Australia’s diverse landscapes, from coastal trails to alpine peaks, demand gear that’s durable, reliable, and suited to challenging conditions. Australian backpack brands have risen to the challenge, crafting high-quality packs for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and tactical professionals.
Below, we explore 10 reputable brands, including One Planet, Wilderness Equipment, Black Wolf, Sea to Summit, SORD Australia, Platatac, Summit Gear, Whippa, Orange Brown, and Caribee. All brands listed design or manufacture their products with a strong connection to Australia, though some production may occur overseas.
10 Australian Backpack Brands
1. One Planet
One Planet, based in Melbourne, has been crafting outdoor gear for over 40 years. Known for its lightweight yet robust backpacks, the brand specializes in hiking and bushwalking rucksacks tailored to Australia’s variable conditions.
Their WATERLOC® canvas rucksacks and lightweight hiking packs are designed with input from adventurers, ensuring comfort and practicality. One Planet’s custom backpacking service allows users to tailor packs to specific needs, making them a favorite among serious hikers. Their commitment to local manufacturing and repairs ensures long-lasting gear. Learn more at One Planet website.
2. Wilderness Equipment
Founded in Melbourne in 1977, Wilderness Equipment is a trusted name in Australian outdoor gear. The brand focuses on high-quality backpacks, tents, and camping equipment designed for rugged environments.
Their packs, such as the Traverse and Contour, are known for durability and ergonomic design, making them ideal for multi-day treks and backcountry expeditions. Users praise their canvas packs for being “bombproof,” withstanding Australia’s harsh weather and terrain. Visit the Wilderness Equipment website for more information.
3. Black Wolf
Black Wolf offers a wide range of backpacks suitable for hiking, travel, and adventure sports. Based in Australia, the brand designs packs with versatility in mind, catering to both casual day hikes and extended trips.
Their products, such as daypacks and trekking packs, feature adjustable harnesses and ample storage for comfort and functionality. Users report Black Wolf packs lasting up to 15 years for everyday and occasional hiking use, though some prefer other brands for heavy-duty trekking. While some manufacturing occurs overseas, Black Wolf’s designs reflect Australian outdoor needs. Explore their range at the Black Wolf website.
4. Sea to Summit
Founded in Perth in 1984 by Tim Macartney-Snape and Roland Tyson, Sea to Summit is renowned for its lightweight and compact outdoor gear. Their backpacks, including the Flow 35L Dry Pack and Ultra-Sil Dry Day Pack, are designed for hikers and adventurers who prioritize minimal weight without sacrificing durability.
The Flow 35L is praised for keeping gear dry and carrying camera equipment comfortably, with a removable hip belt for versatility. Their innovative designs are available on the Sea to Summit website.
5. SORD Australia
SORD Australia specializes in taktiset reput and gear for military, law enforcement, and outdoor professionals. Based in Queensland, their products are designed to meet the demands of high-stress environments, offering durability and functionality.
SORD’s backpacks feature modular designs, allowing users to customize loadouts for missions or rugged outdoor pursuits. Their gear is trusted for its quality and performance in austere conditions. Visit the SORD Australia website lisätietoja.
6. Platatac
Platatac, an Australian brand with a global reputation, designs tactical gear for military, law enforcement, and outdoor enthusiasts. Their backpacks, available in camouflage patterns like Multicam and Auscam, are built for durability and versatility.
Users praise Platatac for excellent quality, with gear tested in harsh environments over decades. Their tactical packs are popular for their practical design. Explore their range on the Platatac website.
7. Summit Gear
Summit Gear, based in Katoomba, has been producing rugged backpacks and daypacks since 1981. Their Blue Gum Canvas Pack is designed for durability and equal wear across the product, making it ideal for hikers tackling Australia’s diverse terrains.
The brand’s philosophy emphasizes removing redundancies while maintaining high-quality construction. Their packs are crafted to withstand tough conditions, such as Tasmania’s rugged trails. Visit summitgear.com.au lisätietoja.
8. Whippa
Whippa, a brand under Summit Gear based in the Blue Mountains, focuses on ultralight hiking and canyoning packs. Launched in 2024, Whippa’s Overland 60 (weighing 942g) and Wollemi 90 packs are praised for comfort, storage, and functionality during challenging adventures, such as off-track treks in Tasmania.
Users report the Overland 60 handling brutal conditions like dense vegetation and rocks with ease, though it’s less suited for heavy loads. Whippa’s commitment to lightweight, Australian-made gear makes them a great choice for thru-hikers. Check out their offerings on the Whippa website.
9. Caribee
Caribee, an Australian brand established in 1963, offers a wide range of backpacks for outdoor activities, travel, and everyday use. Their packs, such as the Fast Track and Hudson series, are designed for durability and affordability, catering to hikers, campers, and travelers.
Caribee’s gear is praised for its practical features, like spacious compartments and comfortable harnesses, making it suitable for casual outdoor adventures. While some production occurs overseas, their designs are tailored to Australian conditions. Learn more at the Caribee website.
10. Orange Brown
Orange Brown, an Australian brand, specializes in ultralight backpacks and daypacks designed for hiking and bushwalking. Handmade in Australia using durable X-Pac and Challenge Ultra fabrics, their packs, such as the OB 36 (36L, from 410g) and OB 20 (20L), cater to multi-day hikes, thru-hikes, and day walks.
The OB 36 features a large external mesh pocket for wet gear, adjustable side pockets for water bottles, and wide shoulder straps with daisy chains for comfort. Users praise the OB 55L for holding up well on the Overland Track with heavy loads, though some note minor issues with shoulder strap slippage, easily fixed with adjustments. Learn more at orangebrown.com.au.
Päätelmä
Australian backpack brands like One Planet, Wilderness Equipment, and Sea to Summit excel in crafting gear for outdoor enthusiasts, while SORD Australia and Platatac cater to tactical professionals. Summit Gear and Whippa offer rugged and ultralight options, respectively, while Orange Brown and Caribee provide specialized and versatile packs for diverse adventures.
Whether you’re hiking Tasmania’s trails or preparing for a tactical mission, these brands offer high-quality backpacks to suit your needs. Always check brand websites for the latest product availability and specifications.
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