Macpac Outdoors
| Retail | |
| Industry | Camping and leisure |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Headquarters | Christchurch, New Zealand |
Area served | NZ, AUS |
| Products | Camping, walking and mountaineering equipment |
| Website |
macpac.co.nz macpac.com.au |
Macpac Wilderness Equipment is a brand specialising in outdoor recreational equipment. It is best known for camping and travel equipment including backpacks, sleeping bags and technical clothing. Macpac was originally a New Zealand company, but is now 90% owned by Champ Ventures ( since January 2016).
History
Macpac's roots can be traced to New Zealander Bruce McIntyre, who began designing his own outdoor gear after he left university aged 19 In 1973. In 1975 he was involved with developing gear for a group of young men from the Canterbury Mountaineering Club who were heading to the South American Andes. The result was New Zealand’s first internal frame climbing pack – the Torre Egger.
McIntyre extended the Torre Egger concept to suit trampers and travellers as well. He focused on customer service and product quality. By 1978, sales were growing at 100% a year and Macpac was unable to keep up with demand. Nevertheless, McIntyre headed to Australia to develop the company’s first export market. In 1987, he began exporting to the Netherlands and Switzerland, soon followed by Germany and the UK.
Equipment
Macpac designs and manufactures a range of outdoor equipment, from backpacks to lightweight adventure tents.
Manufacturing
In 2003, Macpac moved the majority of its production to Asia, shedding 150 jobs in Christchurch. McIntyre, now the managing director, blamed a 40% rise in the New Zealand dollar and a slow-down in international travel.
Sale
In January 2016 the company was sold to Champ Ventures. Macpac products are no longer available through third party retailers, and instead are now sold directly in Macpac branded stores.