Smartwool uses only the finest merino wool to create comfortable, reliable apparel without the itching that other wools have. Smart wool socks are designed to never make you too warm, too cold or wet.
Category Archives: Light Weight Hiking/Camping
Rainbird Stowaway Jacket
The Rainbird Stowaway is a super light rain shell (approx 420 grams), compact, waterproof and functional. With air-vents front and rear for extra ventilation, a fold-away hood that is concealed into the collar and a stowaway pouch this jacket is ideal for those who need an emergency shell for unexpected downpours while travelling or hiking.
The Stowaway is lined with a useful combination of mesh for ease of airflow and taffeta for a silky touch.
The lightweight fabric is waterproof and windproof as well as breathable and totally seamsealed.Waterproof rating to 2000mm which is as good as most tents.
The Stowaway jacket comes to you in a handy storage pack and will also fold into it’s own pocket! This pack-away feature and high performance capability makes it the ideal choice for travellers, hikers, campers, adventurers and walkers alike.
Without a doubt this is quite simply the best value buy around for waterproof and breathable Hooded Jackets that looks great and just so handy to have.
The North Face Nuptse Jacket
A classic, coveted down jacket redesigned for 2011 with a more modern, flattering slim fit. Constructed with ample 700-fill goose down, this high-loft down jacket delivers plush warmth in brutal conditions. Double-layer taffeta paneling at shoulders provides added durability from abrasion caused by pack carry.
Named for the rugged peak just over a mile southwest of Mount Everest, The North Face Nuptse is the go-to down jacket among cold weather activity enthusiasts. The Nuptse jacket is chocked full of 700 goose down fill, providing superior thermal insulation. Not only is the North Face Nuptse Jacket supremely warm, the high loft down filling makes it super lightweight and ultra compressible, so it packs easy and won’t weigh you down.
The styling of the Nuptse Jacket is as classic as classic can be. This puffy, down jacket features a straight yoke across the chest for a better, more flattering fit, double layer taffeta on the shoulders to reduce wear from your pack, and adjustable wrist cuffs and a hem cinch-cord to keep the cold out. With the Nuptse jacket, you don’t have to worry about the snow soaking your down, either. The North Face Nuptse Jacket features the North face Durable Water Repellent finish on both the nylon body of the jacket and the zipper. The North Face Nuptse Jacket also has pockets galore with two zippered hand pockets and an internal zip pocket to keep valuables safe. The Nuptse is also zip-in compatible with other North Face jackets.
The North Face Nuptse Vest provides all of the warmth and comfort of the Nuptse jacket, and none of the sleeves. The Nuptse vest is great for layering over a fleece or softshell jacket, and features the same high loft 700 goose down fill to keep your core toasty warm. The Nuptse vest is also zip-in compatible and features the Durable Water Repellent finish.
Men’s Havoc Mid GTX XCR Boots
With plenty of style as well as technical performance, The North Face Men’s Havoc Mid GTX XCR® new hiking boots keep feet looking and feeling great. The mid-cut boots incorporate membranes from Gore-Tex’s Extended Comfort Range for reliable waterproof protection and crucial breathability, while full-grain leather toes and mudguards are complemented by protective rubber toecaps and Northotic™ Pro foot beds with extra cushioning and support in the heels and forefeet. Snake Plate™ technology adds stability across the forefoot without sacrificing the flexibility that fast-moving hikers need, and Vibram® rubber outsoles add sure-fire grip over slick ground. Even better when paired with our Ultra Midweight Hike socks, The North Face Men’s Havoc Mid GTX XCR® hiking boots are an ideal hiking companion.
Feature
UPPER: GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort Range waterproof, breathable membrane
Full-grain leather toe and mudguard
Welded-synthetic, breathable midfoot
Protective rubber toecap
Northotic™ Pro+ premium EVA footbed with gel heel and Ortholite® forefoot cushioning pads and TPU Cradle™ support
BOTTOM: TPU and EVA Cradle™ heel cushioning and stability technology
Combination compression-molded EVA and injected PU midsole
TPU Snake Plate™ forefoot protection
Exclusive Vibram® rubber outsole
Keen Newport Sandal
Get the comfort of sandals without the mangled toes when you wear the Keen Newport Sandals.
The Newport is the foundation of the Keen Footwear line. Designed to perform in adverse conditions the razor sipped outsole and 3mm lugs provide excellent traction. A true hybrid, the waterproof uppers withstand the abuse of saltwater and dirt while providing supple comfort and a stylish look. Features a Metatomical low durometer EVA molded footbed, Compression molded EVA Midsole, Patented toe protection, Multi directional lug pattern with razor siping, Secure fit strap design, Washable waterproof leather upper, AEGIS Microbe Shield treated SBR lining.
Mixing normal sandals and boats tends to result in broken, bleeding toes and furious boat owners. The Keen Newport Sandals were developed in the sailing mecca of Rhode Island to solve these problems while retaining the comfort of sandals. A toe guard protects your nubs from deck rigging or rocks on shore. The Newport’s soles are made from a grippy, non-marking rubber that prevents you from slipping and falling overboard, or being thrown by black-mark-addled boat owners. The Newport’s waterproof leather upper and anatomical last make it comfortable enough for extended wear on long blue water voyages, or just walking around town.
Smartwool Merino Wool Baselayers
The SmartWool Baselayer offers natural stretch and breathability for stop-and-go activities in fluctuating temperatures.
Typically meant for use in running, hiking, skiing, mountain climbing, cycling, and in other types of outdoor aerobic exercise, these SmartWool merino wool baselayers command a premium over synthetic fabrics.
Made out of Merino Wool, which is common in high-end, performance athletic wear. Several properties contribute to merino’s popularity for exercise clothing, compared to wool in general and to other types of fabric:
- Merino is excellent at regulating body temperature, especially when worn against the skin. The wool provides some warmth, without overheating the wearer. It draws moisture away from the skin.
- Like cotton, wool absorbs water (up to 1/3 its weight), but, unlike cotton, wool retains warmth when wet, thus helping wearers avoid hypothermia after strenuous workouts (climbs) or weather events.
- Like most wools, merino contains lanolin, which has antibacterial properties.
- Merino is one of the softest types of wool available, due to finer fibers and smaller scales.
- Merino has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio compared to other wools, in part because the smaller fibers have microscopic cortices of dead air, trapping body heat similar to the way a sleeping bag warms its occupant.
When you head out for an epic powder day, three-pitch ice climb, or a backcountry snowshoe tour, the Smartwool Microweight Crew or the Smartwool Microweight Zip Top is the perfect way to start your layering. If you need a warmer yet still breathable baselayer for stop and go activities you might want to look at the Smartwool Midweight Crew or the Smartwool Midweight Zip Top
Made from soft, stretchy, odor-resistant merino wool, this baselayer wicks moisture and dries just as quickly as any synthetic baselayers in a comfy, all-natural package. Flatlock seams eliminate chafing on aerobic outings.
- Jersey-knit merino wool maintains your comfort whether the climate is warm, cold or in between
- Shoulder panels eliminate top shoulder seams and reduce chafing; set-in sleeves increase overall comfort
- Flatlock side seams are soft, non-bulky and designed to eliminate chafing
- SmartWool products are guaranteed not to itch and can be repeatedly washed and dried without shrinking
- Machine washable
http://adventuremegastore.com.au/catalogsearch/result/index/?cat=62&q=smartwool
Polartec fabrics—the most advanced performance textiles available today
Polartec LLC, the exclusive company that manufactures Polartec fleece, produces an entire family of Polartec fabrics that is designed as the ultimate climate control. There are three layers that each one of the fabrics fits into; the inner or thermal layer (the closest to your body), the middle layer, and the outer layer.
The first thing to remember about Polartec is that it breathes. This is important, because as you perspire, your sweat is wicked away from your body. So you have dry warmth surrounding you rather than cold perspiration that will chill you. Next, the fibers of this polyester fabric trap the heat you produce, therefore keeping your temperature regulated.
The North Face Polartec Salathe Jacket
Polartec Classic fabrics are the reference standard for lightweight warmth and breathability. This is the original fleece offering unparalleled quality and durability. Polartec Classic fabrics have been the primary insulation layer of choice among experienced outdoor enthusiasts for nearly three decades.
These fabrics are available in a range of weights to provide the right level of insulation for most outdoor activities. Polartec Classic 100 weight fabrics are the lightest and are excellent for a warm first layer or lightweight sweater, ideal for biking, trail running, and backpacking (like The North Face Salathe Jacket and The North Face TKA 100 Microvelour). Polartec Classic 300 weight fabrics are the heaviest and provide a warm thermal layer for very cold outdoor activities, such as wintertime adventures. Halfway in between are Polartec Classic 200 weight fabrics, providing outstanding warmth and versatility.
5 Great Accessories for Hiking and Trekking
5 Great Accessories for Hiking and Trekking
1) Nite-Ize S-Biner Carabiners
A double sided carabiner shaped like an “S”- these little guys, are extremely useful. The three ideal sizes for backpacking and hiking are the S-Biner #4 ($9.95), S-Biner #2 ($7.95) and S-Biner Key rack ($14.95 for 7pcs). The S-Biner #4 is the ideal size for such uses as hanging water bottles from packs, suspending food bags at camp and hanging wet clothes; with a breaking strength of 11KG, these guys are tough.
The #2 S-Biners (4.5KG breaking strength) are a great for keeping your walking poles as a pair, clipping your camp shoes together on the outside of your pack by the heel-tabs, and clipping zipper pulls together for extra security while traveling.
My favorite Nite Ize prodcut is the key rack S-Biners set. Although the smallest of the range, these bad-boys keep your valuables safe and sound, without the extra wieght. Can be used for Keys, securing your flashlights, suspending headlamps in your tent for a more flooded effect and even with guy ropes. Defiantly one of the smallest and lightest carabiners on the market; but don’t under estimate their performance.
2) Light Load Towels
Super absorbent. Multi purpose. Wickable. Machine Washable. These are just a few words to describe these versatile, lightweight lightload towels. Not only do they rival a 50c piece in packed size, they come in two sizes- the Small twin pack, 30 x 30cm ($3.95 2pcs) and the single, 30 x 60cm ($3.95 ea). Fitting a range of uses from a face washer for the gym to a emergency fire starter when paired with a fire striker in survival situations.They are great for use in mess kits for cleaning pots and cookware, these lightload towels are an essential piece of gear for anyones kit.
3) Fox 40 Pealess Whistle.
When the situation demands reliability and faultless performance, Fox 40 says it all. The Fox 40 Pealess whistles are the benchmark for hikers wen it comes to safety assurance. The design of the pealess whistle not only performs in the wet but provides an extremely loud and consistent blow, heard from kilometers. Made from highly durable lightweight plastic; I make sure it is always part of my backpacking essentials. Only $12.95 – a great addition you can make; is to tie a small length of reflective cord to the end of the whistle for visibility if dropped at night.
4) True Utility Tele-Pen.
Having needed a pen on many trips, deciding to take only one can be an issue of reliability. What if it stops working? If it were up to me I’d take a whole bunch so there’s a guarantee that I’ll have no issues with one not working. True Utility have solved this problem. With the release of a lightweight, super strong telescopic pen design means compact pack size when not in use. You’ll never be without a pen as it fits on your keyring and is only just longer than a key itself.
At a cost of $3 or $4 for a dud pen to take your chances with, this whole unit comes with 3 refills at $14.95. This was a smart choice for me on my recent trip to Japan. All your notes can be swiftly noted with Smooth writing and compact sizing; Taken notes on the trails with confidence.
5) Sea To Summit XXS Ultra-Sil Stuff Sacks
Helping with organization by using various different colors ( red, blue, green) and sizes ( XXS at 2.5L $12.95, to XXL at 30L $23.95) they make the separation of gear into categories quick and easy. The larger I use for clothing and the smaller for things like my lighting kit – headlamp and batteries, etc.
My XXS Ultrasil Stuff sack by Sea to Summit has been with me on every trip- and is destined to endure many more.
Built using a 30 denier siliconized nylon creating a slippery finish for an easy in and out of packs. The ripstop construction provides the nylon with a strong and long lasting construction. With an grab handle at the rear and carabiner loop this stuff sack is fully featured. Not only does my kit include these handy, water resistant stuff sacks from sea to summit every time I head out, but it is also on my top 5 list of my favorite gear.
(stows your Nite-Ize S-Biners, Lightload towels, Fox 40 pealess whistle and True utility tele-pen!!)
Sea to Summit NylonTarp Poncho
The nylonTarp Poncho from Sea to Summit is a handy item to include in your kit on occasions when you need a tarp to sleep under or as an emergency shelter. The Tarp Poncho is not only a tarp or poncho, but a pack cover, tent awning or ground sheet! The Poncho is constructed of a lightweight waterproof fabric which is double stitched and tape sealed and is great in temperate conditions where you may sweat too much in a traditional rain jacket. It includes a peaked hood and the poncho is plenty big enough to cover a large backpack while wearing it. The poncho easily converts into a 2 person tarp shelter and has reinforced attachment points for guy ropes etc. Weighing in at only 367grams it is a great addition to your kit for emergencies and it wont break your back carrying it.