Our First Look at icebreaker’s 2024 Hiking Range

icebreaker is continuing to push the boundaries of what merino and natural fibres can do in outdoor gear. We took a look at what’s coming in their new Hike collection.

By now I’m sure you know the benefits of merino wool in the outdoors (here’s a quick recap). icebreaker gear has always been low on smell and increasingly sustainable, natural, and plastic-free, but they’re also pushing another boundary: fashun.

Cam Bostock rocking the Tech Lite III in the Western Arthurs

Seriously though, hiking clothing is increasingly crossing over with activewear and the new Hike range from icebreaker follows suit. Hoodies, tights, and even a jumpsuit make up a collection that can go from coffee shop to trailhead with ease (don’t pretend you’re hiking without caffeine and pastries, we know).

The Hike Collection from icebreaker

Whether it’s 100% pure merino wool clothing, plant-based fabrics, or ZoneKnit™ pieces that utilise body-mapping to ensure optimal performance when the tough get going, this new kit boasts some pretty impressive tech. Here’s what’s new.

200 Realfleece™ Descender Hoodie

I don’t reckon you’ll let anyone steal this hoodie, no matter how much you like them. The 40% merino, 60% TENCEL™ lyocell fabric is 100% plastic free and comes in at 156g/m. In other words, it’s super lightweight, yet it traps heat when needed and sheds it when you don’t.

How? Tactical placement of brushed merino wool and jersey knit Cool-Lite™ to keep the weight down. Jersey knit allows fabric to be stretchy without adding synthetic elastane.

Explorer Cam Bostock wore his Realfleece™ Descender hoodie non-stop in the Western Arthurs

The 200 Realfleece Descender hoodie won a 2023 ISPO award (Internationale Fachmesse für Sportartikel und Sportmode, the world’s largest trade fair for sporting goods and sportswear, I knew you’d ask) where the jury were impressed by how good it felt on the skin, and how well it added warmth without adding weight.

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Tech Lite III & Sphere III Tees

Tech lite tees are 100% merino wool, which makes them the perfect all rounder. They’re so versatile that I wear mine to the gym and often throw it back on after a shower without an issue. The merino fibres are breathable and cool in summer, but in colder climates it’s the perfect next-to-skin layer, ensuring comfort under jumpers and jackets.

Men’s Tech Lite tee with a nice nostalgic camping illustration

Many of the Tech Lite III tees come in simple, understated colours that are inspired by nature and ready to wear on the daily.

The graphic tee collection continues the theme with illustrations of nature, wildlife, and the ways we experience them. I particularly like the Merino 150 Long Sleeve Peak Glow with its stippled print reminiscent of dusk and dawn in the mountains.

SEE TECH LITE

Sphere tees are back too with men’s graphics and women’s two-tone styles . These tees are 60% TENCEL™ lyocell and 40% merino wool and utilise Cool-Lite™ – making them best for warmer conditions or lots of activity (tough hikes!).

Women’s Sphere tee in a two-tone green colourway

SEE WOMEN’S SPHERE

SEE MEN’S SPHERE

Women’s Fastray II Tights

Excellent for training and trails!

Tights, or as we all know them, leggings, are a godsend. The Fastray II 25″ High Rise Tights let you enjoy that freedom with minimal synthetics, being 97% merino wool. With a phone pocket, comfy flatlock seams, and ‘squat proof’ construction they’re perfect for sessions all through winter.

The 2024 drop has an updated waistband that’s a bit thinner with a shorter rise for more comfort from trail to gym to smoothie run.

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ZoneKnit Seamless Range™

This kit is aimed at making running more natural and comfortable for women. The Seamless collection has a unique blend that uses bio-based nylon and elastane to reduce your reliance on synthetic fibres when you pull on your runners.

Seamless Active Jumpsuit

The 260 ZoneKnit™ Merino Blend Seamless jumpsuit is a bodysuit you can run in or wear as part of a more layered winter outfit.

Peak fashun reached

There are mesh panels for breathability and an open back, but more support around the chest and thicker knit across the bottom. Our Content Editor Jess is getting one for review, should be a game changer!

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Seamless Bra

Sizes range from XS – XL

Using a mix of merino wool, lyocell, and bio-based nylon and elastane, this racerback-style bra brings heaps of support and comfort. Merino mesh panels allow it to breathe and the clean design allows it to be worn as an outer layer for runs, hikes, and workouts. But most of all, the seamless construction is comfy AF.

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Seamless Tights

Designed for easy movin’ and shakin’

I reckon you know the drill by now and you’re right, the Seamless Tights bring more of the good stuff. No seams, ventilated merino and natural fibre construction, and a high waist because it’s not the 2000s anymore.

SEE TIGHTS

Feature image thanks to @cambostock