30 May The Ultimate Adventure Bikini
Joe’s Basecamp is a gym which gets women out there and amongst it. We train womens’ bodies to be strong and functional. We want our gear to be strong and functional too.
So we went on the hunt for the Ultimate Adventure Bikini. The women who train at Joe’s want to look great in swimwear and be able to move their bodies without falling out of them.
#MyBodyMoves #MyBikiniShouldn’t
Because everybody is different, each woman had her own personal criteria, however some common guidelines of what was to be reviewed will allow others to make informed decisions when purchasing gear for training and competing in.
What are current gripes with women’s bikinis? Teeny tiny triangles to hold in round jubblies? Catching a wave while trying to adjust your swimmers? The ultimate wedgie while sprinting up the sand to the bike? Two options of either sporty or glamorous with no swimsuit to do both?
Can we not lie on the sand looking like goddesses AND body surf waves with the rest of them? Where is the bikini that will let us do this!?
Enter, the Basecamp girls, up for the task of putting swimmers through their paces… In this article you’ll find the winner in each category, plus reviews of all the brands tested.
Kate Hobbs
FUNKITA
Hold Steady Crop Top
Sports Brief | Print: Kite Runner
What are your expectations when looking for swimwear normally? Describe your perfect swimsuit…
I try to look for a bikini that I don’t have to think about when I’m wearing it. I don’t want to go into the surf and check if I need to pull my bikini bottoms back up, or bikini top back down after every single wave. But I also want it to look nice!
What has been the frustration you faced with swimmer shopping.
Either the bikinis are too skimpy and don’t allow you to do anything active in them, or they are great for active wear but look terrible, or they look great on the model but don’t sit right on my body.
What did you think of the cut/shape of the swimsuit?
I like the stability of both top and bottom – I feel comfortable knowing it’s not going to slip around. I also like the cross at the back and that the bikini bottoms aren’t too low cut from a style perspective.
The cross over pattern at the back is great from both a useability perspective as it helps to provide support to the bikini, but also looks nice!
Did you like the colour ?
I like the colours – they’re simple black and whites with bursts of bright pink & green, without over doing the bright colours.
Who would this swimsuit be suitable for/what adventures would it perform best at?
This bikini is best for anyone looking to move in their swimwear. The top is supportive so it allows you to exercise on land (similar to a sports bra), and the entire bikini feels ‘slip-proof’ when swimming. Anyone looking to move on land & in water all in the same bikini, this is the way to go.
Would you buy this swimsuit?
Yes, definitely! This will be my go to bikini on every road trip, every time I need a practical bikini, or whenever I want to run along the beach or swim in the ocean.
How has this bikini helped you to overcome the challenges you had before (regarding getting good swimwear)?
I can do ANYTHING in it! I love that I can go for a run along the beach in this bikini, swim in the waves without worrying about anything falling off (or out!) and it actually looks good.
Jocylen Webb
FUNKITA
Hi Light Swim Top | Print: Tropic Rocket
High Waisted Brief | Print Still Black
What are your expectations when looking for swimwear normally? Describe your perfect swimsuit...
Doesn’t come off in the surf, snug to the body when swimming, sufficient coverage of body bits, comfortable to swim in (no chafing or gaps!), flattering 😍
Who would this swimsuit be suitable for/what adventures would it perform best at?
The top is great coverage, and support (as well as very flattering) with the black shoulder straps. I can take this sailing, SUP, more leisurely swimming and walking along the beach.
What would you improve on the cut/design/colour/pattern?
I found the high waist pants were not really comfortable swimming in the surf, lots of movement of the body really wasn’t conducive (for me as I have a long body shape) to a high waisted bottom. Didn’t quite “sit” right. Nor were they particularly comfortable for running/boot camp before or after a swim. If the pants had a Rollable waist in a more comfy material that might do the trick. For more leisurely swimming however it was fabulous and quite comfortable! I think a full brief option would be great – someone with a different body shape might be ok with the high design but for me, a full brief would have been fabulous. The top was fabulous all around!
What activities did you do in your swimsuit?
I swam, ran, went for a snorkel, did some house chores and even made it to the Yacht Club bar after a sail.
What were the best bits about this bikini?
The top !!! More coverage = less skin exposed to the sun!! I really really love the top – loved the colour & the style was so comfy for all swimming (surf and pool) & enough support for a beach run before or after a swim (or boot camp!), not having to change!
Elly Weaver
FUNKITA
Eco Sports Top & Eco Sports Brief
Print: Toucan Do It
Tell us about your sport/activity and goal?
North Curl Curl Beach has the 3 Points Challenge: a swim-run-swim-run-swim-run event which I am competing in. The race starts on the beach in front of North Curl Curl Surf Lifesaving Club, and the first swim is a 300m swim out into the surf and back onto the beach. The second leg is a 1500m run south along the sand dunes and down to South Curl Curl. The third leg is another 300m swim at South Curl Curl. Then there’s another 1000m run along the rock face towards Freshwater Beach. The second last leg is a quick 200m swim at Freshwater Beach. The final stage is a 2.5km run to North Curl Curl, before a 200m dash along the sand to the finish line. It’s brutal.
What are your expectations when looking for swimwear normally? Describe your perfect swimsuit…
Stay up! If I’m duck diving into waves, in a scrum of people, I want to come out of the water with my swimmer bottoms on! When you’re doing the run component, I want swimmers which don’t rise up. Also, I need a top that gives support as you will be running in the bikini for 5km!
What are some frustrations you face with swimmer shopping?
Tops and bottoms are different sizes, this has been the biggest challenge. I’m size larger on the bottom (thank all the trek training) and when swimmers come in sets, that’s a deal breaker. Too much bra padding, I don’t want it. I don’t need it. And not enough butt coverage, I know brazillian cuts are trending, but it’s not practical for events, and honestly not really family friendly.
What did you think of the cut/shape of the swimsuit?
Awesome fit on the bottoms, plenty of coverage and no slipping even when running. Perfect for the event, I’d say it was a success. The top fit well, but I couldn’t adjust straps and slightly limited support, so may have opted for a different design for the duathlon.
Did you like the colour?
Love the vibrant colours, most of the people on the day had black bottoms, and mine were really fun, sunny and matched the rashy that we had to wear. I liked that it was a bit more playful.
Who would this swimsuit be suitable for/what adventures would it perform best at?
Active ladies who enjoy catching a wave and want a swimsuit they can rely on. I think for tris or duathlons, the bottoms are spot on, but maybe a different top. If you’re doing a straight ocean swim, or surfing, this is the set.
What would you improve on the cut/design/colour/pattern?
Adjustable straps on the top and a little more support for running.
Would you buy this swimsuit?
Yes! Loved wearing this swimsuit, the vibrant colours can’t help back make you feel alive.
Fiona Dick 
CATFISH
Cross Back Bikini
Print Watercolour Pineapple
What are your expectations when looking for swimwear normally? Describe your perfect swimsuit...
Mine and I think most women’s expectations are swimmers which have reasonable coverage, one’s that stay in place when body surfing, and being active. I prefer simple straps and designs, and not a fan of stripy tans.
Who would this swimsuit be suitable for/what adventures would it perform best at?
Who would suit this swimsuit? Everyone! They are a really great cut and design, you can do anything in them! The swimmers are as solid AF with no clasps and drawstring on bottoms. They are great for body surfing, which is a great test as you’re right on the wave and the swimmers have to stick to you.
What would you improve on the cut/design/colour/pattern?
The straps did not sit flat at the front, maybe slightly wider straps would change that or perhaps a different cut, changing where the straps are placed. The bottoms I’d like more coverage but that’s personal preference.
What activities did you do in your swimsuit?
I normally am on the bike, but in summer I mix it up with some cross training, and relaxing in the surf having a laugh with mates. I was mostly at the beach with these, in the waves and the commuting to and from the swim trips.
What were the best bits about this bikini?
I’m so happy with it! My satisfaction was five stars. It’s really great to try to try something that I would not perhaps otherwise get to, the overall cut was great, just what I wanted with coverage, support and a nice pattern. I would definitely buy these.
Stephie Quirk
CATFISH
Scoop Bikini
Print: Pool Party
Tell us about your sport.
I love getting out in nature any which way. I generally train for a specific goal, and those evolve over the years. I have been using swimming as cross training for quite some time, competed in some fun ocean swims, and try to relearn surfing each summer.
What are your expectations when looking for swimwear normally? Describe your perfect swimsuit…
I am dying to find a swimsuit which lets me keep up with the boys when body surfing, i.e my boobs are bloody secure! As well as one that I can lie on the sand and look like a glamour puss. The hunt has been a few years in the making.
Please summarise three points of frustration you faced with swimmer shopping.
It looks great, but it’s not secure OR it looks like I’m about to do some olympic training, i.e too sporty, but super secure. Where is the middle suit?!
What did you think of the cut/shape of the swimsuit?
Actually, I was very impressed, the cut is super flattering on the shoulders, I’ve got very broad shoulders, and it has a lovely neckline. Boobs are in place! What the What!? The bottoms are a little business like, but they really did an awesome job of not coming off in the surf. Full coverage bottoms were low on the hips and worked because it was more flattering than the high cut bottoms (for my body type).
Did you like the colour? 
Surprisingly yes. This is something I would never pick up to try on, but it was really fun and bright. Looked great with a tan under a blue sky. The neon yellow straps looked bright under my summer dresses. Felt a little too fun, and maybe wanted something a little sexier, but for an event it is really cool.
Who would this swimsuit be suitable for/what adventures would it perform best at?
This bikini is bomb proof. I went body surfing for the first time in a few summers, and my partner was thrilled that I was more impressed that I was so relaxed and having a ball in the water! This swimsuit let me feel like myself and active!
What would you improve on the cut/design/colour/pattern?
Maybe a cool bright red with a white trim for the colour?
Would you buy this swimsuit?
YES, I am getting another one. My boobs are secure, my butt is in, and I can lie like a lizard on the sand looking fab!
Rhi Evans & Kate Hobbs
RIPCURL
Mirage Ultimate Block Tri Bikini Top
Mirage Ultimate Good Coverage Reversible Bikini Pant
What are your expectations when looking for swimwear normally?
R: Something that looks good, is colourful but is also functional. Something that won’t hold me back in the surf or out with friends.
K: It has to look nice otherwise realistically I’m never going to wear it. But I also look for a bikini that I don’t have to think about when I’m wearing. I don’t want to go into the surf and check if I need to pull my bikini bottoms back up, or bikini top back down after every single wave.
What are some frustrations you faced with swimmer shopping?
K: Either the bikinis are too skimpy and don’t allow you to do anything active in them, or they are great for active wear but look terrible, or they look great on the model but don’t sit right on my body.
What did you think of the cut/shape of the swimsuit?
K: They’ve nailed it. Simple, almost bra-like design, that is both flattering and supportive. The straps are slightly thicker than a typical bikini too, helping to avoid any slips! I also really love the material, it feels so soft. I could wear this bikini as underwear and barely tell the difference.
R: The material is amazing. It’s very soft and has that seamless feel to it. The bottoms are great!
Who would this swimsuit be suitable for/what adventures would it perform best at?
K: This bikini looks amazing and is unbelievably comfy. This is the kind of bikini that you can easily wear for a full day, and gives you support for whatever land or water adventures pop up!
R: This is more suitable for a woman with a smaller chest. I have a very small cup-size but occasionally when body surfing my boobs popped out!
What would you improve on the cut/design/colour/pattern?
R: The colours are pretty classical, I would make them more exciting using bright colours. I would also suggest a cross back for the straps. I think this would make it more secure for swimming and body surfing.
K: The colours are simple and timeless, can’t go wrong with black and white! I actually don’t think anything to improve haha!
Would you buy this swimsuit? 
R: Yes!
K: Yes, definitely! Firstly it looks great, but is also super comfy in both material and the cut of the bikini, and feels supportive.
How has this bikini helped you to overcome the challenges you had before?
K: Love the way it looks and I can do whatever I want in it. Not the cheapest bikini, but is worth the price tag when you wouldn’t need another bikini to ‘look nice’, another to ‘do activities’, another to ‘have on under your clothes just in case’ etc. – it’s very much all in one. With this bikini you don’t need to choose between style and actually being able to move – it lets you have both.
R: It’s a very comfortable bikini, it didn’t rub like some of my other swimming bikinis. It is also a bikini that looks nice but is also functional, which is hard to come by!
Tell us about your sport/activity and goal?
K: My sport focus is obstacle course racing, primarily the Spartan series. From a training and physical development point of view I really enjoy the variety. First and foremost you have to be a strong runner, but at the same time you need an extensive almost Ninja-Warrior-like skill set in terms of climbing, swinging, jumping and hanging, as well as a considerable degree of strength for the more heavy-lifting/carry type obstacles.
From a specific goal point of view, I have two goals for 2020. The first is to continue improving in the sport, keep building upon the weaker parts of my races, and end up on the podium in a few more races when they are back on. The second is to finish the next Spartan Ultra to be held, timing dependent on covid race rescheduling. The furthest I have raced previously is about 25kms, so for me just crossing the finish line is going to be a massive achievement.
R: I love and train for adventure trail running, get into swimming for cross training and recovery. Also I’m known to get on a sailboat.
Kelly Hanvey
BUDGY SMUGGLER
Swim Top & Sports Bottoms
Print | Pelicano
What are your expectations when looking for swimwear normally? Describe your perfect swimsuit…
I need and want good coverage, quality fabric which won’t fall apart and classic design that can last me a few seasons.
Please summarise three points of frustration you faced with swimmer shopping.
Getting swimmers to fit your body shape is always so annoying. A lot of brands do generic cuts which may suit some but not other shapes.
What did you think of the shape of the swimsuit?
Generally I prefer a bit more bum coverage, but they actually suited me, it was something I would not have picked normally. I loved the quirky print.
Did you like the colour?
I would choose a different base colour for my skin tone. I love the Aussie theme it’s pretty funny!
Who would this swimsuit be suitable for?
I think this would be best suited to low impact exercise, yoga and swimming in the sun. I did some soft sand jogging and they held up, but the thinner straps on the top needed a sports bra on top for that. I think it’s great for plain summer romping in the sea.
What would you improve on the cut/design/colour/pattern?
Depends on the activity. I know they’ve got loads more prints and colours, which I would choose in terms of colour, but maybe a option for thicker straps for larger busts?
Stephie Quirk
BUDGY SMUGGLER
Swim Top & Sports Bottoms
Print | Smashed Avo
In a sports bikini, what is more important, following fashion or ensuring function?
Without a doubt, ensuring function. It’s so important to feel good in your bikini. If you’re constantly distracted by pulling your suit back in place, then you aren’t able to focus on catching the next wave or diving for a volleyball. That being said, heaps women value fashion and choose that over function, which is totally fine. I’ve found it’s all about what makes you feel good in your body and what will give you the confidence you need to get out there and charge.
What made you want to review Smugglettes?
They are pretty iconic. I remember them when they first started, and it seems like a really fun brand that doesn’t take themselves too seriously. I like anything homegrown. They also are made in Australia, and I am really into not getting imported products, or I suppose trying to minimise the transport footprint of a product. Lastly I wanted something that will last more than one season. $14.99 swimmers that you buy online and throw out after one season, what a waste.
What was your first reaction when you put on the swimmers?
Surprise. Some bikinis only look great on a particular body type, and swimmer shopping for me is the equivalent of jeans shopping. They have a great cut, which suits my body, and they are way cuter on, and the print is not as mental when you wear it somehow! Also it’s got a subliminal political stance. I’ll have my avocado and eat it too!
What problem were you expecting the product to solve for you personally? How well did it solve the problem?
I wanted something which I can move move move my body in. It was great for snorkeling and doing laps in the ocean pool, didn’t hold up so much for big waves or surfing. The bottoms came down.
Who do you think this product is a perfect fit for? How do you think they will benefit from it?
This is to bring our your inner fun child at the beach. Really the print makes you become more playful because it’s so light hearted.
What are some unique or unusual ways you used the product in your everyday life?
I fell pregnant over the summer, and they are still keeping up with colder ocean swims in the morning as my body (and cup size) increases. That should tell you it’s got great boob support! Weirdly, I did all my house cleaning in it during summer.
Would you recommend this product to a friend?
Yes, also I love the design your own idea. Cool for some mates to take in an event “JBC BUM” anyone?
Have you found the Ultimate Adventure Bikini? Share the secrete style which helps you be adventurous!
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