We have already been able to test and experience quite a bit of outdoor clothing. We recently had the opportunity to test some clothing from Vaude for our outdoor trip to Lapland. Of course we wanted that, so some new Vaude clothing went with us on our Autumn trip to the far North of Finnish Lapland.
This blog was written by travel writer and Traveltomtom team member Ashley. She received Vaude clothing for men and women, to test extensively and to write this review about Vaude outdoor clothing.
About Vaude
The story of Vaude begins in the 1970s. Founder Albrecht von Dewitz is a true mountain sports enthusiast. Back then, 'outdoor' was not at all the concept it is today. But he already saw and recognized the great market potential of this product group. In 1974 he started the company VAUDE, which he named after his initials v. D.
The rest is now history, because this one-man business turned into one of the leading mountain sports and outdoor brands in Europe.
Vaude is an originally German company. They consciously produce in their factory at the head office in Tettnang, Germany. This is their expression of support for Germany as a location that they will continue to strengthen in the future.
Check out the Vaude Store on Amazon.
Vaude Rethink! recycling concept
Vaude has been a leader in the field of sustainability for many years. They recently launched their new Rethink! concept. The goal of Rethink? Making the clothing industry circular step by step.
How does this new Rethink! concept work in practice?
To achieve a circular product, Vaude has rethought many elements of outdoor clothing and equipment as part of this circular Rethink! concept. An important part of this is to manufacture detachable parts and products from one material. This way you take a big step in making an outdoor product recyclable. However, this is often at the expense of the functionality of the product. Vaude has presented its Rethink! products, however, a solution has been found that ensures that the product is completely recyclable.
Below are a number of examples of solutions that Vaude has come up with.
Innovative weather protection made of polyester: many outdoor products have a coating that protects against wetness. This coating is often environmentally unfriendly and difficult to recycle. For the Rethink! collection, VAUDE uses a PET coating, which means the entire product can be recycled.
Cords and adjustments: all cords, cord stoppers, zipper pulls and Velcro closures used in the Rehtink! collection are made entirely of recycled PET and can therefore be recycled without any problems.
Below is also the visualization of Vaude's Rethink! circulation model.
Elope short
Vaude allowed us to receive and test their Elope Short. The elope short is part of their Rethink! products. The Elope short is a light and sporty outdoor short. The shorts are multi-use, which means that they are ideal for multiple outdoor activities. Consider, for example, walking, climbing, trekking and cycling. The trousers also have a water and dirt-repellent finish. That's clearly visible, the rain is literally rolling off your pants! The pants also have the so-called 4-way stretch. This ensures that you have a lot of freedom of movement and a high level of wearing comfort with these shorts.
We took these shorts on an outdoor trip to Finland. We did all kinds of outdoor activities here. Lots of walking, kayaking and a number of trips with an e-fat bike. We wore these shorts frequently during these activities. Especially because they are such incredibly nice shorts. Lightweight shorts that fit extremely well and comfortable. Really ideally suited for outdoor activities.
Valsorda fleece hoodie
The Valsorda Fleece hoodie is a cardigan with a cuddly soft inside. This fleece hoodie also has 4-way stretch. When wearing this vest you will experience a lot of freedom of movement and high wearing comfort. The vest has two pockets on the front, which is very handy.
The vest also has thumb loops and a hood. It is ideal for wearing all year round. Extremely suitable for wearing individually or as a warming midlayer under the rain jacket.
We traveled to Finland in the fall, which can be a changeable season. This vest turned out to be the most suitable travel gear we could wish for. It was the perfect outer layer during this trip and kept us warm all day long. It is also very comfortable and nice to wear during activities. So this vest is an overall winner.
Simony IV 2,5-Layer Rain Jacket
This raincoat combines the best of the best. A waterproof, windproof and highly breathable lightweight raincoat. Extremely suitable for any outdoor activity. This can easily be carried in any backpack. From experience, this is a really nice rain jacket. The price for this one is significant, but you definitely get quality in return.
Find all Vaude outdoor clothing on Amazon.
Our honest opinion about Vaude
The Elope Short, Valsorda fleece hoodie and Simony rain jacket were our first introduction to the outdoor brand Vaude. We can only say that this introduction leaves us wanting more. The products we received and took with us on our trip are top notch in everything. Very high quality products. You notice this in the clothing itself, you feel that it is good quality. The wearing comfort is absolutelyexcellent. Also the fact that Vaude is so committed to sustainability and concepts such as Rethink! develops, appeals to us enormously. Companies that are involved in this definitely have an advantage for us.
Vaude is not cheap in the world of outdoor clothing. But if you choose Vaude, you choose and receive absolutely high-quality clothing. Sometimes it pays to pay a little more and get the best quality. That is absolutely the case with Vaude.