France is renowned for producing high-quality outdoor gear, and its backpack brands are trusted by adventurers worldwide for their durability, functionality, and innovative designs.
This article highlights ten French brands specializing in backpacks, with a focus on outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking, climbing, and camping. Below, we explore their histories, product offerings, and what makes them stand out, ensuring each brand offers unique value for outdoor enthusiasts.
10 French Backpack Brands
1. Millet
Founded in 1921 by Marc Millet in Saint-Fons, near Lyon, Millet is a leading French brand specializing in mountaineering and outdoor gear. Their backpacks are designed for demanding activities like hiking, climbing, and skiing, emphasizing durability and ergonomic comfort.
Millet uses high-quality materials, such as Bluesign-approved fabrics, to ensure weather resistance and sustainability. The Trilogy series, for example, is tailored for alpine adventures, offering lightweight yet robust options for climbers. Millet’s commitment to quality makes it a top choice for serious outdoor enthusiasts. Learn more at Millet’s official website.
2. Lafuma
Established in 1930 by brothers Victor, Alfred, and Gabriel Lafuma in Anneyron, Drôme, Lafuma is a pioneer in outdoor equipment. The brand invented the first metal-framed backpack in 1936 for the French army, showcasing its early expertise in backpack design.
Today, Lafuma produces backpacks for hiking, camping, and urban travel, blending functionality with eco-friendly materials like Oeko-Tex certified fabrics and PFC-free coatings. Their backpacks are versatile, durable, and suitable for both outdoor adventures and casual use. Visit Lafuma’s official website for more details.
3. Eider
Founded in 1962 and part of the Lafuma Group, Eider specializes in technical gear for mountaineering and skiing. While primarily known for apparel, Eider’s backpacks are crafted for rugged outdoor use, featuring durable materials and weather-resistant designs.
These backpacks cater to activities like ice climbing and alpine skiing, offering reliable performance in challenging environments. Eider’s focus on functionality and quality makes it a trusted option for outdoor adventurers. Explore their range at Eider’s official website.
4. Forclaz (Decathlon)
Forclaz is Decathlon’s backpacking brand, designed at their center near Mont Blanc. Launched to make trekking accessible, Forclaz specializes in backpacks for multi-day treks, with models like the MT500 Air (50-60 liters) praised for comfort and durability. The Easyfit system allows quick adjustments for a secure fit, ideal for beginners and experienced trekkers alike.
Backed by a 10-year warranty, Forclaz backpacks are affordable and reliable, making them a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Check out their collection at Decathlon’s official website.
5. Quechua (Decathlon)
Quechua, another Decathlon brand, was created in 1997 in Domancy, France, by outdoor enthusiasts. Named after the Andean Quechua people, it focuses on hiking and camping gear. Quechua’s backpacks, like the NH100 and Mountain Hiking 40L, are affordable, durable, and designed for comfort during day hikes or short trips.
Tested near Mont Blanc, their products ensure quality for entry-level hikers. While Forclaz targets trekking, Quechua emphasizes casual hiking, justifying their distinct inclusion. Visit Decathlon’s Quechua section for more information.
6. Bleu de Chauffe
Founded over a decade ago, Bleu de Chauffe is a French brand specializing in premium leather bags and backpacks. While not exclusively outdoor-focused, their vegetable-tanned leather backpacks are durable and stylish, suitable for light outdoor activities and urban adventures.
Handcrafted in France, their products emphasize sustainability and timeless design, appealing to those seeking versatile bags for travel or casual hikes. Learn more at Bleu de Chauffe’s official website.
7. Cabaïa
Cabaïa, established in 2016, is a French brand known for customizable backpacks with interchangeable pockets. Their designs use eco-friendly materials like vegan leather and recycled fabrics, offering water-resistant options for light outdoor activities like day hikes or travel.
While popular for urban use, Cabaïa’s durable backpacks are practical for casual outdoor enthusiasts seeking style and functionality. Explore their collections at Cabaïa’s official website.
8. Petzl
Petzl, founded in the 1970s by cave explorer Fernand Petzl, specializes in climbing and caving gear. Their backpacks are designed for mountaineering and caving, featuring lightweight construction, reinforced straps, and compartments for climbing equipment.
Petzl’s focus on safety and performance makes their backpacks ideal for serious climbers tackling rugged terrains. Visit Petzl’s official website for more details.
9. RaidLight
RaidLight, founded in 1999 in Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse, focuses on lightweight gear for trail running and ultra-marathons. Their backpacks, such as the Responsiv series, are designed for agility, with features like hydration system compatibility and adjustable straps.
Tailored for outdoor athletes, RaidLight’s backpacks are perfect for long-distance treks or runs in challenging environments. Learn more at RaidLight’s official website.
10. Côte&Ciel
Founded in 2008 in Paris, Côte&Ciel (meaning “Coast and Sky”) specializes in innovative, stylish backpacks inspired by modern design. While primarily known for urban and travel bags, their products, like the Isar and Seine backpacks, use durable, water-resistant materials suitable for light outdoor activities such as day hikes.
Their focus on ergonomic design and high-quality fabrics makes them a versatile choice for outdoor and urban use. Visit Côte&Ciel’s official website.
Conclusion
These ten French backpack brands—Millet, Lafuma, Eider, Forclaz, Quechua, Bleu de Chauffe, Cabaïa, Petzl, RaidLight, and Côte&Ciel—offer a diverse range of options for outdoor enthusiasts.
From Millet’s mountaineering expertise to Forclaz and Quechua’s affordable trekking and hiking gear, each brand brings unique strengths to the table. Whether you’re scaling mountains, trail running, or enjoying a casual hike, these French manufacturers provide reliable, high-quality backpacks to enhance your outdoor adventures.
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