Ethos
I’m Dan. It’s just me, a company of one
Like many small scale gear makers, I was drawn to making gear when I struggled to find the items that I wanted, available on the mainstream market. The USA and Europe had a blossoming cottage gear industry, but Australia was, at the time, limited in the offerings available. I spent several years in the repair centre for Patagonia in Sydney, patching up gear that had worn out or needed some love. I’ve taken the skills I learnt there, and the lessons about what things failed or wore out on gear or clothing, and am slowly applying them to making my own gear.
This is a very small sewing business. I am in the workshop 2 days a week maximum. Otherwise you can find me driving the forklift in the brewery next door, or chasing adventure in the mountains and ocean.
I strive to make gear that is designed with purpose, focused on function and built to last. Repair is a big part of what I aim to do here, and I will do my best to keep any gear I make in service as long as possible. I can also do repairs on other gear - lets keep that classic pack your parents handed down to you going for a few more summers of hiking, before buying more gear!
Does it work? Can I fix it if it breaks? Will it last?
Much of what I make is inspired by ultralight backpacking gear and uses the same or similar cutting edge fabrics and materials. However making the absolute lightest possible gear is not one of my core design principles - I will always opt to add a second line of stitching, a double layer of fabric, or a more durable piece of hardware, over saving a couple of grams.
Custom gear can be ordered at any time, but will subject to lead times, depending on availability of components, and if there is a queue for custom gear. Ready made gear will be available for purchase in the In Stock section of the website. I aim to do small drops of gear throughout the year, with some items becoming regular staples, depending on demand.
If you have any feedback, ideas, or just want to have a yarn, drop me a line here, or on Instagram.
Cheers!