How our VAUDE pannier bags are made | Eurobike Cycling Blog

Our long-standing partner VAUDE

The story of VAUDE began in 1974 with the company’s founding by Albrecht von Dewitz. Back in the 1970s, the term “outdoor” was virtually unknown, and high-quality mountaineering gear was rather hard to come by.

Since 1980, VAUDE has been producing high-quality bike and lifestyle bags, as well as backpacks, at its new company headquarters in Tettnang-Obereisenbach near Lake Constance. To this day, products continue to be crafted at this location, proudly "Made in Germany."

In 2009, Albrecht’s daughter, Antje von Dewitz, took over the management of VAUDE and began transforming the company into a fully sustainable business. A year later, the “Green Shape” label was introduced, setting a standard for environmentally friendly outdoor products. By 2015, VAUDE achieved Leader status with the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF) for its strong commitment to fair working conditions in the global textile industry.

VAUDE proves that a company can operate sustainably, with responsibility for both people and nature, while still being economically successful.

Outdoor products and bike products „Made in Germany“

Since 1980, high-quality backpacks, bike, and lifestyle bags have been made at the company’s location near Lake Constance. In 1995, the company specialized in the production of waterproof products at this site.

In the manufactory, a high-frequency welding process is used, allowing the individual components to be fused together. This creates 100% waterproof "seams" without the need for a needle to puncture the material.

What sets VAUDE’s high-quality products apart is that each one is individually crafted. Up to 30 different steps are required before you can hold your favorite VAUDE product in your hands. This process begins with punching out the material pieces, followed by the bonding process, finishing, quality control, and packaging. Each piece is handmade using special machines.

Foto: VAUDE

What happens to the leftover materials?

Even with optimized cutting patterns, material scraps are produced when the individual pieces are punched out. But what happens to these production waste materials? As you might have guessed, the scraps are recycled as efficiently as possible. The polyethylene punch waste is recycled, while only the remnants of the coated tarp materials need to be disposed of in general waste. However, VAUDE is working on finding ways to recycle these materials as well.

Some of it is put to good use in the meantime—at VAUDE's in-house upcycling workshop in Obereisenbach. Here, leftover materials are transformed into amazing, one-of-a-kind creations like luggage tags, bags in various sizes, or sleeves.

Foto: VAUDE

Foto: VAUDE

Foto: VAUDE

Foto: VAUDE

Foto: VAUDE

The production of our panniers

We ensure that every component of our rental bikes meets the highest quality standards for our guests. Each bike is meticulously designed for smooth, reliable performance on our tours throughout Europe.

We hold the same high standards for our accessories. That’s why we sought a partner who produces top-quality handlebar and pannier bags while sharing our values of quality, social responsibility, and sustainability. We found the perfect match in VAUDE. The spacious and waterproof bags from the Aqua series are the perfect complement to our bikes. They are durable and easy to handle—ideal for their intended purpose. The custom design in yellow and the weather-resistant branding featuring our “Eurobike” logo add the finishing touch.

The durable bags are manufactured at VAUDE's Tettnang facility in their in-house workshop. The material, specially dyed in yellow, is a PVC-free tarpaulin that is bonded by a high-frequency welding process to be waterproof. Our Eurobike logo is prominently displayed on the front of the bags. The spacious panniers feature a flexible rolltop and can be mounted on both the rear and front racks. Phones or maps are securely stored in the handlebar bag, and the roomy interior provides ample space for everything that needs to be within easy reach.

The durable and weather-resistant custom-made bike bags have impressed us for many years and are also a popular gift among our guests. Those who take advantage of our early bird bonus and book an Eurobike Original tour can choose between a €20 discount per person or a high-quality VAUDE bag.