Swim into spring with Zone3

Published: Fri, 04/08/22

#SwimWildAndFree

Swim into spring with Zone3

With spring in the air and the days getting longer, today we celebrate the great outdoors by taking a look at some essential kit for spring swimming. With UK water temperatures still in single figures, neoprene accessories can be a game changer at this time of year. We put the latest neoprene gloves, socks and hats from Zone3 through their paces with ten experienced cold water swimmers – find out their verdicts below.

Choosing the right kit is an important part of having a more comfortable open water swim. As well as neoprene accessories we also look at the Zone3 Changing Mat, essential kit whether you are a wetsuit or skins swimmer.

Happy swimming!

Zone3 Heat-Tech Warmth Swim Gloves

"Game changer for winter swimming"

"The gloves feel really well-made, the seams appear sturdy and secure and the size guide was reliable. Once in the water, which was about 5 degrees, I was not aware of water seeping into the gloves and my hands remained warm throughout my swim. I can’t imagine going back to the gloves I wore previously!" Emma T

"I really like the design as it stops lots of water getting into the glove, so no trying to swim with bags of water on your hands! I can still adjust goggles and take photos with them on. They were relatively easy to get off too. These are now my favourite gloves!" Debbie K

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Zone3 Heat-Tech Warmth Swim Socks

"Lovely and toasty!"

“I don't usually wear boots during my winter swims; however, I have to say, I may be a boot wearer now! Overall, great product, and I believe I will use them during the winter months as I’m sure they make the water warmer!?!” Claire S

"Having swam through the winter without socks I am used to the initial feeling of cold when I first get in the water and it was a real surprise that when I got in this time I didn’t feel anything, even as my friends around me were gasping and swearing in the usual way. It was a very pleasant experience wearing them and I am sure I will enjoy wearing these socks next winter." Ben H

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Zone3 Neoprene Swim Cap

"What a difference!"

“Using the size guide I went for the medium which fitted well, especially with the chin strap. It was very comfortable and the difference in warmth was considerable. My head was so cosy and I felt it may benefit rewarming too. The strap also helped keep ear plugs secure and my ears felt cosier too! I'm a definite convert!” Debbie K

“The adjustable velcro on the chin strap is a great idea, love the soft interior lining which feels really snuggly around the head. I was worried that the chin strap would be annoying in the water but it's so soft that I barely noticed it whilst swimming which was a pleasant surprise. The cap kept my head warm and snug in 9 degree water. Overall I'm really pleased with it and it's certainly changed my view of caps with chin straps which I've always avoided in the past! Would definitely recommend.” Tamara T

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Shop Zone3 Changing Mat

What is a changing mat – and why is it useful

A changing mat is an essential open water accessory to keep your feet safe and protected while getting changed – whether at the beach, on a river bank or in a carpark. The Zone3 Changing Mat turns quickly into a bag to store all your wet kit, ready to take home.

Zone 3 - Heat Tech Kit Test

Zone3 Heat-Tech Kit Test

"Absolutely great kit"

Outdoor Swimmer reader and winter swimmer Tamara Turchet put Zone3 Heat-Tech neoprene accessories to the test – watch her video review to find out what she thought.

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