Kohla, founded in Austria in 1932, embodies mountaineering excellence with its innovative, durable products, over 80% of which are manufactured in Tyrol, combining tradition and modernity.
Kohla is an iconic mountaineering brand, founded in Innsbruck in 1932 by Max Kohla. From the outset, the company has focused on manufacturing mountaineering products "made in Tyrol". Located in the heart of the Alps, Kohla quickly developed a range of products including skins, poles and various hiking equipment. Innovation was at the heart of their development, with the production of the first nylon backpacks and the revolutionary use of aluminum for pole construction. In the 1970s, these advances enabled Kohla to become synonymous with mountaineering, offering not only its own products but also customized models for other renowned manufacturers.
In 2003, a major turning point came when the Span brothers from the Tyrolean Stubaital took over the Kohla brand. They restructured the company under the name Ibex Sportartikel GmbH, while retaining existing staff and production. This new direction has enabled Kohla to refocus on its very essence: developing, producing and testing its products locally in Tyrol. Thanks to this geographical proximity to their customers, they are able to rapidly integrate feedback into their design and continuous improvement processes.
Kohla continues to be recognized for its excellence with several prestigious awards such as two ISPO Awards (2013/14 and 2015/16). The brand also stands out for its ability to manufacture over 80% of its products in Austria or Tyrol, making a significant contribution to environmental protection while supporting its workforce locally. To find out more about their varied range, including water bottles, feel free to explore our related categories such as Katadyn, Water to Go, or Lifestraw. As the undisputed leader in this segment, Kohla remains a benchmark against other competing brands.