Gear editor Mark Watson provides a round-up of the new and interesting products he’s discovered lately. 

Macpac expand inclusive sizing range

Macpac is expanding its clothing range in inclusive sizing styles. 

The company says: ‘getting into the outdoors in the right high-end outdoor gear is a choice that should be available to everybody’. 

Macpac has, for some years, been adding more styles and sizes, and this year it’s boosted the range further. 

Selected styles are available up to size 24/4XL, including thermal base layers, fleece, down jackets and vests, rain shells and soft shells, all featuring Macpac’s performance fabrics and functional designs.   

North Face Explore Fund open to applications

The North Face has launched the Explore Fund in Australia and New Zealand. It’s a grant-making programme that focuses on accelerating equity in the outdoors, increasing outdoor participation and protecting the places where people go. The Fund is open to eligible not-for-profit organisations, social enterprises and community groups.

In the fund’s first year, community organisations will be funded around two themes: creating a community of new explorers and protecting the environment. 

 The North Face envisages potential projects addressing the need for new trails or forests, elevating indigenous knowledge of land management or such topics such as climate change on public lands or in cities.

A total of $25,000 is available through the open grant process. Applicants may apply for up to $10,000 in grant funding and a minimum of $5000. In rare cases, The North Face may award more than $10,000 to specific projects. 

Find more information or apply for a grant here.

Applications close on August 28, 2022.

Mons Royale, local and sustainable merino clothing

Although Wānaka-based merino brand Mons Royale has been on my radar for a while, it was only recently that I bought some of their garments. I needed to refresh my base and mid layers for another stint of overseas cycle touring, and the clothing had already proved itself for tramping and mountaineering.  

Merino is my fabric of choice for thru-tramping and bikepacking because it can comfortably be worn for days, or even weeks, at a time without needing a wash.. It doesn’t retain odour or get clammy as synthetics do. For me, this benefit alone is worth Merino’s weight increase, slower drying time and lesser durability versus synthetics.   

Mons Royale has been around since 2009 and you have probably noticed their clothing and bold graphics at the ski field, in the backcountry and on bike trails. 

Most garments have a blend of merino and recycled polyester, nylon, lyocell and a touch of elastane. This combination provides durability, breathability and better comfort than merino alone. It’s great performance technical wear.

I’ve been impressed with the 180gsm Cascade Merino Flex LS top (from $140), which can be worn as a warm base layer, or light mid-layer. With 81% merino, 12% nylon and 7% elastane, it’s very comfortable and should hold its shape and be more durable than 100% merino fibre. 

For hotter conditions, the Temple Merino Air-Con T-shirt ($130) has a lighter 140gsm blend and a breathable, fast drying knit on the back panel.