Design For the Journey: Behind the Harsun Brand

Design For the Journey: Behind the Harsun Brand

In the heart of West Sumatra, where jungle meets ocean and surfboards are as essential as passports, the family from Harsun Australia set out to test their latest collection of travel essentials. Their mission? To refine the art of travel through purposeful design, creating gear that doesn’t just carry belongings, but carries purpose. “Being organized is the start of every good journey,” says the Harsun team. On their latest adventure, that philosophy came alive aboard small wooden boats threading through the Mentawai Islands. Each morning, two Tech Packs were loaded with the essentials of island life; one holding cameras, phones, and sunglasses; the other packed with wax, fin keys, sunscreen, and snacks.

“Having our valuables water-safe and accessible was a game changer,” they explain. “Everything had its place and we knew exactly where it was.” Those packs tucked neatly inside Harsun’s Xplore Dry Bags. With gear protected from salt spray and chaos, hopping on and off the boat several times a day became effortless. “It meant we were always ready for the next surf mission. Nothing rolling around, nothing lost, just pure freedom.”

Even in transit, Harsun’s commitment to thoughtful design shines. Travelling via Kuala Lumpur to Padang, their Equinox Backpacks served as carry-ons for the family , one for technology, one for essentials and snacks. The bags’ wet/dry compartments, hidden pockets, and USB charging ports brought calm to the usual airport rush. “It’s travel made simple,” they say. Functional travel systems designed to move with you.

Built for the Journey Ahead

Over the past two years, Harsun has been designing, testing, and refining every detail of their travel line. The result is a cohesive range, from backpacks and tech or toiletry packs to a travel sling bag, each one crafted to keep you organized and your gear dry. Whether you’re island-hopping or city-bound, every piece is built to perform beautifully and last.

Their field testing isn’t confined to the tropics. Back home, Harsun continues to evolve, introducing a new ultra-fine Merino collection in both long and short sleeves. After sampling over twenty blends and cuts, they’ve honed a lightweight, breathable fabric designed for comfort, performance, and sustainability. “Merino is nature’s performance fibre,” they explain. “Soft, renewable, and perfect for travel.” 

 

The innovation continues with their Outdoor Poncho in a bag, a bestseller that continues to sell out to hikers and travellers . Proving that adventure is alive and well. Meanwhile, a small batch of Cotton Linen Men’s Shirts — released in three colours — showcases refined simplicity and style, ideal for warm climates, office days, or casual events. And for those who live outdoors, the Water-Resistant Hat is a new essential. Designed so water beads and runs right off, it’s perfect for fishing, hiking, running, or simply weathering the elements — available in seven colours.

Purposeful Design, Thoughtful Living

How does Harsun define purpose-built travel gear? It begins with intention. A good travel accessory doesn’t just look the part — it changes how you experience the world. Being organized means less stress, more time, and the freedom to enjoy the journey. Harsun’s philosophy is simple: keep your personal items secure, dry, and accessible so you can focus on what matters most, the adventure itself.

Xplore Backpack Black harsunaustralia

Every Harsun product is designed to be stylish, functional, and built to last. Each one is tested for no less than 365 days, ensuring quality that endures, it’s about creating products people love and use for years to come.

Harsun’s story is also brought to life through the eyes of its community and ambassadors, Surfer Jerome Forrest and photographers Andrew Semark and Tom Pearsall, both featured for their photography in this issue, these photographers embody the spirit of adventure and authenticity that defines the brand. Through their lens and world travel , Harsun’s pieces aren’t just accessories; they're companions on the road less travelled. They use and capture Harsun for what it is, adventure infused elegance.

Inspired by Nature, from the waves of Sumatra to the mountains of Tasmania, Harsun’s journey continues — a story of design that connects travel, nature, and purpose in one seamless motion. The team’s inspiration comes from the landscapes they explore, the people they meet, and the philosophy that every journey begins with intention.

Because travel isn’t just about where you go, it’s about how you move through the world.