We strive to choose the most responsible materials that maintain our integrity and performance.
A behind-the-scenes series from our journey to do more good.
Our materials
Better Cotton
Better Cotton is sourced via a chain of custody model called mass balance.By partnering with Better Cotton, we're helping to strengthen their mission to help cotton communities survive and thrive while protecting and restoring the environment.
bluesign®
Products carrying the bluesign label are made using approved chemicals and raw materials. They are produced in a resource-conserving way with minimum impact on people and the environment.
CORDURA®
CORDURA fabrics are highly durable, known for their long-lasting properties and resistance to abrasion. Most commonly user in packs and footwear.
DownTek™
DownTek is down treated with Durable Water Repellencyto to repel water. This treatment allows the down to fully maintain it’s loft, temperature range, and packability, even when it rains.
driMOTION
Our driMOTION technology allows fabric to wick moisture and dry quickly, perfect for activities that will work up a sweat. We use this in some of our activewear.
Durable Water Repellent (DWR)
DWR)is a protective finish that helps water bead up and roll off, keeping your gear dry in damp conditions. We use DWR made without intentionally added PFAS.
GORE-TEX®
GORE-TEX® is a waterproof breathable fabric that keeps wearers dry in adverse conditions
Hemp
Hemp is a natural fibre that produces durable, comfortable and breathable clothing.
LanzaTech
LanzaTech is a trailblazing technology company specialising in converting waste carbon emissions into useful products. Carbon emissions from manufacturing sites are captured before they’re released into the atmosphere and converted into raw materials that makes polyester fibre.
Mint Activ
Mint Activ provides a durable, peppermint oil-based treatment for fresh-smelling apparel that regenerates at each wash for up to 20 home launders.
LYCRA® BLACK
LYCRA® BLACK is a performance fibre that resists damage caused by perspiration, sunscreen, UV rays, lotions, and chlorine. It also offers maximum coverage to avoid transparency.
ngx
Kathmandu’s own waterproof and windproof membrane. Available in ngx 2 and ngx 2.5, two-layer and two-and-a-half layers, respectively.
novaLOFT
Our synthetic insulation blend of recycled and virgin fibres made to mimic down’s loft. The fibres trap air and give you similar warmth to what you’d experience in a down jacket, but keeps you warm in cold and wet climates.
Nuyarn®
Nuyarn® is a performance stretch yarn that enhances wool’s natural moisture management ability and thermoregulation. It’s a twist-free spinning technology that allows wool to rival or exceed modern synthetic alternatives.
Odegon®
Odegon is an odour absorbing fabric that uses ultra-porous, stay-fresh technology to absorb odour molecules directly from the source to neutralise smells.
Pertex® Quantum
Pertex Quantum uses a tightly woven structure to create a light and soft fabric that allows insulation to fully loft. It’s incredibly fine yarns are designed to trap still air and improve the efficiency of insulation.
Pertex® Quantum Eco
Made from recycled yarns using a tightly woven structure to create a light and soft fabric that allows insulation to fully loft. It’s incredibly fine yarns are designed to trap still air and improve the efficiency of insulation.
Pertex® Quantum Shield
Pertex Quantum Shield fabric is waterproof, windproof, lightweight, highly breathable and packable.
Polartec® Power Dry™
Odegon is an odour absorbing fabric that uses ultra-porous, stay-fresh technology to absorb odour molecules directly from the source to neutralise smells.
Polartec® Fresh Face
Polartec Fresh Face is a metal-free deodourising solution. The odour reducing fabric treatment is derived from mint extract.
PrimaLoft® Active
PrimaLoft Active is made to deliver breathable comfort in a wide range of activities for every season.
PrimaLoft® Bio
100% recycled polyester yarns created to help reduce the long-term impact of microplastics in our oceans, landfills and waterways.
Q-CYCLE by Fulgar
Q-CYCLE is a post-consumer recycled nylon 6,6 fibre obtained from 100% recycled raw materials, including end-of-life tyres, using a mass balance approach.
RDS
The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) describes and independently certifies animal welfare practices in down and feather production from the farm to the final product. All of our down is independently certified to the RDS.
REPREVE®
REPREVE® polyester is a performance fiber made from recycled plastic bottles.
RENU
RENU recycled polyester is made from pre- and post-consumer waste salvaged from leftover production materials and unwanted clothing.
RIOCA
RIOCA is an elastane made from more than 50% pre-consumer waste.
RWS
The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) describes and independently certifies animal welfare and land management practices in wool production and tracks the certified material from farm to final product.
TENCEL™ Lyocell
TENCEL™ Lyocell is a renewable raw material made from tree pulp that produces a super soft strong fibre.
Thermore Ecodown
Thermore Ecodown is a synthetic insulation made using 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. This down alternative keeps you warm even in damp conditions and dries quickly.
TrackMyDown
TrackMyDown enables customers to learn about the down used in their garments from origin to quality, via a unique QR code on the swing tag.
UPF & UVE
UPF ratings indicate how well a garment protects skin against the sun’s rays, with the higher numbers specifying more protection. UPF50+ is considered excellent protection.
UVE ratings indicate how well a fabric provides shade for sun protection. The higher the number, the more effective the protection.
Woolmark
The Woolmark non-profit works alongside Australian woolgrowers to research, develop, and certify the authenticity and quality of Australian wool.
Ionic+® Botanical
Ionic+ Botanical citric acid-based treatment eliminates odour-causing bacteria.
Seawastex
Created from discarded marine nylon waste, Seawastex yarns are primarily sourced from abandoned fishing nets.They work with local governments, fishing net manufacturers, and specialised recyclers to ensure reliable supply of marine nylon waste.