Q3 2024

Scottish outdoor clothing manufacturer Keela Outdoors was born and bred on the foothills of the country’s Highlands, as a product of its environment that was created for and by these surroundings. Even now, more than 35 years later, innovation remains a cornerstone of both these products and their manufacturing, with the company striving to empower more people to unlock the endless benefits the great outdoors bring by giving them the tools to do so comfortably. For this, we have named Keela Outdoors as the Best Waterproof Jacket Brand 2024 – UK. Quality Outdoor Kit Without the Designer Price Tag For over three decades, Keela Outdoors has remained a family-operated business, and is one of incredibly few outdoor brands to still have a manufacturing site in the UK. It is not simply this that sets the company apart in this industry however, and arguably the defining point of Keela Outdoors’ operation is the unrivalled knowledge of outdoor technology that it possesses, something that makes its way into every item comprising this vast portfolio of weatherproof clothing and equipment. The company’s dedication to this field and its signature performance-driven approach to project design is reflected in the brand’s longstanding partnerships with fellow British outdoor-based professionals, including mountain rescue teams. Such credentials have been achieved in part thanks to the company’s award-winning System Dual Protection (SDP) technology. This distinguishing feature offers the wearer superior breathability, waterproofing, and condensation control, even in the most extreme weather conditions. Exceptional performance has been reported back across the board, something that was underpinned further only last year, when the SEO Expedition Company set out on a trip to retrace the steps taken by the Heroes of Telemark during the Second World War. The ex-special forces and retired military personnel who undertook this journey were provided with Keela clothing thanks to a partnership between these two companies, keeping them protected against the cold weather and looking incredibly stylish in the process. Aside from making high-performance outdoor clothing that is reasonably priced, Keela Outdoors is equally passionate about sustainability. The launching of its Legacy Programme last year marked a turning point in the brand’s ongoing commitment to this field, with this initiative designed to spark a movement by not only making outdoor gear last longer, but also repurposing old equipment. A further example of this dedication can be found in the Keela Hospital. From almost day one, this repair scheme has seen garments on their last legs rescued – achieved by stitching, patching, sealing, bonding, and everything in between. “The Legacy Programme has brought challenges as the interest and demand have been phenomenal”, explains Sales Director San Fernando. “We are seeing more customers returning jackets for repair which has been wonderful, however, it has also been tricky to keep up with the demand.” To help support each through these challenging periods, staff at Keela Outdoors leverage the family ties that the business was built on and that still permeate its internal culture to this day. For San, “the beauty of working in a SME family business is the closeness and bonds we form. Family isn’t just about blood; it’s about how we care for and support each other. It’s about building a community, fostering trust, and ensuring everyone feels valued.” This overarching spirit of togetherness is what continues to drive the business. It is on the back of such strong values that Keela Outdoors has been able to put a robust plan in place for the next five years, a roadmap that is seeing the brand double down on its eco-friendly commitment to craft sustainable outdoor gear that does not compromise on quality. A perfect example of this can be seen in its new extreme cold weather clothing item: the Keela Expedition Munro Jacket. This piece of high-performance outdoor clothing has been designed to be used in some of the world’s most extreme places, and it is already being celebrated with industry acclaim. The coming years are also set to see Keela Outdoors work behind the scenes to upgrade a number of the technological features that distinguish both its eco-friendly outdoor apparel and the experience that it provides to partners and customers. As well as this, the brand is also continuing to build strong relationships with outdoor professionals and even broaden its horizons to engage with more local communities. Ultimately, it is the combination of all of the above that makes Keela Outdoors so unique, with everything from its waterproof breathable jackets to its mountain rescue equipment being grounded in more than 35 years of experience and strong family values that see excellence demonstrated at every turn. Contact: San Fernando Company: Keela Outdoors Web Address: https://keelaoutdoors.com/

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==