Kathmandu
New Zealand outdoor clothing and equipment brand serving hiking, travel, camping and everyday outdoor lifestyles.
Last updated October 7, 2026
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Overview
Kathmandu is a New Zealand outdoor clothing and equipment brand established in 1987 by Jan Cameron and John Pawson. The brand developed from a specialist outdoor retailer into one of Australasia's best-known suppliers of apparel, footwear, camping equipment and travel products. Its name and identity are associated with trekking, exploration and practical outdoor living, while its commercial range extends from technical garments and packs to casual clothing designed for everyday use. The business has roots in the outdoor retail sector of New Zealand and Australia. Kathmandu's early proposition focused on making functional equipment and clothing more accessible to recreational users rather than serving only expedition specialists. Over time, the brand expanded its product categories and store network, building a broad customer base among hikers, campers, travelers, students, families and consumers seeking weather-resistant everyday apparel. Its offer has included waterproof and insulated jackets, fleece, merino and thermal clothing, hiking trousers, footwear, tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, travel accessories and camping furniture. Kathmandu became a public company through Kathmandu Holdings Limited, whose shares traded on the Australian Securities Exchange. The company used retail stores, catalog and digital commerce, seasonal product ranges, and brand marketing to build a cross-Tasman presence. It also positioned environmental responsibility as part of its brand narrative, including attention to product durability, recycled or preferred materials, responsible sourcing and programs intended to reduce the impact of outdoor consumption. These claims and initiatives have evolved over time and should be assessed against the disclosures of the relevant corporate period. A major turning point came in 2019, when Kathmandu Holdings acquired the Rip Curl surf brand. The transaction broadened the group beyond outdoor equipment into surf, beach and action-sports apparel. In 2021, the parent company changed its name to KMD Brands Limited, while Kathmandu continued as one of the group's principal consumer brands alongside Rip Curl and Oboz. Kathmandu therefore operates as a brand within a multi-brand outdoor and lifestyle portfolio rather than as an independently listed company. Kathmandu's core markets remain New Zealand and Australia, supported by international e-commerce and selected overseas activity. The brand competes across several overlapping categories, including outdoor specialty retail, sporting goods, travel clothing and lifestyle apparel. Its positioning combines functional performance, affordability relative to highly technical expedition brands, and a strong association with New Zealand's outdoor culture. The brand is active and remains part of KMD Brands' operating portfolio.
History
Kathmandu was established in 1987 by Jan Cameron and John Pawson as an outdoor clothing and equipment business associated with New Zealand and Australia. The founders' concept was to provide reliable products for hiking, camping and travel to a broad recreational market. This approach distinguished the company from suppliers focused primarily on specialist mountaineering or military equipment: Kathmandu combined technical features with comparatively accessible retail presentation and pricing. During its early development, Kathmandu expanded its store presence and product range across the two main markets. Apparel became central to the business, including waterproof shells, fleece, thermals, merino garments and insulated outerwear. The company also maintained a substantial equipment offer, covering tents, sleeping bags, packs, cooking equipment and other camping goods. Travel products and casual outdoor clothing helped smooth the brand's exposure to seasonal demand and widened its customer base beyond dedicated hikers. The business later operated through Kathmandu Holdings Limited and became a listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange. Public-company ownership provided capital for retail expansion, product development, technology and international growth, while also exposing the business to the normal pressures of discretionary retail: weather-dependent demand, inventory management, discounting, foreign-exchange movements, changing consumer confidence and competition from specialist and general sporting-goods retailers. Kathmandu developed a strong brand association with New Zealand's outdoor identity. Marketing and product development emphasized participation in nature, travel and adventure, while the company increasingly incorporated sustainability themes. These included efforts involving recycled fibers, preferred materials, product durability, repair or reuse concepts, and supply-chain standards. The scope and results of these initiatives have varied by program and reporting period, so specific claims should be read with the relevant company disclosures. In 2019, Kathmandu Holdings acquired Rip Curl, an international surf and beach-lifestyle business. The transaction was strategically significant because it transformed the parent from a predominantly outdoor retailer into a wider outdoor and action-sports group. Kathmandu remained the group's outdoor and travel-oriented brand, while Rip Curl added exposure to surf apparel, wetsuits, accessories and international beach culture. The group subsequently acquired Oboz, a footwear brand, further strengthening its multi-brand outdoor portfolio. In 2021, the parent changed its name to KMD Brands Limited. Kathmandu consequently became a principal operating brand within KMD Brands rather than a standalone listed issuer. Its activities continue to center on clothing, footwear, equipment and accessories for outdoor recreation and travel, with New Zealand and Australia as its principal historical markets and digital channels supporting international reach. The brand remains active and is managed within KMD Brands' broader portfolio strategy.
- 2021
Parent company becomes KMD Brands
[1]Kathmandu Holdings changes its corporate name to KMD Brands to reflect its multi-brand structure.
- 2019
Rip Curl acquisition is completed
[1]Kathmandu Holdings completes the acquisition of Rip Curl, adding a major international surf brand to its portfolio.
- 2009
Kathmandu becomes publicly listed
[3]Kathmandu Holdings Limited lists on the Australian Securities Exchange, supporting the company's subsequent retail and brand expansion.
- 1987
Kathmandu is established
[1]Jan Cameron and John Pawson establish Kathmandu as an outdoor clothing and equipment business serving the New Zealand and Australian markets.
Products and positioning
Accessible, practical outdoor and travel equipment for recreational users, with a New Zealand heritage and an increasing emphasis on responsible materials and lower-impact product design.
Apparel
Outdoor apparel
Kathmandu's apparel range includes waterproof shells, rainwear, insulated jackets, fleece, merino, thermal layers, hiking trousers and everyday outdoor clothing. Products are designed for changing weather and a range of recreational activities, from day hiking and camping to travel and ordinary urban use.
Camping equipment
Tents and camping shelters
The brand sells tents and related shelter products for recreational camping. Its assortment has historically ranged from compact designs for individuals and couples to larger shelters for families and group trips, with attention to portability, weather protection and ease of setup.
Camping equipment
Sleeping bags and sleep systems
Kathmandu's sleeping products include sleeping bags and associated camping sleep equipment intended for different climates, seasons and travel conditions. The category complements the brand's tents and broader camping range.
Bags and travel equipment
Backpacks and travel bags
Backpacks, daypacks, travel packs and luggage are designed for hiking, commuting, air travel and extended trips. Functional organization, carrying comfort, durability and weather resistance are recurring features of the category.
Footwear
Outdoor footwear
Kathmandu offers footwear for walking, hiking, travel and general outdoor use. The range extends the brand's clothing and equipment proposition by addressing traction, comfort, protection and all-day wear in varied environments.
Brand decisions
2021
Corporate rebranding as KMD BrandsStrategyBackground
The parent company's name no longer fully described a portfolio that included Kathmandu, Rip Curl and Oboz.
Action taken
Kathmandu Holdings changed its corporate name to KMD Brands while retaining Kathmandu as an operating consumer brand.
Aftermath
Kathmandu continued to represent the group's outdoor and travel proposition within a broader house of brands.
2019
Acquisition of Rip CurlM&ABackground
Kathmandu Holdings sought to broaden its exposure beyond outdoor retail and build a multi-brand platform with international reach.
Action taken
The company completed the acquisition of Rip Curl, a global surf and beach-lifestyle brand.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded the group's category and geographic footprint and was followed by the development of the KMD Brands multi-brand structure.
Recent events
Kathmandu launches a new sonic logo[5]
Reported:
Kathmandu partnered with music agency MassiveMusic to launch a new sonic logo capturing the brand’s audio identity.
Kathmandu and Mulga launch collaborative lifestyle collection[6]
Reported:
Kathmandu teamed up with Sydney-based artist Mulga (Joel Moore) to launch a lifestyle collaboration collection featuring apparel and outdoor products with characters created exclusively for Kathmandu.
Kathmandu appoints Abigail Foote as a director[7]
Reported:
Kathmandu Holdings announced Abigail (Abby) Foote's appointment as a company director, effective October 15, 2021.
Offcut and Kathmandu announce cap collaboration[8]
Offcut announced a collaboration with Kathmandu on a limited-edition five-panel cap featuring fabric from Kathmandu’s collection. The cap was scheduled for release on 4 June 2021.
Kathmandu CEO Xavier Simonet resigns[9]
Reported:
Kathmandu group chief executive Xavier Simonet resigned after five years in the role to lead the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade).
Kathmandu Holdings announces FY20 results[10]
Kathmandu Holdings announced results for the twelve months ended 31 July 2020, reporting group sales of $801.5 million and underlying EBITDA of $83.4 million, among other results.
Sources10 sources
- 1KMD Brands: Our historykmdbrands.com
- 2KMD Brands: Our peoplekmdbrands.com
- 3KMD Brands investor centrekmdbrands.com
- 4Kathmandu official websitekathmandu.com
- 5Kathmandu推出新的声音标识mumbrella.com.au
- 6Kathmandu与Mulga推出合作生活方式系列ragtrader.com.au
- 7Kathmandu任命Abigail Foote为董事nbr.co.nz
- 8Offcut与Kathmandu宣布合作推出帽款scoop.co.nz
- 9Kathmandu首席执行官Xavier Simonet辞职afr.com
- 10Kathmandu Holdings公布2020财年业绩sharechat.co.nz
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