Kathmandu’s Zany New Collab With Jason Woodside Brings Bulk Colour to Your Outdoor Outfit

Julia spent two days in the Blue Mountains wearing the new kit, meeting the artist behind it all and, of course, getting out there in the Aussie bush.

I have many great loves in my life – two of which are funky patterns, and getting outside for a cheeky foray into nature. So heading into the Blue Mountains to put Kathmandu’s new Jason Woodside and summer collections to the test was a big win.

The gear is lightweight, comfy, sweatproof, and adorned with plenty of colour and patterns courtesy of a collab. with NZ-based artist (and certified legend) Jason Woodside. Here are my favourite bits and pieces from the range.

The author, vibing

Faves from the Jason Woodside Collection

1. Jason Woodside EVRY-Where Women’s 5” Shorts

Fave feature: Quick-drying cotton/recycled nylon material

From the second I took these bad boys for a spin I knew they’d be a staple for the summer. Super lightweight and quick drying thanks to the moisture-wicking fabric, they stood up to the test of a sweltering 30-degree day out in the Blue Mountains (and they stand out on the trail – a groovy addition to my hiking ‘drip’).

The adjustable bungee cord waistband makes for a super easy fit and they even pack up tight into their own pocket – perfect to stash in a pack for an impromptu summer adventure.

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2. Jason Woodside Pocket Pack

Fave feature: Packs away into its own pocket

I’m of the opinion that pocket packs are the unsung hero of adventuring. I’ve long eschewed a heavier backpack on short walks in favour of its compact cousin, and they’re my favourite addition for side trips on a multi-day hike, or to stuff a towel in for a last-min ocean swim.

Looked extra drippy on this Blue Mountains trippy

This pocket pack ticks every box for what makes a good one – lightweight yet durable, quick-drying material, solid adjustable straps, and comfy to wear even when full. And with a 15L capacity, it fits more than enough to accompany most single-day microadventures.

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3. Jason Woodside ANY-Time LT Sweats Unisex Hoodie & Joggers

Fave feature: Generous pockets and relaxed fit

Gotta love a co-ord moment, and this set was primo as the cool Blue Mountains night set in and I got settled under the stars for a bit of gazing out at the cosmos. The drawcord hood is ace for keeping a chilly breeze out, and the slightly slouchy, slightly relaxed fit is just right for veering away from daggy territory and into versatile campsite/post-beach/streetwear territory.

A great op for chucking on to stay warm after a cool evening dip or to keep comfy at the campsite. Will I also don this set for a late-night ice cream run at some point in the near future? Yes.

SEE HOODIE  

SEE JOGGERS

4. Jason Woodside Prism Women’s Organic Cotton T-Shirt

Fave feature: Soft-as-butter fabric

Who doesn’t love a good old cotton tee? This shirt had the soft and cosy factor dialled up to 1000, while being lightweight enough to not make me a sweaty gal under the Katoomba sun.

Featuring Jason Woodside’s designs across a groovy little stripe and funky reworked Kathmandu logo, it’s a great staple to chuck on for a light walk, a trip to the beach or cruising down the coastline with mates. And 100% organic cotton ain’t too bad either. 

The Jason Woodside collection boasts a fair few handy extras too – with the designs (inspired by NZ’s landscapes, coastlines, and sunsets) featured across an insulated water bottle, a camping/beach/festival chair, a sand-proof beach towel, and a five-panel cap.

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Faves from the Summer Range

1. Oboz Katabatic Women’s Mid B-DRY Hiking Boots

Fave feature: Breathable waterproof membrane

Sturdy yet flexible, supportive and surprisingly light, these may have usurped my old faithfuls as my new fave summer hiking shoes. The grip was solid as I clambered over rocky terrain and loose stones alike, and the B-DRY membrane (which provides nifty double function in breathability and waterproofing) meant I stayed cool on a blisteringly hot day at Lockleys Pylon.

More than just being kind to your feet – they’re kind to the planet too. Oboz plant a tree for every pair sold. 

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2. EVRY-Day Women’s Cargo Shorts

Fave feature: Adjustable integrated belt

A multi-faceted pair of shorts for adventuring. These were a ripper choice for a summer hike – decent coverage yet not too heavy, plenty of room to move yet not too bulky.

With the built-in adjustable belt, it was easy to find a comfy fit (and avoid having to repeatedly hike ’em up or constantly adjust as you get moving).

The built-in belt is genius – more hiking up mountains and less hiking up shorts

The recycled nylon is both water repellent and super quick drying – the perfect combo for a day hike to a wild swimming spot, or to lay out to dry at camp after getting caught in a bit of summer rain.

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3. EVRY-Day Women’s Pants

Fave feature: UPF 50+ Protection

Another bit of gear for your pins that boasts a built-in adjustable belt, these are an ultra-versatile pair of slacks. Although a full-length pant, they were lightweight enough to wear comfortably on a hot summer day in the Blue Mountains. And the 100% recycled nylon boasts UPF 50+ protection for added safety from pesky UV rays.

The relaxed fit and adjustable waist mean these actually look good too (much to my delight, daggy hiking pants with major waist-gapage have long held my contempt). Bonus points awarded to the beech colour option for major Kim Possible vibes.

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4. SUN-Stopper Women’s Short Sleeve T-shirt

Fave feature: Moisture-wicking fabric

I’m a sweaty gal. And I’ve given a number of so-called moisture-wicking shirts a good whack, only to (regretfully) discover that my sweat was in fact very, very visible. So it was a real treat to discover that no matter how much I got the blood pumping on an incline, my shirt appeared bone-dry.

Part of Kathmandu’s SUN-Stopper collection, it ticks all the boxes – made from 100% recycled materials, produced with minimal impact on the environment, and offers UPF 50+ protection from harmful UV. A win for your bod and a win for the planet.

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