Kathmandu’s New Summer Hiking Kit Brings Capable XT Series Layers to Hot Weather

One whiff of summer and Ella was into her lightweight layers, ready to b r e a t h e the weekend away.

Over the past few weeks I’ve started to see glimpses of my favourite season fast approaching. The sun is getting stronger, I’m reaching for my water bottle more often, and the familiar threat of sunburn is making a comeback on longer days out on the trail.

Hiking in the Australian summer comes with challenges. High temperatures, prolonged sun exposure, monstrous humidity, and the occasional unpredictable southerly storm, all place different demands on my hiking kit.

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While technical apparel is often associated with keeping us warm in harsh alpine conditions, staying cool, dry, and protected during summer requires just as much thought. Increasingly, it also relies on some pretty clever fabric technology too.

Earlier this year, Kathmandu made a pretty impressive return to technical outdoor apparel with the launch of its XT Series, a modular layering system built to take on some seriously demanding conditions in the mountains.

I got my hands on the first drop when it first launched and was impressed by the technical innovation and attention to detail that had gone into each piece.

Now, with summer on the horizon, Kathmandu is bringing that same approach to warmer conditions, expanding the XT Series with lightweight, performance-focused layers designed to keep up when the temperature rises.

Featuring breathable DeltaPeak tops and durable, lightweight Cordura shorts and pants, the summer additions build on the modular philosophy, proving that technical performance isn’t reserved for freezing temperatures and alpine expeditions.

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DeltaPeak LT Tops

Finding the right balance between staying protected (from the sun and pack straps!) and keeping cool can be a bit of a challenge. The new DeltaPeak tees have been designed with exactly that in mind.

Both tops are constructed using DeltaPeak, a high performance polyester fabric developed in Japan by Tejin Frontier. It uses an engineered knit construction that combines lightweight comfort stretch and durability. The result is a smooth, very soft and breathable fabric designed to withstand extended periods of time out on the trail while remaining comfy and dry.

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I’ve also found these tees to be quick drying and have noticed that the wet pack patch on my back was gone within a few minutes of taking a break.

The two tops offer slightly different approaches to summer layering. The long sleeve top provides UPF 50+ protection, making it a particularly useful option for exposed trails where sun protection is a priority. Meanwhile, the short sleeve top offers a lighter coverage option for warmer conditions, retaining the breathable, quick-drying benefits of the DeltaPeak fabric.

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Personally, I haven’t stopped wearing the long sleeve version. I return home to a scolding every time I get a little sunburnt after an adventure so it’s been a really easy fix knowing this tee covers the bases. Also, I love the colour.

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XT Cordura LT Shorts & Pants

If you’ve spent much time hiking in Australia, you’ll know that even the most innocent-looking trail can quickly turn into a scramble through scrub, sharp rocks, and whatever else the bush decides to throw at you. So, while keeping cool is one thing, having gear that can take a bit of a beating is another. That’s where the cordura shorts and pants come in!

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As the name suggests, both pieces are made using Cordura (shocking), a fabric technology that’s earned a pretty solid reputation for durability and abrasion resistance. But rather than opting for the thick, heavy-duty construction you’d typically associate with hard-wearing hiking gear, Kathmandu has used a lightweight ripstop fabric designed to deliver durability without unnecessary bulk.

It’s a clever application of the technology, particularly for summer hiking, where every gram and extra layer of fabric can make a difference.

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The pants and shorts are designated as WeatherFlex, meaning they’re layers designed to offer lightweight wind resistance, water repellency, and freedom of movement while on the go in changing conditions.

Of the two, the XT Cordura LT Shorts are the ones that have really caught my attention. They bring the durability you’d expect from technical hiking gear into a lightweight design that’s well-suited to warmer days on the trail.

I’ve found them incredibly comfortable in the heat, with an impressive range of motion that makes scrambling and navigating tricky terrain a breeze. They’re so lightweight and unrestricted that you almost forget you’re wearing them. Almost.

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The XT Cordura LT Pants follow the same technical principles, offering additional coverage for hikers tackling overgrown trails or looking for a full-length alternative. Personally, I’m more inclined to reach for the shorts when the mercury rises, but there’s certainly a place for both layers.

One System, Four Seasons

When Kathmandu first launched the XT Series earlier this year, it was clear the brand was serious about its return to technical outdoor apparel. With the arrival of the summer gear, it’s good to see that commitment extending beyond the colder months.

The new additions bring a different set of fabric technologies and performance features into the mix, making the broader XT Series a more versatile option for year-round hiking. I’m super excited to see how the brand continues to build on this idea and those shorts will be getting a proper workout over the coming months.

Feature photo by @jackjbrookes

@jackjbrookes