Lomo Zipped Full Sleeve Changing Robe

First impressions after worshipping changing robes from afar were that this is essentially an oversized, oddly dimensioned coat with features which make it ideal for wearing after emerging from water on a cold day. It is so much more.

The waterproof outer fabric so far seems tough wearing and means that you can leave the robe on a nearby bank and still have a cosy dry towel to wrap around yourself on emerging from the water, unlike with a standard towel or single layer changing robe which seem to absorb any moisture in the air or on the ground which you place them on. The towelling fabric is quick drying, perfect for consecutive days of watersports especially if you use a towel underneath the changing robe to dry yourself off. Using the towelling itself does work but I found that a small hand towel helped with getting everywhere properly dry before adding clothes.

The sizing worked well for me, I had ample room to change by drawing my arms inside like a turtle, and then just getting on with it. However I imagine that it may be a bit more difficult for somebody bigger than me. As a piece of clothing to sit around in and not get cold either pre- or post-event, it does a good job of covering the body and storing any snacks/drinks required in it’s large pockets. The pockets also offer a place to store items such as keys and phones without them getting wet.

This product doesn’t just have to be about watersports either, it is ideal for use when camping if you need an extra layer of an evening, or for use before or after other sports events, particularly endurance when muscles need to cool down slowly. That towelling inner layer acts a little bit like fur does on animals, it captures pockets of air which are heated by your body and stay that way, providing an insulating layer between your body and the outside world. The hood is spacious without being a hindrance, perfect for snuggling into, the drawcords mean that it can be cinched down for smaller heads or on windy days.

When wearing, the changing robe doesn’t seem particularly bulky- it isn’t a down jacket after all- once off the wearer it does become a slightly bulky item if piled in a corner purely because of it’s size. However, I have found that it is very forgiving and actually compresses down to a much smaller size and I managed to get it into a 10L dry bag for transportation, more rucksack friendly when walking into a swim destination or carrying other kit required for your chosen sport. There is always the option of wearing it for the walk in too and it will keep you sheltered from any precipitation which may be occurring.