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Telegraph
07-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Telegraph
Passenger Escapism Changing Robe Review: I tried the unisex changing robe to go outdoor swimming
What is the Passenger Escapism Changing Robe? Changing robes are cosy, oversized coats designed to help you get dry and stay warm while changing out of wet kit in the great outdoors. They can be used as a portable, weatherproof changing room for wild swimmers and surfers, or simply as a warm cover up while heading out into the elements. There is a wide range of changing robes available on the marketfrom £40 to £250. Fully waterproof options sit at the higher end of the price bracket, such as the the popular Dryrobe Advance (£165) or Speedo's Change Robe (£250), while less hardy but more eco-friendly options that use recycled materials are more affordable, such as Voited and Regatta. The unisex Passenger Escapism Recycled Sherpa Lined Changing Robe sits at the more affordable end of the market and comes in six colourways. It's water-resistant and the soft lining makes it a cosy option for spring and autumn outings without it appearing overly bulky. How we test changing robes A good changing robe should protect you against the elements and offer instant warmth and comfort when you step out of cold water. I tried out a range of robes after swimming in lakes and the sea in February, and looked for instant heat-trapping warmth, a quick-drying lining and ease of getting changed while wearing the Passenger Escapism robe. I also tested how waterproof it is and how well the hood fits for further weather protection. Finally, I squished it into a backpack to see how portable and lightweight it is to bring along to swim sessions. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From tents to walking boots, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. Comfort Score: 8/10 The soft, fleece sherpa lining is designed to mimic the comfort and warmth of natural sheep's wool, and it felt lovely against my skin. It wicks away water to help you get warm and dry quickly, but it will start to hold water and become heavy if you're taking multiple dips in a day. It didn't dry me as quickly as more premium robes I have tried, such as the Dryrobe, but the hood had a snug enough fit that it helped dry my wet hair. It also only weighs 800g, much lighter than the Dryrobe which weighs 1.3kg, so it won't weigh you down on a trek to the beach or a secret swim spot. Changing robes are designed to be roomier than a coat so that you can get out of your swimsuit or wiggle into a wetsuit without taking them off. Passenger offers a good range of sizes from XXS to XXL, plus a guide that will help you get the right fit for your height. I'm a UK size 12 and tried out a size M, which gave me room to remove layers while trapping in enough heat to keep me warm. Temperature regulation Score: 6/10 Popping on the Escapism after a chilly swim in the sea instantly made me feel warm, and the wind-resistant design gives a fair amount of protection against the wind. The adjustable velcro straps on the sleeves meant I could trap in more heat and the snug hood stopped the wind and rain from hitting me square in the face. The robe is water-resistant, so rain beaded off the surface without it becoming drenched, but as the design is not fully waterproof it won't withstand heavier downpours and could leave you cold in stormy conditions. It did not keep me as warm and snug as the thicker, heavier robes on the market, so I'd pick the Dryrobe or Frostfire for cold winter adventures, but the two-way zips have easy-to-grab pullers even for freezing cold hands, and the tricot-lined pockets helped warm mine up. The lighter design means it is more breathable than other robes, making it a good choice for warmer months. Weatherproofing Score: 5/10 Passenger treats their changing robe design with a Durable Water-Resistant (or DWR) coating. When I wore it in the rain the water and any splashes beaded right off the surface effectively, but this could wear off over time and may need renewing with a treatment such as Nikwax. If you want a fully waterproof changing robe, look for information that states it is waterproofed to 10,000mm, which tests a fabric's ability to withstand water pressure before it is fully penetrated and means it should keep you dry in heavy rain. I'd reach for the Escapism robe on dry, chilly days. It is wind-resistant, which Passenger says gives protection on breezy ridgelines or coastal hikes, though it won't act as a windbreaker. Portability Score: 8/10 Changing robes tend to be on the bulky side owing to the fleece linings designed to keep you warm, but the Escapism is more portable than most. At 800g, it's one of the lighter robes on the market, folding up well to stash in its own storage bag or in a rucksack, making it a good pick for longer journeys or camping. It also means it doesn't take up huge amounts of room when you hang it up, which is handy for for smaller living spaces or trips along the coast in trusty van. Sustainability Score: 8/10 Passenger has good eco credentials here. The company uses 100 per cent recycled polyester made from single-use plastic bottles to make both the outer shell and the sherpa fleece lining of the Escapism robe, using a total of 85 recycled bottles for each item. All materials are vegan friendly and the water-resistant coating is made with PFC-free chemicals. Passenger also plants a tree every time it gets an order. Technical specifications Here's how the Passenger Escapism Robe stacks up against lead competitor, Dryrobe. Should you buy the Passenger Escapism Changing Robe? There's lots to like about Passenger's Escapism robe. The bold colours are fun on a grey day and the cosy robe made me feel warm instantly after I'd climbed out of cold water. It is roomy enough to let you change comfortably and doubles up nicely as a coat to wear on any walk or hike. While it is not fully waterproof, it is a smart choice for an outdoor swim on dry and chilly days, has the added bonus of being made from recycled materials, and is a sturdy option while remaining cheaper than most changing robes on the market. Yes, if: You want a changing robe that will double up as a decent coat You care about using recycled materials You want a more affordable option No, if: You need a fully waterproof robe You want a robe for cold and wet winter days Passenger Robe FAQs What size Passenger Escapism Changing Robe should I get? The unisex Passenger Escapism changing robe comes in sizes XXS to XL. I'd recommend using the brand's sizing guide to find the right fit and picking one size down if you're planning to use it as a coat more than a changing robe. How warm is the Passenger Escapism Changing Robe in winter? The Passenger Escapism robe has a fleecy lining and water-resistant outer shell that traps in body heat and adds warmth – it's not as warm for winter as some bulkier changing robes, but it is more breathable. I'd recommend this coat for use in spring, summer and autumn and would swap to a thicker, fully waterproofed robe in bitter winter weather. What do you use a Passenger Escapism Changing Robe for? Pop this changing robe over your swimsuit or wetsuit after you exit cold water to get warm and dry. You can leave the Escapism on for the walk or drive home. Changing robes are having a bit of a style moment, so you'll see them worn casually as coats for shopping, dog walking and the school run. If you fancy a robe that doubles up as a coat, I think the Escapism is one of the smartest options out there.
Daily Mirror
28-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Waterproof beach parka to rival Dryrobe hits sale with major £65 off
Shoppers are going wild for affordable alternatives to the iconic Dryrobe as the spring heat sets in, and this pick is currently on sale for a whopping £65 less The Dryrobe Advance Long Sleeve Changing Robe is a standout product, with numerous brands attempting to replicate the cosy, waterproof robe for beach enthusiasts and swimmers. Outdoor brand Regatta has launched its own Waterproof Changing Robe, with a smaller price tag of £120 compared to Dryrobe's £165 Changing Robe (though it's currently nearly half off in Regatta's spring sale). Bargain hunters seeking a weatherproof changing robe set to become a must-have for cold-water swimmers, athletes, and outdoor adventurers should consider this alternative from Mountain Warehouse, especially as we move into spring. Thanks to this sale, it's currently available for £65 less. The Hazey Women's Waterproof Beach Parka boasts a cosy borg lining and a practical hood to keep you warm and dry no matter the conditions. For those enjoying a morning dip in the sea or a day out on the beach, this coat offers protection against the elements and temperatures, making it ideal for all coastal adventures. Armed with pockets for convenient storage, this parka promises to elevate your beachwear game and provide privacy when you need to change out of your damp swimming costume. Made from recycled materials, it is also waterproof, ensuring it stays dry even if the weather takes a turn for the worse. Thanks to this limited-time deal, this coat, normally retailing for £200, is now available for £134.99. The waterproof parka also comes in three colourways. It is worth noting that this item is popular with Mountain Warehouse shoppers, and stock is dwindling fast, so you'll need to act fast to secure your size before it's gone. Customers who have picked up this gem have bestowed glowing 5-star reviews. One commenter beams: "All I can say, is I gave it to my wife as one of her Christmas presents and she absolutely loved it. She can't wait to get back down the beach after today!" Another shopper shares: "What can I say, its Animal, been wearing this brand since it first came out . This parka is warm and dry, useful on any occasion." For those looking for further bargains, head over to Amazon, where you can nab this dreamy robe at an incredible £50 discount during the sale. If your purse strings are a bit tight, no worries —Regatta's got you covered with its Changing Robe for £60 in its spring sale. Or, if you're keen on snagging the genuine article, visit Dryrobe where the original is retailing for the full £165 price.
Wales Online
27-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Wales Online
Weatherproof changing robe that's 'like being wrapped in a duvet' has 50% off
Weatherproof changing robe that's 'like being wrapped in a duvet' has 50% off It's provides a warm layer to instantly wrap up in whether you're cold water swimming or playing outdoor sports This Dryrobe alternative has snug fleece lining (Image: Amazon ) The Dryrobe Advance Long Sleeve Changing Robe is a standout product, with many brands trying to mimic the cosy, waterproof robe. While outdoor brand Regatta launched their own Waterproof Changing Robe, which prices at £120 compared to Dryrobe's £165 Changing Robe (though you'll find it's currently reduced by 50% in Regatta's spring sale). However, those looking for a bargain weatherproof changing robe for cold-water swimmers, athletes, and outdoor adventurers, should check out this alternative on Amazon, which is currently half its usual price. Usually priced at £100, the Freespirit Aquarobe Pro Jacket is a budget-friendly alternative to Dryrobe's Changing Robe. But now, it's even more affordable, as it's been reduced to £49.99 in Amazon's flash sale. This waterproof coat is a favourite among hundreds of Amazon customers, earning five-star reviews. The unisex dry robe is perfect for all conditions, boasting a two-layer waterproof fabric and a PFC-free, durable water-repellent finish that ensures you stay dry no matter the weather or surroundings. Whether you're making a splash at the beach or prepping for a sporting event, this changing robe is an ideal accessory for water-based activities. The robe is waterproof and comes with a snug deep-pile fleece lining and a similarly lined hood which are perfect for warming up straight after getting out of the water, reports OK! Offering both length and a wide fit, it allows for an easy and discreet outfit change. Once draped over the body, it immediately cocoons you in warmth, positioning itself as a springtime essential for sea swimmers. This Freespirit Aquarobe Pro Jacket is £115 cheaper than Dryrobe (Image: Amazon ) Happy customers are lauding this alternative to the well-known Dryrobe Changing Robe, with positive five-star reviews aplenty. A particularly pleased buyer noted: "Great length, warmth nice and snug and waterproof. Great pocket sizes, nice and deep. Hope the zips dont stop working like my last one I was given. It has a hood too and great value for money!" One satisfied customer exclaimed: "I love this! It's like being wrapped in a duvet, it keeps me warm. I've not tried it in heavy rain yet but from the materials, I can tell it's waterproof. I'm a size 16, 5ft4 and I chose the s/m size. I'm glad I did because it's very large for it's size. I would even go as far as saying that size 18-20 could easily fit into the s/m." Customers are raving about this find, with another enthusing: "For me, the size and length are perfect. The quality as stated by reviewers is excellent. Love the colour, and the logo. The weight is like a feather, making it a true unisex dry robe - unlike a top brand which is heavy, bulky, and talk about overpriced. At £41.99, I can buy 4 of these, with hardly any difference in standards to one top brand. Oh, I nearly forgot to say how stylish it is." Article continues below Head over to Amazon to buy the robe with a £50 discount while the sale lasts. Alternatively, if you're keen on getting the real deal, you can visit Dryrobe where the original is selling for the full £165 price.
Daily Mirror
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Real Housewives' Tanya Bardsley lays bare struggles and says 'not for fainthearted'
Real Housewives of Cheshire star Tanya Bardsley has revealed her footy-mad kids' hobbies are like a 'full-time job' for her, as her sons follow in their footballer dad's footsteps Real Housewives of Cheshire star Tanya Bardsley has compared her kids' hobbies to a "full time job", as she admits having three sons is "not for the faint hearted". The 44-year-old still looked as glam as ever as she ferried her children around to their football runs, posing for photos as she watched her lads play football. Sharing a series of snaps on Saturday morning, Bardo looked stunning in navy leggings, a loose-fitting top and her "snuggly" Dryrobe coat. The reality star had her hair slicked back in a chic pony, finishing off her look with pared back make up and statement sunnies. Looking every bit the soccer mom, Tanya shared photos of her youngest Ralphi, who is already following in the footsteps of his footballer dad Phil Bardsley. She wrote: "The savage game of juggling football runs when you have 3 sons who play is not for the faint hearted and it's a full time job! Today I watched my little ralphi foodies game and he scored two goals." Tanya added: "I'm just happy didn't have to listen to the trumpet. I need to give love to the @asanteapparelofficial dry robe coat it's the snuggly softest coat ever, perfect for dice of pitched and on the English beaches this summer too. My sunglasses and leggings and t shirt are all from @asanteapparelofficial too." The down-to-earth mum-of-four added the hashtags #greasyhair #dontcare to her post. Tanya has been married to Phil, 39, since 2014, and they live with their four children. Gabriella, 23, is Tanya's daughter from a previous relationship, while Phil and Tanya have three boys together, Rocco, 15, Renz, 12, and Ralphi, five. The couple got married in 2014, in a lavish ceremony at Cheshire's Peckforton Castle. With former footballer and Macclesfield assistant manager Phil as their dad, it's no surprise the lads are footy mad. And the family's new reality show The Bardsley Bunch looks at how the family live out their life in their glamorous six-bedroom home in the heart of Cheshire. The family's incredible gaff even has a glass floor which looks down into a cinema and bar in the basement. Instead of a scripted reality show, The Bardsley Bunch is more of a fly-on-the-wall documentary style. The production team installed GoPro cameras throughout their home, with small mics on photo frames and in plant pots. With the ITVBe show first airing on April 16th, fans compared the family to the Kardashians, a similarity that is lost on Tanya. Speaking to OK! magazine recently, the former glamour model laughed: "We're more like the Clampetts who won the lottery. "We're just a really normal family who's... a bit crazy! We get dressed up now and again but the rest of the time we're a very regular family who live in a messy, chaotic house where everyone argues and everyone makes up." Apart from a few planned scenes to give context or show a reaction, Tanya insists the rest is "just us living our lives". She added: mI'm hoping seeing Ralphi dressed in a Grinch outfit and smashing balls off a mirror makes other people feel really happy about their own lives."
Daily Record
24-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Record
Amazon shoppers are rushing to buy £50 Dryrobe alternative that feels 'like a feather'
Over the last 15 years the Dryrobe waterproof changing robe has been an essential for outdoor enthusiasts who willingly choose to brave the cold weather to take part in the sport they love. Whilst most commonly associated with wild swimmers and surfers, this robe has also been loved by dog walkers and parents watching their kids' sports . However, the only downside to the popular Dryrobe is that it is a tad on the expensive side, with a price tag of £165. Because of this, many people have been looking for a budget alternative that will still keep them warm without having to make a huge investment. Now Amazon shoppers believe they have found just the thing. Shoppers have been raving over the Freespirit Aquarobe Pro Jacket with Hood , saying that it is "just as good" as the premium brand. Normally retailing for £100, sports enthusiasts will be running to the checkout as the robe is now only £49.99 in a limited time deal. READ MORE: Samsung SmartTag2 is £15 travel essential and 'true competitor' to Apple AirTag READ MORE: Tefal's handheld steamer that is 'compact and easy to use' now 34% off on Amazon The Freespirit Aquarobe is a waterproof drying and changing robe that features a two-layer waterproof polyamide fabric with a Durable Water Repellent Finish to withstand any weather, reports OK! Whether you are walking your four-legged friend in the rain or coming out of the chilly sea, this jacket will keep you both snug and dry. You will be hit with instant warmth when you don the Aquarobe as it features a deep-pile fleece lining, as well as a fleece-lined hood. Just like the Dryrobe, this bargain alternative also offers a long-length, oversized fit so you can easily change after a dip in the sea while maintaining some privacy. Along with two zipped pockets for holding your essentials and keeping your hands extra toasty, the Aquarobe also features an internal zipped security pocket so you can keep your phone and keys safe and dry. On top of all this, the Aquarobe is also machine washable, so it will look brand new even after muddy treks up Munros. The Freespirit Aquarobe currently boasts an impressive 4.7 star rating on Amazon , with over 200 people buying this budget-friendly alternative in the last month. One delighted shopper said: "What a great value. For me, the size and length are perfect. The quality, as stated by reviewers, is excellent." While another added: "Love the colour, and the logo. The weight is like a feather, making it a true unisex dry robe - unlike a top brand which is heavy, bulky, and talk about overpriced. At £46.99 (previous markdown) I can buy four of these, with hardly any difference in standards to one from the top brand." A third five-star reviewer also wrote: "Saw the Dryrobe being used at the beach this summer as people were using them as changing robes and keeping warm after swimming. This robe is just as good but at half the price. Bought two more as Christmas pressies for my sons. Great for weekends away on cold days, and walking the dogs." With a fourth happy customer chiming in: "Spot on for price. My brother has got one of the most expensive brands, this is just as good if not better, and a third of the price." While there was minimal criticism, one shopper did mention that the Aquarobe was "much too big", before adding: "These are absolutely massive." Another shopper also mentioned a slight issue with the jacket, writing: "Zip broke on fourth time of wearing. Shame, because otherwise it was warm and roomy and wind-proof. Returned it with no issues." If you want to buy the Freespirit Aquarobe Pro Jacket with Hood, you can click HERE. Alternatively, you can buy the Winthome Waterproof Change Robe from Amazon for only £69.99 after a £10 saving voucher and a 20 per cent reduction. This robe usually retails for £99.99. Regatta is also selling a Cactus Camouflage Waterproof Changing Robe for the reduced price of £60 (RRP £120).
