Compass: Charting the Evolution of Outdoor Gear

Outgear Profile

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Back in 1982, the companies original founder spent three months backpacking and cycling in the Tasmania. Prior to taking this journey of a life time,

several  backpacking/cycling products were purchased, to make the trip a little easier.  However none of them survived the harsh Australian outback

environment. This caused Roger Buckle, a nurse by training, to become the reluctant founder of the brand Outgear. Determined to make quality products

that would not let their owners down, the brand quickly boomed by  developing a reputation for building functional, high quality products. 

More than 25 years later RAPP Australia Pty Ltd now is manufacturing broader range of products and supplying it into markets that depend upon the type

of quality Outgear was made famous for. Our Health division now manufactures,  exports,  imports and distributes a  broad range medical and pre-

hospital emergency services products. 

It is not surprising that the birth of the medical product range was initiated in a similar manner to the way the outdoor product range was born, through a

perceived need for high quality, functional equipment. 

In 1995 two practicing ambulance officers approached RAPP Australia with some clever ideas in pre-hospital equipment designs. Using the skill and

techniques developed for the Outgear brand, the equipment was prototyped and field tested until ready for release. We branded them NEANN.

In the years following the establishment of the NEANN range,  the brand has become known as a world leader in pre-hospital equipment design,

innovation and quality, winning multiple tenders with Ambulance Services and major Companies in Australia and overseas.

On 2 December 1998, five volunteer firefighters were trapped and killed undertaking parallel attack on the Linton fire near Geelong, Victoria. Being a Lara

based company, the tragedy of the Linton Fire was key to RAPP Australia adding fire material and prevention products to their range.

The private family owned company, RAPP Australia Pty Ltd, currently operates four Divisions.  

1. Defence

2. Health (branded NEANN)

3. Fire Fighting (branded Firelogistics)

4. Mountaineering/Outdoor recreation (branded Outgear).    

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