Trail Cloth: The Reusable Essential You Didn’t Know You Needed

Trail Cloth

When you’re deep in the New Zealand backcountry, you learn to appreciate the simple things — a dry pair of socks, a sturdy hut, and small bits of gear that just work. Trail Cloth is one of those small but mighty essentials that changes the way you move through the wild.

What Is a Trail Cloth?

Trail Cloth is a reusable, quick-drying cloth designed to replace toilet paper when you’re peeing outdoors. It’s a cleaner, more sustainable way to stay fresh on the trail — no more packing out soggy paper or leaving scraps behind. Clip it to your pack, let it dry between stops, and wash it with your gear at the end of the trip.

But it’s not just for the loo — Trail Cloth is multi-purpose. It can double as a washcloth, face cloth, or even a quick cleanup towel at the hut or tent. Once you start using it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

What’s It Made Of

Every Trail Cloth is made with purpose and durability in mind.

• Outer layer: A water-resistant fabric, either nylon or PUL (polyurethane laminate), designed to handle backcountry moisture and protect your pack when clipped on the outside.

• Inner layer: A soft faux suede that’s gentle on skin, quick-drying, and easy to clean.

It’s the perfect balance between function and comfort — practical enough for serious hikers, soft enough for everyday use.

Why Colour Matters

Each Trail Cloth colour is inspired by the landscapes, moods, and moments of hiking in the South Island. They’re not just designs — they’re stories of place and experience.

🌿 Basic Bush Green

The hiking essential. Basic Bush Green mirrors the rich greens of native forest — ferns, moss, and the endless beech canopy that greets every South Island hiker. It’s familiar, grounding, and timeless — the colour of where every great adventure begins.

⛰️ Scree Field

Sharp, stony, and rugged — Scree Field takes its cues from the alpine slopes of the Southern Alps. It’s the reminder of steep climbs, shifting footing, and that satisfying grit of determination that gets you to the top.

🌌 Midnight Plumage

For nights under vast skies. Midnight Plumage draws on the deep blues and greens of feathers glinting in starlight — like a ruru calling from the bush as you rest at a remote hut. It’s bold, a little mysterious, and full of that backcountry magic.

🌺 Wild Rātā

Nothing beats the fiery red of rātā in full bloom — clinging to cliffs and brightening the forest canopy. Wild Rātā captures that fleeting burst of colour, a symbol of resilience and beauty that belongs uniquely to New Zealand's wild places.

🎒 Backcountry Camo

Made for those who disappear into the bush. Backcountry Camo blends the greens of podocarp forest and the shadows of fern gullies — perfect for hikers who like to go quietly, off-track, where the real New Zealand hides.

🔥 Bushline Blaze

The moment the trail opens above the trees — sunlight on golden tussock, alpine wind on your face, and endless views ahead. Bushline Blaze captures that feeling of freedom and fire when you break through the bushline and step into wide open country.

Two Sizes — Because One Size Doesn’t Fit All

The small Trail Cloth is perfect for solo missions, light packers, or day hikes when every gram counts.

The medium size is ideal for multi-day missions or those who like a little extra surface for comfort or multi-use — drying hands, wiping gear, or cleaning up after a long day on the trail.

Both sizes come with a carabiner for easy pack attachment, letting your cloth dry in the breeze as you hike.

Why It Matters

Trail Cloths aren’t just about practicality — they’re about hiking more consciously. They reduce waste, lighten your footprint, and make time outdoors more comfortable. Each one carries a little piece of New Zealand’s landscape in its design and spirit.

From Basic Bush Green to Wild Rātā, these colours are a tribute to the trails, the forests, and the freedom of the backcountry. Because the best gear doesn’t just work well — it reminds you why you’re out there in the first place.

Purchase your Trail Cloth today from here https://trailcloth.felt.co.nz/