What We Do
KAVU is run by full-on fun fanatics living for the next adventure. And we work just as hard. Except we love what we do, so if this is work, we’ll take it. Lucky us.
Our formula for living well is simple — build fun into everything you do. So that’s where we start. KAVU creates true outdoor wear, stylish bags, wallets, and other accessories so you can express yourself and spread your good-time attitude.
Picture this: A perfect day as defined by you. The kind that makes you feel alive, grateful, and blissfully exhausted.
That’s a KAVU Day. And we want you to have as many as you can. That’s why “Have a KAVU Day!” is more than our slogan — it’s the reason KAVU exists.
KAVU is also an aviation acronym for “clear above visibility unlimited,” when there isn’t a cloud in the sky and you can see to the horizon. That limitless feeling is our guiding philosophy and the attitude we bring to all we do. It means treating every day like it’s special, and then getting out and doing whatever invigorates you and brings on the perma-grin. KAVU clothing is an expression of this approach to life.
Local Feel, Worldwide Appeal
KAVU was born in Seattle in 1993. Back then, founder Barry Barr was selling the revolutionary Strapcap out of his car. Now, it’s a straight-up classic and KAVU is Local Worldwide. You can find our full range of styles for men and women in fine stores around the world and online.
After all these years, we’re still stoked by the spirit in which we were founded: buckling down, pitching in, getting our hands dirty, and creating gear we’re proud to wear and use — and even prouder to share with you.
KAVU Australia
In Australia and New Zealand, KAVU is distributed by WildAir Outdoors (Invasion Sports Pty Ltd), contact us for further information about our online store, any products or our wholesale business.
Company History
1985 - The Beginning: KAVU’s founder Barry captains his first commercial fishing boat in Alaska at age 16.
1993 - The Strapcap: Barry makes the Strapcap and starts selling it out of his car.
1996 - Moving on up: Barry gives up commercial fishing and moves KAVU into a warehouse space near Fishermans Terminal in Seattle, USA.
2001 - Fist Store: KAVU opens its first store in the Ballard neighbourhood of Seattle, USA
2004 - The Rope Bay: The first KAVU Rope Bag is introduced.
2011 - New HQ: KAVU moves headquarters into Ballard, Seattle, USA.
2015 - Second Store: KAVU opens its 2nd retail location in downtown Seattle’s Pike Place Market.
2018 - 25th Anniversary: KAVU turns 25 and Barry celebrates his 25th birthday! Forever young.
Making Footwear Ethically
The way we make our footwear matters to us and all our customers. We’re continually taking steps to make our manufacturing process more transparent. We partner with highly visible and industry trusted factories in the US and overseas to ensure our footwear is made ethically. We source Bluesign Certified and sustainable materials whenever possible and are currently implementing codes of conducts and restricted substance lists with our tier 1 factories.
Sustainability & The Environment
We founded Bedrock while working in conservation Americorps gigs. Today, our commitment to sustainability and the environment remains strong. We’re proud to offer our a Re-Soul & Repair program for our products, use plastic-free sandal packaging, source environmentally friendly and recycled materials whenever possible, and consistently donate to better our environment through 1% for the Planet. We implement sustainability policies within our Missoula, Montana office and promote conservation efforts through partnering with environmental nonprofits.