New Zealand-based pack company Aarn Packs will be exhibiting at Switchback. The company got its start challenging traditional backpack design, developing new design principles to create a pack that didn’t alter posture, balance and movement. 

Aarn Packs and Balance Pockets are designed in Christchurch, New Zealand, and are available throughout the world. Their design principles have stayed the same to this day, with a focus on posture, balance, movement, fit, lightness and using science to improve ease of use.

The company embraces the philosophy of the Cradle-to-Cradle method and keeps sustainability in mind with the design and manufacturing processes. The lightweight packs are now made in Vietnam in a professional pack factory with good working conditions. Aarn has received accolades and awards from DuPont, Trail Kauftipp, Editor’s Choice at Outdoor, Outdoor Gold Winner, Gear Guide Innovation Awards, and ISPO Brand New Award.

Through the wonders of digital technology, Trailheads connected with Daniel Farber, the owner of Aarn Packs who is leading the company’s charge in the United States.

Trailheads: Can you talk a little about your company history and how long you’ve been doing business in the US?

Farber: Our Founders Aarn and Devi Tate started Aarn Packs about 24 years ago and have been working on improving backpack designs ever since. Even now, Aarn still designs for us in his semi-retirement. Julz, Martin and I are business partners, we own both an Outdoor Specialty Retail Shop and a Wholesale Distribution business in Christchurch on the South Island of New Zealand. And it was here that we fell in love with the brand. Over the years, we heard so many customers tell us how much they loved these packs that we had no choice but to buy Aarn Packs when Aarn and Devi were ready to retire. We were already handling Aarn Packs sales and distribution in New Zealand for six years, so it was an easy decision to take over the company. We bought Aarn packs a couple of weeks before Covid started.

Covid was of course a challenge, but once we had enough stock to supply New Zealand and Australian retailers again we opened up sales to the rest of the world. Aarn Packs has always been wholesale focused. As Specialty Retailers ourselves, we know this is the home for Aarn Packs. So, two years ago, my 13-year-old son and I toured around as many Specialty Stores in New England as we could visit in two weeks. We had a great time seeing all the stores meeting Buyers and Owners and eating grinders, we even had a lobster roll along the way. This is how we got our invitation to the next Discovery Marketplace at the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Connect, and that show got us our first handful of retailers. So, we are now in our second year of our wholesale program in the US, and we will be delivering backpacks to some great Specialty Stores this Spring. We are super excited to be coming to [Switchback Spring] so that we can introduce Aarn Packs to the wider outdoor community.

Trailheads: What is your philosophy on product design and materials?

Farber: We strive to make the most comfortable and efficient load carrying backpacks. We achieve this with three principles: Body Movement, Balance and a Comfy fit. We have a moving harness system made up of our U-Flow shoulders straps that move as you do. Our Pelvic Form Hip Belt is dynamic and moves side to side while your hips move when you walk, and it pivots forward as you bend. All of this is achieved while the backpack stays in place. We use interchangeable Balance Pockets in the front of our packs that balance out the load in the main compartment. This means less stress on the body and simply allows you to stand straighter. And last, our packs’ fit is highly customizable – we have a range of sizes, and within those sizes the hip belt and back lengths can be dialed to fit. When you add Body Movement, Balance and a Comfy fit together you get the “the most comfortable packs on Earth” – this is a recurring quote from our customers. We use proven materials such as Robic and Robic Gridstop with UHMWPE that are light and durable. We design in repairability so elastic cords, buckles, etc., can easily be field-repaired as part of our sustainable philosophy.

Trailheads: And what are your business goals for 2025?

Farber: We want to support the retailers who are giving our products a go with greater brand awareness in the US. We are working to tell Aarn’s story of comfort to the greater outdoor community. We are working with media, influencers and attending events to spread the word.

Trailheads: How can retailers learn more about you?

Farber: Reach out to me Daniel Farber at [email protected] and of course see us at Switchback Spring.

Trailheads: tell us about your most recent outdoor adventure.

Recently, I had a seven-day backpacking trip in New Zealand’s Nelson Lakes National Park doing the classic Travers Sabine Circuit. We planned the hike as a summer adventure with the family before my eldest daughter left home and moved overseas. The hike started with my wife Catherine, our son Ian, and daughter, Alice.

As we walked, Alice told us a story about falling off a horse the week before while she was away with friends, and that she had a bit of pain in her hip…  which got worse as the day went on. Catherine and Alice turned back when the pain killers didn’t help. Turns out she had a fractured hip (not too serious, thankfully) and a much higher pain threshold than me!

So, the trip turned into a father and son trip which was a new experience. The route takes in some lakes and a mountain pass with great scenery. A section of the track is shared with the Te Araroa trail which travels the length of New Zealand. We had a great time meeting and chatting with the TA thru-hikers. And of course, talking to Aarn Pack users is always fun. It wasn’t the trip we planned but we had a really nice time. And Alice is doing much better and looking forward to her next adventure.

Trailheads: What is your bucket list adventure?

Farber: While I was at college I had a summer job at Vogel State Park in GA; the park is situated beneath Blood Mountain and the Appalachian Trail. My job was to lead nature walks and organize events for the visitors, and one of the events was a talk about hiking the AT from a thru-hiker that did it the year before. I was already into backpacking and knew the AT, but I’d never really thought about thru-hiking back then. I’ve actually never said this out loud before, but from that day I always figured that once I retired, I would give it a go. I’ve got a little ways to go, but seem to be getting closer.

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Attendee registration is now open for Switchback Spring, the education and business gathering for the outdoor industry community, taking place June 16-18, 2025, in Nashville, TN. With already more than 100 exhibitors, including Aarn Packs, the event welcomes retailers, media, and outdoor industry professionals to the debut gathering this June.

To learn more and register, visit this page.