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 was a New Zealand company, and now brand specialising in outdoor adventure equipment. It is best known for backpacks and sleeping bags. On February 1, 2008, Macpac was purchased by Mouton Noir Ltd.
History
In 1973, 19-year-old Bruce McIntyre left university after a year of studying psychology, sociology and political science.
Bruce started off with his own designs, and a spirit of collaboration. In 1975 a group of young men from the Canterbury Mountaineering Club (CMC) were heading into the South American Andes on an expedition at the time.
The pack that emerged from this development was New Zealand’s first internal frame climbing pack – the Torre Egger.
Bruce extended the Torre Egger concept, popular among leading mountaineers, to suit trampers and travellers as well. He also made customer service a priority for the company, as he wanted it to match the quality of the products. By 1978, sales were growing at 100% a year and Macpac couldn’t keep up with demand. Nevertheless, Bruce headed to Australia to set up the company’s first export market. In 1987, export markets in the Netherlands and Switzerland followed. Distribution in Germany and the UK developed soon after.
Equipment
Macpac designs and manufactures a range of outdoor equipment, from backpacks to lightweight adventure tents.
Manufacturing
In 2003, Macpac decided to move the majority of its production to Asia to reduce production costs, with the loss of 150 jobs in Christchurch. Managing director Bruce McIntyre said that the immediate causes were the 40% rise in the New Zealand dollar and the slow-down in international travel.
Sale
In February 2008, the company was sold to Mouton Noir, who were looking to expand after previously purchasing New Zealand's other popular brand, Fairydown Equipment Ltd. Macpac products are no longer available through third party retailers, and instead are now sold directly by Mouton Noir along with new Fairydown gear in Macpac branded stores.