Britain’s affinity with the great outdoors dates back centuries. But widespread demand for specialist outdoor clothing really started in the 1930s, when fellwalking and rambling first became popular pastimes.
Some of this was borne out of necessity. Being out for several hours exposed to the elements demanded more protection than the typical fashions or fabrics of the day could offer (though that didn’t stop hardened hillwalkers like Wainwright from venturing out in nothing more technical than his ‘third-best tweed suit’, as his son famously recollected).
Most early outdoor gear was derived from military wear or mountaineering and climbing apparel. For the most part, these garments were simple and functional in both design and appearance.
This started to change in the early 1960s, when some of the best-known British outdoor brands were established, driven by a desire to make stuff that was better than what was already available. A flurry of more technical clothing and apparel appeared down the decades, embracing new technologies, materials and construction techniques.
Famous names
Despite more than half a century of ups and downs, many of these pioneering British brands have stood the test of time and remain major market leaders today. Names like Berghaus, Mountain Equipment, Rab, Montane and Sprayway are still hillwalking favourites.
Of course, they’ve had to move with the times. Garment and textile manufacturing across Britain declined drastically in the post-war period, which meant that production was invariably outsourced overseas.
This was partly driven by cost, but also the widespread transfer of skills, technology and manufacturing capacity to countries like China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Bangladesh. British companies aren’t alone in this regard: the same holds true for most of the big US and European brands.
However, many of our home-grown brands are still based in the UK, even if they no longer make things here. So buying their gear supports innumerable jobs in the UK outdoor industry.
And don’t forget that UK-based companies are taxed on their profits, which again supports the domestic economy. This is a big deal: according to an Outdoor Industries Association report, the UK outdoor industry is estimated to be worth around £1.5 billion at retail.
Independent makers
A few fiercely independent companies also stuck stubbornly to their commitment to make stuff here at home, even if only on a small scale. More recently, they’ve been joined by a new wave of gear makers who are demonstrating that sustainable manufacturing and commercial viability can go hand in hand with traditional skills and heritage materials.
Did you know, for example, that there are firms in the Cairngorms and the Isle of Skye turning out waterproof jackets made in Scotland? Or specialist pack makers in the Lake District carefully crafting everything from ultralight backpacking rucksacks to tough-as-nails Alpine packs?
Though most of these are small players in a big market, they deserve our support. They’re actively aiding job creation and retention, strengthening local economies and communities, and supporting or reinvigorating traditional manufacturing skills.
Then there’s the fact that a ‘Made in the UK’ label is also a safer bet from a sustainability standpoint. Britain’s high quality and safety standards ensure durable and reliable products for both buyers and workers.
Domestic production makes it easier to monitor and audit conditions, as well as traceability of materials and transparency of supply chains. There’s a reduced environmental impact, too, due to the smaller carbon footprint associated with the transport of both raw materials and finished products.
So next time you’re shopping for outdoor kit, it’s worth checking the label as well as the logo. That’ll help you to identify not just brands with British roots, but also perhaps kit that is actually made in the United Kingdom.
Still made on these shores: 30 top Britkit brands
Scotland
Black’s of Greenock (Est 1861)
Black’s started life as a sailmaker on the banks of the River Clyde, but gradually pivoted to canvas tents. They’re still designed and assembled in Glasgow today, made from heavy duty 12oz proofed cotton canvas.
Certainly not for backpacking then, but much-loved by glampers, scouts and youth groups. Did you know that Black’s still makes the iconic Force Ten orange canvas ridge tents – a classic design largely unchanged for over 40 years.
Cioch (Est 1988)
This small independent outdoor outfitter hails from the Isle of Skye. Owners Neil and Helen Urquhart make their waterproofs and windproofs in the shadow of the Cuillins, using the same Nikwax Analogy fabrics developed by Páramo.
Cioch's Perfect Fit service allows you to order any garment to your exact sizes and specifications.
Harvey Maps (Est 1977)
Based in Doune, Perthshire, Harvey is the maker of much-loved outdoor maps like the 1:40k British Mountain Map and the 1:25k Superwalker series, which pioneered innovative user-friendly features such as contour shading.
Each map is printed in Britain on coated polyethylene film, which ensures they are tearproof and waterproof.
Hilltrek (Est 1994)
This small gearmaker designs and hand-crafts jackets, smocks, windshirts, trousers, breeches, shirts and accessories from a workshop in Aboyne, Royal Deeside, on the edge of the Cairngorms.
Hilltrek specialises in garments made from Ventile, a densely-woven, long-staple cotton whose fibres swell when wet to create a weatherproof barrier.
Keela (Est 1989)
This brand has built a reputation for tough, dependable kit – like the Keela Pinnacle, pictured above. This perhaps explains why it’s a favourite among Mountain Rescue teams.
Although most of the technical clothing is made in its Sri Lanka factory (which is 100% Keela owned and operated), other products are still made at the UK HQ in Glenrothes, Fife – including some of the professional, tactical/military and heritage ranges.
Did you know that brand founder Rube Fernando invented the first ever seam-sealing machine, which revolutionised the production of waterproof clothing?
England
Aiguille Alpine (Est 1987)
Based in Staveley, Cumbria, Aiguille crafts tough, durable packs for climbing and hillwalking, as well as expedition-ready kit for polar expeditions, big wall climbing and wilderness canoeing.
Established for over three decades, it’s built an enviable reputation for its classic ‘bomber’ mountain packs. All Aiguille products are manufactured on site in the Lake District.
Atom Packs (Est 2018)
One of the few UK manufacturers of ultralight packs, Atom Packs is based in Braithwaite, near Keswick. Led by founder Tom Gale (an experienced British thru hiker with some of the world’s longest trails under his belt), it makes all packs in-house.
Though there are a few off-the-shelf options, most are also made to order. This means that you can specify your preferred sizing, features and colours to create a unique and totally bespoke pack. We liked the concept so much that we gave Atom Packs a Trail Gear of the Year award in 2023.
Take a look at our review of the Atom+ EP50 customisable backpack for more info.
Kendal Mint Cake (Est c.1869)
It’d be easy to assume that – just like HP Sauce and various other classics – production of Kendal Mint Cake would long since have been shifted abroad. But thankfully, the famed fellwalking snack is still faithfully made in Kendal by both the oldest brand (Quiggin’s) and the biggest (Romney’s).
Did you know that Sir Ed Hillary and his team carried Romney’s Kendal Mint Cake with them on the 1953 Everest expedition?
Walsh (Est 1961)
This historic footwear factory was founded by Norman Walsh more than 60 years ago. Over the years it has kitted out top footballers, rugby players and cricketers, not to mention Olympic athletes and marathon runners.
However, its most enduring products are the classic ‘PB’ fell running shoes, first introduced in 1970 and still proudly made in Bolton to this day.
Mountain Method (Est 1981)
This family business specialises in the small-scale manufacture of high-quality waterproof gear, all lovingly made in Millom, Cumbria. Virtually all fabrics are sourced in the UK or Europe, ranging from coated nylon and cotton Ventile to 3-layer eVent.
Garments can be made to measure too, offering a custom, bespoke solution for hillwalkers of all shapes and sizes.
Mountain King (Est 1994)
This Newcastle-based manufacturer specialises in premium trekking and trail running poles, designed for ultra runners, mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts.
From its factory on Tyneside, it turns out high-quality UK-made aluminium and carbon fibre poles, including the excellent Super Trekker, Expedition and TrailBlaze series.
Terra Nova (Est 1980)
The umbrella brand for Terra Nova and Wild Country tents as well as Extremities gloves and accessories, Terra Nova Equipment is indelibly associated with its Derbyshire home.
Although most production is now outsourced overseas, the brand’s high-end expedition and ultralight DCF tents are still made in its Derbyshire factory.
See our review of the Terra Nova Jupiter Lite (pictured above).
Aquapac (Est 1983)
This family-run business is one of the world’s most successful manufacturers of waterproof cases. Whatever you need to keep dry and protected, whether it’s a map, a passport, a phone or a VHF radio, Aquapac probably makes a case to fit – and they’re all made in Nelson, Lancashire.
PHD (Est 1998)
Another company formed by the late, great Peter Hutchinson – who also founded Mountain Equipment back in the 1960s – PHD is a small, fiercely independent gear maker that specialises in insulated clothing and sleeping bags.
From its site in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, it turns out supremely warm layers, including cutting edge 1,000 fill power down jackets.
Altberg (Est 1989)
This traditional bootmaker is based in Richmond, Yorkshire, where a specialist workshop crafts technical walking boots and custom-made footwear. Famously, Altberg offers several models built on special lasts and up to five widths.
The brand also makes boots under contract for military and law enforcement, as well as for the general public, though most larger volumes are produced in its Italian factory.
They do vegan walking boots, too. The Altberg Dalesway boot features in our list of the best vegan walking boots.
Buffalo Systems (Est 1979)
Best known for its ‘Double P’ clothing systems, consisting of a windproof Pertex nylon shell combined with a soft and shaggy inner pile liner for fast-wicking warmth, Buffalo Systems was the brainchild of obsessive climber and gear designer Hamish Hamilton.
Today the company continues his legacy, manufacturing all its products, including icons like the Mountain Shirt and Special Six Shirt, in Sheffield, Yorkshire.
Alpkit (Est 2004)
One of the big success stories of the British outdoor industry in recent years, Alpkit’s direct-to-consumer model helped to disrupt traditional distribution and retail models.
And though much of the brand’s gear is outsourced to Asia, it has made some products in the United Kingdom right from the start. Today that includes its bikepacking range, bouldering mats and waxed cotton packs. You can also have products repaired, reproofed and relofted by Alpkit’s in-store teams across the UK.
Check out the Alpkit Airlock Xtra 20L in our review of the best dry bags.
Snugpak (Est 1977)
A pioneer in lightweight and compact synthetic insulation, Snugpak is today best known for its Softie sleeping bags and super-warm smocks – many of which are still popular among military users.
Commendably, much of this range is still made proper in Keighley, with some Snugpak sleeping bags proudly emblazoned with the white rose and the words ‘Made in Yorkshire’.
Hitch and Roam (Est 2024)
A new brand out of Bristol, Hitch and Roam creates rugged goods from heritage fabrics. The flagship line is a series of National Park blankets, with signature stripes inspired by the tonal landscapes of our best loved parks. Each blanket is made from 100% pure virgin wool, spun by historic mill AW Hainsworth in Yorkshire, with 5% of proceeds donated to the National Parks Foundation.
Rab (Est 1981)
Probably the biggest and best-known outdoor brand on this list, Rab was originally founded by climber Rab Carrington in Sheffield, though as part of Equip Outdoor its UK HQ is now located in Derbyshire.
All the products are designed in-house in the UK, though almost all are made in Asia. The exceptions are Rab’s high-grade down sleeping bags, like the Rab Neutrino 400. These are hand-filled and finished in the UK.
Sealskinz (Est 1996)
With roots in Purell, a company making waterproof membranes, Sealskinz began as a spin-off business selling waterproof socks. It has since added gloves, hats, clothing and other accessories to the product range – many of which are made in its factory in King’s Lynn, Norfolk.
Pacmat (Est 2015)
These clever sit-mats are comfortable and waterproof but also lightweight and packable – perfect for stashing in a daypack and spreading out when you stop for lunch or a rest, stopping you from getting a cold, wet and muddy bum.
They come in a variety of sizes and prints too, including maps of national parks and other favourite spots. All are designed and manufactured in Britain.
Nikwax (Est 1977)
The first company set up by Páramo founder Nick Brown, Nikwax went from humble origins making a wax for reproofing leather boots to become one of the world’s biggest producers of aftercare and industrial treatments for outdoor gear.
The company has always been focused on sustainable, environmentally-friendly products, all of which are made in Wadhurst, East Sussex.
Firepot (Est 2017)
Launched with just four recipes out of a small Dorset barn, Firepot is now one of the best-known expedition food brands. Pre-cooked and then dehydrated without artificial additives or preservatives, they’re a popular choice amongst lightweight backpackers.
The brand’s range includes British classics like beef stew, baked beans and er, chicken curry, all still produced in the UK.
Moorswood (Est 2019)
Based on the edge of Dartmoor, Moorswood makes luxury field rugs and portable picnic mats (known as ‘Ramblers Rolls’) from heritage materials such as Harris tweed and British waxed cotton sourced from Halley Stevensons in Dundee.
Ordnance Survey (Est c.1791)
Britain’s mapping agency will be familiar to all hillwalkers and outdoor enthusiasts. Originally set up to produce military surveys, it’s now a modern data powerhouse – albeit one steeped in history.
All 243,241 square kilometres of Great Britain are surveyed and up to 20,000 changes are put into the database daily from its HQ in Southampton, Hampshire. And all OS paper maps are still printed in the UK.
Ghillie Kettle (Est c.1920)
These aluminium kettles are powered by wood, twigs and whatever else you can find, with a super-efficient ‘volcano’ design that can boil water in a few minutes.
Based on a traditional pattern, this brand’s version adds a handy whistling spout. Though a little hefty to take backpacking, they’re great for base camp use. And best of all, they’re all hand-spun and manufactured in the Midlands.
Finisterre (Est 2003)
Founded by Tom Kay in a flat above a Cornish surf shop, Finisterre has built a reputation as one of the most eco-conscious British outdoor brands.
It works with factories across the globe, but this also includes UK-based mills, with a collection of British wool hats, socks and knitwear all forming part of the product range.
Northern Ireland
Bridgedale (Est 1983)
Bridgedale’s factory is located at the tip of Strangford Lough, Newtownards, near Belfast in Northern Ireland. It’s a site that’s been associated with sock-making since WWI, and some workers have more than 40 years’ experience there
Wales
DMM (Est 1981)
This Welsh manufacturer is the only major brand still making climbing hardware here in the UK. It’s still independent, still based in Eryri (Snowdonia), and still fiercely proud of its products, which encompass everything from carabiners to ice axes.
All hard goods are still made in its factory in Llanberis, which boasts a range of impressive heavy machinery from steel presses to hot-forging furnaces.