Vivida All-Weather Puffer Changing Robe review: a versatile changing robe for even the coldest conditions

Price on writing: £280 | Buy now from Mountain Warehouse

How I tested

I tested the Vivida All-Weather Changing Robe on a long weekend in Stockholm in early April, as well as before and after swimming in the sea on the Sussex coast in late April. Taking detailed notes on warmth, comfort and absorbency, I compared it with other changing robes.

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Poppy models the Vivida All-Weather Changing Robe

Vivida All-Weather Puffer Changing Robe: my verdict

Performance: 15/15

Quality and durability: 15/15

Ease of use: 15/15

Value for money: 8/15

Style: 8/10

Absorbency: 8/10

Weatherproofing: 10/10

Warmth: 10/10

Total: 81/100

For cold conditions, this changing robe is hard to beat. With supremely warm puffer padding, absorbent, velvet-like lining and all the pockets you could ever dream of, it kept me cosy during my trip to Stockholm as well as springtime dips in the English Channel.

Built to withstand all weather conditions, this changing robe is perfect for those who like a Boxing Day or New Years Day dip in the sea. Second only to the Lakeland heated changing robe (now sadly discontinued) in terms of warmth, this is the changing robe I'd recommend for those who like ice baths and cold water swimming.

At £280, it's the most expensive changing robe I've tested. If warmth is your priority, I think it's a sound investment - and the puffer silhouette makes it look more like a winter coat than a dryrobe. However, if (like me) you're more of a fair weather outdoor swimmer, a traditional changing robe is more than enough to keep you warm and insulated.

Related: Best heated gilets

Back view of the Vivida All-Weather Changing Robe

Is the Vivida All-Weather Puffer Changing Robe warm and waterproof?

This changing robe is made from 100% post-consumer recycled bottles, the outer has Bionic Finish® Eco PFC-free durable water-repellent coating, which allows water to bead up and roll away.

Inside, the honeycomb fleece lining is absorbent, insulating and soft against wet or dry skin. And between the outer and lining, QuiltedCloud fill traps warmth from your body heat to maximise cosiness without adding weight.

Warm, water-repellent and windproof, this is the coat you want when facing icy conditions.

Read next: Best heated throw

Inside pocket

Can the Vivida All-Weather Puffer Changing Robe be worn as a winter coat?

I wore this changing robe as a coat on a spring trip to Stockholm, and found it cosy and practical. It has five generous pockets to carry gloves, phone and keys, plus one of them is zip-up and inside the coat (perfect for keeping my passport safe and close at hand).

The weather was changeable during my visit, and I found the coat kept my temperature regulated through both sunny spells and cold snaps. The double zip meant I could vent the coat for easy walking, or zip up for maximum coverage. Ditto the hood, which has drawstrings to ruche it around your face when you need maximum protection from the elements.

Style-wise, the changing robe looks more like a long duvet-style puffer coat than a dryrobe, and it has one piece of medium-sized branding in subtle colours, on the front. It's the most coat-like changing robe of the ones I've tested.

Minimal branding on the outside of the coat

Is the Vivida All-Weather Puffer Changing Robe good value for money?

At £280, this changing robe is the most expensive I've tested. It's clear from the level of warmth, weatherproofing and recycled materials that this is a high quality changing robe, however, if your budget is a concern, there are plenty of cheaper changing robes that'll keep you warm after a chilly outdoor swim session, and dry in foul weather.

If you want a coat that won't look out of place on the school run, but will also warm you up after an ice bath, this is a great option.

About the author

Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She researches and reviews the products Mumsnetters swear by, with a particular focus on home essentials, laundry and fans. From a highly-recommended retractable washing line to the best quiet fans money can buy, and Mumsnet's favourite dehumidifier to the steam generator iron that'll cut your ironing time in half, she loves to deep-dive into research and find the very best products on the market.

With an MA in Creative Writing and a PGCert in Lifestyle Journalism, Poppy's written about parenting topics for The Sunday Times, The Guardian, The Mirror and The Sun. She's a best-selling, award-winning author, and her books for children and parents have been translated into 12 languages.