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June 2025

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Mark Watson

Mark is Wilderness’s gear editor and a dedicated storyteller, documenting his adventures in both words and photos.

By Mark Watson

Stay ahead of the chill with this winter-ready gear.

Featured image: OMM Core Hoody

$219.99 / 115g

OMM’s ridiculously cosy Core Hoody is a regular on my pack list. This midlayer is made from ultra-compressible Primaloft Active, which is an exceptionally high warmth-to-weight ratio loose-weave, high-loft fleece (similar to Polartec’s Alpha Direct). It traps air well, dries fast and is highly wicking, making it suitable as a baselayer or midlayer depending on the season.

Earth Sea Sky Power Wool Short Sleeve

$159 / 150g

This year-round baselayer is crafted from Polartec’s technical PowerWool bi-component fabric, combining an ultrafine merino interior with a polyester face that provides the benefits of wool but with vastly improved wicking, drying time, durability and shape retention. It’s super comfortable and warm for its weight for year-round use.

Rab Hypersphere Ultra 7.5

$469.95 / 610g (r)

Rab’s new Hypersphere down-filled mats offer impressive four-season warmth for their weight at a reasonable price. We’ll soon be testing the Ultra 7.5 (R7.3) with 800 fill-power down. The 9.5 model (840g) has a South Col-worthy R9.5 rating, with heavier specs for just $339.95.

About the author

Mark Watson

Wilderness gear editor Mark Watson divides his workdays between graphic design, writing and photography. His passion for tramping, climbing, cycling and storytelling has taken him all over Aotearoa and the world in search of great trails, perfect moves and epic light. He has published four books and his photographs have featured in numerous publications. Especially motivated by long distance travel, he has tramped Te Araroa and cycled from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.