Peak XV NZ — Dwights House Brand Outdoor Gear
Peak XV is Dwights' own outdoor brand — developed in-house, tested in New Zealand conditions, and designed to deliver genuine performance without the premium price tag of imported labels. Since Dwights first opened its doors in 1979, we've built up a clear picture of what NZ adventurers actually need: gear that handles the wet, the wind, and the cold that characterise hiking and camping across Aotearoa. Peak XV is the direct result of that experience.
The range covers the essentials — rain jackets, hiking poles, sleeping pads, down jackets, base layers, and socks — each product built around the practical demands of NZ trails, DOC huts, and backcountry conditions. Browse the Peak XV range at Dwights to see what's in stock.
Peak XV Rain Jackets — Built for NZ Weather
New Zealand weather is famously unpredictable. Four seasons in a day is less of a cliché and more of a planning reality on the South Island's Great Walks or anywhere in Fiordland. A reliable rain jacket is non-negotiable, and the Peak XV rain jacket range is designed around exactly that brief.
Tornado — The Flagship
The Peak XV Tornado is the standout in the rain jacket lineup. With a 20,000mm hydrostatic head rating and fully taped seams, it meets the benchmark most serious NZ hikers look for before heading into exposed terrain. The shell fabric is lightweight and packable without sacrificing wind resistance, and the fit is trim enough to layer comfortably under a pack without bunching.
The Tornado is aimed at hikers who want a jacket they can trust in genuinely bad weather — the kind of sustained rain and gusts common above the treeline on multi-day trips in Kahurangi or the Tararuas. It's not just shower-proof; it's built to handle a proper NZ downpour.
For context on how the Tornado compares to other options in the market, see our guide to the best rain jackets in NZ for 2026.
Pinnacle — Entry-Level Performance
For hikers who don't need expedition-grade waterproofing, the Pinnacle offers solid wet-weather coverage at a more accessible price. It's a sensible choice for day walkers, school holiday trampers, or anyone adding a rain jacket to their kit for the first time. The Pinnacle covers the basics without unnecessary features, keeping weight and cost down.
Peak XV Hiking Poles — Our Top Pick for NZ Trails
Trekking poles make a measurable difference on uneven terrain, steep descents, and boggy ground — all conditions you encounter regularly on New Zealand's track network. The Peak XV hiking pole range is our primary recommendation for hikers looking for a well-made pair at an honest price.
The poles feature adjustable sections for varied terrain and user height, comfortable cork and foam grip options depending on the model, and tungsten-carbide tips that hold up on rocky surfaces. Collapsible designs pack down small enough to clip to a pack when poles aren't needed.
For a full comparison of what to look for in a trekking pole and how Peak XV stacks up, read our guide to the best hiking poles in NZ for 2026.
If you're building a starter kit or replacing worn-out poles, the Peak XV range available at Dwights' Peak XV collection is worth looking at first.
Peak XV Sleeping Pads — Ground Insulation That Works
A sleeping pad does two jobs: it cushions you from the ground, and — more importantly — it insulates you from it. Ground cold is one of the fastest ways to have a miserable night in the backcountry, and it's the one area where sleeping bag ratings don't help you if your pad is underperforming.
Peak XV sleeping pads are available in foam and self-inflating options across a range of R-values suited to NZ conditions from summer camping to shoulder-season DOC hut trips. The self-inflating models pack down reasonably small and offer a good balance of weight, comfort, and insulation for most three-season use in Aotearoa.
Peak XV Down Jackets — Warmth You Can Pack
A packable down jacket is one of the most versatile pieces in any NZ hiker's kit. Stuff it into a day pack for a summit bid, pull it on at a rest stop, wear it in camp when the temperature drops after dark. The Peak XV down jacket range is filled with quality down and comes in lightweight shells that compress into a stuff sack small enough to sit inside a lid pocket.
These are mid-layer and camp jackets rather than outer shells — pair them with the Tornado rain jacket when conditions deteriorate. The down fill makes them efficient warmth-to-weight options without the bulk of a heavy fleece.
Peak XV Base Layers — Start Right
The base layer is the first point of contact between you and the elements, and getting it right sets the tone for everything stacked on top. Peak XV base layers are made from moisture-wicking fabrics designed to move sweat away from the skin during high-output activity and dry quickly when you stop moving.
Available in lightweight and midweight options, the range suits everything from trail running and day hikes to multi-day tramping in cooler conditions. The flat-seam construction reduces friction during long days on the trail — a detail that matters more on day three of a tramp than it does in the shop.
Peak XV Socks — Worth Getting Right
Hiking socks are one of those things that seem minor until you've got blisters at kilometre eight. Peak XV socks are built specifically for use with hiking boots — thicker cushioning at heel and toe, reinforced arch support, and moisture-wicking fibres that help manage heat and reduce hotspots.
Available in crew and ankle cuts across a range of weights, the Peak XV sock range covers day hikes through to multi-day wilderness trips. A good pair of hiking socks is one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make to your kit.
The Peak XV Difference
What separates Peak XV from generic outdoor gear is the specificity of its brief. Every product in the range has been developed with New Zealand conditions in mind — the wet, the wind, the varied terrain from coastal to alpine. Because it's Dwights' own brand, we can back it directly: if something doesn't perform, you're talking to the people who made the call to carry it.
Shop the full Peak XV outdoor gear collection at Dwights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peak XV?
Peak XV is Dwights' own outdoor gear brand, developed to provide performance kit suited to New Zealand conditions at accessible prices. The range covers rain jackets, hiking poles, sleeping pads, down jackets, base layers, and socks.
What is the waterproof rating on the Tornado rain jacket?
The Peak XV Tornado rain jacket has a 20,000mm hydrostatic head rating with fully taped seams, making it suitable for sustained rain and exposed conditions on New Zealand's mountain trails.
What hiking poles does Peak XV make?
Peak XV makes adjustable trekking poles suitable for most NZ trail conditions. They feature tungsten-carbide tips, cork and foam grip options, and collapsible designs for easy packing. See the full range and a comparison guide in our best hiking poles NZ 2026 article.
Where can I buy Peak XV gear?
Peak XV is available exclusively through Dwights — online at dwights.co.nz/collections/peak-xv and in-store at Dwights retail locations across New Zealand.
Is Peak XV gear covered by warranty?
Yes. Peak XV products are backed by Dwights' standard warranty. Contact us directly for any warranty or product issues.