There’s something wonderfully simple about wild swimming. Find a beautiful spot, take the plunge, warm up afterwards and head home feeling refreshed. But as any regular swimmer will tell you, having the right kit can make all the difference.

A well-packed dry bag doesn’t just keep your belongings safe – it helps you stay organised, comfortable and ready for whatever the British weather throws at you. Whether you're heading to the Cornish coast, a quiet lake or your favourite river swim, here's what we always recommend packing throughout the year.

Why Use a Dry Bag for Swimming?

Before we get into the essentials, it's worth explaining why a dry bag has become a staple for so many wild swimmers.

Unlike a standard backpack, a dry bag is designed to protect your belongings from water, sand and mud. Even if you're not taking it into the water with you, it's ideal for damp changing areas, rainy days and unpredictable weather. If you do choose to tow one while swimming, it can also help keep your valuables dry and visible, although it's important to use the right type of tow float designed for this purpose.

For us, it's less about having lots of equipment and more about making every swim a little easier.

Spring Packing List

Spring is one of our favourite times to swim. The days are getting longer, wildlife is returning and beaches are often much quieter. The water, however, is still incredibly cold.

Here's what we'd pack:

• Dry bag 
• Warm changing robe 
• Swimwear 
• Microfibre towel 
• Warm hat 
• Flask filled with a hot drink 
• Waterproof phone pouch 
• Snacks for afterwards 
• Dry socks and comfortable shoes 

Layers are especially important at this time of year. Warming up gradually after your swim is just as important as the swim itself.

Summer Packing List

Summer swimming feels wonderfully spontaneous, but it's still worth packing thoughtfully.

Our essentials include:

• Dry bag 
• Swimwear 
• Lightweight changing poncho or towel 
• Sun cream 
• Sunglasses 
• Water bottle 
• Flip flops or beach shoes 
• Dry clothes 
• Picnic or snacks 
• Although the air may be warm, many UK swimming spots remain surprisingly cool beneath the surface, so having something dry and comfortable to change into afterwards is always appreciated.

Autumn Packing List

As temperatures begin to drop, preparation becomes more important again.

We'd recommend adding:

• Dry bag 
• Warm changing robe 
• Thick towel 
• Woolly hat 
• Gloves for afterwards 
• Hot drink 
• Energy snack 
• Spare jumper 
• Waterproof jacket 

Autumn often brings some of the calmest swimming conditions of the year, but also shorter daylight hours. Planning ahead means you can enjoy your swim without rushing.

Winter Packing List

Winter swimming requires experience, preparation and plenty of respect for the conditions.

A winter dry bag might include:

• Dry bag 
• Warm changing robe 
• Swimwear 
• Two towels (one for standing on, one for drying) 
• Thermal hat 
• Thick socks 
• Gloves 
• Insulated flask 
• Waterproof coat 
• High-energy snacks 

Many swimmers also pack a small changing mat to avoid standing on cold, wet ground while getting dressed.

Wild Swimming Accessories Worth Packing

Once you've got the basics covered, a few extra accessories can make your swim even more enjoyable.

Waterproof Phone Pouch

Ideal for keeping your phone protected while you're at the water's edge.

Microfibre Towel

Lightweight, compact and quick to dry, making it perfect for fitting inside your dry bag.

Reusable Water Bottle

It's easy to forget to hydrate after cold water swimming, so having water ready is always worthwhile.

First Aid Essentials

A few plasters and basic supplies don't take up much room but can be useful when exploring more remote locations.

Snacks

Cold water swimming uses more energy than many people expect. Having a cereal bar, fruit or flapjack waiting afterwards is often exactly what you need.

Packing Tips We Swear By

Over the years we've learnt a few simple tricks that make life easier.

Roll your clothes rather than folding them to save space.

Pack your dry clothes inside a separate waterproof pouch if you're carrying damp kit home afterwards.

Keep your towel near the top of your bag so it's easy to grab when you get out of the water.

If you're bringing a flask, make sure it's tightly sealed before packing it alongside your clothes.

Finally, always check the weather before setting off. UK conditions can change quickly, particularly around the coast.

Less Is Often More

It's easy to think you need loads of specialist equipment to start wild swimming, but that's rarely the case.

Most experienced swimmers settle into carrying a handful of reliable essentials that work all year round. A dependable dry bag, warm layers, something hot to drink and a few practical accessories are often all you need to enjoy your time outdoors with confidence.

At Cornwall Swim Company, we believe the best swims are the ones where you can focus on the water rather than worrying about your kit. Packing your dry bag thoughtfully means you can spend less time searching for essentials and more time enjoying every swim, whatever the season.

If you're looking to upgrade your wild swimming kit, explore our collection of dry bags, changing robes and practical swimming accessories, designed to help you make the most of every adventure in and around the water.