5 European outdoor gear brands you can buy in your local shop
Last month we wrote an article on ultralight outdoor gear — over 30 brands, most of them micro brands, most of them made on demand. Great kit, but not the sort of thing you’ll find on the shelves at your local outdoor retailer.
Now we do the opposite.
There are plenty of European outdoor brands with proper distribution — brands you can actually walk into a shop and buy today. Here are five of them, all covered in full articles on InEurope.eu.
🇩🇪 Ortlieb — Waterproof bags and panniers, Germany
Ortlieb makes waterproof bags that are genuinely waterproof — not water-resistant, not splash-proof, waterproof. Made in Germany, with a reputation built over decades by cycle tourers, backpackers, and serious adventurers. If your kit stays dry in a downpour, there’s a fair chance you’ve got Ortlieb.
🇫🇷 ArteFact — Upcycled outdoor backpakcs and bags, France & Portugal
ArteFact makes bags from recycled materials — think old sailcloth, industrial offcuts, and reclaimed fabrics. Every piece is unique. They’re tough, functional, and come with an honest story behind every stitch. Made in France and Portugal, this is exactly the kind of brand that deserves more shelf space in outdoor shops.
🇩🇪 Leki — Trekking poles, Germany
Leki has been making trekking poles in Germany for over 75 years. Used by beginners and elite trail runners alike, their ANTISHOCK system and ergonomic grips have become an industry benchmark. You’ll find them in virtually every serious outdoor shop — and for good reason.
🇬🇧 Nikwax — Waterproofing and gear care, England
Nikwax makes products that restore the water-repellent performance of your outdoor clothing and footwear. Founded in 1977 in the UK and still fluorocarbon-free — a deliberate choice, long before sustainability became a marketing buzzword. You’ll find it in most outdoor shops, often near the till. Are you using it yet?
🇸🇪 Trangia — Outdoor stoves, Sweden
Trangia has been making the same windproof alcohol stove system for over 90 years — and honestly, there’s nothing wrong with that. Made in Sweden, simple to use, and built to last a lifetime. A classic in camping shops and still the go-to cooking solution for minimalist hikers and bikepacking adventurers.
InEurope now has nearly 250 European outdoor gear brands in its database. Less than half have been written up so far (april 2026).
