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Lightweight summer hiking clothing: meet the latest XT Series additions

When you're hiking through summer, every piece of gear has to work harder.

Long days on exposed trails mean managing heat, sun exposure and changing conditions, all while carrying as little weight as possible. Finding gear that delivers maximum comfort, protection and durability without adding bulk isn't always easy.

That's the exact challenge Kathmandu set out to solve with four new additions to the XT Series modular range:

Year round modular performance

XT Series was developed as a modular layering system, designed to help hikers adapt to changing conditions without carrying unnecessary weight.

By introducing lightweight tops, shorts and pants, the system now extends into warmer climates, making XT Series a truly versatile solution for year-round hiking.

Matt Claridge, Chief Executive of Te Araroa Trust, who tested the collection on trails in New Zealand, says the latest products bring the system together.

"Every piece I used did its job, and the pieces worked together without me having to think about it."

"SS27 adds the next-to-skin and leg layers for warm days, which turns XT Series into a super system," said Matt Claridge.

Kathmandu Ambassador Gemma McCaw also found the new additions round out the XT Series range, bringing together pieces that were previously missing from the system.

"It is great to have a t-shirt and long sleeve shirt in the range to complement existing pieces as they were missing parts of the puzzle and fit the modular system well."

Summer comfort without the compromise

For many hikers, sun-protective clothing often comes with a trade-off. More coverage can mean more heat and less comfort.

But Matt’s trail testing challenges this expectation head on.

"With most long sleeve outdoor tops, you trade comfort for sun protection. This one removes that trade-off."

Built using advanced DeltaPeak fabric technology, it delivers UPF 50+ protection while remaining lightweight, breathable and quick dry.

Outdoor adventurer Ella Garbett found herself reaching for the top well beyond hiking trips.

"I've ended up wearing the DeltaPeak Long Sleeve Top heaps for climbing and hiking when I want a bit more sun protection."

Lightweight performance

The XT Series Cordura LT Shorts and Cordura LT Pants sit within the new WeatherFlex layer, designed to provide lightweight protection for warmer and more variable conditions.

Built from Cordura ripstop fabric, they combine durability with breathability and freedom of movement. For Tasmania-based hiker, Mowser, the shorts quickly became a standout piece from the collection.

"I've been on the hunt for a new hiking short for some time and these are now it!"

The Cordura LT Pants were, too, developed for hikers who want lightweight leg coverage without sacrificing comfort.

After extensive testing, Mowser could see exactly where they fit into his gear system.

"I'm enjoying them and can see a place for them in my kit, particularly when I want a light pair of pants for leg coverage."

Designed to move with you

Whether you're tackling a multi-day hike, a fast-paced day mission or simply looking for lightweight gear that can adapt to changing conditions, the latest XT Series additions considers this.

For Matt, that's what stood out most during testing.

"With the DeltaPeak tops and Cordura shorts under the Octa and rain jacket, I had that full range covered."

It's a simple philosophy at the heart of XT Series: every material, every feature and every gram has a purpose.

The result is a system built to help hikers move lighter, stay comfortable and spend more time focused on the trail ahead.

Explore the XT Series Range