Red Alter Evo changing robe review: a high-spec option that winter swimmers will warm to

Woman wearing Red Alter Evo changing robe.

Specifications

• List price: $249 (US) / £159.95 (UK) (women's XS is available in the US only for $229)
• Materials: Outer: 2-layer 100% recycled polyester, with PFC-free DWR treatment, rated as 15k waterproof and 8k breathable; inner: 100% recycled Sherpa fleece
• Weight (women's size L): 3lb 14oz / 1.77kg
• Sizes available: Men's; XS-L, Women's; XS-XL
• Colors (men's and women's): Admiral Blue, Deep Teal, Alpine Blue, Bitter Orange, Forest Green, Sage Green, Siren Red, Stealth Black
• Best use: Open water swimming and other water sports

I've been on a mission to test an array of changing robes this year, and have come away from the experience surprised by how much they vary, despite all landing within a narrow price range.

At first glance, Red's new Alter Evo robe is almost identical to Zone3's Thermotech offering. But on closer inspection there's one big difference between them - weight. The Alter Evo is more than 1lb (500g) heavier than the Thermotech. And that's no small amount if your favorite wild swim spot requires a bit of a trek to get to.

But while the Alter Evo is less portable, it's definitely warmer, with a super soft deep-pile Sherpa fleece lining that feels like you're being hugged by a teddy bear.

So if it's heavier than the Thermotech, are there any other features to recommend it over its similarly-priced rival? In short, yes, so let's talk about that a bit more.

The YKK double ended front zip has extra pull loops that come in handy when your hands are cold, and the front pocket features a waterproof zip (Image credit: Gary Moore)

Red Alter Evo changing robe: weight

The deep hood is the best specced I've come across on a changing robe, with a generous peak, toggles for adjustment and a high neck to help keep your face warm post-swim (Image credit: Gary Moore)

While the Thermotech's lightness was a winning feature for me, Red have gone in the opposite direction with the Alter Evo. Weighing in at nearly 4lb, it's the heaviest changing robe I've tested this year, but if you think of it as a luxury robe, it all starts to make sense.

Let's look at the hood, for example. It's got a proper peak, it's substantial, the Sherpa lining is deep-pile and cozy, and it's got a high neck and sturdy toggles to allow you to cinch it tight when it's really cold.

The old Red Pro Evo version had sleeves that came up just slightly short on me, but there's no chance of that here, with fold back cuffs that should satisfy even the most orangutan of limb.

The main zip is YKK, the zip on the outer chest pocket appears reassuringly water tight, and it feels like every other little detail has been well thought out too, from the mesh inner pocket (also zipped) to the decision to use fleece for the large inner patch pocket (traditionally used by wild swimmers for a hot water bottle), so that you don't have a 'cold patch' that would exist if this were made from the outer fabric.

It's also longer than most other robes I've tried (and longer than the Pro Evo), coming to mid shin - a reassuring feature if you're a winter swimmer like me.

If I have one gripe it's that the sleeves are now tapered, rather than straight cut, and I found this made it a little harder to slip my arms inside the body of the garment when I was getting changed.

But I'm splitting hairs here - there's so much to recommend it.

This is the longest changed robe I've tested recently, so it's a great option for winter swimming (Image credit: Gary Moore)

Sizing

Although men's and women's versions are available, the difference between them isn't obvious to me and the sizing guide is the same. I like the fact that the size guide on the Red website shows you which size is suitable depending on whether you're using it to get changed under or 'just' as a coat. It's a nice touch that recognises that, although these garments are designed with swimmers in mind, a lot of people now buy them for dog walking, school runs and country strolls and never go anywhere near the water in them.

You may have an opinion on that, but let's not gatekeep these garments. I don't just wear mine for swimming, after all. It's my first choice for campfire nights, and for gentle walks in the winter too.

Red has always had great color options in their changing robes and the Alter Evo is no exception. I tested the Deep Teal colorway, but there are seven other choices, and I liked the fact that the same colors are offered for both genders.

The fold back cuffs have reflective detailing but I'd have loved the lower sleeves to be a bit wider (Image credit: Gary Moore)

Absorbency and drying speed

Thanks to its deep pile Sherpa fleece lining, the Alter Evo is super cozy and wicks water like a dream, and this, combined with its length, makes it a great choice for winter swims.

However, I found this also makes it a bit slower to dry than lighter robes, so if you're planning on changing inside it, bear in mind that it could take a couple of days to dry out completely unless you've got access to a dry room or airing cupboard.

Getting changed inside it was straightforward, and the YKK zip worked smoothly, allowing me to unzip it from the bottom as I manoeuvred out of my wet swimsuit.

As it's a heavier changing robe than the Thermotech, it's one I'll use when I'm travelling to swim spots by car (or one day, by camper van - the dream!). But I know for the coldest days, when the water is barely above freezing, I'll be incredibly thankful for it.

The horizontal flap across the back isn't functional as far as I can tell, but is a smart design detail (Image credit: Gary Moore)

Materials and care

Red's earlier iteration of this robe - the Evo Pro (now discontinued), had a waterproofing and breathability rating of 8,000 and 3,000 respectively. The Alter Evo is a big step up from this, rated at 15,000 and 8,000. This makes it impressively waterproof, while avoiding that clammy feeling.

The garment is 100% recycled and the outer has been treated with a Durable Water Repellent that's PFAS-free, so it ticks our environmental boxes too.

I absolutely love this changing robe. For a fairly standard price you're treated to a lot of luxury, and the confidence that, no matter how cold your swim, it'll get you warm and dry in no time.

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