Best Material For a Warm Changing Robe
When you need to change after a wild swim, shower, rainy walk or camping adventure, there’s nothing better than pulling on a warm changing robe. These robes are like waterproof versions of beach poncho towels, designed to make changing quick and easy while protecting your modesty and keeping you warm. They have waterproof and windproof outer layers with linings made from microfibre towel fabric, polar fleece or fur that absorbs water to get you dry faster. They come with long or short sleeves, pockets and hoods and many can be stored in compression bags when not in use to save space.
There are a wide range of designs available with patterned and plain colours. The more expensive ones tend to be made from premium materials and may have features such as a large zipped pocket, hood or toggle draw cords. Some are also padded for extra warmth, or have additional features such as a hooded inner liner for added privacy and insulation. Some are also breathable, meaning you can keep them on for a walk back to the car or campsite while still staying nice and warm.
We’ve tested a few different options from various brands and found the Sherpa Fleece from Voited to be one of the best, not only in terms of design (it comes in leopard print!), but in its performance and usability. It has the requisite zip pockets and hood for changing, as well as being insulated with a honeycomb fleece lining to trap in your body heat. The robe feels premium and soft to the touch, with velcro cuffs, a large zipped front pocket for valuables and two fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets. The high zipped collar and toggle draw cords on the hood offer good protection from the elements, too.
What’s the Best Material For a Warm Changing Robe?
We loved that this robe is lightweight and packs down much smaller than some of the others we tested. At under 2lb, it’s even possible to carry it in a backpack if you are swimming on a hike or camping. It’s not fully waterproof, however, so it might not be the best choice for longer walks or wild swims where you’ll be out in the rain and need to continue to cover yourself with your hiking jacket.
It’s also a bit stiffer than some of the other robes on test, but this makes it feel more durable and robust and the SoftFibre material is really comfortable against your skin. The only downside is that this robe doesn’t come with a compression bag, but you can buy one separately. Nevertheless, we think it’s a great option for the money!
Many Changing robe are made from towel-like fabric or materials with similar absorbent qualities, such as terry cloth or microfiber. This feature makes them ideal for use at the beach or pool, where users may need to dry off quickly before changing into fresh clothes. Hood: A hood is a common design feature of changing robes, offering additional privacy and warmth, especially when changing outdoors. The hood also provides protection from the sun, wind, or cold weather, depending on the setting in which the robe is being used.