SKRE's Merino Range
New Zealand’s backcountry is a land of extremes. One minute you’re climbing through sun-soaked tussock, and the next you’re pushing into cold southerly winds rolling over the ridge. Anyone who hunts, hikes, or explores the backcountry here knows that the right clothing isn’t a luxury — it’s essential survival gear.
That’s why the SKRE Merino range has built such a loyal following among Kiwi outdoorsmen and women. Combining the natural performance of premium merino wool with SKRE’s thoughtful design, this layering system has become a go-to for those who refuse to compromise on comfort, durability, or scent control in the mountains.
If you’re looking to upgrade your layering system, here’s why SKRE’s merino collection deserves a place in your kit.
Merino: Nature’s Ultimate Performance Fabric
Merino wool is one of the highest-performing natural fibres on earth — and it’s perfectly suited for New Zealand’s unpredictable conditions.
1. Temperature Regulation at Its Best
Whether you’re climbing after tahr in the Mackenzie tops or traversing the Ruahines on a frosty dawn, your body temperature can swing wildly. Merino wool excels at insulating when you’re cold and breathing when you’re warm.
It’s one of the few fabrics that actively helps your body maintain a stable temperature, which makes it ideal for long climbs, steep descents, and hours of glassing in the wind.
2. Odour Resistance You Can Trust
Sweating is unavoidable in the mountains — smelling like it doesn’t have to be.
Merino naturally resists odour-causing bacteria, meaning SKRE’s merino layers can be worn for days on end without smelling. For multi-day missions, fly-ins, or long hunts where you want to keep your presence hidden from the animals you’re stalking, this is a massive advantage.
3. Incredible Comfort, Even When Wet
Anyone who has been caught in a surprise alpine sleet shower knows how quickly conditions can turn. Unlike synthetics, merino wool continues to insulate even when damp, helping protect you from rapid heat loss.
It also feels great on the skin — soft, non-itchy, and breathable. No matter how hard you’re pushing uphill, it won’t cling, irritate, or feel swampy under your pack straps.
4. Lightweight and Packable
When you’re trying to cut weight for long missions, every gram matters. SKRE’s merino pieces are designed to provide maximum warmth with minimal bulk, meaning they pack down easily and disappear into your pack until you need them.
SKRE Merino: Built for NZ Backcountry Performance
While merino wool is impressive on its own, SKRE takes it a step further with premium fabric blends, athletic fits, and rugged construction built to handle real mountain country.
Durability You Won’t Find in Cheap Merino
Merino can be fragile if not woven and blended correctly. SKRE uses a high-quality merino blend that preserves softness without sacrificing durability, giving you garments that can survive matagouri, tight scrub, and long bush-bashing climbs.
Perfect for Layering
The SKRE Merino range integrates seamlessly with their Kaibab and Summit systems. Whether you’re wearing a lightweight base layer on a summer hunt or stacking mid-layers for winter tahr, the range offers flexibility without bulk or overheating.
Designed for Hunters
Thumb loops, articulated sleeves, quiet fabric, and strategic stitching — SKRE’s designers are hunters themselves, and it shows.
Where to Buy SKRE Merino in New Zealand
SKRE’s full merino range is available right here in New Zealand through SKRE Gear NZ.
Check out the collection: SKRE Gear NZ – Merino Collection
Whether you’re gearing up for roaring season, planning a multi-day alpine mission, or simply wanting reliable layers for tramping trips, SKRE’s merino system is one of the best investments you can make.
Final Thoughts
The New Zealand backcountry is unforgiving — but with the right gear, it becomes one of the most rewarding places on earth to explore. SKRE’s Merino range delivers the warmth, breathability, and durability that Kiwi hunters and hikers need to move with confidence through any terrain.
If you want gear that works as hard as you do, SKRE’s merino layers are a must-have for your pack.
