Kathmandu outdoor apparel and gear

Founded in 1987 by Jan Cameron and John Pawson, Kathmandu began its journey in Christchurch, New Zealand, becoming an iconic brand for outdoor enthusiasts across the Oceania region. The brand established a reputation for durable, high-quality gear ranging from technical jackets and thermal layers to camping equipment and packs.

Today, Kathmandu is a leading global outdoor lifestyle brand. It is an integral part of the KMD Brands limited group (formerly known as Kathmandu Holdings Limited), which manages a portfolio of global brands. While the brand originated in New Zealand, its manufacturing is distributed internationally, primarily across specialist textile and gear factories in Asia to serve its global retail footprint.

In recent years, the brand has focused heavily on sustainability, becoming a certified B Corp. The ultimate ownership remains with KMD Brands, headquartered in New Zealand, which also owns other major outdoor brands like Rip Curl and Oboz Footwear, solidifying its position as a major player in the international outdoors and surf market.