Kathmandu Outdoor Gear and Apparel

Kathmandu: A Legacy of Adventure and Sustainability

Kathmandu is a renowned outdoor and travel brand that originated in New Zealand in the late 1980s. Since its founding, the brand has focused on providing durable, functional, and innovative gear for adventurers, ranging from down jackets and thermal layers to camping equipment and luggage. It has built a strong reputation for its commitment to environmental sustainability, being a certified B Corp and emphasizing the use of recycled materials across its product lines.

Global Design and Production

While the brand was born and is still headquartered in New Zealand, manufacturing is distributed across multiple countries to accommodate global demand. Most production takes place in specialist facilities within Asia, including China, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Kathmandu maintains strict ethical and environmental standards across its supply chain, ensuring that the manufacturing process aligns with its corporate social responsibility goals.

Ownership and Market Presence

Today, Kathmandu is the flagship brand of KMD Brands Limited (formerly Kathmandu Holdings Limited). The parent company is a dual-listed entity on both the New Zealand and Australian stock exchanges. Under the KMD Brands umbrella, the company has expanded its portfolio significantly, acquiring iconic global brands like Rip Curl and Oboz Footwear, positioning itself as a dominant player in the global outdoor and action sports market.