A lifetime of adventure My goal was to make the best backpacks for New Zealand's Mountains


4 people standing in front of Torre Eggr with Macpac Packs

New Zealand’s original technical outdoor brand


Designing from our corner of the world has a unique advantage. And in 1973, with limited access to external brands, our founder Bruce McIntyre decided to make his own packs — and do it better. The mission was simple: create gear that would last and could handle the rugged terrain of New Zealand’s Southern Alps — wet weather, unforgiving trails and bush bashing. Today, nearly 50 years later, the same design philosophy holds true in all our packs.

A 1975 expedition to Patagonia inspired the Torre Egger — the very first, New Zealand designed, internal frame pack. It’s still considered an icon today.



Timeless design,
Considered Features


Functionality is at the heart of our packs. No unnecessary bells and whistles, just meaningful features. Over the years we’ve stayed true to the spirit of the original pack shape too — a classic silhouette refined for tough environments.

A man and a woman hiking a mountain above a braided river

Timeless design,
Considered Features


Functionality is at the heart of our packs. No unnecessary bells and whistles, just meaningful features. Over the years we’ve stayed true to the spirit of the original pack shape too — a classic silhouette refined for tough environments.



3 people hiking through high country towards a braided river

A lifetime of adventure


Every material we use is chosen with quality and longevity in mind. We’re proud to design packs which become lifelong companions, that people want to repair rather than replace. Nothing makes us happier than hearing your 30 year pack has been passed down a generation.


Committed to durability


Of all the materials we use, AzTec® 12oz canvas is probably the most well-known. Developed in 1978, it was near bulletproof, able to handle New Zealand’s unforgiving conditions. Later we developed the next iterations — Aztec® 8 and 6 oz created with organic cotton.


AZTEC logo
Man wearing Winger shorts carrying surfboard

Committed to durability


Of all the materials we use, AzTec® canvas is probably the most well-known. Developed in 1978, it was near bulletproof, able to handle New Zealand’s unforgiving conditions. In 2011 we developed the next iteration — EcoAztec® using organic cotton, because durable and ‘environmentally friendly’ should go hand in hand.


Aztec Logo

Woman Climbing with Ice axes wearing blue Macpac Jacket and Pack

Rigorous in-field testing


Our products are made for adventurers, by adventurers. Designing in the world’s wildest backyard, means we can literally test our prototypes out there. We have a close partnership with the New Zealand Alpine Team, which provides us with a constant stream of feedback and pushes us to innovate, creating technical gear that performs under the most strenuous environments.


New Zealand Alpine Team Logo

Designed in New Zealand,
ready for everywhere


From classic tramping packs (that’s hiking to you Aussies!) to everyday backpacks, our range continues to evolve. Old packs help us shape the new ones, so that we can keep up with the needs of adventurers all over the world.

2 People walking through Highcountry Stream wearing macpac packs

Designed in New Zealand,
ready for everywhere


From classic tramping packs (that’s hiking to you Aussies!) to everyday backpacks, our range continues to evolve. Old packs help us shape the new ones, so that we can keep up with the needs of adventurers all over the world.


Woman Climbing with Ice axes wearing blue Macpac Jacket and Pack

Find your perfect fit


Making sure your pack fits right, is key to having an amazing time on the trails. The best thing to do is to chat to our pack experts in-store.

Find your nearest Macpac store now.