THE KEPES PACKING LIST FOR NEPAL

Tired of waterproof breathable jackets that wear out? The Cactus Mountain Jacket is for you. Built in ultra tough 3 layer WTF-3 fabric, with real exterior pockets and no bogus lighter-weight pocket linings that leak, this heavy duty jacket will protect you from the elements with way more durability than your average cut-price waterproof/breathable garment.

Here's what our testers thought of it:

"I thought the fit of the jacket was spot on. The storm flap definitely did the job of keeping snow out of the pocket - even when I forgot to zip it up I didn't loose any goodies from the pocket. I really like having no hip pockets, as there is nothing to hinder and bunch up when bending at the hip. The pockets were sufficient for carrying all the stuff I needed for ski patrolling. Another feature I thought was pretty tiptop is the foldaway collar, it works nicely when snow is blowing everywhere."

"I was surprised at how well this thing breathes given how burly the fabric is. I never got hot skiing in it, and it’s obviously gonna last forever. Had a couple of stormy days in it on the mountain, it was totally wind and snow proof and the fabric didn’t soak, so it stayed supple yet bombproof in nasty weather."

Down jackets or puffer jackets are a 'must have' for New Zealand winters. Good down jackets are never cheap so when you buy one you want it to last. This is why we thought that we should take on the challenge to make a tougher down jacket for those working and playing hard in the outdoors. And we did - super tough winter jackets that stand up to gorse, firewood stacking, brushing past old farm gear and the likes, they even stand up to the odd spilled coffee on the sideline on a frosty Saturday morning.

Taking on broad feedback that we've had over the years, from both our customers and our repairs team, we've strengthened them in all the places that down jackets are known to fail. 

The latest evolution of our men's Cactus Down Jacket features a grunty two way zipper, extra strengthening around the pockets, a removable hood, a few more 'Michelin man' rolls, improved water repelling super powers and so much more.

Our “keep it simple - stupid” canvas day pack built for New Zealand’s rugged conditions. Clean, sturdy construction, minimal seams, C-Canvas for durable water resistance (and less noise in the bush) and that traditional, diamond-in-the-rough feel.

The size, simplicity and all-round toughness make this a popular pack for commuters, walkers, trampers and hunters alike. Also, in a nice (and, it has to be admitted, unplanned) turn of events, the Miklat meets sizing requirements for cabin baggage – another string to this pack’s bow. An extremely versatile Cactus classic.

• A generous size main bag, made of C-Canvas for water resistance and that soft but bombproof feel
• Comfortable foam padded harness and curved shoulder straps for all day comfort, and a 38mm webbing waist belt for stability
• 3D lid pocket for map, GPS, hat, gloves or spare ammo
• A double thickness base and rand for durability
• Compression straps on the sides to keep the load stable and snug to your back for bush bashing. You can also use the tabs for these as anchor points to add bungy if you want to secure items to the outside of the pack
• Hydro sleeve for keeping you hydrated all day and a lid that gives a nice tidy path for the drinking hose
• Made in New Zealand
• No Worries 5yr Pack Guarantee
• Cactus-Tough Lifetime Warranty

A stylish, functional, and Cactus-tough roll-top back pack.

The Ruckus is our ideal backpack for urban life – fits your laptop, lunch, bike lock, spare jacket, and still has room for that copy of The Luminaries you haven't finished reading yet.

• Internal mesh zip stash pocket, and external low-profile zip pocket –  for the detritus of urban life.
• The external sleeve is perfect for storing spare shoes or jandals.
• Slim profile for stealth and comfort.
• Roll, latch, cinch – adjust the volume to your needs with a roll-top closure that's quick and easy to use, secure and weatherproof.
• Cactus 'Device Drop Redundancy' design. The internal sleeve sits up from the base of the pack, to protect your laptop from meeting the concrete when you set down or drop your pack.
• Bike-light attachment tab.

Made right here in our factory on Lichfield St, Christchurch, NZ.

In keeping with the theme of ‘staple’ gear for Kiwis, we bring you the Cactus Checked Flannel Shirt. Now complete and glowing with awesomeness we’re all wondering why we took so long to make these.

From the tradie go-to work top, to the urbanite’s default classic and the weekend warrior’s dash-and-grab favourite, the flannel shirt has to be one of the most versatile items of clothing.

Now you can probably pick up a flannel shirt from your local red shed for the price of half a dozen (non-craft) beers but it will never outlive, look as good, or feel as amazing as the Cactus version. So what makes the Cactus Checked Flannel Shirt stand out from the rest?

• It’s made from quality, 100% Cotton, 233gsm soft and warm brushed flannel
• NASA grade thread (that's strong!) and military grade buttons
• Voluminous, generous length chest pockets - they fit notebooks & phones
• Felled side seams for strength
• Long back to save you from the infamous butt crack issue
• Roomy enough to nicely fit a Cactus merino underneath for extra warmth on those cold days
• Reasonably high collar - high enough to keep the sun off but not so high as to look like a dork
• Double layered shoulders for extra strength and durability
• NZ made - right here in Christchurch

Please note: shrinkage may occur in first wash.

We're not reinventing the wheel here. A sock is a sock. But like all things Cactus, we've made sure that these ones will go the distance. These ones are the top of the range, chunky knit, perfect for both in the workboots, or on the couch in winter. 

ADDED BONUS: You get three in this pack. 

For all you old school people out there who think they'll be too warm for summer, merino is not only super warm in the winter, it's also super breathable in the summer. 

Made in New Zealand.

*depending on personal hygiene, they will stink after several days of wear without washing. 

We're not reinventing the wheel here. A sock is a sock. But like all things Cactus, we've made sure that these ones will go the distance. These ones are the top of the range, chunky knit, perfect for both in the workboots, or on the couch in winter. 

For all you old school people out there who think they'll be too warm for summer, merino is not only super warm in the winter, it's also super breathable in the summer. 

Made in New Zealand.

*depending on personal hygiene, they will stink after several days of wear without washing. 

Now we can say that we can dress you head to toe in good quality kit.

We're not reinventing the wheel here. A sock is a sock. But like all things Cactus, we've made sure that these ones will go the distance. We did the ultimate test and made Rob wear a pair. Cactus socks will keep your toes toasty warm, make your shoes more comfortable, last for ages and being merino - shouldn't stink.*

For all you old school people out there who think they'll be too warm for summer, merino is not only super warm in the winter, it's also super breathable in the summer. 

The Cactus socks come in black and in three sizes. Made in New Zealand.

*depending on personal hygiene, they will stink after several days of wear without washing. 

If you're after a hat to protect your face from the elements whether chopping wood or simply playing backyard cricket, the new Surfers Lid is a no brainer. 

• Broad enough and low enough brim to keep the sun and rain off your face.
• One size fits all.

In keeping with the theme of ‘staple’ gear for Kiwis, we bring you the Cactus Checked Flannel Shirt. Now complete and glowing with awesomeness we’re all wondering why we took so long to make these.

No matter what the time of year, when the sun sets in NZ, a flannel shirt is the perfect top to throw on and keep cosy by the fireside or on an evening stroll. The flannel shirt has to be one of the most versatile items of clothing.

Now you can probably pick up a flannel shirt from your local red shed for the price of half a dozen (non-craft) beers but it will never outlive, look as good or feel as amazing as the Cactus version. So what makes the Cactus Flannel Shirt stand out from the rest?

• It’s made from quality, 100% Cotton, 233gsm soft and warm brushed flannel
• NASA grade thread (that's strong!) and military grade buttons
• Voluminous, generous length chest pockets 
• Felled side seams for strength
• Long back to save you from the infamous butt crack issue
• Roomy enough to nicely fit a Cactus Merino underneath for extra warmth on those cold days
• Reasonably high collar - high enough to keep the sun off but not so high as to look like a dork
• Double layered shoulders for extra strength and durability
• NZ made - right here in Christchurch

Please note: shrinkage may occur in first wash.

Cactus Lifties are the ultimate in ski pants or ski trousers if you're mama raised you proper.  These beauties are worn by mountain patrollers around NZ and are made for skiing and snowboarding at the most extreme level. 

Their mad features include seam sealed nylon face waterproof and breathable fabric, reinforcing on cuffs, knee, seat and crutch to prevent chilly alpine blowouts. These snow pants also feature external pockets for extra durability, waterproofness  and easy access along with internal snow cuffs - face shots are cool, pow up inside your legs isn't.

• Tough waterproof breathable Cactus WTF-3 fabric.
• External hip pockets that drain outside your leg.
• Extended zip fly flap to ensure what's behind your fly stays dry.
• 2 layer reinforcement all over the crotch and behind.
• Built in knee mats insure comfort when working on your knees.
• Quick exit/entry ankles with 360 degree cordura and domed/elasticated snow cuff.
• Fully seam sealed.
• YKK zips for rugged durability. 
NOTE: The belt is not included with the product. 

Down jackets or puffer jackets are a 'must have' for New Zealand winters. Good down jackets are never cheap so when you buy one you want it to last. This is why we thought that we should take on the challenge to make a tougher down jacket for those working and playing hard in the outdoors.  And we did - super tough jackets that stand up to gorse, firewood stacking, brushing past old farm gear and the likes.

Taking on broad feedback that we've had over the years, from both our customers and our repairs team, we've strengthened them in all the places that down jackets are known to fail. 

The latest evolution of our women's Cactus Down Jacket features a grunty two way zipper, extra strengthening around the pockets, a removable hood, a few more 'Michelin man' rolls, improved water repelling super powers and so much more.

A wooly merino thing that keeps your lid feeling warm and looking cool.

Made in NZ from the least-scratchy 100% merino wool we could get our hands on. Comes in black, grey or navy.

If you prefer a thinner beanie for under your helmet/hat, check our our Fitted Beanie.

The Foray is our take on the classic, single compartment backcountry tramping pack.
Going backcountry often means trips of a week or more, so we’ve sized and designed the Foray to meet the challenge. When tramping in NZ you are bound to meet a good sized mountain (or many), so we’ve covered all bases by including two ice axe or walking pole attachment loops and a crampon patch. 

The eminently simple and reliable Foray will still be comfortable and likely the least of your worries at the end of a big mission. As with all our packs we’ve opted for a fixed length harness and a single main compartment for the Foray – this is intentional as they both reduce complexity and weight, while greatly increasing longevity.
In the case of our fixed length harness, thousands of happy converts from our competitors adjustable systems should be all the proof you need. In the main body of the Foray the Ultra 12oz C-Canvas is inherently water resistant without relying on an easily damaged, laminated inner coating. Up through the storm throat we’ve continued this integrity by using a lighter C-210n6 polyester Oxford. We also take advantage of nylon’s higher abrasion resistance by reinforcing pack wear points with C-1000n6.
• Generous 75L internal volume to fit everything bar the kitchen sink
• Fixed length harness to maximise strength for long term use under heavy loads
• Constructed from Ultra 12oz C-Canvas, C-1000D & C-210n6 fabrics for superior long term durability and water resistance
• Big lids are good – ones that double as a pillow or portable secure storage unit are even better
• Single compartments are lighter, increase water resistance and stronger
• Three dimensional shaped framesheet enables a customisable fit to your back, keeping the load close for maximum comfort under load
• Large compression panel improves weight distribution and allows pack size to be reduced when carrying less gear
• Twin ice axe/walking pole and crampon holders
• Includes No Worries 5yr Pack Guarantee
• Covered by Cactus-Tough Lifetime Warranty

Our Dreadnought HD’s have been around a while now and have definitely developed something of an underground cult following due to their surprising comfort, superior breathability and absolutely incomparable durability. While they have become the ski pant of choice for those who demand the ultimate in burliness, you’ll also find them exceeding the expectations of those working in demanding conditions around the globe.

The HD’s were born of the notion that working/living/playing in tough environments (especially cold ones) didn't need to mean that you had to compromise comfort or durability. Originally designed for telemark skiing by Mark Schafer, these have been refined and redesigned over the years.

Constructed from our Ultra 12oz C-Canvas, these will outlast any other trouser - full stop. Our usual philosophy of making “gear that wear in not out” applies – these will get better and better with age. These are seriously heavy duty yet very warm and comfortable. However, if you find yourself spending more time in slush than fresh powder then our Lifties might be a better bet.

• Super durable and highly wearable Ultra 12oz C-Canvas, to help when you are looking down the barrel of a full season with a questionable amount of cash
• High back waist design for good overlap/warmth
• Pre-bent leg to keep movement free when it's all happening fast
• Webbing cinch cuffs for locking the snow out
• 2 handy front zip pockets for your lip stuff/cash etc
• Construction backed by a lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship

The Hector is our proven dedicated tramping/trekking dream pack – featuring genuine "Ultra Canvas", a single main compartment and a comfortable, modular harness system. Honed by our collective decades of experience in the New Zealand backcountry, the Hector has more of what you want (strength, comfort, simplicity) with less of what you don’t (excess weight, Murphy’s Law complexity, dangly straps and feature-bloat).

We’ve designed the Hector with shorter multi-day trips in mind. It’s got a single axe/walking poles attachment point, and good sized zip up front pocket, which is perfect for a damp pack towel or dirty underwear.

The removable lid allows you to keep valuable items close by in a hut, can be used as a pillow and includes a security pocket. We even include straps to convert the lid to a bandolier bag for your map, camera, water bottle and jacket - perfect for the summit assault or that end-of-day sunset photography side trip.

If you think you are going to be out in the hills closer to a week, or need a slightly more technical tramping (as opposed to alpine) pack, sidle over and talk to our Foray.

• True Ultra Canvas fabric – be wary of imitations
• Front pocket with vertical zip for easy access or for stuff you don’t want in the main compartment
• Removable lid – doubles as a pillow, triples as a close-at-hand security store and quadruples as a shoulder bag
• Three dimensionally formed framesheet – keeping the weight tightly fixed to your back
• Seamless front panel ensures good water resistance
• Made in New Zealand
• Cactus-Tough Lifetime Warranty
• No Worries 5yr Pack Guarantee