Wild Swimming Kit List

While our wild swimming adventures are aimed at having enjoyable days out swimming in spectacular locations rather than hardcore, long-distance swims, it’s still essential you have the right kit to keep safe and comfortable.

Compulsory items are listed at the top - you must have these items with you to begin your activity with us.

The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should have the items listed. Your guide or activity leader makes the final decision in regard to your suitability to complete the activity and can refuse to let you participate if they feel your safety (or the safety of the group) is being put at risk. Please refer to the ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK AND APPROPRIATE FITNESS/EQUIPMENT section in our Terms & Conditions.

Underneath these compulsory items we have listed recommended / optional kit that should help make your experience more enjoyable.

If you are unsure about anything, from kit to the expected fitness level for the experience you have booked, please contact us.

COMPULSORY for swimming

Swimsuit / Swimming trunks - Your under-wetsuit layer. Some people also like to bring a rash vest (also known as a rash layer), or a baselayer for extra warmth and comfort.

Wetsuit - An essential piece of kit on our trips. This keeps you warm and allows you to stay in the water for longer, getting the most out of your swim. A wetsuit also provides a good level of buoyancy that can make swimming easier. (See our FAQs below for why Large Outdoors require swimmers to wear wetsuits.)

Footwear - Wetsuit boots are a great option if you have them, but an old pair of trainers you don’t mind wearing from the spot we park in to the point where you enter the water are perfectly acceptable. Some of our locations may have slippery or sharp rocks around, so it’s always important to have something on your feet when moving around.

Gloves - These could fall under the recommended/optional section, as you can swim without them, but in our experience it’s best to have a pair of wetsuit gloves to keep you extra warm.

Hood / Swim cap - We provide swim caps for our swimmers, but feel free to bring your own if you have one. They are an essential for our events from a safety point of view as they really help us spot you in the water and keep track of the group. They also keep your hair dry and your head warmer! 

Knife - You should bring a knife with you - a penknife or similar - in case of emergencies in the water.

Waterproof Sunscreen - When you’re in the water the sun’s rays are reflecting back at you, so it’s important to wear a waterproof sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

COMPULSORY for on the shore

Rucksack / Backpack - Our vehicle will be the base for the group during the day so the last thing we need is to get everybody’s kit mixed up. Therefore, please bring all of your kit in a rucksack/backpack or suitable bag.

Towel - Theres’s nothing pleasant about putting your clothes on over skin you haven’t dried! We’d recommend bringing a second towel for experiences with overnight stays, so you can dry off after showering with a fresh towel.

Warm Clothes (layers advised) - Particularly if we’re travelling by foot or vehicle between dips. It’s a great idea to have a warm jacket or hoody that you can put on over your rolled down wetsuit. A spare set of dry clothes is great for popping on after the last swim of the day – the comfier and baggier the better. 

Waterproof Jacket & Trousers - These items ensure you can make the most of any walking opportunities on our wild swimming trips. Waterproofs can range from very cheap to very expensive, but when shopping make sure you buy items that are ‘waterproof’ rather than ‘water-resistant’ - there’s a big difference in a downpour! Walking Trousers - if you are packing separate waterproof over-trousers to carry in your rucksack, make sure the trousers you are walking in are light-weight and flexible. Please do not walk in jeans as these soak up a lot of water and are stifling on a hot day.

Walking Boots & Socks - A good pair of walking boots which you’ve tested out in advance - ensure they fit you well and are comfortable. Proper walking socks have more padding or reenforcement where needed and are designed to wick away sweat - again, it’s a good idea to have tried them out in advance. Check out our blog with tips on buying walking boots.

Hat & Gloves - You need to keep your head, hands and neck warm - a hat paired with a buff and some waterproof gloves is ideal.

Food & Lots of Fluid - Don’t forget to pack your lunch* and whatever snacks will help keep you fuelled up. In terms of water, most participants find 1.5 litres of water is suitable, as there are usually opportunities to refill water bottles.

* If you are attending a Large Outdoors Multi-Day Experience we might provide a packed lunch - please check the What’s Included section on the relevant webpage. Please ensure you bring a lunch box or dry bag for your packed lunch - to reduce waste, we do not supply cling film or sandwich bags.

Survival Bag & Whistle - We hope you’ll never need these - but they are essential for your safety. Check out our blog on how to use a survival bag and whistle and see the FAQs below.

Personal First Aid Kit - Whatever personal medication you need, as well as some blister plasters/lip salve/painkillers (hopefully not needed!). All of our guides/activity leaders are first-aid trained.

Head Torch - An essential piece of kit throughout the year - why?, see FAQs below. Please also bring spare batteries. This must be a head torch, not the torch on your mobile phone!

Mobile Phone - If you need to leave the group for any reason, we ask that you contact your guide by text message when you have returned to the meeting point or alternative agreed location safely, as a courtesy. Plus, it’s always good practice to have your mobile phone with you when exploring the outdoors, in case of emergency.

Money (mix of card and cash advised) - If for any reason you need to leave the group (e.g. in case of injury or emergency) you may need to arrange a taxi or public transport back to the meeting location/to your accommodation/for onward travel. Plus, you’ll be grateful to have some pennies with you if we pass a tempting pub, tearoom, or souvenir stop! It’s useful to have both cash and a credit/debit card with you.

RECOMMENDED / OPTIONAL

Tow Float - We supply Ulu dry bags and tow floats for you to use on our wild swimming adventures, but if you have your own then please feel free to bring them along. 

Goggles - These can make the day out far more enjoyable.

Dry Robe - These are great for keeping cosy in between dips or after a swim.

Ear plugs - Sometimes regular dippers can be afflicted by “swimmers’ ear”, so if you think you might be susceptible then ear plugs can be useful.

Flask - Sometimes a hot cup of tea or coffee is a real mood-lifter and great for warming up - if you’d like a cup when you’re sitting on the shore, bring a flask along!

Waterproof Camera - We often have a Go-Pro or similar waterproof camera with us, but if you’d like to document your wild swimming adventure yourself you could look into bringing a waterproof camera. We don’t recommend using your mobile phone, even if it’s in a “waterproof” case!

Midge Spray - A bottle in your rucksack can save a walk or swim from turning into a swat/scratch fest if these wee beasties turn up. See FAQs below.

Sit Mat - A lightweight, foldable, and waterproof mat that helps you stay dry and comfortable if you need to sit on wet ground for lunch or a break. Top tip alternative: if you pack your lunch in a dry bag, you avoid soggy sandwiches if it rains and you can avoid a soggy bottom by sitting on the bag when you stop for lunch (although it’s not going to be as comfy as a sit mat!).

RECOMMENDED Residential Kit

Wash Bag / Toiletries - The majority of accommodation we stay at does not provide toiletries, so ensure you pack what you need. Don’t forget your toothbrush!

Towel - Depending on the accommodation you’re staying in, a towel may not be included - please check the What’s Included / Accommodation sections on the relevant webpage, but if in doubt bring a towel.

Ear Plugs - These might be useful if you’re sharing a room and/or you’re a light sleeper.

Evening Clothes - Something to change in to after returning from swimming, to relax in the evening (comfy/casual attire is absolutely fine).

FAQs