Serious climbers and adventurers know the success or failure of an expedition can depend on the performance of the equipment they use.

Karrimor equipment is selected by some of the world’s most accomplished mountaineers, combining optimum durability and cutting edge technology to provide the ultimate tool to succeed. Innovation, versatility, and contemporary dynamism are the hallmarks of the new Karrimor Sping/Summer 2010 range.

Since 1946

There has been one landmark product, event or sponsorship after another at Karrimor. Over 60 years of outstanding products are what inspires us to bring you even higher standards and better products. Bragging and resting on our laurels is not really the British way, but heritage and historical facts are…

• 1946

  Charles and Mary Parsons, along with Grace Davies founded the Karrimor company in Lancashire and started producing cycle bags.

• 1948

  Karrimor introduce weathertiteTM products, way ahead of their time.

• 1957

  First climbing sacs produced in conjunction with the climbers of the day Jimmy Rostron and Dave Thomas.

• 1959

  Karrimor start working with Joe Brown and introduces the Joe Brown Rucsac.

• 1964

  Together with Don Whillans, a British climber, Karrimor designs the first ‘Alpiniste’, a specialist climbing pack which dominates the market in the 1960’s.

• 1966

  Karrimor introduce pack frames and the Karrimat.

• 1972

  Karrimor appoints Dougal Haston as technical advisor and the purple ‘Haston Alpiniste’ becomes the most famous alpine sac ever.

• 1975

  Chris Bonnington’s Everest South West Face expedition is successful, fully equipped with Karrimor products. Junko Tabei of Japan becomes the first woman to climb Everest using a Karrimor pack frame sac.

• 1978

  Peter Habeler achieves the first ascent of Everest without oxygen using Karrimor equipment. Ks100e introduced, considered to be the worlds first waterproof texturised fabric.

• 1979

  Karrimor is the first brand to use waterproof Cordura fabrics in backpack manufacturing, making products stronger, lighter and more waterproof.

• 1980

  Karrimor announces its entry into the footwear market with the launch of the revolutionary ksb (Karrimor Sports Boot), the first outdoor walking boot to replace heavy duty leathers with lightweight textiles and suedes.

• 1983

  Introduction of the size adjustable (SA) back system for backpacks make load carrying comfortable for everyone.

• 1986

  Karrimor introduces a range of polar garments and accessories.

• 1991

  Karrimor receives a British Design award for ‘Condor’ backpack.

• 1997

  Introduction of volume adjuster fit kits to the ksb footwear allow further refinement of footwear fit for better comfort and performance.

• 2000

  ADD introduced to ksb footwear to (again) improve the fit, function and performance of ksb’s.

• 2001

  ksb’s diversify into sandals and approach footwear.

• 2006

  Outdoor (European Outdoor Trade Fair) innovation award for new X-Lite product category.

• 2007

  Karrimor develop new X-Lite products; lighter weight yet without sacrificing performance or durability. Karrimor introduces Fine Moulding, a technology that increases durability of fabrics by up to 50% versus standard walking boot fabrics without sacrificing breathability.

• 2008

  New backpacking category launched featuring the latest SA back systems.