White Water Adults Hard Shell Robe review: warm and protective for bracing dips in the wild

White Water Adults Hard Shell Robe: first impressions 

Not all changing robes are created equal, and the Adults Hard Shell Robe from British brand White Water is clearly intended for those who want to swim wild all year, and are seeking unbeatable warmth.

This technical robe has a soft, moisture-wicking fleece lining that will have you dry in no time after an icy dip, so no more standing at the water's edge shivering. The shell material is both windproof and waterproof, with fully taped seams, which means you don't have to wait for sunny days to get in the water.

If you're hanging out for a while with wet hair, there's also a cozy, adjustable hood and deep-zipped hand pockets for added protection. Speaking of pockets, a zipped chest pocket has ample room for your phone and any other gear you want to keep protected from the waves.

This robe comes in three different sizes and as long as you pick the right one, there's plenty of room to change underneath without too much contortionism, and a two-way zipper to help cut down on the wrestling. Also making life easier, when it's time for a wash, this robe can be chucked in the machine.

Like any more technical hardshell robe, it's a little heavy and bulky but not relative to similar designs. We do, however, think it would benefit from a stuff sack for better portability.

Made with 100% recycled materials and an ecological fluorine-free DWR, this robe walks the walk when it comes to sustainability. It's priced like the premium build piece of kit that it is, but should hold up to years' worth of adventures.

White Water Adults Hard Shell Robe: in the field 

I've been sitting on this changing robe for quite a while. I dip in the wild a lot, but outside of summer it's nearly always on a hike or trail run, so I'm usually air drying or using a small micro towel or lightweight robe to dry off.

When I first got this robe, I didn't have a car and it wasn't really feasible for me to lug it along a hiking trail. Since I've got wheels, I've been able to put it to good use over the Scottish winter at some of my favorite spots: waterfalls, lochs and the Atlantic.

Here’s how it performed:

Sizing and fit

I'm 5'4" and a US size 4 so I asked for the smallest size possible and that was the right choice. This robe comes down to just below my knees, a little longer in the back, and the sleeves come down below my knuckles. The whole thing is rather tent-like in design. I reckon if you're in between sizes, you could quite comfortably size down.

Performance

My first time using this was on a cold but brilliantly sunny day at a waterfall. I'm normally the only person there, but moments after I arrived, another fellow came along with his dog. I wasn't concerned, but it meant I took extra precautions to change without accidentally flashing anyone, whereas if I were alone I'd probably just throw caution to the wind.

Anyway, what I learned was that the big, flappy design of this robe is a good thing, as it was really easy to get out of my hiking pants and T-shirt and into my swimsuit, especially because of the two-way zipper which meant I could focus on my bottom half and then my top half.

After a couple of brazen plunges, I climbed out and got my robe back on. It's quite a sheltered spot, so on that day I didn't have to worry about wind and rain, fortunately, but I was definitely aware of how instantly comfortable, warm and dry it was, wicking the moisture off my skin without growing heavy and soggy.

I had wet hair so I just pulled the hood up, which you can adjust with a hook-and-loop fastening, and chilled out for a while enjoying the falls rather than rushing to get dressed again. I've since worn it at the beach where it was gusty and I think the windproofing works a charm. Water beads on the shell and rolls off, but I'm not the type to wear this outdoors in a rainstorm so I can't say for sure how it handles a downpour.

Another feature I really appreciate is the abundance of pockets. I needed to keep my phone out for photos and wanted my sunglasses nearby and it was great to just slip them in the chest pocket and still be able to use the other two pockets for my hands.

One small complaint is that I find the zipper can be a little sticky if I'm not careful, which is annoying when I'm cold and trying to change quickly. I don't think it's a problem with the quality of the zipper, more the oversized design of the robe.

Weight and packability

Compared to my lightweight Lifeventure robe, this is really heavy and bulky, but compared to other hardshell robes we've tested, it's pretty standard. It's not something I'd want to carry very far, although I was able to pack it into my Fjallraven Kajka 35 backpack along with my other day hiking gear pretty easily. However, it's definitely meant for missions that are more swimming than walking, and for people with cars.

When it's hanging in my closet, or even in a pile of gear, it just takes up a ton of room, so what I think it could actually use is a stuff sack that comes with it. Then I could easily pack it away with my camping gear.

Care and quality

I haven't washed it yet, though I do tend to chuck my robes down on the ground and stand on them to get my socks and shoes on, so one day I might. There was a little mud on it after my last jaunt, but it was easy enough to wipe clean. When the day comes, it is machine washable, though as I've said it's quite large, so if you go for a bigger size make sure your machine can handle it.

This is a robust, premium quality robe with a rugged zipper that's built to last, from the stictching and rugged materials to the YKK zips.

White Water Adults Hard Shell Robe: the bottom line 

It took me a while to get this out in the wild, but once I finally did, I totally changed my mind about hardshell changing robes. Not to the point where I'd wear it around town in place of a coat, you understand, but it's certainly staying in the trunk of my car for any and all wild swimming opportunities as it just means I can hang out comfortably and enjoy the views instead of rushing to get dressed and warm up.

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