Mens Footwear and Clothing
Footwear
The footwear you decide to take on your next hikoi whether you are in NZ or overseas needs to be carefully chosen to ensure you have the right type for the right terrain. If you are hiking mountain passes you won't necessarily need the same hiking boots or hiking shoes as you would for a coastal or bush walk. If you are taking an intrepid journey your walking shoes will vary from those that you might like to buy if you were to travel on business or to stay in a city. You might want to take just one pair of sturdy, comfy, casual, good-for-all occasion type shoes or sandals with you on your travels rather than wear hiking boots to a restaurant! Whatever the journey you need to have good quality footwear that is adequate for all types of walking including travel and day to day wear. Your shoes, sandals or boots need to be giving your feet all the comfort, and support they need for walking. So that you are well prepared for your next tramp or journey into the unknown, Hikoi can recommend the boots that give the best ankle support, the shoes with good arch support, waterproof shoes or waterproof boots and how to keep them waterproof and/or the most popular models of travel sandals of today.
Socks
Hikoi currently stock one brand of Sock; SmartWool.
SmartWool socks (and apparel) are made from the most comfortable merino fibre you can put against your skin. A natural fibre that manages moisture, regulates body temperature and stays odour free! SmartWool are a great fit around the foot and give good arch support.
Clothing (outdoor clothing, travel clothing, NZ Made clothing, waterproof jackets)
Equally important to having the right pair of shoes is your choice of clothing. You need to be properly prepared with the correct clothing for the activity you plan on doing and the environment in which it happens.
Base layers
Base layers, commonly known as 'thermals' or 'thermal underwear', are very important when warmth, comfort and sometimes survival are of the highest concern. Base layers can come in many different fabrics but the more common ones include merino, silk, wool, polyester (polypropylene), bamboo, and soya. The level of comfort depends on you and what you like next to the skin but all thermals should essentially be fitting to the body helping to trap in your natural body heat, while at the same time wicking away the moisture your body creates. This will leave you dry, and without the sticky feeling. Base layers also dry incredibly fast, work well in wet weather and pack extremely small. Base layers are an excellent choice for all outdoor activities such as tramping, mountain biking or skiing and also as a travel piece wearing them as an undergarment. Thermals especially merino and silk are not just for winter use. They are great to wear in the summertime too as they are breathable and comfortable, offer UV protection and far outlast and outperform any cotton based product. Hikoi's base layer range includes T-Shirts, long sleeve crew necks, long sleeve v necks, short sleeve v necks, polo necks, long johns, leggings, hats, gloves, and scarves. Our merino brands use NZ Zque (organic) merino. Brands such as Chalkydigits and Thermadry polypropylene still manufacture their ranges here in NZ supporting our country and causing little environmental impact.
Mid layer
The mid layer is the one that you take on and off according to the weather temperature, climate and the amount of heat your activity is creating. Mid layers can be made from merino, wool, fleece, synthetic or down fill and softshell but are generally not as fitting as baselayer garments. Many mid layers are also windproof and even shower proof and continue to perform well when wet (microfleece).
At Hikoi not all of the midlayers we sell are used for hiking in the outdoors. Some, especially from brands like Chalkydigits, are worn in and around the town environment, for travel and for casual dress.
Outer layer (windproof jackets, waterproof jackets, waterproof pants, down jackets, synthetic fill jackets, fleece)
Outer layers should mainly serve to protect you from the weather; the wind, rain and cold.
Quality waterproof jackets like the kind you find at Hikoi are also highly windproof, breathable and use credited membranes such as gore-tex which is guaranteed to keep you dry.
There are many options available to use as an Outer layer. Each suit a slightly different purpose.
Waterproof jackets and waterproof pants
The waterproof jacket you need will vary depending on the climate and the activity. For example a highly breathable waterproof jacket made from a lightweight and packable material would be perfect for walking, running or travel but would not be suited to skiing which requires a heavier, thicker, warmer material that can withstand high abrasive activities, heavy downpours, snow or wearing with a tramping pack.
Hikoi sell a very compact range of waterproof jackets and concentrate on one brand, Marmot, in particular. We have been Marmot stockists for many years and have found their jackets to have proven themselves time and time again. Marmot jackets are very stylish, colourful and have a specific fit for men and women. They are ideal for many outdoor activities including walking, running, golfing, tramping, skiing, travel or just day to day wear. Marmot are about quality and their garments also come with a manufactures guarantee for life.
Down jackets and synthetic filled jackets
We only stock the best quality down jackets from Marmot. They use premium European goose or duck feathers that have a superior loft than that of the plume from Chinese origin. Marmot overfill their down jackets and the fill is generally much higher in grams than those from 'try hard competitors'. The better the loft and the higher the fill the better the warmth. Marmot make down jackets and vests for many activities from skiing to just day to day street wear. The range of down jackets Hikoi sell are perfect for going downtown for a coffee in winter or as apres ski pieces. They come in a specific men’s or women’s fit and should be a nice cosy snug fit when worn as they will trap best the warm air around your body. Down can easily be crammed down small for travel but always unpack your down jacket when you arrive at your destination.
Synthetic fill jackets are the down jackets cheaper alternative but only on price not on quality or function. Synthetic fill jackets are not as puffy as down can be and unlike down, synthetic fill jackets keep performing if they become wet.
Soft shell jackets
Soft shell jackets are fantastic and their popularity as a stylish outer layer means they have largely taken over from the traditional 200 weight fleece jackets of before and certainly beat the traditional kiwi swanny on street appeal. Soft shell jackets are easy to clean, durable, wind resistant and last forever! Great for walking around town in cold weather, travel or any type of outdoor activity.
Most soft shell jackets are windproof and many are water resistant and can be fully waterproofed with the correct product.
Hikoi are proud NZ stockists of; Merrell, Teva, Keen, Ecco, Timberland, Salomon, UGG, Ahnu, Birkenstock, Emu, Hi Tec, Vibram Five Fingers, Patagonia, chalkydigits, Black Wolf, Black Diamond, Marmot, Osprey, Silkbody, SmartWool, Therma-dry.
