The Ultimate protection from the elements

Temperature management is an important factor in many Swimrun races, particularly early in the season.

To handle these extremes, you need the right kit. That’s why we’re thrilled to be joined by Staffan Björklund from the ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Series and Nick Rees, Global Partnerships Manager from the Dryrobe® team. They are here to discuss their long-standing partnership and how the original outdoor changing robe has become indispensable for swimrun athletes.

Welcome to you both!

Staffan (ÖTILLÖ): Thanks for having us. It’s great to talk about this season.

Nick (Dryrobe®): A pleasure to be here. We love the ÖTILLÖ energy.

Let’s start with you, Staffan. For those uninitiated, the ÖTILLÖ World Series isn’t just a casual splash and dash. Can you set the scene for what these athletes actually face during a race weekend?

Staffan: “Casual” is definitely not the word! The essence of ÖTILLÖ is nature. Our World Series races take place in unique, often remote locations, from the origin archipelago in Sweden to the coasts of France or the high mountains in Engadin, Switzerland.

The athletes are racing in teams of two, bound together by a tether. They are constantly transitioning between running in wetsuits and swimming in running shoes. They face cold water—sometimes as low as 10°C (50°F)—wind, slippery rocks, and technical trails. A World Series race can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. It’s a massive test of physical endurance, but also of thermal regulation. You are constantly getting wet, drying off slightly on the run, and plunging back in again.

That sounds relentless. Nick, Dryrobe® was born from a need to get changed outdoors without freezing. What drew your brand specifically to the extreme demands of the ÖTILLÖ circuit?

Nick: It was a natural fit. Our founder, Gideon Bright, created the first Dryrobe® changing robe because he was sick of being cold in car parks after surfing. He needed something that wasn’t just a towel, but a piece of equipment that stopped the wind, wicked away moisture, and generated core warmth instantly.

When we looked at ÖTILLÖ, we saw the ultimate test of that concept. These athletes aren’t just dipping a toe in; they are pushing their bodies to the absolute limit in hostile environments. If our product can keep an ÖTILLÖ athlete warm before the start gun goes off in a chilly Swedish dawn, or help them recover after 40 kilometers of racing, we know it works anywhere. We love supporting people who embrace the elements, and nobody embraces them quite like swimrunners.

Let’s drill down into the athlete experience. Staffan, walk us through a race day. Where are the critical points where temperature regulation becomes a massive issue for competitors?

Staffan: There are two major pitfalls to keep on your radar. The first is pre-race. Race starts are often early in the morning. You’re standing around in a neoprene wetsuit, maybe it’s raining, and the nerves are kicking in. If you start shivering before you even hit the water, you’ve already lost the energy you need for the next six hours.

The second, and most critical, is immediately post-race. When they cross that finish line, the adrenaline crashes. Their bodies have been working overtime to stay warm in cold water. Once they stop moving, their core temperature drops like a stone. That post-race window is where hypothermia is a real risk if they don’t get dry and warm immediately.

Nick, this is where Dryrobe® comes in. How does the Dryrobe® Advance technologically address those specific danger zones that Staffan just mentioned?

Nick: It’s about comfort, speed and efficiency.

Pre-race, the Dryrobe® is about preserving energy. The waterproof and windproof outer shell completely blocks the elements, the wind chill is often the biggest enemy waiting on a start line. Inside, the unique fleece lining doesn’t just feel nice; it traps a layer of air around the body, using the athlete’s own heat to create a warm microclimate. They can wear it right up until the final seconds before the gun.

Post-race, it’s about recovery. The lining is designed to draw water away from the skin and into the pile of the fabric, so even if they throw it on over a wet trisuit or wetsuit peeled halfway down, it starts drying them immediately. Crucially, the oversized design means they can pull their arms inside and get changed out of wet gear without exposing themselves to the cold air. That speed of getting dry and re-warming the core is essential for recovery.

Staffan: I have to add, from an organiser’s perspective, seeing that sea of Dryrobe® changing robes at the finish line is reassuring. We know that once an athlete is wrapped up in one, their recovery process has begun. It takes a load off our medical teams. It’s gone from being a “nice-to-have” accessory to an essential piece of swimrun kit.

It seems like a symbiotic relationship. The sport provides the ultimate testing ground, and the product provides essential safety and comfort. How has this partnership evolved over the years?

Nick: It’s deepened significantly. We don’t just sponsor the event; we are fans of it. We listen to the athletes and we are proud to produce the official branded ÖTILLÖ Dryrobe® Advance, which has become a bit of a badge of honour for competitors.

Staffan: For us, it’s about the reliability Dryrobe brings to the race village. As the World Series grows and we tackle new, tougher environments, having a partner that understands the specific, high-stakes needs of our community is vital. We want our athletes to push their limits, but we want them to do it safely. Dryrobe® helps make that possible.

Thank you both for your time. It’s fascinating to see how the right gear can make such a difference in extreme sports. Good luck with the upcoming World Series season!