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Where to buy Aqua Parka by Gill:
Amazon
The Aqua Parka by Gill Marine is a very good candidate to give you the comfort and protection you got from your mother as a babe.
Imagine pulling it over your pulled-down wetsuit and having ample space to change. That’s what the Aqua Parka was designed to deliver.
It’s a portable and personal changing poncho with a hood, a furry (toweling) lining, and built with the durability we expect from the Gill Marine name.
Read on and see how this parka met our high hopes after scuba dives, paddle boarding, and as a swim parka.
Things we like:
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Completely wind- and waterproof -
Stylish design
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The 4-way stretch fabric helps with mobility while changing
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Velcro cuffs create space for hands to pack
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Outer pockets can double as hand warmers
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Your phone stays safe in the zipped inner pocket
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Nice heat-welded seams
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Sizing is easy to understand
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Toweling affect from fleece liner is great
Things we don't like:
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Lack of alternative colors -
Lack of loop at inside collar for hanging up
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No adjustable drawstring in the hood
Where to buy Aqua Parka by Gill:
Amazon
- Shell: 100% Polyurethane
- Lining: Polyester Fleece
- Weight: 1.32 lbs.
- Colors: Black
- Sizes: S - XL
- Pockets: ed Left Inner Pocket, Right Inner Pocket with Velcro, Zipped Outer Pockets x 2
Now every outdoor gem you visit doesn’t have to include shivering when you get out of the water. What if you happen to stumble on to a hidden beach and there’s no changing room available? Going paddle boarding or surfing until sundown when a chill sets in? A swim parka is going to keep the smile on your face and prevent you from shivering.
The Aqua Parka is maybe the best outdoor changing robe we’ve tested with clear appeal to our team of scuba divers, kayakers, swimmers, surfers, for boating and for extra warmth on the beach. Part parka, part changing robe it costs a bit more than cheaper towel ponchos, but it does so much more too.
With the combination of polyurethane shell and a fluffy fleece lining, you can enjoy warmth when you come up from the water, even with the unforgiving winter cold. Since it’s completely wind- and waterproof, meaning no element can get in and out of this swim parka, packing away gear is also made easier in the absence of a shivering body and shaky fingers.
Unlike a surf poncho that is essentially a towel you wear, Gill Marine comes out of a strong history of making foul weather protection for sailors. The Aqua Parka reflects that with their patented welding techniques used to seal in body heat and keep moisture out.
Polyester is reliable for outdoor apparel and gear due to its moisture-wicking properties. Meaning any water from your wetsuit and body is pulled away by the fabric without absorbing it. This way, your swim parka stays lightweight as it dries your body.
The 4-way stretch fabric offers you mobility while changing inside. There’s also ample room so you can move with ease, get out of your wetsuit and slip into dry clothes.
Beyond use as a changing robe, it even works as a waterproof parka. That makes this a pretty versatile product.
Aqua Parka’s 2-way front zippers use YKK zips, the world’s leading brand! Closing and opening them is a breeze, whether you’re doing it outside with freezing hands or not.
And the stitching? They don’t exist! Don’t panic. This swim parka’s seams come with sturdy welding. Not only does it add protection, but it also amplifies its durability.
Remember that this changing robe doesn’t have its storage bag. You’ll need to buy it separately. But if you have a 10L drybag, it’ll get the job done.
Gill Marine’s Aqua Parka is your best bud for a hassle-free swimming and changing experience.
Related Reviews
Things we like:
-
Completely wind- and waterproof
-
Stylish design
-
The 4-way stretch fabric helps with mobility while changing
-
Velcro cuffs create space for hands to pack
-
Outer pockets can double as hand warmers
-
Your phone stays safe in the zipped inner pocket
-
Nice heat-welded seams
-
Sizing is easy to understand
-
Toweling affect from fleece liner is great
Things we don't like:
-
Lack of alternative colors
-
Lack of loop at inside collar for hanging up
-
No adjustable drawstring in the hood
Frequently asked questions
A swim parka is a staple gear for cold-weather swimmers. It’s a long coat that helps keep you warm and dry pre or post-sessions and competitions.
They are generally oversized, unisex, with a waterproof shell, fleece-lined, pockets, and a front zipper running throughout the swim parka.
Its hood also has a fleece lining to help dry your hair and keep your head cozy.
You can’t personalize your swim parka the DIY way. Some shops offer professional customization without hurting your changing robe’s quality. Some brands online even allow you to opt for customized options before checkout.
On your swim parka, your name, maybe a logo, amps up your motivation. It’s especially true if you’re part of a team.
You can visit the manufacturer’s website or grab yours from Amazon.
This product is relatively new and a hallmark of Gill Marine’s Outdoor Lifestyle product line. Other exciting products will soon be released and perfectly compliment Aqua Parka, including its storage bag and a changing mat.
But their line of sailing products from foul weather gear to sailing gloves are always visible in marinas and boats cruising the waves.
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