Wild swimming kit list | essential items

Embarking on a wild swimming adventure requires the right gear, especially when diving into icy cold water. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned open water enthusiast, having a well-prepared wild swimming kit list is crucial. This article outlines the essentials you need for cold water swimming, ensuring you’re ready for any aquatic adventure by helping you maintain body heat. From practical gear to enhance your experience to must-have items for a refreshing cold water plunge, we’ve got you covered. It's important to be aware of cold water shock and the need to acclimatise gradually to prevent it. Dive in to this article and discover essential items to create the perfect kit bag that will make your wild swimming experience safer, comfortable, and more enjoyable! Remember to focus on post swim care to stay warm and comfortable after your swim.

​What is Wild Swimming?

​Wild swimming, also known as open water swimming or outdoor swimming, is the exhilarating practice of diving into natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and seas. This activity not only fosters a deep connection with nature but also offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. No matter if you’re gliding through serene lakes, navigating the currents of rivers, or embracing the vastness of the sea, wild swimming in cold water is a refreshing way to experience the great outdoors. From the thrill of swimming in whirlpools to the inspiration found in cold waters and the challenge of racing through mountain streams, wild swimming offers endless adventures for water enthusiasts. Find out what you really need to eat after wild swimming for optimal recovery.

​Essentials for outdoor swimming

What kit items do we cover in this article:

• Wetsuit
• Wetsuit gloves/ swim socks
• Swimming cap
• Tow float
• Dry bag
• Hot water bottle
• Changing robe
• Changing mat
• Micro-fiber towel
• Warm clothes

​Quick tips on Getting Started with Wild Swimming

Embarking on your wild swimming journey is simpler than you might think. Start by choosing a safe and accessible location, such as a calm lake or a gentle river. Begin with short swims to acclimate yourself to the new environment. Always check the water temperature, quality, and conditions before diving in. It’s also wise to explore with a buddy and inform someone about your plans to ensure safety, especially for ice swimming. With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the invigorating world of wild swimming, now lets get into some cold water kit essentials to keep in your kit bag.

​Cold Water Swimming Essentials

​Cold water swimming can be a thrilling and invigorating experience, but it requires the right gear to stay safe and comfortable. A high-quality wetsuit is indispensable for cold water swimming, providing both warmth and a little buoyancy. For those braving particularly chilly waters that go hand in hand with outdoor swimming in the UK, thermal wetsuits are highly recommended. A brightly coloured silicone swimming cap is another must-have, it will keep your head warm whilst enhancing visibility and safety in open water. These essentials will help you enjoy the refreshing embrace of cold water while staying protected and comfortable.

​Open water swimming Safety and Accessories

Safety is the cornerstone of any wild adventure. Always check the water conditions and temperature before taking the plunge, and consider swimming with a buddy for added security. A tow float or safety buoy is a valuable accessory, enhancing your visibility in open water and doubling as a dry bag for your valuables. To prevent chafing, blisters, and burns, an anti-chafing balm can be a lifesaver. After a winter swim, a hot water bottle can help you combat the after-chill, get changed into warm layers quickly to ensure you warm up and stay comfortable. With these safety measures and accessories, you can enjoy your open water swimming adventures with peace of mind.

​Staying Warm and Dry with items like changing robes

After a refreshing wild swim, keeping warm and dry is crucial. A warm changing robe is a fantastic investment, providing both warmth and privacy as you change out of your wet gear. A changing mat and a micro-fiber towel are also handy for drying off quickly after outdoor swimming. To keep your extremities warm, thermal gloves, wetsuit socks, and a cap are a game changer. A waterproof bag is indispensable for keeping your valuables and swim kit dry. Layering up with warm clothes like a fleece jacket or hoody can help maintain your body temperature as you travel between dips. These items will ensure you stay cozy and comfortable after every wild swim.

Winter Swimming

Winter swimming takes wild swimming to a whole new level of cold and comes with much greater risks than swimming in the summer months. Ice water, a mixture of ice and water—remains at the temperature where both can coexist, which is 0°C (32°F), taking a dip in waters with this low temperature can offer incredible health benefits, but also requiring extra preparation and care. As water temperatures drop, it's even more important to understand the shock of cold water and the risks of hypothermia. Shorter dips, often just a few minutes are recommended, especially if you’re new to swimming in cold conditions. Always monitor how your body feels and listen to the signs to know when it’s time to get out.
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Choosing sheltered spots out of the bitter wind, having your exit point planned, and focusing on a quick change into warm, dry clothes afterward can make all the difference. Many year round winter swimmers skip the wetsuit in favour of a quick plunge in just a swimsuit, but this should only be done with experience and caution. Remember, the after-drop (when your body cools down further after longer swims) is real—prepare for it with layers, a wooly hat to keep your head warm, warm drinks, and a dry robe.

Icy Cold Swimming Essentials

Swimming outdoors in near-freezing water demands a few extra kit essentials to help you manage the extreme conditions safely:

• Neoprene gloves and swim socks: Keep extremities warm and reduce the bite of icy water.
• Thermal swim cap or double hats: Prevent heat loss from your head.
• Woolly hat for after swimming: Pop it on immediately after exiting the water to start warming up.
• Thermal flask with a hot drink: A warm tea or coffee helps raise your core temperature post-swim. (what a great idea!)
• Hot water bottle: Perfect for hugging as you change or warming frozen hands and feet.
• Extra dry layers: Think base layers, thick socks, a fleece, and an insulated jacket for extra warmth.
• Waterproof changing robe: Keeps the wind chill off and lets you change quickly.
• Emergency blanket: Useful to have just in case you or someone else gets too cold.

These items help support your body through the shock of icy temperatures, making winter and icy dips safer, more enjoyable, and something to look forward to.

Conclusion

With the right kit packed, wild swimming adventures become not only a refreshing adventure but a safe and enjoyable one too. Whether you're dipping into a hidden lake, exploring a quiet river bend, or embracing the waves of the open sea, having these essentials on hand will help you keep warm, comfortable, and ready for anything. Remember, the best swims often come from being prepared — so pack well, respect the water, and enjoy every wild moment out there. Ready to get started? Read our beginner guide to wild swimming.