1917
Arthur Bevan Napper, is born in Melbourne, Australia
1950
manages the Arthurs Pass Hostel, in New Zealand, with his wife, Judy
Uses his wife’s sewing machine to experiment with canvas external frame packs
Mountain Mule pack brand is born
1953
modified versions of his packs used by Sir Edmund Hillary and George Lowe on the first successful Mount Everest expedition
????
establishes Mountain Equipment, a specialist climbing and tramping shop, in Victoria Street, Christchurch, New Zealand
also moved production of the Mountain Mule pack moved to a Christchurch factory
Begins making other outdoor clothing and other equipment
1962
Kimptons in Melbourne, Australia (better known for their down products,) began manufacturing Mountain Mules
1960s-70s
“H” frame pack, based loosely on the Northern America “trapper” becomes icon of New Zealand tramping & Australian bushwalking
In New Zealand Mountain Mules were also favoured by hunters to carrying out deer, pig, goats, possums & rabbits from remote locations
sells over 100,000 packs, including exports to Australia and Britain
manufacturers Paddy Pallin and Flinders Rangers also adopt the "H" frame as it could carry larger and heavier loads than "A" frames
There were two main models: standard and tanker. The tanker had a tap in the hollow frame to enable stove fuel to be carried in it.
2001
Bevan Nappe celebrates 55th wedding anniversary
16 January, Bevan dies in Wanaka , New Zealand, aged 83