Macpac vs Kathmandu Down Jackets: Which is Better?

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When shopping for a new down jacket we’re often unsure about which brand to choose.

Such is the case with today’s article where we’ll discuss two great brands that make down jackets and try to understand which of them would be the better choice.

Macpac, established in 1973 in Christchurch, New Zealand, offers durable and high-performance outdoor clothing and equipment to withstand difficult outdoor activities.

Kathmandu, also founded in New Zealand, in 1987, specializes in producing outdoor gear such as men’s and women’s clothing and equipment for activities like camping, hiking, and mountaineering.

Both brands use responsible materials and are committed to reducing their environmental impact.

So, which brand is better? Let’s take a closer look at their history, products, materials, and prices to find out.

Key Points:

• Macpac was established in 1973, while Kathmandu was founded in 1987. Both were founded in New Zealand.
• Both brands use responsible materials and sustainable manufacturing practices, such as recycled fabrics and responsible down.
• Macpac jackets cost between $130 and $500 USD, while Kathmandu jackets are priced in the $100-$400 USD range.
• Macpac jackets are made in Vietnam, China, and the Philippines. Kathmandu jackets are manufactured in various countries, including China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.
• Both brands offer high-quality jackets with similar price points and quality. The choice between them depends on personal preference and specific needs.

Contents:

• 1. Macpac
• 2. Kathmandu
• 3. Which Brand is Better?

1. Macpac

History of the Brand

Macpac was established in 1973 in Christchurch, New Zealand by Bruce McIntyre. He began developing his own outdoor equipment and manufacturing his first backpacks in his family’s garage.

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Macpac official website

McIntyre aimed to create top-quality gear that could endure the most extreme conditions in New Zealand. The company’s founding principle was to design and build equipment that was technical, robust, and tailored to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities.

Macpac’s products are tested and proven in New Zealand, which is regarded as the ultimate outdoor test laboratory. The company’s product lines are geared toward hikers, campers, mountain climbers, and adventure enthusiasts.

Macpac has grown into a worldwide adventure brand, with products that serve as adventure vehicles. The company’s headquarters is located in Christchurch, New Zealand, where every Macpac product concept is born, and its skilled manufacturing partners bring the design team’s visions to life.

Currently, Macpac is owned by the Australian company Super Retail Group.

Don’t miss: 11 Sustainable Outdoor Clothing Brands for Your Adventures

Materials and Manufacture

Macpac is committed to sustainability and uses responsible materials in its products. They design and manufacture durable, high-performance outdoor clothing and equipment that has a long life, helping to limit waste and reduce their overall environmental footprint.

Macpac offers a repairs service to keep gear in play for longer and reduce its environmental impact. They use a range of responsible materials, including Aztec® and Aztec® Eco canvas, fairtrade cotton, responsible down, bluesign® fabrics, organic cotton, and recycled fabrics.

Macpac is also committed to reducing microfibre shedding by 2030 and using 100% non-mulesed wool. They use Tencel™ Lyocell, which is made from sustainably grown eucalyptus trees, and Polygiene®, a revolutionary fabric treatment that reduces odor in garments.

Macpac has also implemented the Higg Index, a suite of tools that enables brands to accurately measure and score their company’s sustainability performance and product impacts.

They are a Toitū carbonreduce certified organization and have a fund for good to support environmental and social projects. Macpac also repairs and donates used gear to those in need and partners with the 2nd Life Project in Australia to repurpose unusable gear into new products.

Read also: 13 Australian Outdoor Clothing and Gear Brands: Our Favorites

Where are Macpac jackets made?

Macpac currently makes its jackets in Vietnam, China, and the Philippines.

Popular Designs

Now, let’s take a look at two popular jackets by Macpac:

Macpac Men’s Halo Down Jacket

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Image: macpac.co.nz
Check it out at Macpac.co.nz

The Halo Down jacket for men is a warm, versatile winter jacket made with recycled fabrics, responsibly sourced down, and a PFC-free WR finish. It has a regular fit and features 100% recycled fabrics throughout, including the main and inner fabrics which are bluesign® certified.

The jacket is filled with 600 loft RDS duck down and has an internal draft tube to retain warmth. The adjustable cuffs and hem help trap heat in, and it packs into an internal pocket.

Macpac Women’s Uber Light Down Jacket

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Image: macpac.co.nz
Check it out at Macpac.co.nz

The Uber Light Down jacket for women is a lightweight and packable down jacket that provides warmth without bulk. It is designed to be worn on its own or as a mid-layer.

The jacket features a lightweight nylon outer and lining fabrics, 650 loft RDS duck down, and elastic binding on the hem and cuffs to trap heat and keep you warm. The jacket has zipped hand pockets and can be packed into a tiny stuff sack that is included.

The jacket has a regular fit and a water-repellent finish that helps repel moisture. It’s made with 100% RDS-certified down, ensuring ethical sourcing of down and feathers.

Prices

Macpac down jackets cost between $130 USD and $500 USD. On their official website, you can also find discounted items from time to time.

Are Macpac jackets worth it?

Yes, we think Macpac jackets are worth their price. They come with all the latest technologies, and sustainable materials, and are available at various price points to satisfy all different customer needs.

2. Kathmandu

History of the Brand

In 1987, Christchurch, New Zealand became the birthplace of Kathmandu. The company specializes in producing outdoor gear such as men’s and women’s clothing and equipment for activities like camping, hiking, and mountaineering. They offer tents, lighting solutions, and packs.

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Kathmandu official website

With over 150 stores in Australia and New Zealand, Kathmandu has gained popularity due to its commitment to integrity and innovation.

They use DownTek hydrophobic down in some of their sleeping bags and puffer jackets, making them ideal for wet and humid environments.

Kathmandu is dedicated to preserving the environment and nature, as evidenced by its certification as a B Corp in 2019.

They are actively implementing sustainability plans to reduce their environmental impact and positively impact their employees, communities, and economies.

Must read: Kathmandu vs The North Face: Which Brand is Better?

Materials and Manufacture

Kathmandu utilizes a variety of materials in its manufacturing processes, including cotton, wool, polyester, and down. The majority of these materials are obtained through recycling, with a particular emphasis on polyester, a practice that has been in place for over two decades.

The company is committed to maintaining quality and practicality without compromising the environment. This approach is evident in their use of down, a natural product derived from ducks and geese.

While some may question the use of down by an environmentally-conscious brand, it is a highly effective material for outdoor clothing and gear. It provides warmth and durability, and is lightweight, making it the best insulator available.

These features are essential for outdoor enthusiasts and those working in nature. Kathmandu only uses Responsible down, which adheres to the strict guidelines of the Responsible Down Standard, ensuring humane treatment of the birds.

Read also: 7 Outdoor Gear Brands like Kathmandu: Our Top Alternatives

Where are Kathmandu jackets made?

Kathmandu jackets are manufactured in various countries, including China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh. The specific country of origin varies depending on the style and type of jacket.

Popular Designs

Here are some popular jacket designs by Kathmandu:

Kathmandu Epiq Men’s 600 Fill Hooded Down Jacket

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Image: kathmandu.com.au
Check it out at Kathmandu.com.au

The Kathmandu Epiq men’s down jacket is made from recycled Pertex™ Quantum Eco outer fabric and 600-fill-power duck down that is certified to the Responsible Down Standard.

It has a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish and internal stretch cuffs for extra weather protection. The jacket also features a chin guard, an inner collar, and multiple pockets, including an inner zip pocket with a cord port for headphones.

It includes a separate stuff sack for easy storage and transport and is a classic puffer that has become an icon of the Kathmandu brand.

Kathmandu Winterburn Women’s 600 Fill Longline Down Coat

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Image: kathmandu.com.au
Check it out at Kathmandu.com.au

The Kathmandu Winterburn women’s coat is made from recycled polyester and features 600-fill-power duck down that is certified to the Responsible Down Standard. The coat is wind-resistant and has a removable hood, longline design, and Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish.

The DownTek™ fill helps keep you warm even when damp, and the coat has a two-way front zip, fleece-lined collar, and internal stretch cuffs. The two zip pockets are fleece-lined, and the inner chest pocket has a cord port for your media device.

Prices

Kathmandu down jackets are priced in the $100-$400 range. The brand has expensive products but also some accessible designs. But, you probably already know that a good down jacket is expensive no matter the brand.

Are Kathmandu jackets worth the price?

Kathmandu invests considerable effort into designing products that are comfortable, practical, and stylish, and they use high-quality materials to ensure durability. We find their prices to be reasonable and in line with the quality of their products.

3. Which Brand is Better?

The definitive answer on which of these two companies is better for down jackets depends on personal preference and specific needs.

Both Macpac and Kathmandu offer high-quality jackets with responsible materials and sustainable manufacturing practices.

Macpac uses a range of responsible materials, including responsible down, organic cotton, and recycled fabrics. Kathmandu uses recycled polyester and Responsible Down Standard certified down.

Both brands also offer a range of styles and similar price points to suit different needs and budgets.

So, this time we have a draw as these two companies make similar down jackets with similar quality. Also, both of them have good online reviews from their customers.

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