In this episode of our Inside the Outdoors, I interview Bill Hartrampf, President of Deuter, USA. With the tectonic shift in consumer buying and rapid changes in outdoor marketing, Bill talks about these challenges and other topics.
Deuter was founded in 1898 manufacturing mailbags and from there expanded into a variety of other outdoor gear products. In 1928 Deuter sponsors its first major mountaineering expedition starting a tradition of testing gear and taking that input to improve and create new products. Deuter pioneered the use of Nylon fabric in backpacks (1968) and launched its mountain biking backpacks in 1990 pioneering the use of “air frame mesh” technology in them. Deuter USA was launched in 2001 under the direction of Patry Loomis.
Bill was selected to lead Deuter USA in 2008. Prior to that, he worked for Deuter in Germany. Deuter is a leader in the design and manufacturing of backpacks for women and carrying children on hikes.
Deuter's USA goal: reduce the negative impact of our actions on nature.
"When it comes to how we treat the environment, there are no compromises. We're not ones to just talk about doing something; we are constantly making decisions and implementing actions that benefit our surroundings as well as the quality and durability of our packs. Every step of our journey is committed to environmental and social responsibility - an integral part of Deuter since 1898."
