Rooted in Sierra adventure culture, Mountain Hardwear has built its reputation on high-performance outdoor apparel engineered for some of the harshest environments. Their Spring 2025 collection showcases a commitment to sun protection, endurance-focused gear, and athlete-driven innovation, making it an exciting release for Sierra explorers gearing up for long days under the sun and on the trail. We enjoyed meeting the team at OMA in Denver during a moment of power outage, Their booth lighted by outdoor lamps they showcased the new Sun Protection as we talked about Sierra Layering for all those playing in the mountains this summer.
Broad Spectrum Sun Protection: Defend Against the Elements
From desert treks to high-altitude pursuits, Mountain Hardwear introduces its Broad Spectrum Protection line, blocking UVA and UVB rays with UPF 50+ materials built for all-day adventure durability. In partnership with the Skin Cancer Foundation, the brand is setting a new standard in sun-protective apparel.
Key Pieces Include:
✅ Crater Lake™ Long Sleeve Crew – A lightweight, moisture-wicking sun shirt designed for all-day exposure with four-way stretch and an ultra-soft feel.
✅ Sun Shield™ Hoody – A full-coverage sun-blocking layer ideal for high-exposure environments.
✅ Canyon™ Long & Short Sleeve Shirts – Timeless, breathable hiking shirts with built-in sun protection for trail versatility.
As high-altitude sun exposure is a reality in the Sierra, we’ll be testing the Crater Lake Long Sleeve Crew in real conditions to see how it holds up against long days on granite ridgelines and alpine trails.
Trail Performance Kit: Lightweight Gear for Big Miles
Engineered for fast-moving, high-mileage adventures, the Trail Performance Kit features ultra-lightweight, packable essentials that balance breathability, protection, and endurance-ready comfort.
Key Highlights:
✅ Kor AirShell™ Hybrid Hooded Jacket – A next-gen wind and weather-resistant shell, offering exceptional packability and breathable protection for rapidly changing conditions.
✅ Lickety Split™ 20L Pack – Designed for fast-paced adventures, this minimalist pack keeps weight low while maximizing efficiency.
✅ Splitsecond™ Tee – Featuring moisture-wicking and plant-based odor control, ideal for hot-weather movement.
✅ Shade Lite™ Short – Updated for enhanced breathability, mobility, and a zippered phone pocket.
Trail athlete Liz Derstine, a long-distance hiker and speed record holder, has joined Mountain Hardwear to put the Trail Performance Kit through its paces. Her expertise in high-efficiency movement highlights the importance of breathability, stretch, and minimal weight—qualities we’ll be testing firsthand in the Sierra this spring.
Mountain Hardwear’s Sierra Connection
Mountain Hardwear’s legacy is deeply tied to the Sierra Nevada, from early climbing expeditions to high-altitude gear testing. That history makes their Spring 2025 launch even more exciting, as they continue to push performance and protection for Sierra adventurers.
