9 Essential Gear Items For Wild Swimming In Remote Lakes

Standing on the edge of a remote, glassy alpine lake promises an unmatched sense of freedom, but wild swimming in untapped waters demands serious preparation. Unlike chlorinated community pools, backcountry waters present unpredictable currents, hidden underwater hazards, and sudden temperature drops. Having the right gear isn’t just about comfort; it is your lifeline when swimming miles away from the nearest trailhead.

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How to Assess Remote Lake Safety Before Diving In

Before even dipping a toe into a remote lake, a systematic safety assessment is mandatory. Unlike managed beaches, wild lakes lack lifeguards, depth markers, and water quality testing. Begin by scanning the shoreline for entry and exit points, ensuring there is a gradual slope rather than slippery, steep drop-offs that could trap a fatigued swimmer.

Observe the water’s surface and clarity to identify hidden hazards. Submerged logs, jagged rocks, and thick aquatic vegetation can easily snag limbs or tear gear. If the water is too turbid to see the bottom, wade in cautiously and use a wading staff or stick to probe the immediate area before committing to a swim.

Finally, analyze the wind and weather conditions. Strong offshore winds can quickly push a swimmer far from the entry point, making the return journey exhausting. Keep in mind that high-altitude lakes are often fed by snowmelt, meaning temperatures can be dangerously low just a few feet below the sun-warmed surface.

Thermal Wetsuit – Orca Athlex Float Wetsuit

When swimming in remote lakes, maintaining core body temperature is the single most critical factor for survival and endurance. A quality thermal wetsuit provides both insulation against biting cold water and essential buoyancy that assists with swimmer fatigue. It keeps the torso high in the water, reducing drag and conserving energy over long distances.

The Orca Athlex Float Wetsuit stands out because of its targeted material distribution. It features Yamamoto 39 neoprene with high buoyancy in the legs and torso to correct swimming posture, combined with thinner, highly flexible shoulder panels that prevent shoulder fatigue during repetitive strokes. This balance ensures recreational swimmers stay warm without feeling restricted or fighting their own gear.

Crucial considerations: * Thickness: 2/3/4mm varied paneling for buoyancy and flexibility * Material: Eco-friendly Yamamoto neoprene * Best For: Swimmers needing buoyancy correction and reliable thermal protection in cool waters (55°F to 68°F) * Sizing: Tight, second-skin fit is required; check height and weight charts carefully to prevent water flushing through the collar.

This wetsuit is ideal for recreational open-water swimmers who want high, safety-oriented buoyancy and dependable warmth. It is not suitable for competitive athletes looking for ultra-thin, zero-buoyancy performance suits, nor is it meant for sub-50°F winter swimming without additional thermal layers.

Open Water Swim Float – New Wave Swim Buoy 20L

A swim float is a non-negotiable safety item for wild swimming, serving as a highly visible marker for motorized vessels and a reliable flotation aid during cramps or fatigue. In remote areas, it also doubles as a dry bag to keep small essentials dry while in the water. Without a brightly colored buoy, a swimmer’s head is virtually invisible against dark lake water.

The New Wave Swim Buoy 20L is the industry standard for recreational lake swimming. Constructed from rugged, lightweight PVC, it features dual air chambers that provide independent inflation for maximum safety in case one chamber punctures. The bright orange, yellow, or pink options offer excellent visibility from hundreds of yards away, even in low-light conditions.

Practical specs and details: * Capacity: 20 Liters (dry compartment fits car keys, phone, and a small windbreaker) * Waist Strap: Adjustable from 27″ to 52″ * Tether Length: Designed to float behind the swimmer without interfering with the kick

This buoy is perfect for solo wild swimmers who need high visibility and a reliable rest platform. It is not designed to function as a life-saving PFD (Personal Flotation Device) for non-swimmers, nor should it be packed with heavy items that drag the swimmer down.

Swim Goggles – Aqua Sphere Kayenne Goggles

Sighting is the key to navigating open water, where there are no painted lane lines to keep a swimmer on course. Standard pool goggles lack the peripheral vision and lens tinting required to spot landmarks through glare and murky lake water. A dedicated pair of open-water goggles protects the eyes while ensuring a clear path forward.

The Aqua Sphere Kayenne Goggles excel due to their oversized, curved lens design that provides 180-degree panoramic vision. The low-profile micro-frame minimizes drag, while the polarized or tinted lens options cut through blinding surface glare on sunny days. Additionally, the Plexisol lenses feature anti-scratch and anti-fog treatments that hold up during long, humid swims.

Essential considerations: * Lens Options: Polarized (best for bright sun/glare), Clear (best for overcast days), or Smoke * Fit Adjustment: One-touch Quick-Fit Buckle for easy tensioning * Gasket Material: Hypoallergenic Softeril for a leak-free seal without heavy pressure

These goggles are a must-have for swimmers who struggle with navigation in dark, open water. They are less suitable for swimmers with very narrow faces, who may need to opt for the “Compact Fit” version to prevent water leaking around the temples.

Swim Booties – Xcel Infiniti 1mm Reef Boots

The journey into a remote lake rarely features a sandy, manicured beach. Swimmers must often scramble over sharp river rocks, slippery logs, and muddy banks to enter the water. Swim booties protect the soles of the feet during entry and exit while providing crucial insulation in cold water.

The Xcel Infiniti 1mm Reef Boots strike the perfect balance between protection and swim-ability. Unlike bulky diving boots, these low-profile booties feature a split-toe design that prevents the foot from sliding around inside the boot, and an ultra-thin, textured rubber sole for reliable grip on wet rocks. The 1mm neoprene provides just enough warmth without adding excessive drag or buoyancy to the feet during your stroke.

Crucial considerations: * Thickness: 1mm for minimal drag and natural foot movement * Closure: Adjustable ankle pull-cord to keep sand and debris out * Sole: Durable, high-traction rubber

These booties are essential for rugged backcountry entries where barefoot walking is hazardous. They are not designed for deep winter swimming in freezing conditions, where a thicker 3mm or 5mm bootie would be required to prevent numbness.

Changing Robe – Dryrobe Advance Long Sleeve

The most hazardous part of a wild swim often occurs after stepping out of the water. As the body dries, wind chill rapidly accelerates heat loss, leading to shivering and a drop in core temperature. A weatherproof changing robe allows for immediate shelter, drying, and changing out of wet gear right on the shoreline.

The Dryrobe Advance Long Sleeve is the gold standard for post-swim recovery. It features a waterproof and windproof nylon outer shell coupled with a synthetic lambswool lining that draws water away from the skin. The oversized design provides ample interior space to pull arms inside and change out of a wet wetsuit without exposing the body to the elements.

Key features and options: * Lining: Fast-drying synthetic wool * Pockets: Large internal A4-size pocket, plus fleece-lined external zip pockets * Sizing: Buy based on height; the robe is intentionally oversized to facilitate changing inside it

This robe is a lifesaver for wild swimmers in cold, windy climates where quick warming is essential. It is not ideal for warm-weather summer swimmers, nor is it practical for ultra-light backpacking due to its bulk and weight when packed.

GPS Swimming Watch – Garmin Swim 2 GPS Watch

Navigating a remote lake requires an accurate understanding of distance, pace, and time. Without land-based references, it is incredibly easy to overestimate swimming speed and venture too far from shore. A dedicated marine GPS watch tracks positioning in open water, ensuring you have enough energy for the return leg.

The Garmin Swim 2 GPS Watch is specifically engineered for open-water environments. It utilizes a multi-satellite system (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) to track swims in open water, using a specialized algorithm that records data points when the wrist is above the water line. It also monitors underwater heart rate, stroke count, and distance, providing clear, real-time feedback on physical exertion.

Practical specifications: * Battery Life: Up to 13 hours in GPS mode * Water Rating: 5 ATM (withstands pressures equivalent to a depth of 50 meters) * Weight: 36 grams (extremely lightweight to prevent wrist fatigue)

This watch is ideal for data-driven swimmers who want precise tracking and navigation data in remote lakes. It is overkill for casual, shore-hugging recreational bathers who do not need performance metrics or route tracking.

Microfiber Towel – Nomadix Original Towel

Traditional cotton towels are heavy, bulky, and slow to dry, making them a poor choice for remote hikes to backcountry lakes. A packable, high-performance towel is necessary to dry off quickly, pack light, and avoid carrying soggy gear back down the trail.

The Nomadix Original Towel is the perfect solution for backcountry swimmers. Made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, this slip-resistant towel absorbs four times its weight in water while drying four times faster than standard cotton. The tight-weave fabric is designed to repel sand and debris, meaning a quick shake leaves it clean and ready to pack.

Product considerations: * Size: 30″ x 72.5″ (full beach-towel size) * Packability: Rolls down to the size of a water bottle * Durability: Fade-resistant and highly resistant to mildew odor

This towel is ideal for hikers and wild swimmers who prioritize space-saving, quick-drying gear that won’t stink up a backpack. It is not suitable for those who prefer the plush, thick feel of a heavy cotton bath towel.

Dry Backpack – Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack

Getting to a remote lake requires hiking through rough terrain where rain, splashing water, or an accidental slip in a creek can ruin dry clothes and electronics. A heavy-duty dry backpack ensures your warm clothing, food, and emergency gear remain completely dry, regardless of weather or terrain.

The Sea to Summit Hydraulic Dry Pack is built for extreme environments, utilizing 600D TPU-laminated fabric with fully welded seams. Unlike standard dry bags that feature flimsy straps, this pack features a heavy-duty, removable harness with mesh padding for comfortable carrying over long trail miles. The secure roll-top closure with interlocking buckles ensures a watertight seal even if the bag is temporarily submerged.

Key specifications: * Capacity Options: 35L, 65L, 90L, and 120L (35L is ideal for a day swim) * Durability: UV-resistant and cold-crack tested down to freezing temperatures * Harness: Fully adjustable sternum strap and waist belt

This dry pack is perfect for rugged adventurers who need to haul heavy gear through wet environments or paddle out to their swim spot. It is not the right choice for casual swimmers who only need to walk a few yards from their car, as the heavy-duty construction carries a premium price and weight.

Safety Whistle – Storm All-Weather Safety Whistle

In an emergency, the human voice is easily drowned out by the sound of wind, waves, and rushing water. If a swimmer gets caught in a current, suffers severe cramps, or shows signs of hypothermia, they need a reliable way to signal for help. A high-decibel, waterproof safety whistle is a cheap, lightweight life-saver that should be attached to every swim float.

The Storm All-Weather Safety Whistle is widely recognized as the loudest whistle on the market, capable of being heard over a mile away on land and up to a half-mile over water. Its patented design allows it to create a clear sound even when wet or submerged, as the sound chamber naturally purges water when blown. The thermoplastic housing is incredibly durable and designed to perform in extreme weather conditions.

Practical usage details: * Volume: Up to 120 decibels (wear ear protection when testing) * Attachment: Built-in lanyard ring for easy connection to a swim float or zipper pull * Design: Pealess construction ensures it will not freeze or clog with dirt

This whistle is an absolute necessity for anyone swimming in remote or unmonitored waters where rescue is far away. It is not suitable for indoor pool use, where its extreme volume could cause hearing damage to bystanders in enclosed spaces.

Managing Cold Shock and Hypothermia in Wild Water

Cold shock is the body’s immediate, involuntary reaction to sudden immersion in cold water (typically below 60°F). It triggers an immediate gasp reflex, rapid breathing, and an elevated heart rate, which can lead to water inhalation and drowning if a swimmer panics. To manage cold shock, enter the water slowly, keep your head dry initially, and focus on slow, controlled exhales until the initial shock subsides (usually within 60 to 90 seconds).

Hypothermia, on the other hand, is a gradual cooling of the core body temperature that sets in after prolonged exposure. Early warning signs include shivering, loss of manual dexterity (such as the inability to unzip a jacket), slurred speech, and mental confusion. Once these signs appear, the swimmer must immediately exit the water, strip off wet clothing, and begin dry warming procedures.

When warming up, avoid hot baths, hot showers, or aggressive rubbing of the limbs, as this can cause afterdrop—a dangerous drop in core temperature caused by cold blood from the extremities rushing back to the heart. Instead, wrap the torso in dry layers, sip warm sweet liquids, and seek shelter out of the wind.

Cleaning and Storing Your Gear to Prevent Mold

Wild swim gear is exposed to organic materials, algae, and microscopic bacteria found in natural lakes. If gear is packed away wet or damp, mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors will quickly ruin expensive neoprene, plastics, and fabrics. Proper post-swim maintenance is essential to extend the lifespan of your gear and prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species between water bodies.

After every swim, thoroughly rinse all gear—especially wetsuits, booties, and swim floats—with fresh, clean tap water to remove dirt, silt, and algae. Hang wetsuits to dry inside-out on wide, padded hangers in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight, as UV rays break down neoprene and cause it to crack over time. Ensure swim floats are deflated and completely dry inside and out before rolling them up for storage.

Store all fabric and rubber items in a cool, dry, dark place where temperature fluctuations are minimal. Never store damp gear in plastic bags or unventilated car trunks, which create the perfect breeding ground for mold. For stubborn odors, use a specialized neoprene cleaner or mild baby shampoo rather than harsh household detergents that strip protective coatings.

Conclusion

Exploring remote lakes offers an unparalleled connection to nature, but the wilderness demands respect and proper preparation. Equipping yourself with specialized safety, thermal, and navigation gear ensures you can handle the unpredictable elements of wild water with confidence. By planning ahead, staying warm, and caring for your equipment, every backcountry swim can be both thrilling and safe.