The things you don’t think you need (until you do)

Mates Rex and Nathan have changed the sock game. The pair created Paire and over the course of four years they’ve been around, they’ve crafted 24 products, boasting five patented materials, but it is their socks that have people talking.

Doesn’t matter if you like a mid-calf, ankle or no-show sock, it is time to get rid of your holey socks and replace them with Paire. Here’s a huge selling-point when it comes to travelling; one of their founders Nathan proudly told us that he wore these socks for DAYS while hiking, didn’t wash them and they didn’t stink. What kind of sorcery is this? Anti-bacterial material made from Merino wool and breathable eucalyptus fibres, that’s what. They also blend in recycled polyester.

If you love a hike, get around the active ankle socks that won’t slouch down. They also feel like you’re walking on a cloud. And how thoughtful is this—they’re hand-sewn and seamless! If you’ve ever been annoyed by a sock seam, change your life with these.

FROM AU$24

Not all hats are hats. Well, there are hats but they don’t all do the job of a hat. Did you know that your hat should be UPF50+ sun protective? And clothes while we’re at it. If you pack sunscreen on a trip, you should pack a Solbari hat as well. They make high-quality, lightweight and breathable sun protective clothing and accessories that all have a UPF50+ rating, the highest achievable for fabrics.

You might be asking what is the difference between SPF and UPF? Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is based on the time it takes for UV-exposed skin to burn. When you see SPF 15+ that means it may protect your skin 15 times longer when used correctly. Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) measures the amount of UV radiation that can penetrate fabric… Meaning you can still get burnt through clothing. We’re not here to give you a new complex–we’re here to offer a solution and that is Solbari.

A good place to start with their range is with a hat that way you’ll hopefully never have to deal with a peeling nose after a day out in sunny weather. They have everything from a go-to bucket hat, wide brim hat, a legionnaire hat if that’s your style, hats for kids, even sun visors—the list goes on.

FROM AU$65

We on vacay, baby! Launched in Adelaide in 2016, it’s been a slow burn for swimwear brand Vacay, but their range of spicy men’s shorts now seem to be on every set of men’s legs at the beach this summer. They were even on Mark Wahlberg’s legs, the Hollywood big shot you will remember from lead roles in The Fighter and Ted and wish you didn’t remember from his lead role in the early 90s rap abomination Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch.

The Vacay men’s range seemed to somehow make this writer’s unsexy rig sexy, and judging by their marketing, sexy rigs even sexier. Better yet, they’ve just released their first range of women’s gear. They describe themselves as “vacation inspired swimwear for the travel inspired.” and it’s not difficult to picture ourselves in Vacay gear on a Croatian beach, sipping cocktails with low-fi beats playing somewhere nearby. Take me there now, pls.

FROM AU$59

Sheila is a new swimwear brand for everyone, offering a hybrid activewear-meets-swimwear product that hasn’t been seen before in the Australian market.

Imagine being able to go for a walk or run, and then dive straight into the ocean after. THEN sip a few cocktails, all in the same outfit.

Catering to a broad range of Australian sizes, from 4 – 24, the collection is chic, and designed to make everyone feel comfortable. It ain’t easy for everyone to feel chill at the beach, be that Bells or the Bahamas, but these togs seem to be the perfect solution.

Sheila offers one pieces, triangle and scoop bikini tops, and for those looking for a little extra coverage, a cropped rashy with an in-built bra. The Sheila colour palette spans orange, purple, and black (or in Sheila’s words; Golden Hour, Violet Sky, and Black Sand).

FROM AU$160

“All other beanies can get fucked in my opinion.” — Ellen, Moody Customer 2023

These extremely rad, very comfy, exceptionally warm beanies are produced by Melbourne locals, Moody Incense. Yes, the Moody team also make smelly sticks. But let’s not get distracted, we’re here to talk headwarmers. These beanies are FairTrade certified and totally eco-friendly, made sustainably from 100% Repreve® Yarn (a recycled fibre from discarded water bottles). You know, like the ones littering your favourite beach.

But are they soft? Heck yeah. Are they cosy? Without a doubt. Will they give you an air of moral superiority? Most definitely, they’re ethically made. Perfect for a next cheeky snow weekend or a week’s hiking in Nepal. You name the outdoor adventure, Moody has got your noggin’ covered.

FROM AU$40

Zorali are on a roll. The company is headed up and founded by the Greenwoods, a Victorian couple, who inject their enviro-friendly planetary stoke directly into the gear they make.

The outdoor gear is good outdoor gear—the kind of outdoor gear you might see experienced-looking campers using in a rainforest. The more laidback clothing is cool clothing—the kind of clothing you might see folks wearing at a wave check or surf pub. The ethos behind it all is sound too. The Zorali crew regularly run events in nature to encourage people to get out of their houses and into the wild, then they do nice things with their community like planting trees where it’s needed most.

Want to get outdoors more? Now you can look cool doing it.

GEAR FROM AU$60

Double Rainbouu (pronounced the same as rainbow) describe themselves as ‘the antidote to traditional resort wear’ — a motto we can totally get around.

The Australian brand make wild, strikingly colourful unisex clothes worn by everyone from Flume to Justin Bieber, striking a chord somewhere between Jonny Depp in 1997’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and the photo of your dad in his prime in the 1970s.

We can see our travellers wearing this in London’s glammest nightclubs, at the beach in Mykonos or cruising Williamsburg’s backstreets in summer… and looking the best at all of them.

FROM AU$50

They say they’ve got the world’s best merino, and honestly—after sweating in their hiking thermals through Vanuatu recently, we think they might be right.

Founded in New Zealand almost 20 years ago, Icebreaker has been leading the merino charge for a good while now. But what makes them even better? They’re passionate about making outdoor gear sustainably. Which is a big green tick from us.

From undies and jumpers to hiking gear and base layers, you can tell these pieces have been made and designed by people who move, for people who move.

Plus, they’re made of 91% natural fibres so your body is breathing easy while it moves. Big wins for you and your armpits.

FROM AU$99

When it comes to surf style, the line between looking good, feeling comfortable and unintentional partial-nudity is a fine one.

As we move into the summer months down under, New Zealand swimwear brand Fondu have come up with a happy-medium for those who don’t want to wear a wetsuit, but are also reluctant to flash every single person in the line-up.

Tanya Kerr is the designer behind the gear, and it’s easy to tell she surfs. The swimsuits offer more support and sun protection than your average bikini, yet are still cute af. You can easily crush a several-hour shred in these before feeling good enough to spend several more hours crushing drinks on the beach. Shakas for days.

FROM AU$20

Whether you’re heading to kick-ons, back-ons, we’re ons or the cricket: the Oakley Re:SubZero speed dealers will have you heading there with some seriously bold 90s vibes.

These bad boys weigh just 24 grams, but are legitimate sunnies: they feature a distinctive shield lens design, as well as Prizm Lens technology that is said to actually boost the level of detail you can see compared to the naked eye.

FROM AU$329

It’s important to always wear protection. Especially when it comes to your head. American outdoor company Bridger clearly subscribe to the Swiss army knife school of adaptability, creating a helmet that will protect your noggin whether you’re taking on Whistler’s slopes on a snowboard or dodging bad drivers in Melbourne’s bike lanes.

The helmet features an adjustable shell system, has been road tested for safety, and looks pretty cool too.

FROM AU$400

Thongs (for your feet) are a ubiquitous part of Australian life. We all own a pair. We’ve also all busted a few plugs at a music festival or the local pub.

Thongs™ is a new brand of the iconic footwear created in Australia which guarantees better quality and a more durable product. They’re also designed to be lighter and more comfortable than your average Havvie. Give them a burl, your feet will thank you!

FROM AU$40