About
VAUDE SUSTAINABLE OUTDOOR PRODUCTS
VAUDE means environmentally friendly outdoor products made with fair production methods. The German family business with headquarters in Tettnang was founded in 1974 by Albrecht von Dewitz. The company’s name VAUDE derived from the initials vD of his surname and is pronounced [fau´de].
Thinking with foresight. Being considerate in our dealings with others. Acting from the heart. This is how we can move forward. In outdoor sports. In everyday life. And in the development of sustainable products. Because future generations will only be able to enjoy the mountains and a pristine planet if we conserve what we love.
PRODUCTS THAT MEET THE GREEN STANDARD
We show that it is possible: Made with resource-saving materials. Produced under fair conditions. And powerful for you. This is how outdoor equipment should be.
If you would like to find out more about how we take responsibility with our Green Shape Standard, for example by using recycled and renewable materials or with the help of low-pollutant production processes, take a look at our holistic approach here.
MADE IN GERMANY
Designed in Germany and made in Germany: At our headquarters, we manufacture high-quality, waterproof bags and backpacks for bike tours, urban cycling and daily life.
Read more about our production in Germany and our Made in Germany products here.
WHERE DOES THE VAUDE NAME COME FROM?
VAUDE is one of the best-known companies in the outdoor industry, a sustainability pioneer with a transparent sustainability report, a German Alpine Club (DAV) partner, and it's hard to imagine many closets and gear stores without it. But two questions are asked again and again: Where does the name VAUDE come from? And how do you actually pronounce VAUDE?
Albrecht von Dewitz is the VAUDE founder and name giver
The pronunciation is quite simple! VD [fau'de], like the two letters V and D on german spoken one after the other. The company name goes back to our Company founder Albrecht von Dewitz. The middle and last name initial was his early nickname, as he was amicably called that in his climbing group. Since VAUDE is a German company, the V and D are pronounced in German. This is exactly the most common misunderstanding, many who read VAUDE think the company name is pronounced English or French.
To make it less complicated, we simply auditioned this on TikTok.
VAUDE is an Owner-managed family business
VAUDE is still a family business and owner-managed. Albrecht von Dewitz founded the company in 1974. In 2009, his daughter Antje von Dewitz took over the management of the company and developed VAUDE into a pioneer in sustainability and responsible business practices, which has already received many awards.
VAUDE stands for attitude and commitment
So V and D, those are still the initials of the managing director and owner Antje von Dewitz: When we say "fau'de", we are also always a bit proud of the commitment and attitude of the von Dewitz family.
REASONS TO CHOOSE VAUDE
ECO FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
We offer many environmentally friendly products that you can choose from with a clear conscience. All products that bear the Green Shape label are functional, environmentally friendly, made with sustainable materials and manufactured under fair production methods.
FAIR PRODUCTS
Together with the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF), we are committed to ensuring good working conditions and fair wages at our worldwide suppliers, who are regularly monitored.
EASY TO REPAIR
We help you to maintain your equipment properly so that you can enjoy it as long as possible. And if something breaks down, our products are designed to be easily repaired, whether on your own or through our repair workshops.
TESTED AND RECOMMENDED
Athletes and experts regularly test and evaluate our products. Numerous product awards confirm that you can rely on your VAUDE equipment.