Open Water Swimming Bag: Donna’s Jura Holdall Story

From “it’ll do” beach bag to the Jura Holdall, the perfect open water swimming companion.

When Donna first started swimming, she made do with a quick, cheap “it’ll do” beach bag. 

“I had a cheap Temu bag”, she laughed. “It cost me £2.87.”

It worked for a while, but once winter arrived and the kit started piling up, towels, neoprene gloves and socks, warm clothes, hot drinks, it quickly became clear she needed something better.

Now, she swims four or five times a week and takes her Jura Holdall with her every time.

“It’s so easy having everything in one place,” she says now.

Before the Jura Holdall, she was carrying separate bags and even a bucket for her wet kit. Now, everything stays packed together in one place, ready to go.

Built for cold water and real use

Donna swims all year round, and some of her favourite swims are the coldest ones. 

She described mornings where the lake has frozen over, and swimmers have to break through the ice to get in.

“When you get to the water and you have to go into the ice and break it to actually be able to swim, I love it.”

On one of those mornings, the sun was coming up over the water. 

“It was like fire and ice,” she says. 

That’s the reality of how the bag is used. Not just for a quick dip, but for regular swims in cold conditions, with wet kit, muddy ground, and everything that comes with it. 

“The zips are so waterproof as well,” she says. “Smooth, easy, water doesn’t get in it.”.

Not just for swimming

Although Donna bought the bag for open water swimming, it hasn’t stayed there. 

She uses it for weekends away, trips to visit friends, and has plans to take it on a train trip across Europe.

“I just pack it all in there and take it away with me,” she says. “I don’t need a big bulky suitcase.”

It’s become the bag she reaches for when she needs something reliable, not just something specific. 

Cold water, good people, and that post-swim feeling

It’s not just about getting through the swim. It’s what comes after. 

“It just makes you feel alive,” she says. 

There’s something about stepping into cold water, especially on days when it would be easier not to, and knowing how you’ll feel when you get out. That lift, that sense of having done something for yourself, is what keeps her going back.

It’s not something she does completely on her own either. Over time, it’s become part of a wider group of swimmers, people she sees regularly, chats to, and even meets when she’s travelling.

“I’ve met so many more people through swimming,” she says.

That mix of the water, the routine, and the people around it is what keeps it going week after week.

Built for real use, week after week

Donna didn’t buy the Jura Holdall to use occasionally. She bought it because she needed something that would keep up with what she was doing. 

Cold water swims. Wet kit. Winter mornings. Weekends away.

And now, it’s part of that routine. 

If you’re thinking about getting into open water swimming, or just want something that keeps everything in one place, you can explore the full range or get in touch. We’re always happy to help you find what will work for you.