“Our boys love heading up into the mountains or to an alpine lake they’ve not seen before, which is a good thing as the parents do too! I’m a bit ‘belt and braces’ in that, whilst normally smooth sailing, I like to ‘hope for the best but expect the worst’. That said, whether with family or not, I tend to take an array of pretty serious gear, along with the obligatory plastic T-Rex.”
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- 5.11 72 backpack (189.95 EUR) Whilst typically only for day trips, if I’m carrying for four people, we can end up needing quite some space. This bag is really comfortable on your back, holds over 50L, and will comfortably handle whatever I might throw in it, whether that’s a wet wetsuit in a drybag, or an inflatable crocodile! I’ve been using this rucksack for 10 years and it’s only just showing signs of wear.
- Airlok Xtra 35l dry bag (23.00 GBP) Somehow, the 50+L rucksack above, can fit into this 35L drybag (although usually it’s a wetsuit, float or other that can be removed, that makes the bag big). This drybag is no nonsense, durable, and we’ll sometimes just use it instead of taking a full pack (if we’re not hiking far/don’t need much). Should we need to cross water with gear, we can use this. I’ve added different carabiners to it, as they come in handy.
- Garmin Fenix 3HR (332 CHF) A few years ago, mostly after starting to train with a group of Ironmen, I became tech obsessed (prior to that I swam with my mobile in a tow-float which is still more accurate). At that time it was no coincidence that 4 of 5 of the swimming regulars, ended up with the same watch. Doesn’t track breaststroke well (GPS is lost when your hands are under) but good for checking your distances, time, etc. Also good for boring people with your current elevation and bearing! Added lighter, tighter strap from here >
- GoPro Hero 5 (318CHF) Initially I thought these were vacuous narcissists, that liked showing people their faces while they were doing stuff. Then I got one for my birthday….and found it really fun! So easy to use and great for underwater shots. I use a dome too, but tend not to travel with that a lot. Obviously, a float is essential and I use the GoPole as well.
- Lomo Hydration float (15GBP) This is one of three Lomo floats that I use, depending on need and occasion. I use this one for longer swims, or if I want to tow my camera (and still be seen). I’ve added my own strap to this with a fire lighter attached! I love Lomo as a brand as their selection is excellent and is no-nonsense and built for purpose. Durable build quality at fair prices. For longer swims, their dual chamber tow float is my absolute favourite so far. Dual chambers = double safety.
- Orlebar Brown Setter shorts (145GBP) 175 euros for shorts? Are you insane? This might be your normal reaction. These shorts are beautifully made (in Portugal), have a short cut that suits even a wide-legged breaststroke and fit really well, don’t look out of place just as hiking shorts or in a restaurant. More importantly, I can put my GoPro in the pocket and clip it to the side. Whilst expensive, I’ve been wearing these since 2012…and I swim A LOT. Only just beginning to wear out, and that’s probably from pool use. Even if in the alps, and cold water, I tend not to take a wetsuit as it’s heavy, and my swims will be limited in time and distance anyway.
- Vollebak Solar Charged Jacket (325EUR) Fits in the palm of your hand. Waterproof, good against the wind, quiet, and glows in the dark. I repeat, it glows in the dark! Even in the summer it’s good to have a little extra protection if you’re in the mountains and this is a perfect solution. I’m a little obsessed with everything these guys make!
- Stella Cove Boys shorts (65 USD) Our (twin) boys will either definitely want the same, or definitely want different, so with four pairs we can’t go wrong. They’re drawn to the bright colours on these and it makes them look like little jetsetters!
- Robertson and Rhodes Zissou inspired Beanie (25GBP) After an alpine swim, one can get nicely chilled and, especially when follicularly challenged, a cold head! These handcrafted 100% alpaca beanies are the warmest I’ve come across.
- Zoggs Predator (22GBP) Simple and effective. A good seal on my face. Comfortable, clear and don’t fog, even in winter. I’ve tried 5 other pairs of goggles since getting these, and always default back to these. If it’s really bright I wear the tinted versions. Like with the Garmin watch, I think it’s no coincidence that most of my swimming group wear these.
- Zoggs Superman Goggle Juniors (15GBP) The boys don’t know who Superman is, but they love his goggles!
- Zoggs Fogbuster (Product has been recalled?) Works amazingly well on Zoggs (and non-Zoggs) goggles (looks like Zoggs are discontinuing it?)
- Outdoor Swimming Society swimming cap (6.50GBP) I don’t just list this through affiliation. It’s my favourite swimming cap for fit and quality. Has a nice thickness to it. Would like a yellow one though 🙂
- Vollebak Mission Sack – silver (limited edition) A perfect extra lightweight drybag. I usually use it to put wet stuff in, or to keep something cool and dry. Contents have included: a laptop, my wet wetsuit, and Arbroath smokies (smoked haddock)
- Sea-to-summit 13L drybag with window (30USD) This used to be my sole dry bag, and I actually towed this when swimming (until I started swimming with much faster swimmers!). Still doesn’t leak, after many years. Just use it as an extra one as it packs up very small.
- Victorinox Swiss Army Knife – Huntsman Lite (66CHF) Seriously? Yes, seriously! Whilst there are more heavy duty ones around, this is good for cutting apples, sawing bits of firewood, eating melon with a toothpick, tweezers for splinters and the boys can use (some of) the tools too without it being too dodgy.
- Halfords Holiday First Aid Kit (updated model available)
- Tick remover (4GBP) Ticks have become an annoyance in parts of Switzerland and we’ve already had to remove several this year. This tool makes it a bit easier and look less threatening to children than mean-looking tweezers.
- Israeli Military compression bandage (6.89USD) Do you really take that? I hear you ask. Well, I bought it for a race, that I didn’t enter, and now keep it with the first aid kit. It’s for serious bleeding so I hope to never need it!
- EQ Seals (34.90CHF) The best earplugs I’ve used, especially for allowing some amount of sound through. Initially they had poor customer service, but that has since improved. They’re pretty expensive, and easy to lose if you don’t wear a swimming cap. However, if you register, they will replace one pair free of charge.
- Sevylor Puddle Jumpers (15-22GBP) Really fun swimming aids that are comfortable and confidence boosting. They’re even approved by the US Coast Guard.
- RNLI phone case (7GBP) This is a simple and tough phone case with a quadruple seal! (three ziploc style and one velcro) Fits even some of the more ‘phablet’ size phones and can be used for other gadgets if need be.
- The Klutz Book of Knots (from 0.01GBP!) This has kept me entertained since 1985 (and still does). Great for the train and trying to teach the boys practical skills.
- Toy Dinosaurs (from all toy shops) Keeping your children occupied gives you a chance to rest, so you can swim better 🙂
Swimstaman is our OSS Special Envoy, based in Switzerland
Follow him on social media: @theoutdoorswimmingsociety @swimstaman