About Us

The Hooked Gear Story: Engineered for the Australian Extreme

A Message from the Founders

Hooked Gear isn’t just a brand to us; it’s a family legacy started in 2014. Over the last decade, we’ve grown from a small Australian family business into a name synonymous with elite outdoor protection—and we owe that evolution entirely to you, our customers.

Built by Your Feedback

We didn’t just guess what a great performance shirt should look like. We listened to the stories told on jetties, hiking trails, and boat ramps across Australia:

For the Survivors: When customers who had fought skin cancer told us they needed absolute certainty, we didn't just make claims—we sought independent scientific proof.
For the Adventurers: Many of you asked for our elite protection in more versatile, "non-fishing" designs. We listened and created our popular Lifestyle range—including Black Flame, Blue Splash, and Sand Camo—for those who want sun-safe gear for the beach, the trail, or the job site.
For the Details: You told us your hands were burning while driving or holding a rod, so we added Unique Thumb Holes. You asked for secure storage, so we engineered our Unique Hidden Zip Pocket.

By listening to you, we have adapted our range to be, quite simply, the very best quality on the Australian market.

The Science of Staying Safe & Cool

In Australia, the sun isn't just a backdrop—it’s a challenge. With our country having the highest incidence of skin cancer globally, "good enough" protection isn't enough. At Hooked Gear, we take your safety personally. We personally authorized and paid for independent testing by ARPANSA to ensure our fabric is a scientifically validated shield.

Our signature fabric is engineered to be the lightest and most breathable on the market (115-130gsm), and its performance is backed by hard data:

ARPANSA Certified: Independently tested to the rigorous Australian Standard AS 4399:2020, guaranteeing a UPF 50+ rating that blocks over 98% of harmful UV rays.
99.99% Anti-Microbial: We have achieved a near-perfect inhibition rate against odor-causing bacteria, ensuring your gear stays fresh and hygienic use after use.
Rapid Moisture Management: With an 8.2cm wicking height and 45.8% water absorption, our fabric pulls moisture away from your skin instantly to prevent chafing and keep you cool.

The Performance Gap: Why Hooked Gear Wins

Feature	Hooked Gear Performance Fabric	Standard Outdoor Shirts
UV Protection	UPF 50+ (Blocks >98% of UV)	UPF 5–15 (Blocks as little as 80%)
Certification	Independent ARPANSA Tested	None or "Self-Certified"
Weight	Super Lightweight (115-130gsm)	Heavy & Sweaty (180-220gsm)
Odor Control	99.99% Anti-Microbial Shield	Traps bacteria & smells
Drying Speed	Extreme Quick-Dry (8.2cm Wicking)	Stays wet, heavy, and cold
Design	Unique Thumb Holes & Zip Pockets	Basic construction

Our Commitment to You

From our High-Performance Fishing Gear to our Ladies, Kids, and Lifestyle Adventure ranges, Hooked Gear is designed for those who refuse to let the sun dictate their day. We are proud to be an Australian family business with a 12-year track history of quality and care.

When you wear Hooked Gear, you’re wearing a decade of Aussie innovation and a commitment to keeping you safe in the sun we all love.

Catch More Memories. Catch Less Sun. Have More Fun.

The Hooked Gear Family

Est. 2014