2024 HIKING SHIRTS + PANTS
Comfortable and hard-wearing.
CROSS THE MOUNTAIN (XTM) HAS RECENTLY launched a new line of bushwalking kit: the Dunkeld/Cumberland long-sleeved shirts, and the Glenaire/ Lara pants (listed here in order of men’s/women’s version). An Aussie company based out of Torquay in VIC, you’d expect these clothes to handle some harsh conditions, so my wife and I tested them in one of the most unforgiving places we know: Tasmania. Resoundingly, our impression was that they’re clever, well designed and, most importantly, tough.
Let’s start with the top half: the Dunkeld/Cumberland shirts. Soft and stretchy to the touch—courtesy of the 12% spandex ripstop—it’s comfy but doesn’t immediately scream “bomber!”. First impressions can be deceptive, though. While I wouldn’t make a habit of it, we knocked and scraped the sleeves against abrasive dolerite and scratchy and spiky scoparia, yet aside from the odd scuff mark (which, to be honest, I doubt any shirt would’ve avoided entirely), you’d think these shirts had had an easy life. While cut/fit is a personal thing, I found the shirt to be longer than others, something I think is advantageous, especially when bustling about with a backpack; you’re less likely to end up with exposed skin from bunched material. The ventilation eyelets in the armpits are good for sweaty humans like myself, too. And if you’re someone who likes stashing bits and bobs, there’s two generously sized front pockets.
I did, however, find the fabric of the extendible collar—which can be flipped up to provide sun protection for your neck—to be a little floppy, and even with the top button done up, I was frequently re-adjusting. The wrist collar, especially on the men’s Dunkeld, is also quite loose at the tightest setting, so it covers a larger portion of your hand; some slim-wristed males may find this a little irritating.
What about the pants, the Glenaire/Lara? They were genuine standouts. Even after sixteen days of Tassie bushwalking—a significant portion of which involved intense scrub bashing through banksia, tea tree and waist-high scoparia—they’re barely blemished. Admittedly, we were commonly wearing canvas gaiters over the top, but the exposed knees and thighs stood up to ongoing
Our impression was that they’re clever, well designed and, most importantly, tough.”
harassment. (For context, we met other walkers whose pants’ pockets, from a reputable manufacturer, had been ripped off by the aggressive vegetation.) The gusset panel and four-way stretch ensure ease of movement, and the elasticised waist provides customised comfort to the slim-fitting design; Martine’s tried a few different pants now, and she says the Lara’s waistband is her favourite. They also have an additional sneaky zippered pocket—so sneaky that I completely missed it until Martine pointed it out—and a bonus PFC-free DWR finish. And while they’re not promoted as being amazingly breathable, I—a profusely sweaty individual—didn’t overheat at all. Honestly, I cannot fault the Glenaire/Lara pants.
XTM’s new hike range offers comfortable, hard-wearing kit. It’s all certified carbon-neutral too. We’ll certainly be crossing many more mountains in these clothes.
RYAN HANSEN