Outdoor wear retailer Kathmandu has expanded its Feather Flight range into a full luggage system, as airlines shift carry-on luggage rules.
It also comes amid disruptions in interstate and international travel thanks to the war between the United States, Iran and Israel, which is impacting fuel and oil costs.
Originally launched on one of the world’s lightest two-wheeled carry-ons, Kathmandu’s ‘exLIGHT’ technology that earned the 2024 ISPO Design Award has been applied to an expanded Feather Flight range, now in four styles; two check‑ins and two carry‑ons, in both spinner (4-wheels) and roller (2-wheels) designs.
The new 40L and 80L/90L 4-wheel spinners have a dual-exoskeleton design, with two protective shells that zip together into a full 360° hardshell. The spinners also feature a Travel Sentry® Approved lock, allowing them to be opened and relocked during security inspections without damage.
In addition to the new hardshell, the original Feather Flight 40L carry‑on design has been adapted to a new 85L check‑in.
Kathmandu senior equipment designer Adam Gorrie said airline rules are changing quickly. Various reports indicate that airlines globally are shifting toward a strict 22″ x 14″ x 9″ carry-on standard by 2026.
“Modern travellers aren’t one‑size‑fits‑all,” Gorrie said. “Some want the confidence of a hardshell spinner, others prefer the lightweight flexibility of a soft-sided check-in, or the speed of a classic two-wheel carry-on.
“But no matter their style, travellers all want luggage that moves effortlessly, is built to last, and performs reliably trip after trip.”
The new range has already been put to the test by comedy duo and Kathmandu Ambassador’s The Inspired Unemployed, Jack Steele and Matt Ford, who highlighted how the design supports both fast-paced travel and longer trips.
Kathmandu’s deeper dive into the travel space comes as the brand saw double-digit sales growth in the first half of FY26. According to its parent company KMD Brands, Kathmandu sales lifted 12.3 per cent to $176.1 million, with the brand’s earnings improving on FY25 numbers, despite still being in the red.