Montane arrives in NZ

British outdoor clothing and equipment brand Montane arrives in New Zealand this month.

The brand was started 18 years ago with an emphasis on mountain gear but has developed a diverse range that also includes tramping, ski touring and trail running equipment.

Martin Walker, who has 25 years experience in the outdoor industry in the UK and Australia has been tasked by Montane to establish the brand in New Zealand. He also introduced the brand to Australian consumers.

“My wife Julz and I have been planning a move to New Zealand for a number of years and last year Montane asked me if I would be interested in bringing the brand to the New Zealand market because they were getting a lot of enquires from end users and retailers,” Walker said. “That’s how I find myself here with the brand.”

Walker said he will be bringing in most of the Montane range, starting with tramping and trail running packs, sleeping bags and key clothing pieces such as the best selling TerraPant Range ($149) and a synthetic range of jackets using prima-loft insulation, most notably the Prism jacket ($209).

Montane will be available for purchase online and through unspecified independent retailers.

Warm when wet

The North Face Thunder jacket

The North Face has updated its Thunder Micro jacket ($480) with slimmer down chambers and an 800-loft water-resistant ProDown fill, allowing it to insulate the wearer even in wet conditions – something only synthetic fill jackets could once do. Underarm panels featuring FlashDry technology help improve drying time and breathability. It has an alpine fit silhouette that hugs the body for a sweater-like fit. Both men’s and women’s weigh in at 350g.

Breathable pack

Berghout Freeflow II

Berghaus’ new Freeflow V back system has been added to a range of packs, including the Freeflow II 30+6-litre daypack ($189.95, 1400g (m); 1300g (w)). The Freeflow V system gives minimal contact area between the pack and the user’s back, allowing airflow and ventilation, which in turn reduces sweating.

Sticking with the airflow theme, Berghaus has used EVAbreathe Matrix foam in the shoulder straps and key areas of the back panel. This reportedly lets air and vapour move through the back materials more effectively.

The pack is hydration compatible and has ice axe and walking pole attachment points. A showerproof raincover is also included.