This Waterproof Robe is My New Game-Changer for Winters on the Water

Eva’s broken free from the collective delusion that Australia’s ‘not that cold’ in winter with the help of a fluffy, waterproof changing robe.

I reckon Aussies tend to be a bit too casual about winter weather. No insulation in your house? Winter’s not that long, she’ll be right. Wetsuit with holes? Water’s not that cold, she’ll be right. Only took a threadbare hoodie on your camp trip for warmth? We’ll have a fire. She’ll. Be. Right.

Meanwhile, we all end up shivering our way through the coldest months, year after year.

We need to put our pride aside and wear a robe at the beach in winter

I’m not sure where we get this mindset from. Maybe it’s because we’re in denial about how cold it can get and we’re pretending to be tough. Maybe we’re rationalising that winter is pretty short anyway, so we can just make do, or maybe the summers are so hot we forget how cold winter can be until it’s too late.

Either way, it’s an insane attitude, and I for one have decided to leave it behind and embrace being actually warm on my winter adventures this year.

So when we headed off on a camping trip to SUP the lakes of the NSW South Coast, we threw in two Red EVO Changing robes for good measure. Turns out they levelled up our outdoor adventure experience by a mile.

Legitimately warm smiles!

What exactly is a change robe?

I hear your question already – a waterproof outdoor robe? What the? Basically, the Red EVO Change robe is like a dressing gown, a hoodie towel, and a rain jacket, all rolled into one, but snazzy enough to wear out and about.

They’re made by Red Equipment, a leading global paddleboard and outdoor accessories brand, and their remit includes these snuggly-as-all-heck robes. They originated in the UK so you just know they’re the ultimate specialists when it comes to the cold and wet. Those Poms do it tough in the winter, that’s for sure!

Going camping for me is all about tuning into nature and connecting with the planet. Studies show that the more time you spend outdoors, the more likely you are to want to protect it. So it only makes sense that my adventure gear also needs to be doing its part.

The change robes are made from 100% sustainable fabrics and they’re designed to last for years. Red Equipment is also a B Corp (like We Are Explorers, yay!) which means the company as a whole has sustainability at their core.

The inside of the robe has a soft fluffy, fleecy lining that keeps you warm and helps dry you off after a dunk in the water. The outside shell layer features a breathable waterproof membrane and PFC-free durable water repellent coating, so any rain runs right off. It also cuts out the wind and, best of all, the whole thing is made from recycled material!

It’s actually quite light for its size weighing in at between 1 – 1.7kg and it packs down really small into a stash sack that’s easy to carry around or throw in the back of the car. They cost $279 AUD, but considering how durable they are, that’s a price I’d be willing to pay for years of warm winters.

It makes it much easier to go from cozzies to cosies

Believe me when I tell you that this robe is a game-changer for the Australian winter and my outdoor water activities have been revolutionised by wearing it. It’s warm, weatherproof, and easy to get changed under, making it the perfect cold weather camping companion.

The Snug Factor

The best thing about the Red EVO Change robe on our camp trip was how snuggly they were. It made it so much easier to drag ourselves out of bed for a dawn mission, and they were the perfect thing to throw on against the cold breeze after a paddle on the SUPs.

We swam in the icy cold water with no worries about warding off the cold afterwards. Evenings around camp were super comfortable, fire or not. Once we did have the campfire going, there was no more rotisserie required. You can have a warm butt all night long without having to turn your back on your mates and miss half the conversation.

The fire is just there for decoration at this point, we’re toasty as

I honestly reckon I’d sign up for Alone Australia Season 3 if they let me take this thing. The Tassie wilderness would be no match!

Since our camping trip I’ve taken it on all kinds of adventures. It’s been to the pool, for early surf checks, on wild, windy whale-watching missions, and naturally my house isn’t insulated (classic Australia) so I’m literally wearing it right now as I write this. TBH I don’t think it’ll come off for the rest of winter.

Durable & Weatherproof

These robes are designed for the outdoors which really levels them up. Plenty of things are warm (like your dressing gown) but this is warm AND designed to be hauled around a campsite and worn in the rain. I didn’t think twice about traipsing through narrow bush paths, using splintery logs as makeshift camp chairs, or letting my friend’s dog jump up on me for an excited pat.

You can whack it down on the sand while you go swimming, then comfortably wrap yourself up and sit on the rocks without worrying if it will get a hole in it. You don’t have to be precious about it, which makes it perfect for adventuring in Australia’s harsh landscape.

And if it rains? Literally no dramas because the outer shell is rated to 8000mm waterproof. It’s even long enough to protect your legs. La Niña come at me.

It’s basically an all-weather, wearable doona

Look Snazzy

I’m no fashion icon, and looking sharp is certainly not the highest priority on my list of requirements for outdoor gear. But when it’s wintery, cold, and rainy, it really does feel good to look somewhat put together.

The colours are earthy and bright and they even have some that are specifically Aussie-inspired: Coogee Sunrise Pink and Icebergs Aqua (ok they’re not that adventurous but still!).

Unlike wearing a dressing gown, it’s very acceptable to go from snuggled on the couch watching surfing highlights, to straight out the door to check the waves, while snuggled in the Red EVO Change robe.

I’ve even been wearing it to salsa dancing over my dance clothes and yes, it does go well with my sparkly heels. Thank you so much.

Come At Me Winter

Armed with the Red EVO Pro Change Robe from Red Equipment, I think winter in Australia might be the best time to explore the outdoors, especially on the South Coast of NSW.

The summer crowds have evaporated, whales are arriving, there’s plenty of swell, winds are light, the lakes are pristine, the daytime temp is perfect for hiking and the nights are cold enough to warrant a raging campfire. For an outdoor adventurer, it has the potential to be absolute bliss, but only if you have the right gear.

This snuggly, durable, waterproof masterpiece has me excited to go out and brave the elements, get on the water, and take my winter adventures to the next level, rain hail or shine!

Convinced? The Red EVO Pro Change Robe is available online on Red Equipment’s Australian site.