Intents Outdoors

Our Story: Born from Adventure, Backed by Experience

At Intents Outdoors, we believe that the right gear is the difference between an enduring struggle and an unforgettable adventure. We aren’t just retailers; we are hikers, campers and explorers who understand the call of the wild, because we answer it ourselves.

From a Garage to the Great Outdoors

Our journey began in 2010, not in a boardroom, but in a humble garage. It was born out of a simple, genuine passion: we wanted to develop and source quality gear that we could trust on our own adventures.

We looked at the market and saw a gap for equipment that balanced high performance with accessibility. We knew that New Zealand’s rugged landscapes required resilience, so we started small, focused on the details and built Intents Outdoors one piece of gear at a time.

 

Backed by Over 40 Years of Expertise

While our spirit is young and adventurous, our roots run deep. Today, Intents Outdoors is proudly owned and distributed by Composite Developments Ltd, a Kiwi family business that has been operating since 1981.

Being part of the Composite Developments family means we aren't just a garage startup anymore; we are backed by over four decades of industry experience and logistics. This partnership allows us to source the best materials and partner with reputable brands globally, ensuring that when you shop with us, you are benefiting from a legacy of quality distribution and a lifetime of outdoor knowledge.

 

Gear We Trust, So You Can Too

We take the phrase "tried and tested" seriously. Our shelves are stocked with gear that has earned its stripes in the elements. But we go a step further—we are our own toughest critics. The team at Intents Outdoors is constantly out there hiking, camping & testing product performance in adverse weather conditions. If a product doesn't meet our standards, it doesn't make it to our store.

Lightening the Load

We understand that modern adventure is evolving. Whether you are tackling a multi-month hike or a fast-paced weekend escape, every gram counts. This is why we have developed a specialised focus on lightweight and ultralight gear.

We are passionate about helping our customers achieve the freedom that comes with a lighter pack. For those taking on the ultimate challenge of the Te Araroa trail, we offer ultralight shelter and sleep systems designed to withstand New Zealand's variable weather without weighing you down.

Fuelled by Your Journey

Our community is diverse and so is our gear. While we love the technicalities of cutting grams for an ultralight trek, we are equally passionate about the joy of bikepacking (bike packing) through backcountry trails or setting up a comfortable basecamp for a weekend of camping with friends and family.

At Intents Outdoors, we are here to equip you for the journey ahead. We started this business to share our passion for the outdoors, and nothing makes us happier than seeing our gear out in the wild, helping you make memories that last a lifetime.

 

Why Choose Intents Outdoors?

  • Established Roots: Proudly owned by Composite Developments Ltd, operating in NZ since 1981.

  • Born in 2010: A brand built from the ground up by Kiwi adventurers.

  • Real-World Testing: We use what we sell, from the local bush to the alpine peaks.

  • Ultralight Specialists: Experts in shedding weight for adventures.