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
We partner with the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI™) whose mission is to improve cotton farming globally.
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® Advanced Fabrics
CORDURA® Advanced Fabrics are engineered with cutting-edge technologies to deliver best-in-class resistance to abrasion and tears.CORDURA and CORDURA marks and logos are trademarks of INVISTA.
DownTek™
DownTek PFC-Free™ down has been treated with Durable Water Repellency to to repel water effectively. This treatment allows the down to fully maintain its 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 and socks.
Durable Water Repellent (DWR)
DWR is a protective finish applied to fabric, that helps water bead up and roll off the surface, 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, now made without intentionally added PFAS.
Hemp
Hemp is a natural fibre that can be produced using little water, improves soil quality, and grows without heavy chemical inputs. Hemp is thermoregulating so it keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter, thanks to its insulating yet breathable structure.
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 fibre is a true black elastane fibre that provides full coverage in dark garments — without compromising the stretch we love. It resists damage caused by sunscreen, lotion, UV rays, and chlorine, making it a key ingredient in performance activewear and swimwear.
LYCRA® is a trademark of The LYCRA Company.
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™
An all-weather base layer, built to quickly wick moisture away from skin during activity. A highly breathable and fast-drying fabric, Polartec® Power Dry™ is comfortable next-to-skin, preventing saturation and regulating body temperature with efficient moisture management technology.
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.
Responsible Down Standard (RDS)
The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) describes and independently certifies animal welfare practices in down and feather production and tracks the certified material from the farm to the final product.
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.
ROICA™ EF
Recycled stretch innovation has been used to create ROICA™ EF premium elastane fibre made from at least 50% pre-consumer waste.
Responsible Wool Standard (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 fibres are made from wood, a natural and renewable raw material carefully sourced from responsibly managed forests. TENCEL™ Lyocell fibres are naturally soft and smooth to the touch, and support a natural dry feeling through moisture control.
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 – the higher the rating, the better the protection. UPF50+ is considered excellent protection.
UVE ratings indicate how well a shade fabric provides sun protection. The higher the number, the more effective the protection. A rating of 95%+ UVE is considered 'Most Effective'.
Woolmark
Woolmark is the global authority on wool - with a legacy of research, innovation and storytelling for more than 60 years.Products that carry the Woolmark meet the highest standards of quality. Before a wool product can be Woolmark-certified, it is rigorously tested to ensure it meet the Woolmark Specifications.
ARIAPRENE®
ARIAPRENE® foam core technology has been developed from the ground up with clean technologies such as non-toxic foam and solvent free lamination. ARIAPRENE® is a lightweight and flexible foam-core material that uses a patented water-based adhesive lamination technology. You'll find ARIAPRENE® PRO in the front panel of our new Trailhead packs - recognisable by its distinctive triangle- embossed design.
ALUULA
ALUULA materials are waterproof, UV-resistant, built to last, and 100% recycle-ready. Their adhesive-free design minimizes the risk of delamination-so your gear performs longer. ALUULA heatweldable fabrics unlock new design freedom, plus they're easy to repair, extending product life.
Ionic+® Botanical
Ionic+® Botanical uses a citric-based formula that continuously cleans microbes from fabric. This bio-based treatment lasts up to 50 washes- allowing you to wash less, save energy, and extend your products’ life-cycle.
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.
Polylana®
Revolutionary Polylana® fibre has the softness of a synthetic woolly fibre with a significantly lower environmental impact than acrylic. Polylana® fibre is versatile, traceable and PETA certified.
UHMWPE
UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) is a high-performance thermoplastic polymer with extremely long molecular chains that are aligned during production (usually via gel-spinning), producing fibres with exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and great outdoor durability. UHMWPE's high abrasion & tear resistance makes it ideal for hiking packs and travel bags.
Wool Source®
Wool Source® Pigments use ground-breaking technology to transform pure New Zealand wool into colourants for screen printing. These renewable wool pigments contain up to 98% biobased carbon content and are traceable to their farm of origin. Wool Source partners with farms seeking to preserve, conserve and protect their natural environment for future generations.