Mens Footwear and Clothing

What am I looking for? that's a good question!...

 

Below are some helpful tips from Hikoi - 'The Specialists in Quality Outdoor Footwear and Apparel'

 

Footwear

 

The footwear you opt for on your next hikoi (whether you are in NZ or overseas) needs to be chosen wisely to ensure you have the proper sort for the proper terrain. If you're hiking mountain passes you wouldn't necessarily require the same style of hiking boots or hiking shoes as you would for say a coastal or bush walk.

 

If you are taking an intrepid journey your walking shoes will vary from those that you would possibly like to go shop in, or if you were to travel on business, or stay in a city. You might want to take a simple combination of durable, comfy, casual, sensible-for-all occasion kind of shoes or sandals with you on your travels rather than wearing hiking boots to a restaurant!

 

Whatever the journey you need to have sensible, quality footwear that's adequate for all sorts of walking as well as travel and every day wear.  Your shoes, sandals or boots need to be give your feet all the comfort, and support they need for walking decent distances on all terrain.  So you're well prepared for your next tramp or journey into the unknown let Hikoi help you by recommending the right kind of footwear for you.

• The most effective ankle support
• Shoes with the best arch support
• Waterproof shoes or waterproof boots and how to keep them waterproof
• Popular models of travel sandals
  

 

Socks

 

Hikoi currently stock one type of Sock; SmartWool. Why? Because they’re the best socks around!

SmartWool socks (and apparel) are created from the most comfy merino fibre you can put against your skin. A natural fibre that manages moisture, regulates body temperature and stays odour free! SmartWool feel great on the foot and give comfy arch support.

 

Clothing (outside clothing, travel clothing, NZ Made clothing, waterproof jackets)

Equally important to having the right thing on your feet is the type of clothing you wear. You need to be properly ready with the correct clothing for the activity you intend on doing, and the environment in which it happens. If you wear proper clothing you get the best results and enjoyment!

 

Base layers

 

Base layers, commonly referred to as 'thermals' or 'thermal underwear', are an essential for warmth and comfort and sometimes where survival is of the highest concern.  There are types of base layer materials but the more common ones include merino, silk, wool, polyester (polypropylene), bamboo, and soya.

 

The level of comfort depends on you and what you wish next to the skin however all thermals should primarily be fitting to the body serving to trap in your natural body heat while at the same time wicking away the moisture your body creates.  Good quality baselayers will leave your skin dry without any ‘sticky feeling’.

 

Base layers also dry incredibly fast, work well in wet weather and pack extremely small. Base layers are a first choice for all outside activities like tramping, mountain biking or skiing and conjointly as a travel piece because of their versatility and packability Great to wear as a tidy undergarment so you don’t have to pack so many bulky tops.

 

Thermals, particularly merino and silk, are not only for winter use. They are nice to wear in the summertime too as they natural fibres are breathable and comfortable, supply UV protection and far outlast and outperform any cotton based product.  Hikoi's base layer selection varies but 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 like 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 layer taken on and off the most in keeping with the weather temperature, climate and the amount of warmth your activity creates. Mid layers can be made from many materials including merino, wool, fleece, synthetic or down fill and softshell but are generally not as fitting as baselayer clothes. Many mid layers also are 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 rough outdoor conditions. Some midlayers, particularly from brands like Chalkydigits, are worn around town, or for travel and for casual dress.

 

Outer layer (windproof jackets, waterproof jackets, waterproof pants, down jackets, artificial fill jackets, fleece)

 

Outer layers mainly serve to guard you from the weather; the wind, rain and the cold.

Quality waterproof jackets like the kind you discover at Hikoi are highly windproof, breathable and use credited membranes like gore-tex which is guaranteed to keep you dry.

 

There are many choices of Outer layers. Outers can perform slightly different purposes from one another depending on the environment. What do you require from your outer layer? Many of our customers ask us for a jacket with multi-functions.  It’s always best to think about the activity or purpose for which you would mainly use the jacket that you are buying decision. The outer layers that Hikoi sell are ALL travel friendly, and have this sought after ‘multi-functionality. They are also packable and of the highest quality with lifetime warranties attached.

 

Waterproof jackets and waterproof pants

 

The ideal waterproof jacket can depend on the climate and the activity. For example, a highly breathable waterproof jacket created from a lightweight and packable material would be perfect for walking, running or travel however would not be suited to skiing that requires a heavier, thicker, warmer material that can stand up to high abrasive activities, heavy downpours, snow or carrying a tramping pack.

 

Hikoi sell a compact range of waterproof jackets. We have been Marmot stockists for many years and have found their jackets to prove themselves time and time again. Marmot jackets are trendy, vibrant, and are ideal for many out of doors activities as well as walking, running, golfing, tramping, skiing, travel or just routine wear. Marmot provide quality coupled with a manufacturer’s guarantee for life.

 

Down jackets and artificial filled jackets

 

Hikoi stocks quality down jackets from Marmot. Marmot 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 usually higher in grams than those lower echelon brands. When wanting to keep warm it’s best not to buy cheap copies, buy the best, buy Marmot!

 

The better the plume the better the loft and so better the heat. Marmot build down jackets and vests for many activities from skiing to everyday street wear. The varieties of down jackets Hikoi sell are good for going downtown for a coffee in winter as well as to ski in. Our jackets come in specific men’s or ladies fits and a cosy comfortable fit. Down jackets and vests are best worn fitting as they trap best the heat or warm air around your body. Down can  easily be crammed down tiny for travel but don’t leave it packed away! Make sure you always unpack your down jacket when you arrive at your destination to keep its loft.

 

Artificial fill jackets are down jackets cheaper alternatives but only on price not on quality or performance. Synthetic fill jackets are not as puffy as down jackets can be and unlike down, synthetic fill jackets keep performing if they become wet. So there are some definite advantages besides the price.  Here are some types of artificial fill jackets

 

Soft shell jackets

 

Soft shell jackets are fantastic and their popularity as a trendy outer layer means they have largely taken over from the traditional 200 weight fleece jackets of before and let’s admit it they do beat the classic kiwi swanny on street appeal! Soft shell jackets are simple to wash (clean surface with a cloth!), very durable, wind resistant and rain resistant and last forever! They are comfy for walking around town in in cold weather, travel or lots of kinds of outside activity. Even as a spring ski piece!

 

Most soft shell jackets are windproof and several are water-proof and can be fully waterproofed with the proper cleaning product for sale on our website.

 

Hikoi are proud NZ stockists of; Merrell, Teva, Keen, Ecco, Timberland, Ahnu, Birkenstock, Hi Tec, Vibram Five Fingers, Patagonia, chalkydigits, Black Wolf, Black Diamond, Marmot, Osprey, Silkbody, SmartWool, Therma-dry.