Ortlieb
Background
In 1982, Hartmut Ortlieb founded today’s Ortlieb in Nürnberg, Germany but has since relocated to the franconian town of Heilsbronn, not far from Nuremberg in 1997. Ortlieb celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2007 as a builder of strong and waterproof outdoor gear.
The first products were made due to a personal need by the founder for waterproof equipment that wasn’t available at the time!
Ortlieb’s first products were created in a backyard garage in preparation of Hartmut's first long bicycle and climbing tours. Dry bags and bicycle panniers were hand-made on his mother’s sewing machine using truck tarpaulin.
What started very simple has developed into a leading high-tech enterprise with 100 employees. Ortlieb’s collection has grown to include over 300 individual products.
Ortlieb's products are characterized by tightly sealed closure systems: for example roll closures, waterproof zippers, velcro, or sliding seal closures. Many of the design features are patented and serve as the benchmark in the bike and outdoor market.
