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Kathmandu Autumn Sale up to 50% off

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I know this will get negged for some reason or another considering how expensive Kathmandu is in the first place.

I personally found this very useful as I'm going back packing for three months.

Also stacked with 7% cashback (was 4.8% expires 23/3)

Some bargains that I found.

Hopefully this is helpful for someone :)

7% cashrewards hasn't been applied to the prices above

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Kathmandu
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  • -1

    Got one of these last week http://www.kathmandu.com.au/pack-raincover-v2medium.html and it maybe one of the best prices for this item by a brand name. Also available in two other sizes.

  • +8

    I personally found this very useful as I'm going back packing for three months

    That seems a reason to buy gear that will last at least that long.

    I've taken Kathmandu gear on my extended travels & almost always regretted it. Most has failed partly or fully. (Budget travelling up to 9 months a year for over a decade & still travelling.)

    Helpful Kathmandu staff say - "just bring it back if there are any problems"…
    To get it repaired, replaced, or refunded - you have to carry the faulty gear around with you (protecting it so it doesn't get damaged to qualify for a return - send them photos with a complaint), or pay to have it sent back & hope it arrives.

    And then you need to decide whether to replace the gear on your travels… can get difficult carrying 2 lots of gear, & expensive. Or as happened to me, need to change my travels in the Japanese Alps as the Kathmandu self inflating mat failed at 2500m. It would have cost hundreds of dollars just to get to an outdoor store!

    When I've returned faulty gear after months of travel, I have been told it must be my fault. It has taken a lot of argument to get repairs or refunds.

    Some of us cruelly play spot the Kathmandu owner around camp in some countries - its an easy game. Just look for the faulty clothes, pack, etc. Stitching is often the first to fail.

    • +2

      What brand would you recommend in that case? Genuinely want to know.

      • +5

        I've had good results going on extended trips with macpac, berghaus, merrell, salomon, north face, vango, mountain equipment. Even coleman stuff has been ok (wouldn't climb Everest with it but ok for general camping).

        Kathmandu seems extortionate for most things. and quality doesn't go with the additional $ as it might in some cases.

        • Excellent, thanks

      • +4

        I pick up advice from people who have had good experiences with their gear, or advice from reputable outdoor stores. The brand depends on the type of gear & use it will be put to, so can't give general advice. Plenty of online advice.

        Also, I have such a stockpile of gear, I haven't bought much in a few years.

        Sometimes spending more is worth it. Some of my gear has lasted decades while Kathmandu junk has failed almost the first time used. (Always check gear before travels!)

        Kathmandu is the Kmart of outdoor stores (but not at a Kmart price). Now, I will shop at Kmart for certain items, but wouldn't trust others.

        I love the small micro-fibre face washers from Kathmandu. I take them everywhere on travels. Cheap on special, quick drying, very useful for wiping sweat off in the tropics, washing myself in a stream, and I have used these as my only travel towel for years. Saves a lot of space in my pack which is now just a carry on day pack.

        • -6

          I've taken Kathmandu gear on my extended travels & almost always regretted it.

          then

          I love the small micro-fibre face washers from Kathmandu. I take them everywhere on travels.

          Do you practice often or does it come to you naturally?

        • @butthunter:

          almost always regretted it…

          The small towels I never regret & am happy to recommend them. I've just thrown one in the pack for next month in the mountains of Japan. One of my favourite & cheapest products for back packing & hiking.

          I mentioned that product to say there are some good bargains at Kathmandu. I am not totally against Kathmandu, just warning there are problems. Those towels are a regular popular deal on OzBargain.

          But a fault in a cheap towel won't ruin your trip & hardly worth returning. A fault in a sleeping mat did ruin a week long hike at 3000+m in Japan (unable to sleep well, resulting in fatigue & poor cognitive functioning - both very dangerous on icy mountain paths) & then carried the useless pos for next month to get my purchase price back on my return to Australia😠 (Upgraded to a very comfy but far more expensive down filled Exped mat.)

          Just think twice about buying critical pieces of gear (packs, tents, mats, sleeping bags, important rain gear & warm clothes, etc) from Kathmandu. It depends a lot on the use & life you want from the product.

          Give your purchases a thorough work out before going on that adventure. Get to know the gear. Wear in new shoes. Check the stitching & stress points for manufacturing or design defects. (A tent failed as stitching finished short of the seam - ripping a hole in the tent in strong winds.) Even good brands products can have failures.

          I learnt my lesson the hard & expensive way. Buying from Kathmandu can cost far more than the reduced sale price😢

          Not a great 2nd comment - stick to what you do best, butthunter😯

        • Kathmandu is the Kmart of outdoor stores (but not at a Kmart price). Now, I will shop at Kmart for certain items, but wouldn't trust others.

          Couldn't agree more.
          Kathmandu's price is over-inflated even after 50% off. My camping mate has Kathmandu tent, interiors wet horribly overnight. Kathmandu headlamp, as expensive as a black diamond one but pale in comparison when it comes to brightness/function/battery life/heat. Kathmandu rain proof jacket, my mate was showering in it.

          That being said, I purchased a Kathmandu stainless steel double wall vacuum bottle, I'm very happy with it I even bought a second one after I lost my first one. Bought them at 50% discount from their RRP but it's still slightly more expensive than a Thermos double wall vacuum bottle, Thermos one works better but also heavier, hence I compromised with Kathmandu.

          Although… I think Kathmandu kinda just plagiarized this bottle from Jack Wolfskin.

    • Hi,
      What sort of gear are you referring to in particular?
      I was thinking about buying some thermals/jackets for a trip to Central Europe and I'd like to know what was poorly made.

      Cheers

      • +2

        I agree with many of the comments above about the quality not being there for the price (even when on sale).

        We bought thermals and waterproof wind jackets from Kathmandu back in 2008, for a 4 month South American trip, which are still going strong… bought on sale, no doubt 50% off or more. Not sure if the quality of the clothing has changed, but we've been very happy with the clothing.

        • 2008 was before the company made the decision to reduce the quality of their build for the sake of profit.

        • +1

          @Happy501:
          That is, before family company was sold on stock exchange.

      • +2

        Thermals - a vital travel essential. I've been cut off by a blizzard on a hike in mountains in Tassie but had a spare pair of thermals in a waterproof bag - I was so happy. Made it back to camp before search party had left to find me. Embarrassment averted😀

        I travel almost everywhere with thermals - small but warm, converts reasonably fashionable wear to toasty warm clothes. Can travel with lighter sleeping bag by wearing thermals to bed. Find 3 is optimal number - to wear up to 2 layers & 1 in the (hand) wash - tbey dry quickly.

        I haven't bought these from Kathmandu for years, and there are different styles & quality. My experience was stitching failing & shrinkage after many washes. Found others had stitching problems. But still got a lot of use & kept me warm.

        Tend to buy from MacPac on special - sometimes cheaper than Kathmandu at lowest price. Very pleased with durability & fit. Nice & warm - fit is important for warmth.

        • +2

          Our kids have mac pac thermals (they came along after the South American trip to which I referred above). The mac pac stuff has withstood many snow and camping trips and has been handed down from oldest to youngest, still maintaining a tight fit.

        • @thedragon:
          Lucky warm kids😀

        • Great tips.

      • Maybe it's just me. I bought some Kathmandu thermals, they are indeed warm; too warm actually, it wasn't breathable, after a little bit of walking I quickly soaked myself in sweat. Can't really complain when they are only ~$11 though

        • Different materials or fit are available. Like all clothes, different brands or materials will suit different people.

          That cheap polypropylene material does not breath well & is known to be smelly. But I use it, washing regularly. Have used Kathmandu. Now buy at MacPac on sale for similar price, but better construction imo & fits my body better.

          Merino at the other end of the price scale doesn't suit me as it makes my skin itchy. (Lucky I only bought an Icebreaker beanie on sale.) Others love it.

          We all are different - some bodies sweat more, some are just more active
          A good wicking fabric is what you want.

          Do a search to find what suits you. Then consider cost! Carrying 3 sets suit me. The first one to pop up was https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/underwear.html

        • @Infidel: So it was indeed just me. Thanks for the clarification, will look into the fabrics info

        • +1

          @Haedem:
          Yeah - you're hot🔥

  • How do I apply for the extra 7% cash back on cashrewards?

    • cashrewards.com.au

  • Kathmandu RRP should be 50% off, still, good quality stuff

    • Have you read comments above? Apparently Kathmandu is no longer quality for many items.

  • +1

    Lol, me and my wife have had a long running joke for years that when ever we pass a Kathmandu we say "oh look, there's a sale on at Kathmandu". 50% off is normal for this place with the exception of the goretex lined jackets. So this definitely isn't a deal.

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