Warm weather hiking clothes are designed to wick sweat, dry quickly and provide high UPF sun protection.
Material
Synthetic materials tend to dominate. They are lightweight, quick-drying and wick moisture away from the skin. Elastane blends are also common. This stretch material helps to ensure a tighter fit without restricting movement.
Reinforcement
Patches of thicker material on high-wear areas, like knees and bottom, will increase the life of a garment.
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.
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.
Insect repellent fabrics
Some fabrics are treated with permethrin to incapacitate insects landing on the fabric.
Odour control
Anti-odour treatments suppress the bacteria that cause smells and allow garments to be worn longer between washes.
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.
Water resistance
Clothing treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) will repel showers and improve the comfort and warmth of the item.
Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie $99.99
Bluesign-approved 100% recycled fabric with movement-mirroring stretch, mesh fabric for moisture management, UPF15+ sun protection, odour control treatment, flat seams and thumb loops. 115g (m), 111g (w). www.bivouac.co.nz
Merrell Men’s Alder Wind Shell $209
Made with 100% recycled water- and wind-resistant materials. The shell is fully seam sealed and has a DWR coating, centre front zipper, two-point external adjustable hood, secure zip hand pockets, cinch drawcord at hem and back vent. Packs into pocket. www.merrell.co.nz
Zerofit Heatrub Move $109
Temperature-regulating two-layer construction moves moisture from the inner polypropylene layer to the hollow polyester shell fabric where it quickly dries. www.zerofit.com.au
Rab Force Tee $69.95
Lightweight, fast-drying slim-fit tee with UPF protection, odour resistant, flat-lock pack-friendly seams. 106g (m), 87g (w). www.outfitters.net.nz
Outdoor Research Women’s Astroman LS Sun Shirt $159.99
Designed with stretch fabric for sun-filled adventures. UPF30 sun protection, moisture-wicking bluesign-approved fabric, hidden right-hip security zip pocket, drop-tail hem. 173g. www.bivouac.co.nz
Rab Syncrino Base Tee $99.95
A soft-touch tee that blends warmth, wicking Merino wool with quick-drying polyester fibres. Naturally odour resistant. Designed for use as a first layer in colder conditions. 117g (m), 95g (w). www.outfitters.net.nz
Rab Force Hoody $99.95
A slim fit hoody for use on cool mornings or to cover up under the sun. UPF protection, a close-fitting hood and high neck, dropped shoulder seams for pack comfort and odour control. 164g (m), 149g (w). www.outfitters.net.nz
The North Face First Trail UPF Long-Sleeve Shirt $150
A light and breathable shirt with UPF 40+ sun protection. FlashDry-XD materials wick moisture, dry quickly and offer abrasion resistance. 125g (m/w). www.thenorthface.co.nz
Marmot Women’s Kodachrome Short 5’’ $119.95
A durable stretch short with a water-resistant coating and UPF50 sun protection, elasticated waistband with adjustable belt, zippered hand and back pockets. 150g. www.marmotnz.co.nz
Rab Torque Pants $199.95
Mountain pants for use in warm temperatures featuring four-way stretch, articulated knees with reinforcement panels, leg zip with internal gusset, three zipped pockets and lower hem loops for attaching to boots. 385g (m), 365g (w). www.outfitters.net.nz
Outdoor Research Men’s Equinox Convertible Pants $179.99
Designed for long trail days and travelling, pants and shorts in one package. Quick-drying, stretch fabric, UPF50+ sun protection, zip-off legs, front and back pockets, secure zip pocket. 268g. www.bivouac.co.nz
The North Face Women’s Dryzzle FutureLight Full Zip Pants $400
Waterproof and breathable shell pants with full-length side zips, seam-sealed FutureLight three-layer fabric with soft, recycled stretch-woven face and partial elastic waistband, fly with concealed snap-and-zip closure. 300g. www.thenorthface.co.nz
Patagonia Quandary Convertible Pants $129.95
Lightweight and stretchy all-season hiking pants with zip-off legs (men’s), multiple pockets including zipped side pocket, UPF50+ sun protection, quick-drying, stretch-woven nylon and spandex fabric. 340g (m), 264g (w). www.patagonia.co.nz
Montane Terra Pants $159
Montane’s best-selling pants are designed for year-round use and offer durability, weather resistance and breathability. Cordura patches in high-wear areas, tailored waist, hand pockets, zipped pull-out security pocket, mesh-lined thigh vents, press stud ankle, UPF40+. 340g (m). www.furtherfaster.co.nz
Rab Torque Mountain Shorts $199.95
Do-it-all shorts for any activity. Featuring double weave stretch fabric, part-elasticated waist, belt loops, snap closure and four YKK zipped pockets. 270g (m), 228g (w). www.outfitters.net.nz
Earth Sea Sky Taslan Shorts $129.90
Durable quick drying windproof shorts, twin-stitched with heavy-duty poly-cotton thread, bar-tacked for extra reinforcing and with an internal zippered security pocket. Made in New Zealand. www.earthseasky.co.nz
Rab Momentum Shorts $99.95
Quick-drying wind and water resistant shorts with stretch for mobility in a high-performance nylon fabric. Hand pockets, secure zip back pocket, elastic waist. 162g (m), 114g (w). www.outfitters.net.nz
Marmot Men’s Arch Rock Short $119.95
Abrasion-resistant bluesign-approved nylon fabric shorts with UPF50 sun protection, stretch, hand pockets, zipped side pockets, back pockets. 330g. www.marmotnz.co.nz
Outdoor Research Men’s Ferrosi 10-inch Shorts $129.99
Durable, soft-shell shorts in 46% recycled stretch fabric. Wind and water resistant, harness-compatible waist, hand pockets, zipped hip and back pockets, UPF50+ sun protection. 218g. www.bivouac.co.nz
Trail running shoes
Lightweight trail running shoes offer support and stability to help wearers move at speed over long distances. They are often the shoe of choice for Te Araroa Trail walkers and fastpackers.
Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 $259
A ready-for-anything shoe built in the Merrell Test Lab product incubator and designed for long runs. It features an internal bootie for locked-in fit, a FloatPro Foam midsole, water-draining quick-dry construction, breathable mesh and TPU upper, gaiter D-ring, odour-preventing NXT lined footbed, Vibram MegaGrip outsole. 560g (m), 440g (w). www.merrell.co.nz
The North Face Vectiv Enduris II $280
A supportive shoe providing comfort and support on rugged terrain by optimising energy return and delivering forward propulsion. It features a breathable air-mesh upper, padded tongue, no-sew TPU overlays at the toe and heel, internal heel counter and dual-density 3D TPU plate. 618g (m), 530g (w). www.thenorthface.co.nz
The North Face Vectiv Infinite $330
A shoe for long distances over technical terrain. Featuring rocker midsole geometry for forward propulsion and a durable abrasion-resistant upper made from Kevlar and polyamide yarns, 3D-moulded heel counter, OrthoLite footbed, dual-density 3D underfoot plate, and SurfaceCTRL rubber outsole. 614g (m). 546g (w). www.thenorthface.co.nz
