Backhouse wet weather gear

Backhouse is a distinguished heritage brand from New Zealand, traditionally celebrated for its high-quality wet weather gear, particularly its waxed cotton coats and 'Stockman' dusters. Founded by W.K. Backhouse in the early 20th century in Whanganui, the brand became a staple for local farmers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts due to the extreme durability of its materials, which often used heavier-weight sailcloth compared to European counterparts.

In the late 20th century, the brand entered a significant partnership with the iconic British outdoor company J. Barbour & Sons. For a period, Backhouse operated as an associated brand under Barbour's umbrella, with labels often reading 'Backhouse: A Barbour Company.' During this era, Backhouse designs like the Stockman were integrated into the Barbour lineup, and some Barbour-branded jackets were even manufactured in Backhouse's New Zealand facilities. However, the original manufacturing entity, W.G. Backhouse Ltd, went into liquidation in 2008. The brand assets and label were subsequently acquired by the Boyle Family Trust, with production efforts continued by local entities like Black Scorpion and Black Ridge Apparel. Today, the brand is primarily regarded as a classic vintage name in the heritage apparel market, though its designs continue to influence modern outdoor fashion.