Main image: Camping with Highlander | Credit: Highlander Outdoor
Founded in the 1980s, the same decade as many of the high-end outdoor brands that have become household names, Highlander Outdoor is the heritage outdoor brand you may not have heard of. But if you value kit you can trust made with a family ethos at a price tag that doesn’t seek to exclude, Highlander Outdoor should be on your radar.
Highlander history
Highlander was founded in Scotland, in the 1980s by Bahram Golzari, now Chairman of Highlander Outdoor. He had a clear vision: to create clothing and equipment that helps everyone to explore their world, their way.
Speaking to The Great Outdoors, Bahram shared the story of how it all began: “I was climbing Ben Nevis via the Ledge Route on a freezing November day in 1982 when the buckle on my backpack snapped and my clothes were not keeping me warm. I was an Edinburgh University student in those days and couldn’t afford to buy from elitist outdoor brands, but I was frustrated that those were the only options if you wanted to experience the great outdoors. A few years later, I left my PHD, took my engineering background and my love for the mountains and created Highlander. From day one, our ethos is that technical affordable performance and intuitive design in clothing and equipment should be available to everyone.”
From these “humble” beginnings, Highlander Outdoor has grown steadily over the decades, navigating changing market landscapes and evolving technologies while staying true to core principles. The journey is one of continuous innovation, adaptation, and a deep understanding of customers’ needs. Highlander has seen trends come and go, but the team’s dedication to quality and value has remained constant.
An Olympic attitude
A significant chapter in Highlander Outdoor’s history includes the role as official licensees for major international sporting events. The brand was appointed as official licensees for the London 2012 Olympic Games, supplying official merchandise. Following this success, it also became official licensees for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, further demonstrating capability and commitment on a global stage. These achievements not only marked key milestones in Highlander’s growth but also reinforced the brand’s reputation for reliability and quality.
Affordable performance
At the heart of Highlander’s product philosophy is the belief that performance shouldn’t come with an exorbitant price tag. The design team aim to provide performance outdoor gear at great value, making quality and effective equipment accessible to a broader audience. This commitment to affordability is not about cutting corners; it’s about efficient design, smart manufacturing processes, and a focus on delivering tangible performance enhancements without compromising on durability or reliability. Highlander Outdoor strives to empower adventurers of all levels to enjoy the outdoors with performing reliable and affordable gear.
Our gear testing team – the most experienced in the UK – agrees. Peter Macfarlane awarded the Highlander Outdoor Ivar 30L rucksack a Best in Test accolade when reviewing budget daypacks. David Lintern was bewildered by the feature set on the Munro V2 jacket for the price and Equipment Editor Chris Townsend awarded the same jacket his best value buy. The Ben Nevis 55L rucksack has also been recommended after rigorous testing.
Two Generations of Family
Perhaps the most distinguishing aspect of Highlander is its status as a second generation family-owned business. This isn’t just a point of pride; it’s a fundamental part of its operational ethos. The brand believes their community focus and support of the wider outdoor community sets it apart in a competitive market.
Being family-owned means the brand benefits from long-term vision. Decisions are made with a generational perspective, fostering sustainable growth rather than short-term gains. A personalised approach results in a tangible sense of responsibility and care in every product and customer interaction. Additionally, the brand’s strong core values are woven into the fabric of company culture, passed down through the generations.
Ramin Golzari, Bahram’s son follows in his fathers footsteps and sits at the helm as the Director of Highlander Outdoor. “As son of the founder, in a second generation family business that was created out of a love for the outdoors, my message to you is that at the heart of our ethos at Highlander is that we’re a company that designs and builds outdoor gear we trust and use ourselves in the hills and mountains. One of our key missions is to make it easy and enjoyable for everybody to get outdoors by designing and providing performance outdoor gear at great value, and this is something we will always strive towards,” he told The Great Outdoors.
Learn more at Highlander Outdoor.
