What Are The Best Paddle Boards For Summer 2026?
Gearing up for summer by the water? The right paddle board can make all of the difference. Discover your best options in this Red Equipment guide.
What do real swimmers think of the new Reversible Tow Float Backpack?
Written by Lydia Burdett /
Developed with swimmers, for swimmers, our new Reversible Tow Float Backpack is set to simplify open-water swim days. But don’t take our word for it – here’s what some of our swimming ambassadors thought…
Tried and tested by real swimmers across a range of open-water disciplines, our 2-in-1 Reversible Tow Float Backpack solves some common frustrations we knew were out there. Combining a waterproof backpack and tow float dry bag in one groundbreaking design, it carries all your kit to the shore, reverses into a bright tow float with c.19L of dry storage for your swim, then reverts back to a leak-free backpack for your journey home again. We asked some of our favourite swimmers for feedback after using it in the wild.
Quality
“The quality of the materials really stands out, especially the backpack straps and carry system – it’s genuinely comfortable to wear. I love that the design is reversible too, so when you’re using it as a backpack you’re not walking around with bright tow-float colours on display. The safety details have clearly been thought through, from whistles on both sides to the ability to clip on a light for night swimming. The mesh stash pocket is a great addition for quick-access essentials, and the oversized waistband is brilliant because it comfortably fits all body shapes – something many swim floats overlook.”
Jonty Warneken, Para Ice Swimmer
Jonty Warneken, Para Ice Swimmer
Game-Changing
“As someone who relies on public transport to get to swim spots, this feels like a game-changing bit of kit. Having one piece of equipment that works as both a backpack and a tow float means there’s no need to carry multiple bags or extra weight. It keeps everything simple, lightweight and much easier to manage on the journey to and from the water.”
Michael Ward, Ultramarathon Swimmer & Runner
Michael Ward, Ultramarathon Swimmer & Runner
Inclusive
“I swam with it for a few hours on Friday and absolutely loved it. Usually with tow floats I expect to be using the belt at its absolute maximum, but with this one I actually had to tighten it to fit properly. To me, it’s the first genuinely inclusive tow float design – which is kind of wild that it’s taken this long! It feels incredibly strong and visible in the water.”
Adele Benson, Ultramarathon Swimmer
Adele Benson, Ultramarathon Swimmer
Intuitive
“I wasn’t sure how easy the reverse design would be to use at first, but it actually worked brilliantly. Turning it inside-out was really simple and intuitive. The quality is fantastic – as always with Red – and it feels so much better made than other swim floats I’ve used. It works brilliantly as a tow float, but it’s also a genuinely lovely backpack to carry too.”
Melanie Barratt, Paralympic Swimmer
Melanie Barratt, Paralympic Swimmer
Lush
“The bag / tow float is absolutely lush – it’s so gorgeous. I love the feel of the material and the overall quality, and the reversible design works so smoothly when turning it inside-out. It genuinely feels really premium and well thought through.”
Amy Ennion, Ultramarathon Swimmer
Amy Ennion, Ultramarathon Swimmer
*******
“It’s a f****** backpack too!?!”
Fenwick Ridley, Ice Swimmer
Fenwick Ridley, Ice Swimmer
Featured Product
2-in-1 Reversible Tow Float Backpack
Designed with swimmers, for swimmers. A world-first waterproof backpack that transforms into a high-visibility tow float dry bag.
Red Journal
Why Do You Need a Tow Float for Open-Water Swimming?
Discover why tow floats are essential for open-water swimming. Improve visibility, carry essentials and swim with confidence using Red's 2-in-1 design.
Deep connection in the Tasmanian wild – Ocean Made’s Immersive Retreat
Discover Ocean Made's immersive Tasmania retreat, combining ocean swimming, yoga and mindful movement on the wild Bicheno coast.
