Lafuma
| Company type | Public (since 1997) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Outdoor clothing and equipment |
| Founded | 1930 |
| Founder | Victor Lafuma, Alfred Lafuma, Gabriel Lafuma |
| Headquarters | Anneyron , France |
Area served | Worldwide (Europe, Asia, North America) |
Key people | Philippe Joffard (restructurer, descendant of founders) |
| Products | Outdoor clothing, backpacks, sleeping bags, footwear, camping furniture |
| Owner | Calida Group (Swiss) |
Lafuma is a French enterprise headquartered in Anneyron, Drôme, specializing in the design and manufacture of outdoor clothing, backpacks, sleeping bags, footwear, and camping furniture. Established in 1930 by Victor, Alfred, and Gabriel Lafuma, the brand is renowned for its robust and high-performance products tailored for hiking, mountaineering, and various outdoor pursuits. Its portfolio includes brands such as Eider and Millet, and it operates under the umbrella of the Swiss Calida Group.
History
The Lafuma brothers founded the company in 1930 in Anneyron, initially focusing on backpack production. In 1936, they launched a backpack featuring a metal frame, broadening their product range. During World War II, Lafuma supplied gear to both the French Army and, under occupation, to the Wehrmacht. Post-war, the company resumed civilian manufacturing and expanded into camping furniture by 1954.
After encountering financial difficulties in 1984, the company was restructured by Philippe Joffard, a descendant of the founders. The following year, Lafuma started producing sleeping bags and gradually relocated some manufacturing operations to Tunisia (1986) and Hungary (1992). In 1995, it acquired the brands Millet and Le Chameau; however, Le Chameau was divested in 2012.
Lafuma went public on the CAC Small stock exchange in 1997, which reduced the founding family’s ownership to approximately 15%. It expanded its brand portfolio by acquiring Ober, a jeans label, in 2004 and surfwear brand Oxbow in 2005. The Swiss group Calida Group took over Lafuma in 2013, incorporating it into its outdoor apparel division. By 2017, Lafuma divested Oxbow to concentrate on its primary outdoor brands.
Products and brands
Lafuma provides an extensive selection of outdoor gear and apparel including backpacks, sleeping bags, footwear, and camping furniture aimed at hiking, camping, and mountaineering enthusiasts. Their products incorporate innovative materials designed for longevity, weather protection, and comfort, positioning them alongside competitors such as Patagonia and Columbia Sportswear.
The brand lineup consists of: - Lafuma: Specializes in outdoor apparel, backpacks, and camping furniture. - Millet: Focuses on mountaineering gear and technical clothing. - Eider: Offers technical outerwear suited for skiing and other outdoor activities.
Operations
As of 2025, Lafuma maintains production sites across France, Tunisia, Morocco, and China, with its main headquarters located in Anneyron, Drôme and administrative centers situated in Annecy. Approximately 60% of its revenue is generated within France while it continues expanding its presence across European, Asian, and North American markets. The company emphasizes sustainability by integrating recycled materials and environmentally responsible manufacturing techniques into its processes.