Kathmandu
KMD Brands · New Zealand
Kathmandu is a New Zealand outdoor clothing and equipment brand founded in 1987 by John Pawson and Jan Cameron. It designs technical apparel and gear for travel and outdoor adventure and is the original brand of KMD Brands, which also owns Rip Curl and Oboz.
| Founded | 1987 |
|---|---|
| Founders | John Pawson, Jan Cameron |
| Parent | KMD Brands |
| Group HQ | Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Website | kathmandu.co.nz |
What is Kathmandu?
Kathmandu is an outdoor apparel and equipment brand from New Zealand, offering technical and sustainability focused clothing and gear for outdoor adventures and travel.
History
The brand was founded in 1987 by John Pawson and Jan Cameron, after they sold the ALP Sports Clothing label. The business grew into Kathmandu Holdings, a company dual listed on the NZX and ASX, which was renamed KMD Brands in March 2022 to reflect its wider portfolio.
Products and positioning
Kathmandu designs jackets, insulation, base layers, footwear, packs and travel gear for hiking, camping and everyday outdoor use, positioning itself in the mid-market between specialist mountaineering labels and general sportswear.
Group structure
- Kathmandu: outdoor apparel and equipment
- Rip Curl: global surf brand from Torquay, acquired in 2019
- Oboz: hiking and trail footwear from Bozeman, Montana, acquired in 2018
Why it matters
Kathmandu grew from a single outdoor label into the anchor of a multi brand, listed group, making it one of the most significant outdoor apparel businesses to come out of New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kathmandu from?
Kathmandu is a New Zealand outdoor brand, and its parent KMD Brands is headquartered in Christchurch.
Who owns Kathmandu?
Kathmandu belongs to KMD Brands, a dual listed group that also owns Rip Curl and Oboz.