This year, Rhino-Rack celebrates its 30th anniversary of bringing innovative roof and vehicle storage solutions to adventurers around the world. From one man’s quest to improve a roof rack, it’s been quite the ride! Read on to learn more about Rhino-Rack’s last 30 years.
How it all began
Rewind back to 1992: Sydneysider Richard Cropley owned an independent roof rack business called Roof Rack City. After some time, Richard became tired of the products – they were difficult to dismantle and fiddly to set up. A keen 4WDer himself, Richard decided to take matters into his own hands and created his own commercial roof rack system that was easy to install, hassle-free, and accessible for all. Soon after, Rhino-Rack was born and the first racks were sold in Haberfield, New South Wales.
What’s happened since?
Global adventures
It didn’t take long for Richard’s easy-to-use Rhino-Rack roof racks to take off; by 1998 he began selling to adventurers in over 60 countries worldwide. Since then, Rhino-Rack has established a Colorado warehouse, designed the iconic Pioneer Platform, taken home multiple design awards and enabled millions of adventurers around the world to explore with gear primed for the great outdoors.
(Photo Credit: @blackhillsbuilds)
Dedicated to new discoveries
Much like the adventurers who Rhino-Rack is committed to serving, the team have never been shy of embracing discovery and exploration. What started as one epic roof rack with a focus on aerodynamic and heavy-duty capabilities, has since transformed into one of the world’s most established load-carrying solutions range on the market, offering everything from awnings to ski and snowboard carriers.
Protecting nature for nature lovers
In the midst of designing new products, Rhino-Rack focused on a core value: protecting nature for nature lovers. In 2019, all plastic was removed from the Pioneer and Backbone packaging, and a new sustainability strategy was created. Within this sustainability strategy, Rhino-Rack has developed and implemented processes to extend product life spans, improve recycling, and reduce the environmental impact of their products. One key achievement over recent years is reduction of landfill by more than 50,000 kilograms.
Rhino-Rack has also committed to protecting its namesake, the mighty rhinoceros, through collaborative efforts and donations to rhino conservation organisations. Tino, the Rhino, at Sydney Zoo is also sponsored by Rhino-Rack, with a percentage of sponsorship funds going towards rhinoceros conservation.
Award winning products
The innovative spirit at Rhino-Rack was recognised in 2020, when the Pioneer Platform was awarded one of the oldest and most prestigious international design awards, the Gold Award at the Good Design Awards.
In 2021, Rhino-Rack was honoured again by achieving the Good Design Tick for the STOW iT Utility Holder, and the internationally renowned and sought-after Red Dot Award in the product design category for the Pioneer Platform and the STOW iT Utility Holder.
Rhino-Rack meets Clarus
After a momentous two years, 2021 saw the acquisition of Rhino-Rack by the Clarus Corporation, a global company focused on the outdoor enthusiast markets, 29 years after the company was born. Rhino-Rack is in good company, with other iconic outdoor brands including Black Diamond and Pieps.
What’s to come?
Rhino-Rack will always strive to make adventure accessible to all. Whether you’re new to overlanding, a keen enthusiast, or a complete veteran, Rhino-Rack will continue to put the adventurer at the forefront, refining existing products and creating new and improved gear for those at work or play.
