Banner

How to Stay Chill (When the Weather Isn’t)

5 mins
02/10/2024

We’re on for on-season!

Welcome to the main adventure month for trails, travel, & all things water-based. Pack in the miles with longer days and pack a tent for those warm nights. We’re welcoming spring & summer (and the heat) with open arms.

To prepare you for the season of sunshine, we have detailed handy tips & tricks to make the most of your expeditions.

Our Picks

Hot weather is all about light layers and breathability. We generally love the sun. However, facing an ascent when it’s beating down on you can be downright uncomfortable. We have items that help keep you cool and protected. You don’t have to show more skin to cool down – we have you covered (literally).

Brrr°

Let us introduce you to our chilliest fabric yet. Our Brrr° range is made from a cooling, wicking, and quick-drying fabric. The Triple Chill Effect® fabrics combine cooling minerals with active wicking and rapid drying technology to reduce the temperature of your skin. They also offer UPF sun protection.

The range includes short & long-sleeved, hooded & hood-less options, arm protection, neck gaiters & fingerless gloves for all-over chill. Shop the range.

UPF range

We said protection, and we mean it. UPF is the UV protection Factor rating system used to determine how well the item will protect you from the sun. It’s similar to SPF, which you will be familiar with, and follows a close rating system; the higher the rating, the better protection offered.

We rate our items in three categories: Minimum (UPF15), good (UPF30) and excellent (UPF50+).

Hats, swimwear, trail tees, and shorts, to name a few, feature in our UPF range. Shop the range.

Pre-adventure Planning

What does warmer weather bring? Each season has its nuances. Different layering systems, routes, and weather systems.

Water

The biggest thing that gets overlooked in the warmer months is water. Some questions you might need to ask:

-            Will the hut have enough water?

-            Can I rely on the streams for water along the journey, or might they be dry?

-            Has there been recent rain?

Don’t underestimate how much water you might need for a hot adventure. If in doubt, pack extra. You can always eliminate excess if you find plenty of water on the track.

Heat

Hot tip – don’t plan for your 400-metre ascent to be during the hottest part of the day. Start early or a little later to ensure you’re in the best position possible during the peak heat. Sometimes, you can’t help it – but it’s worth thinking about.

Breaks

Check the maps before you head off to ensure you can maximise your access to shade and water when stopping for breaks. It might mean having lunch earlier or later, but it’s worth it.

Daylight

Arguably, one of the best things about these adventures - daylight hours. With so much extra daylight, you can explore so much further!  

No Hat, No Play – Packing for a Sun-Packed Outing

SPF, SPF, and maybe more SPF. We know you know this. But what else can you pack to make your outside time as comfortable as possible?

Hat

We have hats for all types of adventures. Caps, hats with a wide brim, hats with no brim, and hats with a built-in sports mode (that adjustable cord that sits under your neck). Pick a hat & pack it. Shop hats here.

Water

This one might also be obvious, but your favourite spring trail just got hotter. Pack more water than you need (we detail why above).

Sports Towel

Maybe for an impromptu swim, maybe to shower in the river when you get to the hut, or for the perspiration. Whatever for, they’re handy. We have some here.

Bites, burns, & blisters

Refresh the first-aid kit for common summer woes. We also have handy mosquito nets for those evenings around the campfire. 

RECOMMENDED POSTS
A list of the best hikes in the north and south island of New Zealand. Get exploring this summer!
10 mins
Our favourites. Little things you might have missed, might not have been sure about, and perhaps didn’t even know existed!