Born in 1974 above a laundrette in Chorlton, Greater Manchester, Sprayway is a British outdoor clothing brand built on the principle that functional, well-made gear should be accessible to everyone. What started as two mates making sailing cagoules for the notoriously wet Manchester climate has evolved into a trusted name for trampers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts who value honest design, solid construction, and fair pricing. Sprayway's "Function First" ethos — introduced by co-founder John Hunt with the brand's very first jacket — remains at the heart of every product the company makes today. Backwoods stocks Sprayway as part of our outdoor clothing range for New Zealand adventurers.
The Sprayway Story — Manchester Roots, Global Reach
In 1974, John Hunt and Simon Wright were competitive dinghy sailors and keen mountaineers frustrated by the lack of decent waterproof apparel available for either pursuit. Their solution was quintessentially practical: make their own gear, and make it properly. Starting in a workspace above a Chorlton laundrette, the two began manufacturing 4oz PU-coated nylon cagoules for the sailing market.
John and Simon were complementary opposites. Simon handled numbers and operations, revolutionising customer service in the 1990s by introducing next-day shipping — an unheard-of practice at the time in the outdoor industry. John brought product vision and marketing instinct, establishing the "Function First" design model that prioritised great fit, functional features, and quality fabrics at competitive prices. As one colleague put it: one liked his tea milky, the other strong — but their individual passions formed the basis of a partnership that set the tone for the brand that still exists today.
Sprayway's early success in sailing gear quickly extended to the mountains. Driven by Manchester's famously wet climate and their own mountaineering experience, Hunt and Wright began producing coated waterproof jackets for climbing and hillwalking. The quality was undeniable, and by 1982 Sprayway had launched the Snipe Jacket — marking the start of a long-standing relationship with GORE-TEX that continues to this day.
The Torridon — A 1990s Icon
By the late 1980s and through the 1990s, Sprayway had become one of the highest-selling GORE-TEX jacket brands in the UK. The Torridon — originally launched in 1988 — became the jacket that defined the era. Its simple functional design, matte 3-layer GORE-TEX fabric, and signature bright colour-blocked panelling made it instantly recognisable on hillsides, city streets, and anywhere British weather demanded serious protection.
But the Torridon's influence extended beyond the outdoors. Being based in Manchester, Sprayway's combination of technical performance, cool design, and vibrant colour palettes gained a cult following among the city's fashion-conscious youth during the late 80s and 90s. In an era when outdoor jackets became streetwear status symbols, a Sprayway jacket — particularly the Torridon — was shorthand for being a clued-up, real-deal individual in Manchester's inner-city culture. When Sprayway held a warehouse sale at their Manchester headquarters in the early 90s, the demand was so intense it sparked a riot that required police intervention.
In 2019, Sprayway relaunched the Torridon after two years of development. The modern version takes inspiration from the 90s original but uses the latest PFCec-free 3-layer GORE-TEX fabric, an improved hood design, longer length, and that signature three-colour panelling — a direct homage to the jacket that defined the brand's golden era.
Function First — The Sprayway Design Philosophy
Sprayway's approach to outdoor clothing is refreshingly straightforward: design gear that works, fits well, uses quality materials, and doesn't cost a fortune. This "Function First" philosophy means Sprayway prioritises practical features over fashion trends, builds clothing that lasts, and prices products fairly rather than inflating margins.
Every Sprayway jacket, fleece, and technical garment is designed with real-world use in mind. Hoods that actually stay in place in wind. Pockets positioned to sit above a rucksack hip belt. Cuffs that adjust properly. Zips that don't snag. Seams that don't fail. These aren't glamorous details, but they're the difference between gear that performs and gear that frustrates.
GORE-TEX & Waterproof Technology
Sprayway has been a GORE-TEX partner since the early 1980s, and the brand continues to use GORE-TEX fabrics across its premium waterproof range. Modern Sprayway GORE-TEX jackets use the latest ePE (expanded polyethylene) membrane — a PFAS-free formulation that delivers the same reliable waterproof-breathable performance as legacy GORE-TEX without harmful fluorochemicals.
Sprayway also developed HydroDRY — one of the first machine-taped waterproof fabrics — which the brand co-developed and continues to use in its more accessible waterproof jackets. Whether using GORE-TEX or HydroDRY, Sprayway waterproofs are designed to handle the wettest conditions New Zealand can throw at you — from West Coast rain to Southern Alps snow.
Sustainability & Fair Wear Foundation
Sprayway has been a member of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) since 2012 and was awarded "Leader Status" by the FWF in 2016 — recognition of the brand's commitment to fair working conditions, living wages, safe factories, and child labour prevention throughout its supply chain. Sprayway adheres to the FWF's strict 8-point Labour Code and maintains transparent oversight of its manufacturing partners.
The brand also prioritises environmental responsibility. Modern Sprayway products use up to 100% recycled polyester in outer fabrics, PFAS-free DWR treatments, and GORE-TEX ePE membranes that eliminate harmful per- and polyfluorinated substances. Sprayway's commitment to sustainability isn't marketing — it's embedded in material choices, manufacturing processes, and product longevity.
Sprayway for New Zealand Tramping & Hiking
Waterproof Jackets
Sprayway's waterproof range — from lightweight packable shells to fully featured expedition jackets — covers every use case from day hikes to multi-week backcountry trips. GORE-TEX models like the Torridon, Arderin, and Cape Wrath deliver bombproof protection for serious alpine use, while HydroDRY jackets provide excellent value for weekend trampers and casual walkers. All Sprayway waterproofs feature grown-on hoods with wire-reinforced peaks, storm guards, and practical pocket placement.
Fleece & Insulation
Sprayway fleeces are workhorses — warm, breathable, and built to last season after season. The brand's insulated jackets use responsibly sourced down and synthetic fills for warmth without bulk, perfect for New Zealand's alpine environments and cool evenings in the backcountry.
Softshell & Technical Layers
For high-output activities where a full waterproof shell is too much, Sprayway's softshell jackets and technical mid-layers provide weather resistance, breathability, and freedom of movement. Ideal for fast tramping, scrambling, and any pursuit where you're generating heat.
Base Layers & Legwear
Sprayway's base layer range delivers moisture-wicking performance and temperature regulation, while the brand's hiking trousers and shorts are designed for durability and comfort across long days on the trail.
British Heritage, Global Performance
Sprayway remains headquartered in Greater Manchester — the city where it was founded 50 years ago. The brand's products are tested in the Peak District, honed by British weather, and trusted by outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. For New Zealand trampers, Sprayway offers the perfect combination of British design heritage, proven technical performance, and honest value.
Whether you're tackling the Routeburn Track, scrambling in the Darrans, or simply navigating Auckland's four-seasons-in-one-day weather, Sprayway gear delivers the protection and reliability you need without the inflated price tags of many premium brands.
Shop Sprayway at Backwoods
Browse our full Sprayway range above. Pair with tramping packs, sleeping bags, and trail food for a complete backcountry kit, or explore our full outdoor clothing range.
Free shipping on orders over $100 throughout New Zealand.
