Hiking Capes in the Pool

The best way to get yourself ready for wet and wild adventures is to try all your clothes and gear in a swimmingpool.

We did this pool photo shoot on a hot and sunny day, but rainy days are an ideal time to visit outdoor pools. Only a few hardy people will go, so the pool will be nice and empty. Be careful around your pool when it's raining because the deck and other surface areas can be more slippery than usual.

Swimming in your hiking clothes prepares you for the great outdoors better than any other method. This is good fun, builds strength and endurance, and prepares you for the inevitable swims and water crossings out in the wild.

Proper realism matters. You get the most out of this training when you wear all the kit you'll want for your hike. This includes the various clothing layers for the expected climate, and a waterproof backpack for the kit you want to keep dry. This also teaches you to travel light.

Essential Hoods

On sunny days hoods provide convenient sun protection. On cooler days they keep the wind away. We tried on the different sized hoods as we went into the pool. Some hoods are larger to allow for a hat. Others are adjustable in size. For swimming and water sports a tight fitting hood works best as it turns with your head.

Swimming or Bathing?

When we went into the pool we found the hiking capes soft and comfortable in the water. They won't let you swim fast but as bathing clothes they are optimal. We've worn the capes on their own which feels very liberating, and with more clothes underneath.

Hiking Clothes

We decided to wear our functional hiking clothes underneath the capes to simulate a water crossing on a wetland hike. They didn't add much weight, but worked out great and felt really good in the water.

Does your hiking kit feel good in the water or does it get in the way?