After swimming in remote tarns and lochs or beyond wild sea shores, I really looked forward to warming up inside the Vivida Sherpa Changing Robe.
Men’s Fitness verdict
The Vivida Sherpa shows that dry robes don’t have to be tacky tops for townies; they can be stylish, functional, supremely comfortable and kind to the planet too.- Stylish, robust design
- Supremely warm
- Made from sustainable materials
- Fairly pricey
- Sometimes a little too warm
Let me start out by saying I’m not normally a fan of dry robes. Especially when worn in an urban environment. My rule of thumb is, if you’re five minutes walk away from a large body of open water, then that’s OK. Otherwise, just wear a regular coat like normal people. (I’m also the kind of person who thinks, why wear workout clothes if you have no intention of working out – but each to their own, I guess.) You might say I’m probably not the best person to review a dry robe – aka a changing robe – but I do a fair amount of open water swimming, so according to my own rules, I qualify.
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Vivida Sherpa Changing Robe design
Vivida’s Sherpa robe is made from 100% recycled polyester, and that includes the synthetic lambswool lining and hem insulation. So that’s already a huge tick in my book. It uses a three-layer PFC-free design, as well as taped seams and zippers, to remain waterproof no matter how bad the elements. It features four-way stretch, with reinforced side slits to help freedom of movement too. There are adjustable cuffs, a low profile hood with draft collar, and a full-length two-way zip with an easy-grab pull, chin guard and storm barrier.
Two deep external pockets look like they’ll keep your mitts toasty, and there’s a useful internal zip pocket and stash pocket. Its raglan sleeves are nicely tapered and the three-quarter design comes down just below the knee. Unusually for a dry robe it’s available in six colours and four sizes, from small to extra large (these weigh from 1.2kg up to 1.65kg). For someone like myself (80kg, 5ft 8in) Vivida recommends a medium, or a small if I was intending to wear the robe as an everyday coat – which I most certainly wasn’t.
Vivida Sherpa Changing Robe performance
Being an erstwhile dry robe basher, I was annoyed that I felt instantly comfortable when I slipped the Vivida Sherpa on. The few dry robes I have tried on had felt too awkward and a bit too Michelin man for my liking. But the Vivida just sat nicely across my shoulders, with the cuffs of the tapered sleeves resting just beyond my wrist. (Another one of my dry robe bugbears is that their sleeves are often way too short.)
I wore the Viveda Sherpa in some pretty hostile conditions after a number of bleak and windswept wild swims. The draft collar, hood and storm barrier to the zip were invaluable while trying to warm up out of the water. I have to say never have I made post-swim camp fires in such luxurious comfort.
That two-way zip was pretty useful for getting changed inside the robe (not that anyone could have seen me, such was the remoteness of my wild swims). The adjustable cuffs helped here too and I was easily able to get dry and changed without exposing myself to the elements (or any nearby sheep).
Speaking of sheep, that synthetic fleece lining has no right being that comfortable. It’s so soft and warm, I though it had to be real wool. And when squally showers occasionally ruined my camp fire reverie, it was only because they doused the flames. That triple-layer waterproof tech kept me dry and toasty every time.
Vivida Sherpa Changing Robe verdict
If, like me, you have issues with dry robes, you have two choices if you swim outdoors a lot. Either avoid them like the plague (and get cold and wet), or make sure the dry robe you purchase is as good as the Vivida Sherpa (or, indeed, an actual Vivida Sherpa). It looks stylish but understated, has incredible waterproof and insulating properties, as well as plenty of wind protection features. It’s easy and comfortable to move and change in, and is available in plenty of colors and sizes to suit a wide range of tastes. It’s a little pricey, granted, but build quality is reassuringly excellent. All-in-all it will enhance your outdoor swimming experience considerably. Just don’t wear it into town. Ever.
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