Bathing poncho in winter: warm after ice bathing, snow and the sauna garden
A bathing poncho in winter may sound unusual at first, but for many people it is a constant companion: for winter swimming in the lake, ice bathing, between two sauna sessions in a snowy sauna garden or on the short walk from the water to the car. In the cold, every minute you stand wet in the wind counts. In this guide we show what matters in a poncho for the cold season, which models are suitable and what a sensible routine after the cold water looks like.
Contents10
- What you need a bathing poncho for in winter
- What matters in a winter poncho
- Bathing ponchos for winter: our models compared
- After ice bathing: a sensible routine
- Checklist: what to pack alongside your bathing poncho in winter
- In a snowy sauna garden
- Drying and carrying a bathing poncho in winter
- What a bathing poncho cannot do in winter
- Conclusion
- Frequently asked questions
What you need a bathing poncho for in winter
In summer, your skin dries almost by itself after a swim. In winter it is different: wet skin cools down quickly in the wind, and changing on the shore becomes a test of patience. A poncho does three jobs at once:
- Drying: the fabric absorbs moisture while you wear it.
- Shielding: it keeps the wind off and covers your upper body, head and neck.
- Changing: under the wide cut you swap wet swimwear for dry clothes without having to look for a changing room.
A towel can take care of drying, but it cannot keep you warm and shield you at the same time. You can find the detailed comparison in our article bathing poncho or towel.
What matters in a winter poncho
Volume and material
For the cold, thick terry is usually a better choice than light fabrics. More material means more padding and a warmer feel. In our range, these are the terry ponchos made of 100% cotton weighing approx. 1,300 to 1,400 g. Lighter models are practical for travelling but keep you less warm in frost.
Hood with a high collar
A lot of warmth is lost through the head and neck, especially with wet hair. Apart from the PAMPATAR, our Wave Hawaii ponchos have a two-layer hood with a drawstring according to the descriptions; for the FARO, MOVE and AIR, the manufacturer explicitly mentions a high collar. With the drawstring you can tighten the opening when the wind picks up.
Length
The longer the poncho, the more of you stays covered. According to the description, the MOVE has a long cut and is specified for approx. 165 to 195 cm. Which length suits you is covered in our guide to bathing poncho sizes.
Pockets for cold hands
After ice bathing, your fingers are often stiff. Pockets are then more than storage space. The FARO and MOVE have two side pockets, the AIR one large front pocket.
Bathing ponchos for winter: our models compared
The details come from the product descriptions; the winter assessment is our own:
| Model | Material | Weight | Special feature | For winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOVE | 100% cotton | approx. 1,400 g | size L, long cut, two side pockets | very good, especially for tall people |
| FARO | cotton terry | approx. 1,350 g | size M, two side pockets, made in Portugal | very good |
| AIR | cotton terry | approx. 1,300 g | size M, large front pocket, unisex | very good |
| CUMBUCO / PENICHE | AirLite | approx. 850 g | designed for changing temperatures | good on cool days, less warm in frost |
| PAMPATAR | waffle piqué | approx. 700 g | rolls up, travel poncho | better for mild days |
After ice bathing: a sensible routine
Winter swimming and ice bathing put a strain on the body. If you have any health questions about whether it is right for you, it is best to consult a doctor. For the time after the water, many people find this routine works well:
- Prepare: lay out your poncho, towel and warm clothes so that you can grab them straight away with wet hands – not on the ground in the snow, but in a bag or on a bench.
- Slip it on: pull the poncho over your head straight after the water and put the hood up.
- Dry off: under the poncho, dry your arms, legs and feet with an extra towel. The poncho absorbs moisture from your upper body.
- Change: take off your wet swimwear and put on dry underwear and warm clothes. Only then take off the poncho or wear a jacket over it.
- Warm up: put on a hat, warm socks and shoes. A warm drink from the IZY thermos flask is a fixed ritual for many people.
What else you should pack for a plunge into cold water is covered in our article on the New Year's swim, linked below.
Checklist: what to pack alongside your bathing poncho in winter
- An extra towel: for legs, feet and hair, so the poncho does not have to absorb everything on its own.
- Bathing shoes or warm slip-on shoes: walking barefoot over frozen ground or snow is unpleasant and slippery.
- A hat: once your hair is dry, it keeps you warm for longer than the hood alone.
- Clothes that go on quickly: loose trousers, a jumper with a wide neckline, no tight jeans. With cold fingers, buttons and tight cuffs are a struggle.
- A warm drink: tea or broth in a well-insulated bottle.
- A waterproof bag: for wet swimwear and later the wet poncho.
Pack your bag so that what you need first is right at the top: poncho, towel, then your clothes from bottom to top in the order you put them on.
In a snowy sauna garden
Between two sauna sessions in winter, you cool down quickly outside if you only have a towel. A poncho can be slipped on in seconds after cooling down and drying off. It does not belong in the sauna cabin, and whether ponchos are welcome in the relaxation room is up to each sauna. You can find details in our article on the poncho for the sauna.
A practical tip: a poncho that is already damp quickly feels cold in winter. If you do several sessions, dry yourself off well before slipping it on or take an extra sauna towel with you.
Drying and carrying a bathing poncho in winter
After ice bathing, the poncho is wet and heavy. Pack it in a separate bag for the way home so that everything else stays dry. At home, do not leave it crumpled up but spread it out or hang it up. According to the manufacturer, all our Wave Hawaii models are machine washable and suitable for the tumble dryer – a real advantage in winter. You can find more tips in our guide to washing bathing ponchos.
What a bathing poncho cannot do in winter
- Replace a winter jacket: if you stay outside for longer, you will need warm clothes afterwards.
- Keep out water: our ponchos are made of cotton. In rain or snowfall the fabric gets wet.
- Keep out all wind: it shields you, but it is not a technical windbreaker.
Related reading: Bathrobe for ice bathing: warm again quickly with a hood · New Year's swim: what to bring for your plunge into cold water · Poncho for the Sauna: Sauna Garden, Relaxation Room and the Key Rules
Conclusion
A bathing poncho in winter helps you dry off, change and stay shielded when it is cold. For frost and ice bathing, the heavy terry models MOVE, FARO and AIR with a hood, high collar and pockets are the best choice. The lighter AirLite ponchos are better suited to cool transitional days. You can find all models in our poncho collection.
Frequently asked questions
Which bathing poncho is warmest in winter?
The terry ponchos offer the most material: the MOVE at approx. 1,400 g, the FARO at approx. 1,350 g and the AIR at approx. 1,300 g. The MOVE also has a long cut.
Can I change under the poncho after ice bathing?
Yes, that is what the wide cut is for. Lay your dry clothes out within reach beforehand so it goes quickly.
Is a bathing poncho enough instead of a winter jacket?
No. It is meant for the minutes after the water. After that you need warm clothes and, if necessary, a jacket.
Is an AirLite poncho suitable for winter?
According to the manufacturer, the material is designed for changing temperatures. It suits cool days; in frost, a heavy terry poncho is warmer.
How do I dry the poncho in winter?
Spread it out or hang it up; do not leave it crumpled. According to the manufacturer, our models can also go in the tumble dryer.
Personally written by Martin – founder of BeachAndSteam and sauna operator at Lake Kulkwitz for more than 18 years.