Staff Picks: Favourite Gear for Summer

Here at Macpac, it’s safe to say we’re a little obsessed with gear. As outdoor lovers, we take every opportunity to test our product “out there”, in the conditions it was meant for. Summer comes with its unique pleasures ̶ you need gear that’ll stand up to splashing in swimming holes, sun-soaking, tramping trips, camping trips, local exploring, bike commuting and more…

Here are our team’s top gear picks for summer.

Amy running with the Whitcombe in the Tararuas

The Whitcombe Windbreaker

Balancing wind resistance and breathability, the Whitcombe offers lightweight protection during high-intensity activity. Perfect in summer as an additional layer when the wind picks up – whip it out, and whip it on. Super packable and harness compatible, it tucks into its own chest pocket, making it easy to carry anywhere. Part of our Mountain Sports collection, the Whitcombe is a great addition to every summer adventurers’ kit.

Amy, from our Digital Marketing team, is an avid trail runner. She shares her thoughts:

“Choosing a jacket to run in can be difficult; some can get clammy when you sweat, restrict you in your movement and can be inconvenient to stowaway – but I find the Whitcombe perfect as it’s lightweight, has a ‘next to the skin’ feel, is compactable, breathable and also looks good, with a pop of colour (important when you’re out on the trail!) I’ve worn it running, hiking, cycling and out casually to BBQs and market trips – it’s practical and looks great.”

Versatility is another key feature of the Whitcombe. Christine (also part of our Digital Marketing team) loved using the Whitcombe during a multi-day hike of the Kepler track, a popular Great Walk in the South Island.

“The Whitecombe was the perfect layer for our multi-day hiking trip. Since it was quite warm but also always windy, the windbreaker was perfect as it was light, leaving me feeling not too hot, not too cold. A no-brainer for my packing list!

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Christine in the black Whitcombe, during the Kepler Track

Olivia (left) enjoying the Voyager. A close-up on the right from a Summer shoot.

The Voyager 35L Pack

Comfortable and spacious, the Voyager is the perfect pack for day hiking, commuting, or even short multi-day trips. And for a 35L capacity – you’ll be surprised just how much you can pack into this gem!

For Olivia, from our Marketing team, the Voyager is the everyday pack she never knew she needed, until she got it.

“It’s comfortable, durable and the 35L space means it’s super versatile for day trips in the mountains or when I’m travelling. I love how many pockets/compartments this pack has because I can keep things separate but know exactly where they are.”

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The Mica Dress

The dress that does it all. Made from lightweight stretch fabric that dries quickly, the Mica Dress has a simple feminine cut and thoughtful details – such as a zipped pocked in the side seam for small items like lip balm, deeper pockets for other essentials and most importantly, celebrates freedom of movement when you’re out and about. Imogen, from our Product team, wore the dress for four days straight.

“I enjoyed the lightness of the fast-drying, stretch fabric which inconspicuously dealt with the uphill sweat build up. It didn’t bunch or ride up in an unflattering way, nor did I overheat or get chilled by sweat-soaked fabric -plus, I enjoyed the simple, feminine cut and its modest coverage when needing a discreet pee off the track. It was a wonderful combination you don’t often find in women’s outdoor apparel - practical, pretty and pocketed!”

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Imogen in the Mica Dress

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Macpac Women's Whitcombe Windbreaker

A$199.99 A$119.99 Now A$99.00

Macpac Men's Whitcombe Windbreaker

A$199.99 A$119.99 Now A$99.00

Macpac Voyager 35L Backpack

A$279.99 Sale A$195.99

Macpac Women's Mica Dress

A$169.99 A$101.99 Now A$75.00

Matika in the Eyre tee and Caples tights

The Caples Tights & Eyre range

A great combination for all active pursuits! Light, breathable and moisture-wicking, you can wear the Eyre range for longer, and wash it less (a win for you and the environment). Styles include long sleeve tops, short sleeve tops, hooded and an additional tank style for women. For Matika, our Christchurch Senior Store Manager, it’s her favourite range for “year-round adventuring.”

“With more than one of each style in my wardrobe, I am always ready to go! They’re light, comfortable and colourful, plus provide sun protection with ultimate breathability in the summer months.”

New for summer, and part of our Mountain Sports range, the Caples tights have a moisture-wicking stretch fabric that moves with you, and a snug high-rise waistband – great for technical trail running or hiking. Matika adds:

“They’re a perfect mix of comfort, durability, breathability and support. All the features are well thought out, from the positioning of the pockets – to the mesh panels. Practical with style!”

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Winger 5-Panel Cap

Providing sun protection during outdoor adventures, the Winger 5-Panel caps are designed with bold prints in our moisture-wicking nylon ‘Winger’ fabric – perfect for travelling, hiking or chilling at the beach on a lazy Saturday afternoon. For Allie, part of our Marketing team, the caps meet a criteria of both function and fashion.

“A cap is something you need on top of the Hochstetter Dome just as much as sitting in your camp chair in the sun, and the Heritage 5-panel caps are a great foldable, lightweight cap that keeps me feeling funky and stylish no matter where I am.”

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Allie rocking the Winger 5-Panel Cap (yep, it’s helmet compatible!)

Jeremy fishing with his bumbag

The Wilderness Bumbag

Our Wilderness Bumbags are made from durable nylon and designed to carry all your daily essentials, whether you’re on the trail or out in town. Featuring our heritage logo and available in 2 different sizes, these handy pouch-style bags are super versatile. Jeremy, from Customer Service, loves using his to carry his fishing tackle! New colours are coming out January 2021 – so stay tuned!

The Duolight Hiking Tent

The classic Duolight 2 person tent, is an icon of the hiking scene. Engineered for minimal weight, optimal space and weather protection, it’s been trusted by generations of hikers to take you anywhere. It is versatile enough for most trips and at any time of year.

“It’s lightweight, easy to pitch and has plenty of room for the two of us and Beau,” says Silvia from Finance.

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