Snowboarding Brand Burton Goes Hiking – A Look at Their Multipath Range

Kate Donald has worn plenty of Burton’s technical snowboarding products — being one of their Australian Ambassador’s — so, when she heard they were developing a range of apparel to enjoy when the hills weren’t all covered in white, she was eager to learn more.

Jake Burton Carpenter is credited with moulding the snowboard industry into what it is today. It wasn’t just designing prototype snowboards from surfboards, and convincing ski resorts to let snowboarders onto their slopes, Jake created an entire new way of living. His company, Burton, is known by every single person that has ever strapped a snowboard to their feet and they produce all things snowboarding; from boards, to boots, to beanies and even ‘beer-a-cudas’.

The Burton [AK] backcountry outwear line is one of the best on the market, featuring comfortable yet functional designs, and a range of Gore-Tex layers (2L or 3L) to suit any alpine condition.

So, it was a natural progression to transfer that knowledge of backcountry winter gear into a clothing range that will have you covered for the rest of the year.

The new Burton Multipath collection boasts it can do any activity, from spring split-boarding, to mountain biking, to hiking, all while looking stylish enough to head to the pub afterwards.

The theme of this range is tech smart, versatile layers, that’ll cover you in all weather conditions. With the focus on designing the ideal layering system for any adventure, they started from the base layer and worked their way out.

The Multipath Long Sleeve T-shirt, is a classic adventure tee with all the tech. It’s made from a birds-eye mesh that will protect your arms from the sun, with a moisture wicking ‘Anti-odour’ fabric to protect the passers-by from your stank.

Kate and the Burton gang with some seasonal confusion at Thredbo a few weeks back.

The range features a multitude of mid-layer options; from lightweight to shell style fleeces, and insulated puffer jackets.

The stand-out for me was the Grid Crewneck Fleece. As a self-confessed fleece addict, it was the fleece I didn’t know I needed. It is super lightweight, yet surprisingly warm. It took me from my morning coffee, to SUP’s on the lake, to my afternoon hike.

The grid pattern of the fleece is similar to the famous ‘Mellanzana Micro Grid’ or ‘Melly’ as thru hikers like to call it, offering the ultimate in breathability.

If you’re after something a little more heavy duty, the Multipath Hooded Insulated Jacket is that versatile piece to wear for every season. With ThermacoreECO (60g) insulation, it is made from 92% recycled fibres meaning you can chuck it in the wash without worry, unlike down filled puffer jackets. Wear as a mid-layer beneath your shell during winter, or as a stand-alone, lightweight insulated jacket in the warmer months with its super soft, water repelling outer.

Did someone say hiking overalls? Burton have dared to design what many of us hikers have only dreamt off. Made with DRYRIDE fabric, they are not only waterproof but super stretchy and comfortable too!

Say goodbye to that shirt rising up beneath your backpack, or uncomfortable belt lines under pack waist straps. Before you get too excited though, I am yet to track down a pair of these overalls in Australia, and for a good reason! They’re in seriously high demand.

The entire range is Bluesign® approved, meaning each step in the textile supply chain is not only safe for the environment, but for the workers and customers too. And all the clothing also comes with a lifetime warranty!

With summer (kind of) in full swing down here in Jindabyne, I’ll be hiking, riding and SUPing the Multipath range all over the Aussie alps.