Urban Summit: Kathmandu Wants You To Reach Your Personal Peak
Adventure is such a subjective term. So subjective, in fact, that no prescriptive definition is suitable for the myriad of individual and tailored perspectives that give the term its weight. Some dream of exploring the vast outdoors, eager to traverse endless trailsides in an optimistic effort to chase the ever-elusive horizon. Others get that rush just from the idea of piecing together the oft-convoluted puzzle making up most major metropolitan areas—one missed stop on public transit could lead to the next unsolicited expedition.
While at a glance disparate ideologies, both approaches remain rooted in the intrinsic attraction toward the unknown, the allure of what could be, and the desire to experience more. This ambitiously ambiguous existence is the domain wherein New Zealand-based outdoor brand Kathmandu rules, mobilizing all the would-be wanderers and veritable voyagers to “Come find us. We’re out there,”—wherever “out there” may be.
Founded in 1987, Kathmandu manifested from this very same insatiable hunger for adventure and the intrinsic desire for self-fulfillment. Following years of development, the brand’s singular focus is centered on improving the overall well-being of the world through a reconnection to the manifold environments surrounding us. A tall task? Maybe, but someone has to blaze the trail. Producing high-quality, sustainable outdoor clothing and accessories, Kathmandu is steadfast in supporting journeys of both prodigious and prosaic proportions, seeking to spark inner revelations by way of outdoor exploration.
“It’s well known that New Zealanders love to travel all across the country’s diverse landscapes and beyond,” Karinda Robinson, Kathmandu’s General Manager of Product, affectionately notes, “So, for Kathmandu, the driving force is always to design versatile gear that can adjust and perform in any environment.” Whether it be the rugged highlands towering over picturesque vistas or the expansive coastlines situated at the world's edge, the innovative outdoor brand from “Down Under” awaits you to take that fundamental first step. And while few things can top the sights of an idyllic open-air habitat—one of those sweeping landscapes suited to be the default background on your desktop—Kathmandu knows true adventure seekers can’t be satisfied; there’s always another mountain to climb, literally, and metaphorically speaking.
We can all agree that choosing to take on the energy of a fast-paced metropolis is a thrilling feat in its own right. Yet it is well known that tackling “The Big City” can be a challenge for just about anyone, anywhere on this big blue rock. Still, the most audacious among us continue to climb in hopes of conquering that mythic summit point located somewhere amidst the downtown disarray. In reaching the apex of any significant global cultural hub, you not only have to be prepared mentally, but of course, you have to look the part, too—flawless fits are still king inside city limits.
As one of the first outdoor companies to become a certified B-Corp in the Australasia region (that is indeed a big deal, folks), the groundbreaking activewear brand roots itself in the ethics and aesthetics of its home nation, giving way to a distinctive style with eco-friendly undertones. Pulling inspiration from New Zealand’s jaw-dropping landscapes and environmentally conscious ethos, Kathmandu seeks to revitalize outerwear’s image by crafting garments with a signature blend of functionality, fashion, and sustainability equipped to make a statement in any territory, in any condition.
Highlighting this sentiment is the brand’s newly minted Epiq SE jacket—a name suited for a potential industry-shifting product. Touted as one of the most innovative entries in Kathmandu’s Epiq catalog, the special edition puffer jacket builds on years of meticulously curated structure and reformational design codes tied to the brand. Made from Q-Cycle yarn, a unique textile produced with post-consumer waste that includes end-of-life tires, the Epiq SE is a bold take on a timeless wardrobe staple—I mean, you can never say no to a good puffer, especially when it comes to those brutal urban winters. “Kathmandu’s commitment to sustainability has been a core aspect of its brand identity, rooted in the environmental consciousness of New Zealand,” Robinson continues. “With the new Epiq SE jacket, Kathmandu is turning problems into opportunity, adding elevated elements to a fan favorite.” Boasting a sleek, triple-black color scheme, Kathmandu keeps its latest outerwear piece in line with an overall minimalist styling that, again, nods to its homeland ties—referencing the parred-back demeanor most natives exude.
It’s rare to find something with a masterful mix of simplicity and purpose that creates a ubiquitous force applicable in many settings. And yet, somehow, Kathmandu cracked the code. Tipping the scales in favor of quality over showmanship—and intentionality over pure vanity—the brand’s pioneering index showcases a dedication to craftsmanship and a drive to leave a lasting impression—exemplified by its latest upcycled offering.
Still, Kathmandu’s primary objective is to continue setting the standard of what can be, invoking that free-spirited aura across geographical boundaries. In a time where overconsumption is undoubtedly at its highest, Kathmandu pushes us toward a revived relationship with the world IRL, stripping back trite principles in exchange for a renewed peace of mind. Hey, and if you cop a stylish jacket in the process, that’s a bonus.
So whether you’re rising in altitude on a 10-mile hike or pounding ten blocks on the city pavement, the goal is still the same: climb higher until you reach that personal peak.
Shop the Epiq SE and more at kathmanduoutdoor.com.
