This website is made possible by readers. I may earn a small commission when you buy through the links in this article at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Details
- Price $198 at outlier.nyc
- Material Supermarine F0 Cotton (100% cotton)
- Fabric Weight 200 gsm
- Weight 3.17 oz / 90 g
- Dimensions 12.8" (w) x 11.5" (h) x 5.0" (d) / 324 (w) x 292 (h) x 127 (d) mm
- Made in Switzerland
Overview
Many think of beaches and lounging by the swimming pool as the image of relaxation. I'm never one for it. I do like a dip in the pool to cool off, but I can't stay long at the beach or poolside.
The sun wears me down and there is nothing I really want to do there that I don't prefer doing in a much more comfortable hotel room. The only time I found going to the pool productive was when I swapped up the elliptical machine for laps.
In those times, dealing with wet clothing is never fun. At hotels, I usually dry off with my swim shorts on, put on my top, and go to the room to change. But this is less plausible at beaches. You'll have to stow those wet clothes somewhere. I often just wrap them up in a towel and stuff them into a plastic bag. It's not pretty, but it works.
But what if you want this meager task to be an experience? That's where Outlier comes in. They are experts at utilitarian luxury. Designed with the serious traveler in mind, the Swimbag combines historical materials with modern ingenuity.
This bag is positioned as a gym/swim/sauna essential—a secondary bag that can handle wet gear while keeping the rest of your belongings dry. For a minimalist like me who appreciates thoughtful engineering and timeless style, it’s an appealing proposition.
Style
The bag is available in single color, blacknavy. Technical fabrics, especially water-resistant ones are notoriously hard to dye precisely. I suspect that it is not absolute black for this reason, yet there is a charm in the subtle contrast between the blueish supermarine fabric and the black rolltop tape.
While the body screams luxury, the belt with the Cobra FM buckle gives a defiant techwear flair—rugged, industrial, and undeniably cool. The buckle is, without a doubt, a statement element. It elevates what would otherwise be just a stuff sack.
Characteristic of Outlier, there isn't any branding besides a swan logo on the inside. This minimalistic styling feels appropriate and helps accentuate the killer buckle.
Measuring compactly, it’s meant to slip easily into larger bags while still offering enough volume for a gym run or post-swim gear. At the same time, it has a 3D base that lets you pack more and stand it upright.
One of the product images has the Swimbag looped onto the belt loop of the shorts. Artistic expression aside, I don't think luging a pair of wet swim shorts on your shorts is a good look.
This used to be an ad.
But no one likes ads, so I got rid of them. If my articles helped you, I ask for your support so I can continue to provide unbiased reviews and recommendations. Every cent donated through Patreon will go into improving the quality of this site.
Material
The Supermarine F0 Cotton used by Outlier represents a refined evolution of a historical fabric initially developed during World War II for pilots. This dense, long-staple Egyptian cotton has a natural swelling property that reacts to moisture, creating a water-resistant barrier without relying solely on synthetic coatings. Outlier enhances this capability with a fluorocarbon-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, making the fabric both eco-conscious and more effective for handling rain.
Unlike many modern synthetic waterproof materials, such as Gore-Tex or Cordura, Supermarine offers significant advantages in comfort although it is less applicable here. It’s breathable, quiet in motion, and avoids the sticky sensation often associated with synthetic waterproof fabrics, making it ideal for urban and outdoor use alike.
Additionally, its cotton composition lends it a unique texture and aesthetic that develops a patina over time, emphasizing its natural character and increasing appeal for long-term wearers.
However, it’s important to note that while Supermarine is highly water-resistant and comfortable, its durability is not on par with heavy-duty synthetic fabrics. It’s best suited for scenarios where breathability and style are prioritized over abrasion resistance. This isn't a problem here since the Swimbag is designed to sit within another bag and grace the fine sand of beautiful beaches.
Outlier complements the fabric with high-end hardware like Biothane webbing, Italian Portofino tape for detailing, and 0.75″ Cobra buckles, which add both functional reliability and a rugged design ethos. These features make products utilizing Supermarine F0 Cotton a blend of heritage, innovation, and premium craftsmanship.
Usage
I have been hitting the gym six days a week for a year now, using the Outlier Supermarine Doublebag to manage my change of clothes. It has two compartments, one mesh and one using the very same supermarine as the Swimbag. I always put my sweat-drenched gym clothes in the mesh side to “air” it out. I've never thought of using it for completely wet swimwear since I didn't like the idea of all the moisture trapped on the inside—seemed like a recipe for mold.
I decided to challenge that mindset and use the Swimbag the way it was designed. After a swim, I gave my Bather Swim Trunk a customary wring and dumped it into the Swimbag. Usually, after a dip in the sea, I would head to a beachside cafe for lunch, so the wet trunks would be there for at least a couple of hours.
The rolltop mechanism was easy to use and similar to most drybags. The superior click of the Cobrax buckle just excites me each time.
I designed a thing.
I found a 100 year old company that would create these heirloom quality canisters for me. They are handmade and will keep your tea leaves, coffee beans or anything that you need dry for years to come.
or read review
Amazingly, moisture stays in the Swimbag even with a dripping swim trunk in it. Removing the swim trunks, the insides of the bag would be moist. I'd say using the Swimbag requires some level of maintenance. Upon removing my wet swimwear. I would flip the bag inside out and leave it out to dry.
The Swimbag is essentially a highly water-resistant stuff sack, so besides wet trunks, it works well with clothing. I found the size perfect for my smaller articles like underwear, handkerchiefs, and socks. It'll fit up to four large-sized t-shirts before it gets difficult to close.
I decided to see the limits of the water resistance and loaded it with water and left it for an hour. Amazingly, after an hour, not a single drop of water leaked out. Squeezing the fabric, you can feel it getting damp but it didn't feel wet and wouldn't wet your stuff around it.
The interior of the Swimbag dries really quickly too—it took about 30 minutes of airing it out to be dry to the touch.
Conclusion
If you're seeking a stylish, functional solution for wet gear, the Swimbag is worth the investment. Its sleek design, premium materials, and water-resistant capabilities make it ideal for minimalists and frequent travelers. However, if you're looking for maximum durability or extreme waterproofing, you may want to explore other options.
Like this review? See all of my in-depth reviews.
Also, consider supporting me by being a Patreon. Every cent given will go back into improving the content of this website.
Tagged accessory outlier packing cube review supermarine cotton water-resistant