Tatonka: outdoor gear, backpacks and pouches for outdoor enthusiasts
Tatonka is a German brand selling backpacks that are strong, lightweight and produced as sustainably as possible. They offer products ideal for short walks or multi-day trek. The brand also offers many other outdoor accessories such as outdoor stoves and tarps. The brand name Tatonka was inspired by the film 'Dances with Wolves'. In the language of the Sioux, 'tatonka' means bison. The bison is a holy animal to the Native American people, symbolizing nature, freedom, wilderness and power. The animal also represents determination and free will, traits that Tatonka embraces as an outdoor brand.
Reasons to buy Tatonka
Tatonka GmbH is a German family-owned brand. It's one of only few companies in the outdoor industry who manufacture their products in their own factories in Vietnam. With the entire manufacturing process under their own control, this brand is able to make direct, ongoing and sustainable investments. In August 2023, they installed 850 solar panels on the roof of their factory in Binh Dinh. The electricity generated is consumed immediately and covers about 65% of the daily needs of the entire production. Thanks to the steady supply of solar power, the plant can be operated year-round with almost constant efficiency. Unique in the industry, Tatonka regularly opens its production facility to visitors.
Tatonka series
Tatonka Pyrox
Tantonka Pyrox backpacks are great for bushcraft and trekking purposes. Made from strong Cordura, these bags are MOLLE compatible so you can attach extra pouches. The newly developed carrying system of the Pyrox backpack transfers the load to the hip belt very efficiently. The large ventilated space on the back ensures carrying comfort even during intense trips. For an optimal fit, the system can be infinitely adjusted to your own back length. It is suitable for both very short and very tall people. The Pyrox is available in a 45+10 litre version and a 40+10 litre version, specially adapted to the female physique.
Tatonka Akela
The Tatonka Akela series are cool scout backpacks with a 45-litre capacity for short hikes or as a travel backpack. The specially designed carry system ensures efficient load transfer to the hip area for back-friendly carrying. To position the hip belt correctly, it must be adjusted to your specific back length. That's why these bags offer a wide range of adjustments. The hip belt can be adjusted to the length of your back.
Tatonka SQZY
The Tatonka SQZY range consists of various pouches, stuff bags, dry bags and other storage bags. The dry bags are ultra-lightweight and have taped seams and a roll closure to compress the contents and store your items completely waterproof. The rectangular bottom makes the bag very easy to pack. The bags are made of siliconised polyamide, which is PFC/PFAS-free and easily washable.
Tatonka product types
Tatonka backpacks
Tatonka's range mostly consists of backpacks. From small backpacks to large trekking backpacks for multi-day hikes. The backpacks have padded hip and shoulder straps and adjustable carrying systems for maximum comfort.
Tatonka pouches
Tatonka Universal Pouches are robust accessory bags made of Cordura. You attach them to the modular attachment system of Tatonka backpacks or any other MOLLE-compatible gear. The pouches are suitable for storing small items such as a knife, GPS, multi-tool or a torch. But it also provides space for cable ties, batteries, band-aids, electronic accessories and much more! The pouches are available in different sizes and in colours: black or stone grey olive.
Tatonka outdoor accessories
Besides backpacks and pouches, Tatonka also offers a wide selection of outdoor accessories. This includes tarps, first-aid kits, bottles, stoves, and outdoor cooking accessories. Whether you are a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or just starting to explore, Tatonka offers everything you need for a successful outdoor experience.
History of Tatonka
Tatonka, formerly known as Mountain Sports GmbH, was founded by Winfried Schechinger in Dasing, near Augsburg, in 1989. In 1993, the company branched out into Vietnam, where they built a manufacturing plant in Ho Chi Minh City and obtained an investment licence for Mountech Co. Ltd.
That year, Tatonka was created and the brand was registered worldwide. The year after, 1994, the family-run business was renamed Tatonka GmbH. The same year, the company built a second production plant in Vietnam. Andreas Schechinger took over in 2004. Mountech Co. Ltd. celebrated its 20-year anniversary in 2009 and merged its production companies in 2010.
The production companies of Mountech Co. Ltd. were first certified to the SA8000 social standard in 2011 and renewed several times, with the last renewal in 2023. The open factory programme, launched in 2011, makes it possible to visit the factory.
In 2015, Mountech Co. Ltd. took over a production company in Binh Dinh province. Tatonka celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023.