In 1982, Hartmut Ortlieb founded today’s ORTLIEB Sportartikel GmbH in Nürnberg. In 1997 the firm relocated to the Middle Franconian town of Heilsbronn, not far from Nuremberg.

The first products were made in pure personal need for waterproof equipment – it wasn’t available at the time! ORTLIEB’s first products were created in a backyard garage in preparation of his first long bicycle and climbing tours: they were hand-made on his mother’s sewing machine: dry bags and bicycle panniers made of truck tarps.
What started very simple has developed into a leading high tech company with more than 140 employees. ORTLIEB’s collection has grown to include over 500 individual products. Even today, everything is located under one roof: from development to engineering, production, sales and marketing, and shipment.

ORTLIEB products are characterized by tightly sealed closure systems such as roll closures, waterproof zippers, velcro, or sliding seal closures. The numerous products with their special design features are developed by constantly new ideas of a multidisciplinary team that orientates towards the requirements of Waterproof - ORTLIEB‘s concept since 1982 the market, and thus the increasing demands of the users.

And the innovations keep on coming, and are - on an average - monthly awarded with top marks by independent juries, trade press or design agencies.

The short ways within the company allow continuity and high flexibility within the product collection. It also enables the company to custom design products according to customer wishes.

Within Germany, ORTLIEB supplies via its own distribution system directly to specialised retailers in the bike, outdoor, trekking, expedition, motorcycle and water sport markets. From the Heilsbronn production site in Germany, ORTLIEB ships worldwide to longterm distributors in more than 20 countries.

All products of our high frequency welding line are produced at our headquarters in Heilsbronn. All ORTLIEB products are backed by a 5 year warranty against defects in material and manufacturing. ORTLIEB puts high emphasis on customer service including after sales, a fact highly valued by both end consumers and retailers.

The protection of our environment plays a key role in our daily life of work and production. Furthermore, ORTLIEB is an active member of various interest organizations and working groups of the outdoor industry.

Since 2008, ORTLIEB is a member of the „Association for Conservation“ of the European Outdoor Group. This initiative collects finances and invests in projects protecting enviroment and nature all over the world.