Clothing | Layering, Thermals, and Fabrics

This page describes the basic clothing layers needed: including soft-shell, thermal underwear and fleece, and the best fabrics for mountaineering in New Zealand.

Layering your Clothing

The layered clothing approach (thermal - mid layer - shell layer) is best for mountaineering in the Southern Alps. NZ’s temperate maritime climate delivers rapid changes in weather, and temperature - often inside the space of a day. Quickly adjusting clothing layers to suit weather and activity levels is essential.

Avoid cotton whenever possible, especially for layers close or next to the skin. Cotton absorbs moisture rapidly and dries slowly.

Thermal Layer- against the skin

Your base/thermal layer should keep you warm, and just as importantly, wick moisture from perspiration away from the skin.

Polyester based fabrics dry fast and have good wicking qualities. They also last longer, and do not attract body odor like polypropylene ("polypro") fabrics.

Modern ultra fine Merino wool thermals have recently gained popularity. Merino will keep you warm even if damp. However, merino does not dry quickly and will absorb a lot of moisture (up to 5 times its own weight). We recommend polyester fabrics for highly aerobic activities.

Regular Underwear

Bring two changes of standard underwear. We recommend polyester, or even super-fine merino underwear to avoid cold clammy cotton undies!

Thermal Underwear

Bring along:

  • 2 long sleeved tops
  • One pair of "long johns"

For winter trips use heavier grade thermals, or 2 complete sets.

Mid Layer: Insulation and wind protection

These items provide warmth, and to some extent protection from wind and moisture. Most mountain huts in NZ are not heated. Even during summer warm clothing for cool night temperatures is important.

Mid-weight tops | Fleece sweater | Wind-shells

A warm layer, worn as jersey over your thermals. Choose 100-200 weight micro-polar fleece or heavier grade Merino garments.

Alternatives are wind-shells, lightweight micro polyester multi sport jackets, with a micro fleece lining. Wind-shells have advantages over standard polar fleece by cutting wind chill.

Soft-shell Jackets

Soft-shell garments offer excellent wind protection, breath-ability, resilience, and range of movement. These are worn over your fleece jersey or thermals. Different weights of shoft-shell are available to suit the season of your trip.

Climbing trousers: including Soft Shell pants /Trekking Pants/ Fleece Pants

Your “climbing trousers” should be comfortable and able to fit over your thermal layer if necessary. Choose a lightweight, quick-drying synthetic fabric. Make sure they allow for easy movement, whether loose or tighter fitting.

Trekking pants over thermal long johns are okay during summer. These should be a light colour to minimise UV absorption. The classic Kiwi summer tramping garb is a pair of shorts, worn over striped polypro long johns - ugly but utilitarian.

Soft-shell fabrics are the most versatile option. They allow great range of movement, wind resistance and are quick drying. With soft-shell pants you can do away with long johns when in milder temperatures.

In winter, or during early season you can use fleece trousers/waterproof over-trouser or a soft shell/long johns combination.

How "hard" will the course be?

Are you ready? How does Mt Cook compare to Mount Aspiring? Read about Trip Difficulty ›