Company History
For the past 40 years, Wilson King has brought Outback Trading Company’s quest for Outdoor Apparel literally from around the world. Today, Outback’s customers can be found all over the world in vast and varied adventures. “We are a small company with International appeal.”
And that's how it all started - with international travel! As a young man arriving in Australia with only thirty dollars to his name, Wilson bought two broken motorcycles. He merged the best of both and started his journey. One particular stop led to his first oilskin duster as a gift. “The Oilskin Duster and Motorcycle were my only family while in Australia.”
When King returned to the states in 1978, his future and career path were still undetermined. One day he grabbed his Oilskin Duster, tacked up his horse and went on a trek through the Brandywine Valley located in the Pennsylvania countryside. It started to downpour. No worries, he had his duster so he kept riding.
It was then that he realised that without his Oilskin Duster from Australia, he would be drenched. This finding was extremely exciting to Wilson. With encouragement, he pursued Claybourn Brothers in Australia the manufacture of Wilson’s first oilskin duster. The first shipment of Oilskin dusters was sold out of Wilson’s Jeep Wagoner.
Outback Trading Company was born, created from one man, his horse and his duster. Today Outback Trading is a household name among the outdoor enthusiast. The Oilskin Duster is still a top seller for Outback Trading and has spun off to many styles of hardworking outdoor adventure apparel. Outback offers many styles to loyal customers around the world. “We produce unique clothes that work and that people appreciate.”
Outback Trading Company has been in NZ & Australia for the past 25 years where we have become a trusted brand. We continue to produce line after line of stunning and functional garments and outerwear, even through tough economic times & pandemics!!. "Every time there's a recession, we tend to go back to our roots and a more traditional lifestyle. Our outerwear is reflective of this era. That's where we thrive," said King.
