Head to Sole: inov-8 Launches First Line of Hiking Apparel

The company known for its tech-forward, trail-running footwear will now offer a line of clothing aimed at outdoor adventures.

Hikers looking for spiffy and functional apparel have yet another option to consider — from a brand-new source. After years of making trail running shoes, inov-8 has joined the market for lightweight and flexible hiking clothes.

Today, the English company rolls out the VentureLite collection, a range of apparel including midlayers, hoodies, tees, trousers, and shorts.

inov-8 Hiking Apparel

The company’s design team focused on lightweight fabrics and removing “unnecessary features,” according to the press release. Instead, inov-8 wants to dial back flashy features in an effort to improve speed and safety when climbing in the mountains.

For instance, the women’s VentureLite half-zip midlayer (MSRP $110, pictured above and below) can function as a base layer, thanks to a hexagonal inner knit designed to both limit soaking and trap air for insulation.

It also gets a watch viewer so you can track important info without rolling up your sleeve.

Elsewhere, go-anywhere practicality leads the men’s Train Lite 9-inch shorts (MSRP $70).

They have four-way stretch fabric, perforated panels for breathability, and a “stabilizer” smartphone pocket on the middle back.

The company researched and designed its new products at its home base in the English Lake District. As one of the U.K.’s national parks, the area offers plenty of opportunities for hiking adventures.

“The hike collection has been designed with layering in mind, with each style working in sync with the other,” said Helen Stuart, the company’s head of clothing and equipment. “This mirrors our trail running range, but with the overall feel being less athletic and more relaxed.”

In an attempt to make products sustainably, 24 of the 36 styles in the new clothing line contain recycled yarn. Even the packaging is biodegradable, the company said.

While most of the collection is already available online, inov-8 also plans to offer a three-layer waterproof jacket later this year.

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