Our Story
Outside is where we come alive. It liberates us, challenges us, revives us, surprises us. We think it brings out the best in us.
That’s why we want to encourage more people to get out there and enjoy it, too. We believe being outdoors is transformative. Science has proven it changes our brains for the better. When we’re out there, our stress goes down, our empathy goes up, we become more creative, and feel happier. Nature makes us open, free, and fun. Who doesn’t want to be that? Out there is the only place in the world that changes the way you see the world. Trust us, we’d know. We’ve been here for over 30 years.
Born in New Zealand, we’re spoiled with towering mountains, mist-cloaked fjords, and golden beaches in quiet bays.
You could say it’s the perfect place to dream up, design, and test outdoor gear and apparel. You’d be right.
We’re here to improve the wellbeing of the world through the outdoors. So, we make products that help us — and you — get out there.
Getting out there means simply that.
It’s about sitting in nature, staring at the clouds. It's about hiking fern-covered trails and jumping into glacial pools. It's about letting your brain and body feel free with all that out there air. It’s everything in between.
Everything we do, everything we make, is considered. If it doesn’t help us get out there and find those warm fuzzies, we don’t want it — and we don’t think you do, either.
A WORD ON OUR NAME
We’re from New Zealand, but we call ourselves Kathmandu — a bit confusing, eh? There’s history in that name, though. Kathmandu was once thought to be fabled and inaccessible, a bucket list destination for those dreaming of magical vistas and scaling mountains. It's the place that inspired the creation of this very outdoors brand.
While Kathmandu is much more accessible now, the destination still evokes the same sense of majesty and intrigue to us. New Zealand is our home, but Kathmandu is part of our roots and inspiration.
