Tracksuits are robust but lightweight outfits for outdoor activities where you or your team might get wet repeatedly. They don't hold much water to weigh you down. It is probably to most versatile outfit for activities on or in the water. Carry a spare suit as warm up afterwards.

Tracksuits can be used as inexpensive swimwear and can be combined with rainwear on wet or windy days. Make sure it fits well. Try it in a pool or bath before you head for the great outdoors.

Robust Action Wear

The lightweight fabric is quick drying and comfortable on land or in the water. Even when wet, it protects you from the cold and against bruising. Tracksuits can go over a wetsuit to protect it from damage when you go canoeing or enjoy a similar activity. If you don't have a wetsuit, wear two tracksuit bottoms, fleeces or thermals (not cotton) and the tracksuit jacket.

Resistance Training

A classic unlined tracksuit should always be in your swimbag, two suits are even better. It is a great poolside warm up but also great fun for swimming, especially resistance training. A hooded top is even more useful as a warm up.

Points to look out for

Unlined is better. A single layer dries quicker and holds no pockets of water or air which can get in the way of your sports. The waist band should have a drawstring so it doesn't slip when wet. Wear a T-shirt or thermal top underneath for extra warmth and comfort. It keeps the zip off your skin.

Test Review

Dry Test: Tracksuits from Adidas, Nike and Umbro were all very comfortable. On the Adidas suit the pockets can be zipped up so that your coins and locker key don't end up in the pool. The fabric is fairly robust. We tried it for canyoning in Thailand and it only got a small hole when a team member slipped and slided 5 meters down a slippery slope into a rock pool.

Swimming Test: We asked a few people to wear a tracksuit during their water sports. They've found it easy and fun to swim in, both in open water or in the swimming pool. It creates a moderate amount of drag so we can recommend it for resistance swimming and lifesaving classes. The manmade fabric is harmless to pool filters and thus is great for use in indoor pools. It doesn't hold much water and dries fairly quickly.

Your Complete Outfit for Aquatic Fun

Adventure Swimming Kit: Tracksuit and Swimwear

Warm up for Swimming Competitions

It is essential that you are properly clothed on poolside between warm ups and races to keep your muscles warm, regardless of the poolside environment. After warm up or between heats, wear your club T-shirt on poolside to retain muscle heat.

You'll also need shorts and your tracksuit to keep warm. Bring spare clothes if your team has a tendency to throw people into the pool after the races.

When you go home, especially in the cooler (alright, freezing cold) winter nights and mornings, you need to keep your muscles warm. A club fleece is good, or if it's a meet, the club tracksuit is highly encouraged as it really makes you look and feel part of the team.