Which waterproof changing robe is the best for you?

A technical waterproof changing robe buyers guide.

During the development process of the Gorilla waterproof changing robe we completed extensive market research to determine which features and benefits that we wanted to incorporate into our design.

Depending on the sporting and changing requirements there are many different fabrics and components which can be used to manufacture the changing robe garment. We have listed and explained all the different aspects of a changing robe that we feel every buyer should understand before making the correct purchasing decision for your requirements.

1. Sleeve Style

Sleeveless

Sleeveless or very short sleeves will provide zero wind and waterproof protection in the winter, but allow you to show off those guns you have been sculpting over the summer months

Short sleeves

Much warmer than the sleeveless style, short sleeves will provide some thermal protection but your arms and hands will still feel the cold and wind.

Long sleeves with large velcro cuffs

With velcro toggles and the ability to bring your hands inside the robe, long sleeves are by far the warmest sleeve design. keeping your hands and arms warm from the wind and rain.

All Gorilla Robes have long sleeves with velcro cuffs.

2. Robe dimensions (length and width)

Length

We recommend that changing robes should be long enough to cover your knees when you are standing. This length will make getting changed much easier and also prevent the wind and chills.

Width

The width is a critical dimension that enables you to pull your arms inside the robe to get changed after sports and exercise. If the robe is too narrow it will be a completely nightmare to get changed inside of.

Arm hole diameter

The arm hole needs should be longer than your shoulder to elbow length. This will enable you to easily pull your arms inside the robe to basically use the robe as a tent to get changed.

All Gorilla Robes are designed so that you can easily pull your arms inside the robe to get changed.

3. Robe design and shape

Pure Poncho

The poncho style without zips is very basic and the ease of getting changed will depend on the very specific robe dimensions

The front zip

The front zip style is very traditional, but when your hands are very cold its difficult to do the front zip up. Also, unlike a Gorilla Robe this style is not designed to be worn as you take your wetsuit on or off.

Double side zips

Gorilla Robes have a unique double side zip design that gives unlimited side space to allow each changer to actually wear their robe while they are getting in or out of their wetsuit.

4. Internal material type

Fleece

Fleece is very soft to the touch but does not really absorb water and will not trap warm air inside the robe. The body will not stay warm and dry after exercise instead the body will just stay cold and wet.

Towelling

Toweling fabric is thin but does absorb water. It will dry the body like a regular towel but will hold the water close to the body after exercise meaning that your body will stay very wet and cold if you keep the robe on. The fabric will also not trap air meaning that the body does will not stay as warm as Sherpa lined robes

Sherpa wool

Sherpa wool is by far the thickest and most absorptive fabric available. The wool will absorb the liquid and keep you warm and dry after exercise. The fabric is very thick and will trap a lot of air inside the coat to keep you warm.

All gorilla robes use a thick Sherpa wool in the body, sleeves and hood.

5. Outer fabric material

Nylon

Nylon is a tough, durable and lightweight fabric but will crease, show scuff marks and be less water resistant than polyester.

Polyester

Gorilla Robes use a polyester fabric because it is more water repellant, faster drying, more abrasion resistant and will hold its dye much better than Nylon.

Shiny appearance (PU coating)

A PU coating is added to the polyester and nylon at the factory to ensure a waterproof protection but for lower cost fabrics they can appear very shiny and have a cheap appearance.

Gorilla Robes use a polyester have a premium matte appearance. They are also 100% waterproof and windproof.

6. Zipper Types

Regular metallic / plastic

Regular zips are like those found on most traditional coats and jackets as they can only be undone from the outside. If they are small they will clog up with dirt and if they are made from metal they will corrode with the salt water.

Chunky two way zips

Chunky two-way zips are bigger and wider than traditional zips so they are more reliable and don’t get jammed. They are made from plastic and can be flipped over and undone from inside the robe.

Zips with toggles

Toggles are an essential addition that make it so much easier to use the zips when your hands are cold. Make sure that they are large and chunky and have molded plastic to make zipping and unzipping much easier.

All Gorilla Robe zips have large plastic chunky zips with toggles.

6. Pocket type

Open pocket / Kangaroo

The most basic pocket available will keep your hands warm-ish but when it rains everything in your pocket will get wet. As there is no zip on the pocket there is no way of being able to store and keep your valuables safe.

Zipped

Zipped pockets (one for each hand) are the traditional pocket style used on lots of coats and pockets. Need to make sure that they are fleece lined to keep your hands warm and they are big enough to store your large items.

Gorilla double pocket

The Gorilla pocket has two unique compartments, the front large pocket with velcro top opener is huge to store your things and very easy to access. The second pocket is a fleece lined kangaroo pocket with side zips and toggles.

A Gorilla Robes Summary

Thank you for taking the time to read this article to better understand which changing robe is the best for you. We hope that you have taken the information from the article that you require however, if you have any further questions please get in contact.