This summer’s hiking clothes are all about keeping the wearer comfortable in scorching temperatures – they’re breathable, quick-drying, stretchy and offer high UPF sun protection.
Material
Synthetic materials tend to dominate as they are lightweight and quick-drying, wicking moisture away from the skin. Elastane blends are also common, which help ensure a tighter fit without restricting movement.
Pockets
Multiple pockets are common, but too many can add weight and more seam friction without providing extra utility. Stick to what you need. Zippered pockets keep items like keys and cards secure.
Insect repellent fabrics
Some fabrics are treated with permethrin to incapacitate insects that land on the fabric.
Longs or shorts
Trousers and long-sleeve shirts and tees provide more sun protection and warmth. Zip-off trouser legs are versatile but will be slightly heavier.
Reinforcement
Patches of thicker material on high-wear areas, like knees and bottom, will increase the life of a garment.
Water resistance
Clothing treated with a durable water repellent – DWR – will help it repel showers and improve the comfort and warmth of the item.
Sun protection
The ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) measures the amount of UV light that passes through fabric. A UPF rating of 40+ or more should provide sufficient protection during summer.
Odour control
Anti-odour treatments suppress the bacteria that cause smells and allow garments to be worn longer between washes.
Patagonia Airshed Cap $69.99
Breathable and quick-drying polyester cap made for high-output sports. 87% recycled material, Fair Trade Certified sewn. 60g. www.patagonia.co.nz
Marmot Aerobora Short Sleeve Shirt $99.95
Quick-drying moisture-wicking AirExchange polyester fabric, UPF25 sun protection, chest pocket. 180g. www.marmotnz.co.nz
Craghoppers Nosilife Women’s Adventure II SS $129.95
Ripstop fabric, NosiLife insect control, SPF 40+, odour control, moisture-wicking fabric, cooling collar, drying loops, sunglasses wipe, three pockets.
145g. www.outfitters.net.nz
Macpac Eclipse Short Sleeve Shirt $119.99
Stretch blend fabric, bluesign-approved, Polygiene odour control, button-up front, two buttoned chest pockets, raised collar for sun protection, relaxed fit. 130g. www.macpac.co.nz
The North Face Men’s Dome Short Sleeve Shirt $120
Lightweight and breathable nylon stretch-woven fabric, snap front with button and shockcord top button, chest pocket, gusseted cuff, hanger loop, UPF 50+. 159g. www.thenorthface.co.nz
Rab Kinetic Alpine Pants $329.95
Stretch waterproof pants, moisture-wicking inner, ceramic print overlays in high wear areas, low profile waist adjustment, zipped expanding ankle closure, knee articulation. 280g (m), 245g (w). www.outfitters.net.nz
Rab Torque Pants $229.95
Alpine pant, four-way stretch, contrasting knee reinforcement panels, slim-fit, leg zip with internal gusset, lower hem boot loops, three zipped pockets. 385g. www.outfitters.net.nz
The North Face Paramount Convertible Pants $160
Slim fit, zip-off legs, snap front with partial elastic waistband and internal drawcord, secure-zip pocket, crotch gusset, artciulated knees, quick-drying and with durable water-repellent. 340g. www.thenorthface.co.nz
Craghoppers Nosilife Pro Convertible Trousers $199.95
Zip-off legs, five pockets, Nosilife insect control, moisture control, drying loops, sunglass wipe, drawcord hem adjusters. 345g. www.outfitters.net.nz
Marmot Women’s Avision Jogger $139.95
Casual hiking pants with AirExchange fabric for breathability and quick-drying, stretch fabric, wide elasticized waistband and cuffs, side stash pockets, zippered side leg pocket. 220g. www.marmotnz.co.nz
Rab Women’s Helix Pants $159.95
Quick-drying, stretch fabric climbing pant, knee articulation, regular fit, UPF 35+, roll-up leg, two hand pockets, zipped thigh pocket, two rear patch pockets. 251g. www.outfitters.net.nz
Montane Terra Pants $159
Cordura patches in high-wear areas, articulated knees, tailored waist with repairable button fastening, removable webbing belt, hand pockets, zipped pull-out security pocket, mesh-lined thigh vents, press stud ankle adjustment, UPF 40+. 340g. www.furtherfaster.co.nz
Macpac Drift Skort $129.99
Two-part design with inner shorts and outer wrap-around skirt, recycled stretch fabric, quick-drying, bluesign-approved, UPF 50+, two hand pockets, rear zipped pocket, webbing waist belt. 230g. www.macpac.co.nz
Patagonia Women’s Quandary Shorts $89.99
Quick-drying stretch shorts, four low-profile pockets, metal-snap closure, hidden drawcord, belt loops, zippered fly. 142g. www.patagonia.co.nz
Marmot Limantour Shorts $149.95
Softshell shorts with four-way stretch, DWR finish, UPF 50 sun protection, zippered cargo and back pockets, cinch cord waist, reinforced seat and pockets. 390g. www.marmotnz.co.nz
Rab Calient Shorts $159.95
Water-resistant and quick-drying, UPF 30+, double snap waistband, zipped fly and removable belt, zipped thigh pocket and two zipped hand pockets. 205g. www.outfitters.net.nz
Marmot Women’s Cabrillo Long Sleeve Shirt $109.95
Climbing shirt with quick-drying Nanowick technology to wick away sweat, raglan sleeves, stretch fabric, UPF 50, drop-tail hem. 175g. www.marmotnz.co.nz
Marmot Tower Tee $69.95
Quick-drying recycled polyester fabric for minimal heat loss paired with cotton for comfort, crew neck, graphic logo at front. 160g. www.marmotnz.co.nz
Earth Sea Sky Lightweight Polartec Power Dry T $99.90
Recycled polyester bi-component fabric, wicks moisture, quick-drying, relaxed fit, made in New Zealand, multiple colours. 110g. www.earthseasky.co.nz
Marmot Women’s Beta Tank $79.95
AirExchange performance fabric for quick-drying and moisture-wicking performance, racerback detail, shirttail hem for increased coverage. 90g.
www.marmotnz.co.nz
Montane Dart T-Shirt $50
Dual-layer construction Apex D-Fuse fabric, wicking pique knit next to the skin, Polygenie odour control, flat locked seams, UPF 40+. 107g (m), 88g (w). www.furtherfaster.co.nz
