I love my dog Oli for a number of reasons, not least the fact he forces me to get outside for walks and fresh air, which only does wonders for my physical and mental health. But on mornings when its pouring with rain and there’s an Artic blast to the air, I do wonder if life might have been easier with a cat. 

However, I can’t complain anymore after swapping my usual winter parka for the Dryrobe Advance changing robe. Originally designed for swimmers and surfers, they have become the secret weapon of dog walkers and football parents. It’s waterproof up to 25,000mm, which Dryrobe says means offers protection from “extreme rain”. It’s fully lined with a thick fleece that is so cosy, plus its oversized fit mean you could even add it over your usual coat if you were really feeling the chill. 

It’s an investment, mine retails at £175, but the warmth and quality is on another level. It’s so thick. I’ve thrown it over my pyjamas before and with just a T-shirt and leggings on it still feels properly insulated, even on freezing mornings. 

One thing worth knowing is that Dryrobe sizes by height rather than dress size. I’m 5ft tall, so I went for an XS, but the range goes all the way up to XXL for people over 6ft 6in. Mine comes to my mid shins meaning by body is almost completely protected. It’s roomy by design, which is part of the appeal, you don’t feel restricted, and there’s plenty of space for layers if you need them. It has two pockets at the front that are fleece lined to keep hands warm and it has a handy inside pocket that I usually pop my phone and keys in.

If I had to nit-pick, it would be that it’s quite bulky. It isn’t something you can neatly fold into a tote bag. When summer rolls around, it’ll need proper storage space as there’s little chance I’ll be using it for its intended purpose of outdoor swimming. That said, for something I wear almost daily in winter, it’s a compromise I’m happy to make.

Another niggle is that the hood isn’t huge and I struggle to fit my over ear headphones on underneath, I can, at a push, but this is very much a first world problem.

I’m not the only one impressed by the Dryrobe, one customer shared, “I wear it for watching my daughter’s football matches keeps me warm and dry wouldn’t be without it now.” Another person added, “Great investment for me, I use it for dog walking. Lovely and warm, to be honest it’s too warm for me, only wear it when it’s really cold and wet out. Quality is brilliant definitely glad I didn’t go for a cheaper robe.”

Of course, a few people had some issues, the most common being the sizing. Lots of customers complained that the option they’d purchased was too small or big but they had chosen it based on their clothing rather than height. Another user noted they wished the hood had a string. They wrote, “Hood has no string in order to stop it blowing down when it’s windy.”

If Dryrobe feels like too much of a splurge, there are solid alternatives worth considering. Scroll down to see some of my top picks

Passenger does a range of changing robes that are popular with walkers and campers, and at the time of writing, many of the colours have been reduced to less than £70.

It’s fully lined with a soft sherpa fleece for that cosy feel, making it well suited to cold beach days, winter dog walks or evenings outdoors when the temperature drops. It’s available in sizes XXS to XL, and again customers should choose based on their height, which measures from 5ft to 6ft 8in. It also comes in seven colours, including black, which is priced at the full RRP of £99.95.

One of its biggest advantages is how packable it is. The robe folds down into its own stuff sack, which makes it far easier to store or throw in the car compared to alternatives. Despite being lightweight, it still offers solid wind resistance and a water-resistant outer, helping to keep the chill at bay but just isn’t quite as heavy duty as the Dryrobe.

It’s made from 100% recycled polyester, using the equivalent of 85 plastic bottles, and like the Dryrobe, has thoughtful details like adjustable Velcro cuffs, a two-way zip with side slits for easy changing, and fleece-lined pockets to warm your hands. Its functional and well suited to everyday outdoor use.

Meanwhile, Red’s changing robe is also at the higher end price-wise and is well-reviewed for build quality and weather resistance.

The outer shell is fully waterproof, so it copes well with heavy rain, while the breathable fabric is said to help stop that clammy feeling you can get during longer walks.

Inside, it’s lined with a soft sherpa fleece and does a good job of wicking away damp. The cut is noticeably less bulky than some alternatives, making it easier to wear as an everyday coat rather than something you only throw on briefly. Small design details make a difference too, like the peaked hood, roll-down cuffs and stretch panels at the sides, which help with movement.

There’s plenty of storage, including fleece-lined hand pockets and a waterproof chest pocket, plus space inside for essentials. It’s made from recycled materials and, while it doesn’t pack down quite as small unless you buy the stash bag separately, it feels well thought out and practical for regular outdoor use.

Regatta also has changing robes but at more affordable prices and these tend to be lighter and easier to store. They’re a good option if you want the waterproof warmth without the price tag, though some users note they’re not quite as insulated as premium versions. 

It’s made from Regatta’s own Hydrafort fabric, which comes in a number of colours and prints, and is supposed to be waterproof and windproof. It has taped seams to stop rain sneaking in during heavy downpours and its durable water-repellent finish adds another layer of protection for wet days.

Inside, the borg fleece lining gives a soft, cosy feel and adds warmth without needing lots of layers underneath. The oversized cut is intentional, making it easy to pull on over muddy clothes or change discreetly when you’re out and about. It also has a hood, adjustable cuffs and zipped lower pockets, while an internal security pocket is handy for keys or a phone.

Sizing is generous and unisex, covering a wide range of body shapes, which makes it a solid everyday choice for dog walks, water sports or watching the footie on a Saturday morning.