Kathmandu enlists The Inspired Unemployed for new Trailhead Pack campaign via Motion Sickness
Kathmandu has teamed up with Australian comedy duo and travel enthusiasts The Inspired Unemployed to launch its latest product, the Trailhead Pack.
Known for their blokey banter, irreverent humour, and love of the outdoors, Jack Steele and Matt Ford bring their trademark chemistry (and individuality) to the campaign, created by Motion Sickness, showing how Kathmandu’s most versatile and customisable pack yet adapts to any personality, mood or mission.
As part of the campaign, the pair have gone their separate ways (temporarily) to explore what individuality means to them. Steele has opted for a stripped-back, minimalist style, while Ford has gone bold with colour and accessories. Two mates, two styles, one adventure-ready pack.
Says Ford: “We’ve been wearing Kathmandu forever. It was our recent adventure trip to Kyrgyzstan that really inspired us. The gear was amazing — the mattress was next-level, and our puffers literally turned into pillows. That’s when we realised working with Kathmandu made total sense.”
Says Steele: “These days, everyone’s hanging out for a bit of connection. We’re all stuck on our phones, flat out in life, but as soon as you get into nature, everything slows down. It gives you a proper recharge.”
Adds Ford: “Watching a sunset from a rock or hill, everything feels okay. Life’s amazing. You stop and think, ‘Alright, it’s not that bad.’ Whatever that worry was — it doesn’t matter.”
The campaign showcases the Trailhead Pack — Kathmandu’s first fully customisable pack, designed to perform brilliantly in any environment while allowing every adventurer to make it their own. With colours, badges, pouches, and accessories that reflect personal journeys, the pack encourages wearers to express their individuality both on and off the trail.
Kathmandu Product Manager Greg Wilson says the design was all about performance meeting personality: “The pack starts as a blank canvas. We wanted something that performs brilliantly but also feels like an extension of who you are.”
Crafted from durable recycled materials and loaded with modular, smart features, the Trailhead Pack represents Kathmandu’s next evolution in adaptive outdoor gear — made for every adventure, and every kind of adventurer.
Creative Agency: Motion Sickness
Executive Creative Director: Sam Stuchbury
Creative Director: Melina Fiolitakis
Creative Director: Jolin Lee
Senior Art Director: Hamish Steptoe
Head of Strategy: Hilary Ngan Kee
Senior Strategist: Logan Barnes
GM: Alex McManus
Account Director: Katie Shrubb
Account Director: Matt Campher
Talent: Matt Ford & Jack Steel (@theinspiredunemployed)
Director: Dylan Pharazyn
Producer: Kristian Eek
DOP: Adam Luxton
Production Designer: Guy Treadgold
Stylist: Dan Awha
Production Manager: Paddy Compter
Editor: Damian Golfinopoulos
Grade: Matic Prusnik
Online: Stu Bedford
Music/Sound Design: Max Scott
Photographer: Holly Burgess
Stylist: Katie Melody Rogers
Stills Producer: Nigel Sutton
Media Client Director: Sea Cohen
Senior Business Manager: Meg Thomason
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