Hi, We're Derek and Jessie

Welcome to Banjo Valley, where we make hiking gear that's easy to use.

Gear that you can use when you've got numb, gloved fingers. Gear that will hold up when you aren't easy on it. And gear that's so fun you'll use it when you're not hiking.

Derek is a product designer and wilderness guide whose fingers go numb easily. That’s why we try and design gear that can be used with one gloved hand.

Jessie, a brand designer, provides creative direction and helps keep Derek sane. When Jessie isn’t relentlessly hammering away at her computer she loves to wind down with some bird watching or dog grooming videos.

We find that releasing small batches of products in 'drops' throughout the year is a more manageable and meaningful system for us. We use Aussie materials when possible and love to give old tools a new home.

dem's the rules

The BV Commandments

Banjo Valley means easy to use

We head into the outdoors for many reasons, but it isn’t to do battle with our hiking gear. Banjo Valley’s reason for existing is to make gear that is easy to use.

And what do I mean by 'battling with my hiking gear'? Raise a hand if any of these sound familiar: Buckles you can’t undo with numb fingers. Sleeping bag zippers that get snagged. Head torches that turn on in your pack. Tents that never fit back into their original bag. Sleeping mats that squeak. Rain jackets without pockets.

Someone better hold me back, this is getting me all fired up!

It's not easy to use if it breaks easily

How can a product be easy to use if it’ll break when you use it wrong? Talk about high stakes! Banjo Valley gear can take a beating.

Quality is Queen

When making decisions at Banjo Valley we always prioritise quality. Cost comes second and speed is last.

We're happy doing things slower if that means we’re making the best quality products at a fair and reasonable price, for everyone involved.

Speed is fine, accuracy is final - archery proverb

No Elastic

Elastic is always the first thing to go on outdoor gear. While it’s a convenient material to use, there’s nothing more annoying than pyjama pants that won’t stay up.

Elastic is banned from Banjo Valley products.

No velcro

Velcro doesn’t last long, wreaks havoc in the washing machine and clogs up when snow gets into it.

Velcro is banned from Banjo Valley products.