Compass: Charting the Evolution of Outdoor Gear

Paddy Pallin History

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1900

Frank Austin Pallin is born

1926

F.A. (Paddy) Pallin emigrates to the Australia on the steamer Osterley from the UK

1927

original founding member of Sydney Bushwalking Club

1929

Marries English fiancée, May

1930

Is retrenched from insurance job, whilst on a canoe trip down the Shoalhaven River, NSW

starts home business, (Lindfield, Sydney) making proofed cotton Japara groundsheets, whilst May is bread winner as a secretary

rents shop in George St, Sydney to sell outdoor gear

1933

first edition of Paddy Pallin's Bushwalking and Camping handbook published

1936

founding member of Search and Rescue arm of the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSW

1954

Paddy learns to ski learns, aged 54

1958

Paddy traverses rugged terrain of Eastern Arthurs and Picton Range in SW Tasmania, on an early Federation Peak walk

1959

Bushwalking around Sydney published

1963

started the annual Paddy Pallin orienteering competition, (later to be Paddy Pallin Rogaine)

1964

started the Paddy Pallin Ski Classic, (which runs for 25 years, seemingly jinxed by the outrageous blizzards it attracted)

1970

First Australians to trek to Everest are lead by 70 year old Paddy Pallin

1975

Paddy Pallin, the man, is awarded the Order of Australia, in the first round of honours to ever be nominated for this award

1976

The Paddy Pallin Foundation established to support conservation, expeditions and rescue groups

1977

still skiing at age 77, Paddy makes the Kiandra to Kosciuszko  backcountry ski crossing

1979

Tenth edition of Bushwalking and Camping book published

1987

Voyager jacket released in Gore-tex, first in Australasia with chest handwarmer pockets

new range of down sleeping bags released, including the Gore-tex shelled Twynam mountaineering bag

release of Daintree, first specially cut women's japara jacket in Australasia

Paddy's memoirs, Never Truly Lost first published

1988

Integral Clothing launched,

first Australian use of Malden Polarlite, known as Paddy Pallin Pluslite (fabric would later become Polartec 200)

introduce bicomponent, multiple density, polyester Drytech bodywear

first Australasian use of Pertex fabric in sleeping bags

1989

Travelwear introduced, with 100% texturised nylon fabric

Intercept insulation launched, in a wicking, warm and wind resistant three layer construction

1990

Patented, Watergate double zip jacket closure released

1991

Australasia's first women's Gore-Tex jacket released

Paddy Pallin dies, aged 90

1992 ?

Establish Don't Bag the Environment project, where shops donate 20 cents to an eco charity when customers don't take a bag

established the Paddy Pallin Club loyalty program

1993

First in Australasia to release a line of eco-fleece made from 89% recycled polyester PET drink bottles

1994

released garments made from 100% polyester, including trim and zippers, so they were recyclable

Paddy Pallin now