Building on the success of its insulation icon, Kathmandu, Australia and New Zealand’s number
one outdoor brand, introduces a groundbreakingly better version to its Heli franchise – the Heli R.
Kathmandu’s Heli R spearheads a saturated insulation market. It’s made almost entirely from
recycled materials, is incredibly lightweight – at 220g, 25% lighter than the original – packable
into its own pocket and is just as warm and strong as its predecessor, making it a wardrobe
essential than can transcend the seasons.
Throughout the upgrade, Kathmandu’s team of designers and engineers prioritised people and
planet, harmonious with the brand’s B Corp status. A key aspect of the Heli R’s warmth is the use
of Traceable Down – meaning consumers can trace where their down came from – in line with
the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) – an assurance that Kathmandu sourced its down from
the most ethical suppliers available.
Beyond the technical features, the Heli R comes in an all-new playful colour palette, derived from
the local landscape of New Zealand’s South Island. Kathmandu understands that colour
positively impacts mood and can help consumers open their hearts and minds when in nature,
so the jacket is available in eight colourways including mustard yellow, light quartz, undertow
blue, beech green and lolly orange.
“There are so many things that set our new Heli R apart, from both its predecessor as well as
other puffer jackets in the market! One of those being we employed recycled materials wherever
we could – it used to be that you had to sacrifice performance when choosing a more
sustainable route, but with the Heli R, we’ve made the product significantly lighter (25%!), much
more packable, and just as warm as it’s always been, while using these recycled materials”, said
Robert Fry, GM of Product.
Beyond the improvements made, Kathmandu’s Heli R is the first to embed Digital ID technology. Unique Digital IDs are sewn into every Heli R product, helping customers discover the unique
sustainability story behind their jacket, including learning about its design and manufacturing
process, the factory it was made in, the materials used to make their piece, repair information,
and eventually, traceability and resell recommendations.
“As a certified B Corporation, we prioritise people and planet in all elements of business. Digital
ID technology is an innovative step towards our circularity ambitions, helping shift customer
mindset to think circular, by giving them the option to repair their product and access to recycle
information for when their Heli R is no longer serving them but is still in excellent
condition to serve someone else.” said Robert Fry, GM of Product.
The launch of the Heli R cements Kathmandu as the go-to destination for all outdoor gear,
especially puffer jackets in winter.
The full Heli R range is available in vests, hooded and non-hooded down jackets, longline down
coats, and synthetic jackets. Pricing starts from $139.98 for kid’s vests to $379.98 for down coats,
and sizing ranges from 6-18 for women and XS-XXXL for men.
For those who prefer an alternative to the lightweight jackets, Kathmandu’s iconic Epiq range
has also expanded its colourway offerings this winter, providing even more options to choose
from when it comes to outdoor adventure or morning walks
FOR more infromation see HERE
