In a world increasingly inundated with screens, it's more important than ever to get the little ones out and about. While we certainly neither begrudge nor judge parents who use screen time as a reward or distraction for tantrum-fuelled toddlers and tweens, balancing Netflix and YouTube with Kindles and outdoor play is essential for raising a well-rounded little human.
We’re not necessarily suggesting hiking Snowden unless, of course, that’s your family’s thing – but UK staycations can be filled to the brim with delightful outdoor activities come rain, sun or snow, if you give them a chance. From hiking and paddleboarding in the Lake District to dips in London’s Hampstead Heath Ponds, the choices become endless when you truly consider them.
However, with remarkably unpredictable weather on our humble island, it’s important to pack appropriately no matter what activity you’re doing or where you’re headed. A key piece of kit for all outdoor adventurers – adults and kids both – is an insulating changing robe. It’s essentially an extra-roomy, insulating, quick-drying, waterproof and windproof poncho that makes changing in and out of swimming costumes, and warming up after cold water plunges, an absolute breeze.
If your little one is already a veritable sports star in outdoor sports or indoor swimming, they’ll most definitely benefit from a brand new dry robe in the new academic year. It’ll make them feel just like their Netball and Hockey coaches, who are always conveniently bundled up on the sidelines. Plus, high-quality dry robes can double up as extra warm winter coats.
We’ve curated a selection of the most versatile and uber-insulating changing robes for wet-weather adventures and winter mornings. And get yourself a matching one while you’re at it.
Shop now
Dryrobe Advance Kids Short Sleeve
- Material: Waterproof and windproof outer shell fabric
- Lining: synthetic lambswool lining (51 per cent acrylic, 49 per cent recycled polyester)
- Sleeve Length: Short-sleeve
- Colour: Black and pink, black and blue, blue and grey, black and grey, khaki and black
- Sizes: Sizes 5-9 years, 10-13 years
- Storage/Carry Bag? No
Designed to encompass a relaxed, roomy fit that not only makes changing on the go a breeze but offers unparalleled warming comfort, the Dryrobe Advance Kids Short Sleeve is a versatile piece of kit for all adventures. It’s equipped with a two-way reversible zip which can be used internally or externally, as well as two inside pockets, two outside pockets and an extra-cosy lined hood.
The windproof and waterproof outer shell will keep little ones from catching a chill, while the synthetic lambswool lining helps wearers to get warm without holding onto water – making it suitable for use multiple times throughout the day.
Buy now £90.00, Dryrobe
Cub the Lion – Outdoor Changing Robe
- Material: Waterproof and windproof outer layer
- Lining: Luxury fleece lining throughout
- Sleeve Length: Full-length
- Colour: Yellow, green, purple, blue
- Sizes: 1-2. 2-3, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10
- Storage/Carry Bag? No
Suitable for the littlest of adventurers, this bright yellow dry robe makes spotting bounding toddlers and tweens sprinting across the beach easier than ever. It’s a marvellously eco-friendly option which is made with the help of recycled plastic bottles and is OEKO-TEX-approved.
It’s also equipped with a two-way reversible zip, easy popper pockets, adjustable zips and is machine-washable at 30 degrees. Lions not your little one’s thing? Fear not, it’s also available in dinosaur, unicorn and dragon-themed colourways.
Buy now £95.00, Roarsome
Regatta Great Outdoors Junior Changing Robe
- Material: Waterproof Hydrafort 100 per cent polyester fabric
- Lining: Borg fleece
- Sleeve Length: Full-length
- Colour: Black and blue, blue and black, pink, camo
- Sizes: 5-9, 9-13
- Storage/Carry Bag? No
A sleek and stylish option which can certainly double up as an extra warm winter coat, this borg-lined dry robe from Regatta Great Outdoors is complete with all the necessary bells and whistles. Offering airy, freedom of movement as well as insulating warmth, it features Regatta’s durable waterproof and windproof Hydrafort 5000 fabric, an inner security pocket and two lower pockets.
Buy now £41.95, Regatta Great Outdoors
FrostFire Moonwrap Robe
- Material: 100 per cent waterproof outer shell
- Lining: Fleece
- Sleeve Length: Long & short
- Colours: Black, Red, Light Blue, Dark Blue, and Camo
- Sizes: Adult - S, M, L and Kids - 5-9 and 9-15
- Carry/Storage Bag? Good storage but less good for carrying
We tried the short-sleeved version of this changing robe and it had all the qualities you’d hope for; a waterproof outer shell, warm fleecy lining, reversible zips, not one but two fleece-lined outside pockets and an inside breast pocket for your valuables.
While this robe kept us warm when we came out of very cold water on a cold day, the short sleeves did leave our lower arms a little exposed. Still, you could stand around comfortably. We went in and out of water and back to the robe and it still felt dry and welcoming. It has good sustainability points too - there’s the ethical sourcing through the Better Cotton Initiative and Community Support Schemes.
Our only gripe? There was no big pocket or “poacher pocket” for valuables on the inside of the robe.
The Frostfire Moonwrap changing robe comes with a one-year guarantee.
Buy now £69.99, Amazon
Palm Poncho Grande
- Material: Polyester and micro towel lining
- Sleeve Length: Sleeveless
- Colour: Jet grey with Blue lining
- Size: One Size
- Storage/Carry Bag? No
The Palm Poncho Grande was the only poncho-style changing robe we tried and the most purse-friendly. It has a waterproof outer shell with a towelling inner lining and just one big kangaroo pocket on the outside with the same soft lining to keep your hands toasty.
No zips to fuss with, the on/off process here just consists of a simple over-the-head. We thought this poncho would be the quickest changing robe to get in and out of, however, when you are wet, it was actually a bit more of a faff than the changing robes with zips.
The design only comes in short sleeves and is much lighter than the coat-style robes. This does mean it is not as warm, so we would recommend it for use in milder weather. It does fold up to a handy size if you want to put it in a tow bag or take it on the go.
Buy now £73.95, Wetsuit Outlet
Robie Dry Series Recycled Long Sleeved Changing Robe
- Material: Waterproof and windproof recycled nylon
- Lining: Recycled heavyweight shearling fleece
- Sleeve Length: Long and short
- Colour: Black and grey and two-tone blue
- Size: Adult S, M, L, XL and Junior Kids
- Carry/Storage Bag? Yes
Our tester headed to their local outdoor pool on a frosty day to try this changing robe out and was very pleasantly warm post-swim. Feeling warm and dry, we were happy to stand around and chat without the cold setting in. The changing robe is still cosy even after multiple trips in and out of the water.
There are plenty of pockets for your shore essentials including a headphone port on the inside zipped pocket and that very useful “poacher’s” pocket for your valuables on the inside. The changing robe comes in its own drawstring storage/carrying bag which was a great backpack that could also house plenty of other bits too.
Can’t decide? Maybe this will sway you. Robie Robes are guaranteed or your money back. The brand also uses recycled and responsibly sourced PFC-free materials that have been certified by the Global Recycled Standard and entirely recyclable FSC-certified packaging.
Buy now £119.95, Amazon
Northcore Beach Basha PRO – 4 Season Changing Robe
- Material: Water-resistant and breathable polyester
- Lining: 100 per cent cotton
- Sleeve Length: Long only
- Colour: Red, Black and Blue
- Sizes: Adults - one Size fits all and Kids - 6-12
- Carry/Storage Bag? Yes
We tested the Northcore Beach Basha 4 season-changing robe. For this robe, Northcore quotes water-resistance rates of 5000mm and breathability or Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate of 5000g. Sounds very technical, but does it work?
Well, the outer shell is definitely wind and water-resistant. However, despite the thickness of the inner lining, we found this 100 per cent cotton lining not as warm as some of the other robes we tried during one classically English winter’s day. It also felt wetter when going in and out of the water and back to the robe.
On a plus note, the inner lining zips out of the robe completely so you can use just the lining in summer without the outer shell or simply as a beach towel. We tried the inner towelling robe on its own and it did a great job as the latter.
The Beach Basha does have a very bulky, block appearance and there are only two outside pockets on the outer shell and none on the inner lining. It comes in plastic-free packaging and the brand practices both recycling and carbon offsetting.
Buy now £99.95, Wetsuit Outlet
Charlie McLeod Eco Sports Cloak
- Material: Waterproof outer fabric
- Lining: Thick Sherpa fleece made from recycled plastic bottles
- Sleeve Length: Long and short available
- Colour: Four Camo shades as well as Red, Black, Blue, and Purple.
- Sizes: Unisex, XS, S/M, L/XL & Kids 10-13
- Storage/Carry Bag? Yes with a free DryBag
Charlie McLeod's changing robe was one of the warmest robes we tried when getting out of the water on a single-digit-degree day with impressive gusts.
While a bit boxy looking, there is a drawstring on the inside which you can tighten to give the coat a waist. It is also packed with much-welcomed extra features like a hook on both the outside and the inside to hang it up, fitted, elasticated cuffs with thumb holes and for just £5 extra, you can give it the personal touch with your name embroidered on the front or back.
There are big tabs on the reversible zip that make it a breeze to get on and off and the lovely fleece lining helps to keep you dry no matter what the British weather throws at you. It also has pockets galore including a poacher’s pocket on the inside that has an additional metal ring inside (for keys perhaps?).
With each changing robe, you will get a free 40L Dry Bag which is entirely waterproof. The changing robe and your valuables will fit inside the bag which comes with shoulder straps and an air-release valve to make everything as small as possible. This is great for towing behind swimmers, taking on your board or just packing everything away.
Each coat is made from approximately 110 recycled plastic bottles. The brand is an advocate of social responsibility and spot-checks suppliers to ensure all are adhering to ethical standards.
Buy now £30.00, Charlie McLeod
