two large outer pockets
which are fleece-lined to keep your hands warm, as well as a large inner storage
pocket for your pants and/or sandwiches, and MP3 storage too.
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| MP3 Pocket |
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| Internal Storage |
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| Outer Pocket |
Whilst its primary function is of
course as a changing robe, it also works as a massive warm jacket for sitting
around in on the beach or at the campsite. It seems well constructed and fairly
robust: my dogs have walked over it a few times,it’s been sat on at pebble
beaches, and slept in too without any ill effects.
Pros:
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| Fleece-lined Hood |
Cons:
The main drawback of the Dryrobe
is the cost: the small adult short sleeve is £74.99, the standard adult short
sleeve is £94.99, and the XL £110. The long sleeve starts at £119.99, and the
juniors’ at £64.99. I’d personally like to see a small change in the zip design
and I also found the liner to be a little itchy until I got used to it.
Buy it if:
- You do a lot of outdoor watersports
- You like to get out there even in colder weather
- You want to be able to enjoy what you’ve just done when you get out the water rather than stand there shivering
- You’re fed up of showing the public your more intimate body parts!
Don’t buy it if:
- Cost is a factor
Verdict:
9/10
A great idea that has been very well
executed, this piece of kit is a great investment for the outdoor watersports
enthusiast. However, it does come at a fairly hefty price tag which loses it a
mark.
