//This post is in collaboration with Royal Robbins//
What type of traveller are you? Whether you’re an avid explorer of tropical climates, a dedicated backcountry backpacker or just a lover of weekends away, you’ll know that packing light when you’re headed off the beaten track can be a challenge. Meet Royal Robbins‘ new collection of sustainable, outdoor-friendly clothing. Each piece is so versatile you can wear it for travelling, trekking, work or play, making packing – and travelling light – a breeze.
Meet Royal Robbins
When outdoor clothing is designed by outdoor lovers, it shows. Royal Robbins and his wife Liz, founders of Royal Robbins, were lifelong climbers who believed in exploring the wildest corners of the world while leaving as little trace as possible. They started out designing clothing that was travel and adventure-ready, but that could also be worn casually – and that’s still true of their latest collection. Royal Robbins’ newest pieces are so versatile that you can wear the same clothing for travelling, adventure, work and play – which makes a nice chance from having to keep your outdoor gear and your casual clothing separate, and makes packing light for travelling a breeze.
Royal Robbins believed in ‘clean climbing’ and leaving no trace on the environment – and these days, Royal Robbins has the same approach to outdoor gear. The brand is committed to ethical production and uses sustainable materials such as merino wool, organic cotton and hemp as well as recycled fabrics, as well as using PFC-free coatings on waterproofs (perfluorinated compounds, or PFCs, are often used to waterproof outdoor clothing but are harmful to the environment).
My favourite picks from Royal Robbins
The pack-and-go shirt
Royal Robbins Spotless Traveller long-sleeved shirt, £82
Made for travelling, hiking and camping, the Spotless Traveller shirt is designed not to crease, and will never need ironing. I don’t think I’ve ever owned a shirt that I can chuck in the bottom of my backpack and then pull out and wear when I get to my destination. The Traveller shirt is deliciously comfortable, with a loose, longer fit that’s perfect for covering up in hot climates, and stains wash out easily thanks to HeiQ® Soil Release technology, ideal for when you’re travelling far from the nearest washing machine. I wish I’d had this shirt for my budget backpacking gap year, and it’ll definitely be coming with me on my next mountain trekking travels.
The perfect midlayer
Royal Robbins All Seasons Merino turtleneck, £100
Merino is a bit of a wonder material for the outdoors – it’s warm, it wicks away sweat and it’s naturally antibacterial, so it’s great if you’re limited on space and need a mid layer you can wear again and again. This All Seasons turtleneck is seriously smart, and wouldn’t be out of place worn at work, but it’s also perfect when you’re out hiking, exploring a new city or staying in cold mountain climates. This smart sweater looks great with jeans and walking trousers alike, and its slim fit makes it easy to layer under a waterproof or a down jacket.
The weatherproof travel jacket
Royal Robbins Switchform waterproof jacket, £183
Waterproofs are an essential bit of kit for outdoor adventures, but they aren’t usually the most attractive-looking – except for Royal Robbins’ new Switchform jacket, that is. The smart Switchform has a soft outer fabric with a marl finish that looks and feels lovely to wear. and comes in subtle colourways that make a change from other neon-bright brands. The Switchform may look stylish, but it’s still technically tough – it’s fully waterproof, with a well-fitting hood and multiple handy pockets inside and out. And when you’re travelling this clever jacket folds up into a pillow, perfect for catching a few winks on a plane or train.
Get 20% off at Royal Robbins
Find more sustainable style ideas to help you #GoEverywhere at Royal Robbins – and get 20% off by using code SIAN20.
