Salewa - a global player in the outdoor sports sector

Salewa was founded in 1935 by Josef Liebhart from Munich as a subsidiary of the Sattler—und Tapezierer—Einkaufsgenossenschaft (saddler and upholsterer purchasing cooperative). Salewa stands for Saddler (Sa) Leather (le) wares (wa). While camera bags were the main source of revenue at the beginning, footballs, motorcycle bags, and ski poles were soon added to the portfolio. They quickly became the company's most important products.
In 1955, Salewa developed the Andes backpack for Hermann Huber, who was on an expedition to the Andes. The backpack was unique for its time and safely accompanied the future managing director through the backcountry. This was the first of many innovations that Salewa would develop in the future. 
Salewa sets new standards with fully adjustable lightweight crampons and the hollow ice screw, making it one of the pioneers in outdoor activities. The hollow ice screw is still the standard for ice screws today. 
In 1979, the eagle became the Salewa brand logo. The eagle stands for quality and performance, as well as for a connection with nature. The days of footballs and motorcycle bags are over: from now on, Salewa will focus on outdoor activities. The Salewa Sierra tent marks the beginning of another success story.

Takeover of Salewa by Oberalp

With the takeover of the Oberalp Group in 1990, Salewa moved to Bolzano in South Tyrol, but the company's commitment to innovation remained. Under the slogan “Half Weight—Double Resistance,” Salewa made lightweight yet durable products. In 2001, the company developed a 350g hardshell jacket with a lightweight collection and a 33g carabiner. 
Shortly after conquering Europe and establishing branches in all the major European mountain sports markets, Salewa founded its footwear division. With hiking footwear from Salewa, styles such as the Wild Fire GTX are now considered classics. With this complete product range of shoes, clothing for men, women, and children, and outdoor equipment, Salewa is also expanding into the North American and Asian markets.

Sustainable + Salewa

With the brand's international success, a global relaunch is planned for 2014, with the entire corporate identity revised. In doing so, Salewa also focuses fully on sustainability. The Tirolwool Responsive Technology replaces any synthetic insulation materials. In addition, the Salewa brand relies on hemp, which is robust and comfortable. 
Since 2022, the Salewa Committed Label has also been in place. This label identifies particularly ecological and socially responsible manufacturing. To receive the label, Salewa products must meet various criteria. In addition to the Salewa Committed Label, Salewa relies on independent labels such as Fair Wear Foundation and Bluesign.
To keep its ecological footprint as small as possible, Salewa offers a repair service, a second-life program, and a rental service. The main building in Bolzano also meets ecological standards. The solar panels on the roof produce twice as much electricity as is needed, and organic fruit and vegetables are planted in the garden. 

Salewa: tested outdoors by pro-sportspeople

Thanks to its many years of expertise in outdoor activities, Salewa has made a name for itself, not only among amateur athletes. Numerous athletes rely on Salewa products, which are not only sponsored by Salewa but also play a significant role in product development. So you can be sure that Salewa equipment is available, whether you are looking for a new backpack, a compatible tent from Salewa, or even Salewa Via Ferrata Sets. You must meet outdoor sports requirements if you are looking for the right equipment for future adventures via Ferrata.

In addition to athletes, Salewa sponsors numerous events, such as the Red Bull X-Alps, the world's largest paragliding event, in which athletes cross the Alps by paragliding and on foot. Various mountain guides, rescue teams, and tourist areas worldwide rely on Salewa's materials and products.