DRYROBE LITE

£280 Innovative, travel-friendly new swim robe

Yes, £280 sounds like a huge amount of money for a changing robe, particularly when a lot of others (including some from this very brand) cost half that. So why the huge outlay? Well, one of the biggest reasons is because of the interior lining. The Lite uses a fabric called Alpha, which is produced by a brand called Polartec. Alpha was initially developed for the armed forces but has since become a regular in outdoor clothing. This tester has been using it for several years in the mountains and has come to love its warmth-to-weight, breathability, moisture wicking and packability.

That last point is key here. Dryrobe wanted to create something lightweight and packable and, by using Polartec Alpha, they’ve managed to do that without sacrificing too much warmth. In fact, when packed away into its storage bag it takes up the same amount of space as a travel pillow (which it can also be used as). It takes up less than half the space of many other robes, making its much easier to travel with. In testing, it dried us pretty well, but dried off itself just as quick. The lining proves warm, though doesn’t feel quite as cosy as thicker linings. But then, it offers much better breathability and moisture wicking than we’ve seen elsewhere. Changing underneath is easy, with plenty of room and the short arms allowing you to pull your limbs inside without fuss.

Meanwhile, an adjustable hood fits nice and closely, while multiple zip pockets offer plenty of storage options, but bear in mind that they’re not waterproofed from the inside. A durable water repellent coating and taped seams keep the worst of the weather at bay, while the garment is also predominantly made from recycled materials. dryrobe.com