The magic of merino
Hailing from the mountains of New Zealand, the Mons Royale crew are skiers, boarders and bikers making seriously good gear – and this Arete insulated jacket is up there with the best of it. Ideal for freeriding and ski touring, it's a toasty warm layer that packs some serious insulating punch. Like their popular range of base layers, the Arete is based around the unbeatable properties of top-quality merino wool – meaning that it's breathable, odour-resistant, and keeps you warm even when wet. They've used 100% merino insulation, and also added in some stretchy merino fleece side panels to up the flexibility and ventilation. The Arete is cut quite slim to fit under a waterproof jacket, but it works well as a stand-alone layer too – since the soft-touch Pertex Eco Quantum shell also features an eco-friendly water-repellent coating that should hold up to light rain or snow. Functional, sustainable and pretty darn good-looking into the bargain
- Hooded insulated jacket with full-length zip
- Designed to fit under your shell
- 100% merino wool insulation gives warmth even when wet
- Merino fleece side panels for freedom of movement
- Lightweight Pertex Quantum Ripstop shell (100% recycled polyester)
- Shell treated with CO Eco-Friendly durable water-repellent coating (PFC-free)
- 100% nylon lining
- Insulation: 100% Merino Wool
- Side Panels: Merino Fleece: 59% Polyester, 36% Merino Wool, 5% Elastane
- Shell: 100% Recycled Polyester Pertex® Quantum Ripstop
- Lining: 100% Nylon
Metric (cm) Small Medium Large XL XXL Chest 95 101 107 113 121 Waist 81 87 93 99 107 Hip 94 100 106 112 120 Inches Small Medium Large XL XXL Chest 37.5 40 42 44.5 47.5 Waist 32 34.5 36.5 39 42 Hip 37 39.5 41.5 44 47 - Recycled Materials - this jacket is made from recycled polyester
- Ethically Sourced Materials - Mons Royale partners with New Zealand’s ZQRX Merino, the world’s leading ethical wool brand.
- Manufactured Sustainably - Mons Royale wool is spun at Süedwolle, a global leader for worsted spun yarn and certified with the latest eco certifications including Bluesign and Oeko-Tex standards.
- Sustainable Packaging - Mons Royale have phased out 90% of virgin plastic from their hang tags and accessories, replacing them with recycled and natural alternatives. Their products are packaged in plant based compostable bags and FSC certified paper.
Flashy technical outerwear is all well and good, but the foundation for all-day comfort in the great outdoors is a solid baselayer. Unfortunately, most are tight-fitting and uninspired, made from flimsy fabrics that look like Swiss cheese after a week or two on the trail.
Enter New Zealand-based brand, Mons Royale, born out of the Kiwi snow sports scene in the mountains above Lake Wanaka. Making merino base layers, jerseys and sweaters is what they do – and it really shows.
Just about everything in the Mons range is built around ethically and sustainably produced merino wool – a fibre with so many miracle properties that only Mother Nature could have come up with it. But it’s Mons Royale’s more relaxed approach to design that really makes them stand out. Constructed for comfort and flexibility, their base layers fit like your favourite T-shirt, rather than feeling as if they’ve been sprayed on.
We love Mons Royale because it’s technical stuff that looks good enough to wear every day. The cuts are casual, the pastel colours are cool but muted, and the branding isn’t too full-on. Take your Mons kit out for a day on the mountain, then stick the bike or climbing gear back in the van, switch the shorts for a clean pair of jeans and you’re all set to go for a post-adventure beer.
