Key Takeaways:

• Swanndri offers natural fibre-based outdoor clothing with serious performance benefits for hiking - even though we're not a traditional hiking brand.
• The ZQRX regenerative wool range is traceable, ethical, and high-performance - ideal for hikers who care about sustainability as much as comfort.
• Merino layers are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating - perfect for base and mid-layers.
• Waterproof jackets with sealed seams, breathability, and wind resistance offer reliable protection in changing weather.
• Choose your layers based on season: breathable and light for summer, insulating and weatherproof for winter and wet weather hikes.

At Swanndri, we know the outdoors - but not the way most hiking brands do. Our heritage was built on keeping people warm, dry, and moving freely in the toughest conditions New Zealand has to offer. That's why more and more people are turning to Swanndri gear not just for work, but for walking tracks, multi-day tramps, and backcountry escapes.

Whether you're exploring a forest track or chasing elevation, here's how to build your ideal hiking outfit - using Swanndri's wool-rich, natural performance gear.

Start With the Right Base: Merino Layers

Your base layer does the heavy lifting when it comes to regulating body temperature and moving moisture away from your skin.

Swanndri's Men's Merino and Women's Merino ranges are built for exactly that. Merino is:

• Naturally odour-resistant - perfect for multi-day hikes
• Soft against skin - no itch, even after hours of wear
• Thermoregulating - keeps you cool when it's hot, warm when it's cold
• Lightweight and breathable – won't weigh down your pack

Look for long sleeve merino tops, singlets, and half-zips as the ideal base or mid-layer for year-round hiking comfort.

Add Warmth Without Bulk: ZQRX Regenerative Wool

For insulation, you need a layer that's warm and breathable. The ZQRX regenerative wool range (available in both Men's and Women's) ticks all the boxes:

• Grown in New Zealand under audited animal welfare and regenerative farming practices
• Traceable to source - you know where your fibre comes from
• Wool-rich blends - providing natural insulation without overheating
• Midlayers include vests and fleeces - all ideal for layering and easy to shed as you warm up on the trail

These garments bridge the gap between high-performance and hardwearing heritage - built for long wear and real-world use.

Stay Dry and Protected: Waterproof Jackets Built for the Unexpected

New Zealand's weather is famously unpredictable. Swanndri's Waterproof Jackets for Men and Women are designed to take it in stride.

Features to look for:

• Seam-sealed construction to block out water
• Breathable membranes - stay dry without sweating underneath
• Adjustable hoods and cuffs for secure fit in wild weather
• Wind-resistant outer fabric - key when exposed on ridgelines or open terrain

Styles like the Wellington and Swanson offer a modern take on classic weatherproofing - just as at home on the hill as they are in town.

The Bottom Line

You don't need ultra-technical hiking gear to get outdoors - you just need clothing that's well made, layerable, and suited to the conditions. That's what Swanndri does best.

Whether you're walking up a mountain or around a lake, start with:

• Merino for your base,
• ZQRX wool for warmth,
• and waterproof outer layers for protection.

Built for the land, trusted by generations - and ready for wherever your hike takes you.