Family Owned
Our family’s passion for performance outdoor clothing and manufacturing dates back to the 1920’s and the creation of the Southern Hemisphere’s first down-filled sleeping bags.
New Zealand Made
Our clothing is 100% designed and made right here in New Zealand. We are committed to exceptional quality, supporting local jobs and upholding Aotearoa’s manufacturing expertise.
Sustainability
Making clothing that lasts reduces environmental impact. Repurposing offcuts minimises waste and our repair service maximises garment life. Learn more about our initiatives here.
John Harvey (verified owner) –
I bought one of these when I was working in New Zealand 15 years ago. It is fantastic. I wear it all the time, especially on treks in The Black Mountains. The next time I know someone visiting Christchurch, I’ll ask them to get me another. Thank you so much ESS for your brilliant clothes. I have just bought one of your Helium fleeces via a friend in Christchurch. It replaces one I bought from your store in 2006. It arrived this morning and is fantastic.
John Harvey
Will Sergeant (verified owner) –
Absolutely superb! A massive step up from 80s goretex. Bone dry walking and fishing after huge downpours all day. Love that my bottom stays dry at last – so important for morale! Excellent cut and super practical. Get one!
Brit living in NZ.
Lee Galvin (verified owner) –
LandSAR staple rain coat. Keeps you drier than any Gore-Tex I’ve owned, especially around the tops of shoulders where you carry a heavy pack. They get quite a beating both from terrain and harsh weather, yet never falter and breathable too! The only rain jacket you’ll ever need that will last you a lifetime.
Elizabeth B (verified owner) –
Took my new jacket for its first test on the Routeburn Track in typical Fiordland rain and cold weather. Very pleased with it. Fits well, very comfortable, blocked the wind and kept me warm in the sub-alpine exposed areas. Good to have such a robust, quality jacket.
Dennis Dooley (verified owner) –
The finest rain overcoat I have ever purchased. I have used this jacket throughout New Zealand, Colorado, Arizona, and my home in Alaska. At just over 1.5 pounds (750 gr ) which is much heavier than my ZPacks 5 oz. jacket, I can be assured that I will remain completely dry from the my head to mid thigh, allowing me to walk in temperate conditions in shorts without getting them wet. In conditions that are colder, it provides me with outstanding protection from snow, rain, and wind. I’m able to “layer up” with plenty of freedom of movement. The pocket placements work well with a pack on, and provide ample storage for maps, gloves, and a hat. This jacket is “bombproof”. I have no hesitation breaking camp at 12,800’ ft. in the Colorado Rocky mountains during a rain storm while wearing this jacket, and rain-pants, knowing I’ll stay dry regardless of the challenging conditions. I have received nothing but positive comments from other hikers/trampers on the design of this great piece of gear. I don’t sweat the additional weight, it bumps my base pack weight to 15 lbs. without food/water, but again, I know I’ll be comfortable in any type of weather, be it atop Red Crater in Tongariro NP with 50 km winds and rain, the CDT in Colorado at 13,000’ ft., or during an early winter’s snow storm in Alaska.
Well done ESS, Cheers, Dennis Dooley
Fairbanks, Alaska