From Lake Wanaka New Zealand, Mons Royale designs performance merino clothing for the mountains.
It all started with pro freeride skier Hamish Acland. Over years of travelling to competitions, shoots and surfing friends' couches to chase the snow, Hamish found himself wondering how he could maximise his adventure while packing with limited space. Most skiers and snowboarders know this problem well. Skis, boots, outerwear and backcountry kit get packed first. Then the washables; socks, underwear and baselayers. And finally, some street clothes to fill out the bag.
Merino baselayers were the performative preference. They were breathable, but warm and always anti-odour – even after days of continued wear. But, at the time, the majority of merino baselayers on the market were boring. Black and conservative.