Wild Swimming Kit List: What You Actually Need This Summer

If you've been looking up a wild swimming kit list, you've probably come away thinking you need to spend a small fortune before you even get in the water.

The good news is, you don't.

The outdoor swimming industry has exploded over the last few years and with that has come a lot of gear. Some of it is brilliant, some of it makes life easier, and some of it will sit in your cupboard after one use.

If you're starting out this summer, here's what you actually need for wild swimming, and what can wait until later.

Wild swimming essentials

A swimsuit or trunks

Let's start with the obvious. Wear whatever you're comfortable swimming in, there's no right or wrong choice.

A towel

Simple, but essential. A large towel helps you dry off quickly and get warm once you're out of the water.

A brightly coloured tow float

If you're wondering what do I need for wild swimming, a tow float should be high on the list.

A brightly coloured tow float makes you much more visible to paddleboarders, kayakers, boats and other swimmers, especially on larger lochs, reservoirs and the sea. It also gives you something to hold onto if you want a quick rest between swims.

Choose bright orange, yellow or pink, avoid blue or dark colours that disappear into the water.

A tow float isn't a lifesaving device, but it's one of the simplest ways to improve your visibility while swimming. It also gives you somewhere to rest on longer distance swims, to keep your head up if the weather changes and if you get 'the fear' it gives you time to pause.

Swim shoes

After a towel and tow float, this is probably the bit of kit I'd recommend most.

Swim shoes protect your feet from sharp stones, broken glass, shells and slippery rocks, making getting in and out of the water much easier. Most wild swimming spots don't have soft sandy beaches, especially in Scotland and even those that do, you'll want to avoid the dreaded weaver fish.

Brightly coloured swim hat

A brightly coloured swim hat helps people spot you from a distance, particularly if the water is busy or you're swimming in a larger body of water. Red, orange and fluorescent colours are much easier to see than black or navy.

Warm clothes for afterwards

Even in summer, your body continues cooling after you get out of the water. Dry clothes, warm socks and a cosy jumper make all the difference. Get changed as soon as you can, particularly if it's windy.

Check conditions before every swim

This isn't something you pack, but it might be the most important item on your wild swimming kit list.

Before you leave home, check:

• The weather forecast
• Wind speed and direction
• Tide times if you're swimming in the sea
• Water quality

If you're swimming in Scotland, my free Scotland Wild Swimming Map brings all of this together in one place, including hundreds of swim spots, live weather, water temperatures, SEPA water quality information, tides, nearby facilities and much more.

Nice to have

Once you've caught the wild swimming bug, you might decide to add a few extras.

A changing robe makes getting changed easier, although an old dressing gown does the job just as well.

A dry bag keeps your phone, keys and snacks safe and dry.

Some people prefer a wetsuit, particularly earlier or later in the season, while others are happy swimming without one. There's no right or wrong here, you do what works for you and your body. (I started out swimming in a wetsuit but quickly realised that I couldn't zip it up on my own so would never be able to solo swim.)

A flask of tea, coffee, hot chocolate and a sugary snack is never a bad idea after a swim.

A waterproof phone pouch is handy if you enjoy taking photos.

Don't feel pressured to buy everything

One of the biggest myths about wild swimming is that it's an expensive hobby.

It doesn't have to be.

For summer swimming, a towel, a brightly coloured tow float, swim shoes and some warm clothes afterwards will cover almost everything you need. As you swim more often, you'll quickly discover what works for you and what's worth spending your money on.

If you're new to cold water swimming, it's also worth reading my guide to cold water shock before your first swim. Understanding how your body reacts to cold water is every bit as important as having the right kit.

Ready to explore Scotland?

Looking for somewhere safe and beautiful to swim?

Download my free Scotland Wild Swimming Map and discover hundreds of hand-picked swim spots across Scotland, complete with live weather, water temperatures, tides, SEPA water quality, parking, toilets, cafés, saunas and my unique Faff Rating to help you find the perfect swim.

It's completely free and built by swimmers, for swimmers.

See you in the water.