Cactus Climbing Equipment
Cactus was my first business started in a post teenage rush to the head in 1992. At school I had been making rock climbing chalkbags and harnesses and decided that with the incumbent manufacturers seemingly successful there was room fro some fresh energy.
I did not for see the rush to cheap Asian manufacturing or my dis-inclination to be a part of it. I also had some mountain bike racing and climbing to do which really obstructed any attempt at building what contemporaries would see as a viable business.
However. Cactus survives, has not debt, manufactures all its products in New Zealand and has a loyal customer following. Having been the principle designer from 1992 to 2008 I was ousted in a boardroom coup with the intention of moving the business in a slightly less eclectic direction. I remain the chairman of the board.
I like the invention aspect of design, and therefore was always looking for new niches as opposed to filling the obvious ones in the Cactus range. My particular favourites are:
- Refreshingly strong trousers – the WK Supertrouser
- The carry system for NZ Post – Rob did a lot on that as well
- The Patrol Pack, simple and perfect really
Clients
