Jacob, one of our Auckland crew members has just been on an epic trip to Nepal. We managed to rope him in to sending us a few shots and a bit of a yarn. Have a read yourself!
"Embarking on a four-week journey to Nepal - the gateway to the Himalayas and the world’s trekking capital - takes more than a sense of adventure. It takes planning, grit, and, most importantly, gear that won’t let you down when things get tough.
As someone who’s spent plenty of time hunting, tramping, and exploring New Zealand’s rugged outdoors, I thought I knew what to expect. But Nepal hit different. This was high-altitude, unpredictable, and relentless terrain - the real deal. I needed gear that wouldn’t just survive the journey but support me through every step of it.
Enter Cactus.
I’ve been a loyal customer for years - and I’m also lucky enough to be part of the crew at the Ponsonby store. So when this trip came up, I knew exactly where I’d be getting kitted out. No knock-offs from side stalls in Thamel. Just tried-and-tested quality from a company that understands the outdoors.
Before leaving, I grabbed a couple of new Cactus merino tops, a Storm Fleece for the old man, and treated myself to a bold new Mountain Jacket - rose red, because why not stand out at 5,000 metres? I also packed a few essentials like the Sub Utility Bag, Crippin Belt, and Pod Wallet - because the last thing you need is to lose your rupees in a Himalayan snowstorm or have your pants fall down in -10°C.
We flew into Lukla from Kathmandu and met our Sherpa, Karma - a local legend who became our compass and guide for the next couple of weeks. Our mission: trek to Everest Base Camp, summit Kala Patthar, then return via the stunning Gokyo Lakes - a 16-day round trip through some of the planet’s most unforgiving terrain.
From day one, the Cactus merinos earned their place. It was 28°C in Lukla, but the breathable, comfy fabric kept us cool and dry - plus, they don’t need constant washing, which is ideal when showers are rare and washing machines are non-existent.
Namche Bazaar - the last bastion of decent coffee and easy mobile signal - marked the end of the “easy” part. As we climbed higher, layers started to pile on. Dad’s old jersey got retired, and the Storm Fleece stepped up. At 5,000m, while others were zipped into bulky down jackets, Dad was sweating in his fleece - direct quote: “I’m boiling up here!”
As the days wore on, we trekked through changing conditions -sun, wind, snow, freezing rain. The landscape transformed into something out of a dream: towering white peaks, icy rivers, and endless sky. At times, the terrain was brutal. At altitude, everything is harder - breathing, walking, thinking - but being wet and cold wasn’t a problem. My Cactus Mountain Jacket didn’t flinch. It kept me warm, dry, and focused. It honestly felt like an extra teammate - dependable, tough, and quietly encouraging.
And that red colour? A lifesaver. In whiteout conditions, our Sherpa could spot me instantly. Even Dad - who struggles to find his glasses, let alone a path marker - had no trouble following the glowing red beacon ahead of him.
We conquered Everest Base Camp, summited Kala Patthar, battled altitude sickness, shared meals with strangers who became friends, and witnessed some of the most breathtaking scenery on Earth. Through it all, the Cactus gear didn’t just hold up - it excelled. Durable, comfortable, and still looking sharp after weeks on the trail (despite the lack of showers and razors). I even copped a few compliments - pretty sure the jacket did most of the heavy lifting there.
In a place like Nepal, where the stakes are high and the conditions are harsh, you don’t want gear that might work. You want gear that does work - no fuss, no failures.
Cactus doesn’t just make good gear. They make gear that’s built to go the distance. And as far as I’m concerned, there’s no better testing ground than the Himalayas.
Jacob"
Cheers Jacob!!
