If there’s one thing Kiwi trampers know, it’s that New Zealand’s backcountry doesn’t mess around. The terrain is steep, the weather is moody, and river crossings are par for the course. That’s exactly the kind of wild that Kiwi Ultralight designs for.

A brand built on the trail 

Kiwi Ultralight is a small, family-run brand based in Nelson, New Zealand. Behind the scenes are Debra and Cody—a scientist and an engineer who traded their old careers for a life on trail and behind the sewing machine. With more than 15,000 km of personal hiking experience between them (including the Te Araroa, PCT, and AT), they know a thing or two about what works and what weighs you down. When an engineer and a scientist decide to use their skillsets to design outdoor gear, you can expect nothing less than the best.

Made in New Zealand 

Kiwi Ultralight isn’t just about clever design. It’s also about values. Where possible, gear is stitched locally in New Zealand. They use no disposable packing. All down is ethically sourced. And they back conservation and local tramping initiatives with gear discounts and community support.

At Ultralight Gear, we’re proud to support Kiwi Ultralight—a brand that brings together thoughtful design, deep trail experience, and strong local values. Whether you’re refining your setup or just starting to explore the world of ultralight hiking, Kiwi Ultralight is a name you can trust to keep things simple, smart, and built for adventure.