Colin Snow
Fairydown sleeping bags were once a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts, known for their quality and durability in harsh cold climates. The brand has a rich history dating back to 1877 when it was founded in New Zealand. Over the years, Fairydown sleeping bags have been used by adventurers in the Himalayas and even on expeditions to the South Pole. However, the manufacturing of these sleeping bags has since shifted from New Zealand to Asia, and the brand has undergone several ownership changes. Despite this, Fairydown continues to be associated with outdoor equipment and bedding, offering a range of products that provide comfort and warmth in various climates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing location | New Zealand |
| Manufacturer | Arthur Ellis & Co. |
| Year founded | 1877 |
| Rebranded as | Zone |
| Reason for rebranding | Homosexual connotations in the word "fairy" |
| Current status of New Zealand manufacturing | Mostly closed down |
| New location of manufacturing | Asia |
| Reason for relocation | Higher value of the New Zealand dollar |
| Sleeping bag models | Explorer, Trapper, Everest, Scorpion, Polar |
| Sleeping bag features | Two drawcords at the foot, semi-rectangular, light blue, green, goose down, chevron compartments, inward-facing metal zip |
| Sleeping bag performance | No degradation in performance even after years of use |
| Sleeping bag temperature rating | Warm enough for the tropics to the South Pole in winter |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Fairydown sleeping bags were manufactured by Arthur Ellis & Co
The Fairydown 'Everest' sleeping bag, for example, was used by Derek Wright during the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition in 1957-58. The Everest model was manufactured in New Zealand by Arthur Ellis & Co. and was one of the warmest expedition bags available at the time. The bag was semi-rectangular and light blue in colour, with a zipper that ran smoothly. It featured two drawcords at the foot for easy rolling and could be combined with another bag by zipping them together.
Fairydown sleeping bags were known for their quality and durability, with some users reporting continued use of their bags purchased in the mid-1980s without any degradation in performance. The top-of-the-line Fairydown Polar bag, for instance, was suitable for use in extremely cold climates like the Himalayas.
Over time, the Fairydown brand changed hands multiple times. In 2005, the Fairydown Everest and Scorpion models were introduced, combining high-quality fabrics and down fill with innovative features for cold-climate sleeping bags. In 2008, the owners of Fairydown acquired MacPac, another New Zealand brand, and placed both brands under one roof. However, New Zealand-based manufacturing for Fairydown largely shut down, with production moving to Asia. The brand was later purchased by Jan Cameron of Alp Sports and Kathmandu, and then by Mouton Noir.
Peter Florrick's Scandalous Affair: Campaign Worker Romance?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The company was based in New Zealand but moved production to Asia
Fairydown, a New Zealand-based company, manufactured sleeping bags, mattresses, upholstery, bedding, pillows, and jackets. The company was founded in the Kaikorai Valley on the South Island of New Zealand in 1877 and had a strong connection to the country's landscape, climate, and people. Fairydown built its reputation by providing feather and down products that helped explorers survive in extremely cold climates, including the South Pole and the mountains of Nepal.
The Fairydown 'Everest' sleeping bag, for example, was used by Derek Wright during the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition in 1957-58. This particular model was manufactured in New Zealand by Arthur Ellis & Co. and featured a goose down filling with sewn chevron compartments and an inwards-facing metal zip.
However, in recent years, the company has shifted its manufacturing base from New Zealand to Asia due to the higher value of the New Zealand dollar. This decision led to the rebranding of Fairydown as 'Zone' in the Australian market, as the word 'fairy' was perceived to have homosexual connotations.
In 2008, the owners of Fairydown acquired MacPac, another New Zealand brand, integrating the two brands under one roof. Fairydown has since changed hands a few times, with Jan Cameron of Alp Sports and Kathmandu buying the brand, followed by Mouton Noir, a group consisting of Bernard Wicht, Pierre van Noorden, and Campbell Junor.
Sara's Secret: Don Cesar's Seduction
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The brand was bought by Alp Sports and Kathmandu
Fairydown, a New Zealand-based manufacturer of outdoor equipment, was founded in 1877 in the Kaikorai Valley on the South Island of New Zealand. The company built a reputation for quality and durability, with its feather and down products helping explorers survive in extreme cold climates.
Over the years, Fairydown expanded its product line beyond sleeping bags to include mattresses, upholstery, bedding, pillows, and jackets. However, the company faced challenges due to the high value of the New Zealand dollar, which led to a shift in production from New Zealand to Asia. Additionally, the brand name "Fairydown" was changed to "Zone" in the Australian market due to perceived homosexual connotations associated with the word "fairy".
In the midst of these changes, the brand was acquired by Jan Cameron of Alp Sports and Kathmandu, along with the related Great Outdoors brand. This marked a new chapter in the history of Fairydown, as it became part of a larger outdoor equipment and apparel group.
Subsequently, Jan Cameron sold the Fairydown brand to Mouton Noir, a group consisting of Bernard Wicht, Pierre van Noorden, and Campbell Junor. Under the new ownership, Fairydown continued to evolve and adapt to the changing market dynamics and consumer needs.
In 2008, the owners of Fairydown acquired MacPac, another New Zealand brand, and consolidated the two brands under one roof. This strategic move allowed Fairydown to leverage synergies and strengthen its presence in the highly competitive outdoor equipment industry.
Sleep During Work Breaks: Is It Allowed?
You may want to see also
Fairydown sleeping bags were used in expeditions to the South Pole
One notable example of a Fairydown sleeping bag being used in a South Pole expedition is the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition in 1957-58. Derek Wright, a member of the New Zealand party led by Sir Edmund Hillary, used a Fairydown 'Everest' sleeping bag during this expedition. The bag was manufactured by Arthur Ellis & Co., a New Zealand company that produced outstanding outdoor equipment, including a wide range of sleeping bags suitable for various climates.
The Fairydown 'Everest' model was described as an expedition bag, one of the warmest yet made, with 2 1/4 lbs of down filling. It featured a khaki green coloured ripstop nylon exterior, sewn chevron compartments, and an inwards-facing metal zip partway down the front. This particular model was also designed to be zipped together with another bag, providing additional warmth and comfort.
Over the years, Fairydown sleeping bags have undergone various innovations and improvements. For example, the 2005 Fairydown Everest and Scorpion models combined high-quality fabrics and down fill with exciting new innovations, resulting in exceptional performance in cold climates. However, the production of Fairydown sleeping bags in New Zealand has mostly ceased, with manufacturing moving to Asia due to economic factors. The brand has also been rebranded as 'Zone' in certain markets.
Despite these changes, Fairydown sleeping bags continue to be recognised for their quality and performance in extreme conditions, including expeditions to the South Pole. The brand's reputation for durability and warmth has made it a trusted choice for adventurers and explorers facing the harshest environments on Earth.
The Insomnia Battle: Sleepless Nights and Their Consequences
You may want to see also
The bags were made with goose down and nylon
Fairydown sleeping bags were manufactured by Arthur Ellis & Co., a New Zealand company that produced outdoor equipment for many years before being bought out. The bags were made with goose down and nylon, with some featuring a khaki green-coloured ripstop nylon exterior. The goose down filling helped keep users warm in cold climates.
The Fairydown Everest model, for example, was used by Derek Wright on the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition in 1957-58, demonstrating its ability to withstand extreme cold. The Everest model was also available in light blue. Other models include the Scorpion, Polar, Explorer, and Trapper.
Fairydown sleeping bags were initially produced in New Zealand, but production later moved to Asia due to the higher value of the New Zealand dollar. The brand has changed hands several times, with Jan Cameron of Alp Sports and Kathmandu acquiring it at one point. The brand was also rebranded as 'Zone' due to perceived homosexual connotations in the word 'fairy' by Australian men.
Despite these changes, Fairydown sleeping bags have maintained a reputation for quality and durability. Some users have reported owning and using Fairydown bags from the mid-1980s with no degradation in performance, highlighting the longevity and performance of these sleeping bags.
Insomnia and Weekend Sleep: A Tiring Cycle
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Fairydown is a New Zealand-based manufacturer of outdoor equipment, including sleeping bags.
Fairydown was bought out by Jan Cameron (of Alp Sports and Kathmandu), who then sold it to Mouton Noir. The brand was also rebranded as 'Zone' due to the negative connotations of the word 'fairy' in Australia.
Fairydown sleeping bags are still available, although they are now manufactured in Asia due to the higher value of the New Zealand dollar.
Fairydown sleeping bags are known for their quality and durability, particularly in cold climates. The bags are made with down fill and high-quality fabrics and feature a metal zip and ties at the top and bottom.
Some Fairydown sleeping bag models include the Everest, Scorpion, Explorer, and Trapper.
