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I remember when dry gowns became a thing, and now dry gowns is basically a verb to describe a changing gown. I bought my dry robe for 25 hours of racing at Red Bull Timelaps in 2019. The weather was biblical, I was cold and wet and losing ~£150 seemed doable in exchange for comfort, warmth and happiness.
And that was.
But these days, there are plenty of alternatives to the dry gown, at various price points to suit every budget. I get a lot of use from cyclocross racing, hiking, and generally running during the colder months. If you’re an open water swimmer, or planning to try your hand at surfing…those are even more great uses for your drysuit or drysuit alternative.
They are perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities.
Along with my dry gown, I also tried a dry gown alternative: the Bluefin Heatwave Changing Robe, so I rounded up a few other options if you’re looking for a waterproof gown.
Bluefin Heatwave Changing Robe – £££
Bluefin is a well established SUP (stand up paddle board) brand and their multifunctional SUP Heatwave Changer is pretty epic. The quality is excellent with a 100% recycled nylon outer shell and a 60% recycled high-density sherpa fleece lining.
I carry a LITTLE which works perfectly as a coat, but I think it could also be sized larger so I have a little extra room as a robe to change into. Although the hood looks small, it actually fits over my hair, so that’s a win!
Characteristics:
- ✅ sherpa fleece lining
- ✅ hood
- ✅ waterproof and windproof
- ✅ inner pocket and outer pockets
- ✅ 2-way zipper
- ✅ long sleeves
DryRobe Advanced Long Sleeve Shirt – ££££
I have had my dry dressing gown for almost 3 years now and although it seemed expensive at the time I bought it, it has brought my warmth and comfort back. I even had a woman stop me when I was out for a walk to ask what she was.
The images above are 1) from Red Bull Timelaps and 2) a cold and windy day training cyclocross.
Characteristics:
- ✅ sherpa fleece lining
- ✅ hood
- ✅ waterproof and windproof
- ✅ inner pocket and outer pockets
- ✅ 2-way zipper
- ✅ several options for the length of the sleeve
FatWrap Waterproof Changing Gown – ££
Decathlon is a very popular store for sports clothing and kits, so it’s no surprise that a Decathlon changing pad is available.
This is actually from a brand called FatStick which is available from decathlon. Please note that if you order this changing mat, it is not a Decathlon product, you cannot return it to the store.
Characteristics:
- ✅ sherpa fleece lining
- ✅ hood
- ✅ waterproof
- ✅ inner pocket and outer pockets
- ✅ 2-way zipper
- ✅ long sleeves
Available in Ocean Blue, Storm Gray and Hot Pink.
Northcore Beach Basha Pro Changing Robe – ££
Also available on Amazon in black, red and blue.
Characteristics:
- ✅ inner terry robe
- ✅ hood
- ✅ weather resistant
- ✅ outer pockets with fleece lining
- ✅ long and wide sleeves
Charlie McLeod Eco Sports Layer – £££
Characteristics:
- ✅ sherpa fleece lining
- ✅ hood
- ✅ waterproof
- ✅ inner pocket and outer pockets
- ✅ long sleeves
Zone3 Heat-Tech Fleece Changing Parka – £££
Did you know that ‘nude’ is prohibited in Triathlon? So a wetsuit changing gown like this one from Zone 3 could be a great option for covering up and warming up after riding in cold open water.
Characteristics:
- ✅ Heat-Tech and Polar Fleece lining
- ✅ greater length
- ✅ hood
- ✅ water and wind resistant exterior
- ✅ inner pocket and outer pockets
- ✅ 2-way zipper
- ✅ long sleeves
Osprey Tunic of Change – ££
- ✅ Sherpa fleece lining
- ✅ greater length
- ✅ hood
- ✅ waterproof exterior
- ✅ inner pocket and outer pockets
- ✅ long sleeves
EVO Long Sleeve Original Red Professional Shift Smock – £££
- ✅ soft, moisture-wicking lining
- ✅ greater length
- ✅ hood
- ✅ waterproof
- ✅ inner pocket and outer pockets
- ✅ 2-way zipper
- ✅ long sleeves
dhb Hydron Coverall – ££
This Wiggle dry gown alternative is marketed on their site for open water swimming, however there’s no reason it couldn’t be used for other outdoor activities.
Characteristics:
- ✅ sherpa fleece lining
- ✅ hood
- ✅ windproof and waterproof
- ✅ inner pocket and outer pockets
- ✅ 2-way zipper
- ✅ 3/4 long sleeves
Also available in junior size.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and don’t already have a waterproof smock to change into, I hope you found this post helpful in choosing which one to buy.
If you have a changing pad that you recommend, please leave a comment below and let us know which one you have.
elle
