More speed
To achieve maximum boat speed you will need to keep the boat itself as flat / horizontal to the water as possible. To keep it flat in certain wind directions you will need to lean over the side or “hike out”. When you hike out most of your body weight will be acting directly on the gunwale of the boat. Big body versus small gunwale will inevitably lead to a pain (in the thighs!) which will mean you will stop hiking, the boat won’t be as flat and you will lose speed / position / the race.
Less pain
Hiking pants allow you to hike out further and for longer. They also ‘lift’ you slightly higher in relation to the water and thus reduce the potential for drag which would otherwise slow you down. Click here for a guide to the various products available and prepare to hike out further and for longer.

Q. What is the difference between ‘hiking pants’ and ‘hiking shorts’?

No difference at all; just two different names for the same thing! When we first invented the product back in 1988 we called them hiking pants – a term which other NZ and Australia suppliers have since picked up on. In the US and UK they have also come to be known as hiking shorts. For an ‘at a glance’ guide to the various products available within our range please click here.

Q. What is the difference between ‘braces’ and ‘suspenders’?
No difference at all; just two different names for the same thing. We were the first company to sell hiking pants (hiking shorts) back in 1988 and at that time we used the term braces. Other NZ and Australia suppliers have since copied this term whilst US suppliers tend to favour ‘suspenders’. Click here to go straight to our standard braces (without protection for the knees) or here to go to ¾ braces (with knee protection).

Q. There are so many different products, how do I know which ones are right for me?

Terminology
The terminology and range can be a bit overwhelming at first. We suggest you start by familiarising yourself with the various products available by following this link.
Local conditions
Next you should talk to other sailors in your area and ask them which style they find right for your local conditions at the various times of the year.
New Zealand examples
As a rough guide, here in the temperate climes of NZ sailors tend to standard braces or ¾ braces in the warmer months and ¾ johns or long johns in the cooler months.
Final choice
Your final choice will depend not just on the temperature but also on how you intend to combine your hiking pants with the other parts of your sailing wardrobe.

Q. Your products seem to be at the top end of the price range – why is that?

Original inventors
Good question! When we first invented hiking pants back in 1988 our intention was to supply high quality products at competitive prices.
Best quality materials and construction
We used the best materials and construction methods available and made them to order here in New Zealand. Over the years we have resisted the many offers to have our products made elsewhere as we were not willing to compromise quality for cost. So as well as comparing prices it is important to compare materials (we use Yamamoto #39 neoprene), construction method (we use only the superior glued and blind stitched method) and sizing options (we offer standard, stock adjusted and made to measure).
Made to order
We believe we still have the best product at a competitive price and -since we make to order - we can easily customize (click here). Our customers tell us that they would rather spend a little bit more to have hiking pants that are still going strong after three years rather than cutting costs and settling for something that will need replacing after just one year.
You deserve the best
We think you deserve the best, so for details of our top quality, hand made hiking pants click here and to learn more about our made to measure options click here and remember; “no one ever regretted buying quality”…….

Q. I got some standard braces from you recently and I’m very pleased with them but could you please tell me how I should look after them to maximise their life?

Wash in clean fresh water
With pleasure – our products are built to last so we are always keen to ensure that our customers take the best possible care of them. The first thing is to always wash them in clean fresh water – preferably warm - after each use.
Dry out of the sun, store on hanger
Next hang them to dry, out of direct sunlight. Use a wide hanger (plastic or wooden) rather than a thin wire one. This will help to prevent the neoprene from “creasing” which weakens it. Store hanging up in a well ventilated place between use. (If you cannot store hanging up then lay them down flat, but be careful not to fold or crease them or put anything on top of them).
Long term storage
At the end of each season give them a double wash in warm fresh water (to remove all traces of salt water), hang up to dry then turn inside out and hang up again to remove the last traces of moisture.
When carefully looked after like this our hiking pants will give you years of faithful service!
And never, ever….
And one final point – never, ever dry your hiking pants in a clothes dryer as the intense heat and continual tumbling motion will severely damage them.

Q. My ¾ johns are now 5 years old. They are still in good condition but they don’t seem to be as warm as they once were. Am I just getting old and feeling the cold more or has something changed?

A. We’re all getting old but we’re pleased to hear that you hiking pants have lasted for 5 years – as the old saying goes; “no one ever regretted buying quality”! Unfortunately though all good things must come to an end and after 5 years of constant use and exposure to the elements - even when well looked after - the neoprene in your hiking pants will be starting to degrade. It’s a slow process so they won’t suddenly fall apart but over time you will notice them getting less and less warm. We reckon 5 years is a pretty good run, so why not treat yourself to a new pair and consider our made to measure options for the ultimate in comfort and fit and may combat any garment “shrinkage” that you may have also noticed over the years and which some of our other customers frequently tell us about…..