David and Jane Ellis, the owners of outdoor clothing brand Earth Sea Sky, say they are devastated after two break-ins to their Christchurch shop in recent months.

Several men’s fleece mid-layers, soft-shell jackets and women’s rain and insulation jackets were taken in late June. Just a few weeks later, thieves stole an entire rack of waterproof jackets and pants, two ECW down jackets and three D480 anoraks. The value of items stolen across the two break-ins is more than $60,000.

Also taken were items that cannot be replaced: the original NZ-made cotton string singlet the company used to demonstrate how the Polartec Power Grid fabric works, and the original Helium jacket used in the testing of this fabric.

Most heartbreaking of all was the loss of one of their treasured legacy garments, the anorak worn by David’s father during the 1956 Trans-Antarctic Expedition. The D480 anorak was designed using this historic garment as its inspiration. “Its value to us is deeply personal,” said Jane.

The Ellises ask that if anyone notices Earth Sea Sky kit being sold unusually cheaply, especially online or through marketplace pages, to let them know.