Bringing 'Down Under' to Sisters

Oregon Outback Outfitters in downtown Sisters is bringing a little taste of Down Under to Central Oregon with its line of rugged outdoor clothing from Australia.

Their line includes shirts, jackets, vests, shorts, hats and heavy duffle bags.

Owners Larry and Laura Gibons took over the building next to Clearwater Gallery across from Sno Cap in November from previous tenants Sisters River Company, but didn't actually open until April.

"It took me that long to remodel," Larry said. "We had to completely gut it and get it ready for our application. There were boards and pipes sticking out of the walls for the kayaks to hang on and it was all painted dark green and gray. We needed it to be bright and cheery and wanted to give it a whole new face."

One of the featured apparel collections carried in the store is Kakadu Traders Australia, operating globally and in business since 1972. They're a major clothing manufacturing company operating in Germany, China and Australia, in addition to the United States. Their distinctive sportsman's line of clothing is prized by hikers, fishermen, global travelers and adventurers.

"It's seven Australian brothers who have a worldwide reputation for high-end, high-quality outdoor wear using heavy cotton canvas and durable water-resistant oilskins," he said. "Even the buttons and zippers are all brass, as are the rivets. They really do a fine job and the workmanship is excellent, all double-stitched."

Larry comes from the island of Maui, after moving there from Detroit to be closer to his family.

"I was in the restaurant equipment and supply business for 13 of the 14 years I lived there and was food and beverage manager for Club Lanai," said Larry. "I came to Oregon in 1995 and never left. We've been coming to Sisters on holidays, getaways and even just to get a milkshake, always working on a way to somehow get out here to stay. Anything we could do to get into the Sisters area. So when the opportunity opened up we jumped on it."

Oregon Outback Outfitters is known for their concealed carry line of vests and jackets, which are designed with a sewn-in holster and two magazine pockets. Besides firearms, they can also be used to hold valuables, passports, electronic devices, glasses, or anything else that needs to be protected.

"We sort of consider ourselves the concealed carry headquarters for this whole area because not many people carry these lines to the extent that we do," Laura said.

Besides the new store, the Gibons sell at major outdoor trade conventions, sportsman's gatherings and gun and knife shows under the name Kakadu of Central Oregon, to further introduce their classic Aussie lines.

The brick-and-mortar store gives the Gibons the credibility for doing their trade show biz with a legitimate headquarters in a popular resort destination.

"It allows us to say we are based in Sisters, Oregon, and you couldn't ask for a better location," said Larry. "It doesn't matter who you talk to or tell, people light up when you mention Sisters and they have their own stories about fun vacations or special occasions spent here."

Oregon Outback Outfitters is located at 371 W. Cascade Ave. and open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit wwww.kakaduvests.com or call 541-549-9923.