This year marks the 160th year anniversary of EDELRID. Since the company was founded in 1863 by Julius EDELmann and Carl RIDder, we have continued to push innovation in the climbing and outdoor markets. 

As a celebration of this milestone we have put together a brief history of EDELRID, detailing some of our proudest achievements.

1863

Julius EDELmann and Carl RIDder found EDELRID. One was a merchant and mountaineer, the other an engineer with substantial knowledge about braiding machines. The company starts out as a strand and cord manufacturer.

1880

The first braided fishing lines are launched by EDELRID in Berlin.

UTAI 1941

By this point 3 different rope styles were common. Twisted ropes mainly made from Italian long hemp. Lützner ropes made of long hemp (spiral braided). Core filament ropes made of pure natural silk. Then the first nylon ropes emerged in the USA and France.

1953

EDELRID introduces the first kernmantel rope, revolutionizing safety in mountain sports. The use of hemp rope and not infrequent rope breaks soon became a thing of the past.

1959

The first fire completely destroys the production facilities.

1964

EDELRID developed the first energy-absorbing rope, also known as the multi-fall rope. This marked the birth of the dynamic mountain rope in the form we know today.

1965

EDELRID launches the first harness-initially only for the chest-and develops the sit harness in parallel with the competition. This paved the way for harder climbing in the 1970s.

1973

EDELRID launches the first sewn quickdraw sling. Claus Benk, the owner of EDELRID at the time, launches the product.

Soon after the product launch, EDELRID burns down for the second time!

1977

The twin strand technique developed by EDELRID is used as a standard in rope production worldwide.

1994

With the company keeping a lookout for new invention opportunities, EDELRID sees the breakthrough of canyoning as an adventure sport and develops the floating rope.

1996

EDELRID brings an indoor climbing rope onto the market that meets the tough demands of climbing gyms.

2000

Rope innovation continues and EDELRID create the 9.8 mm Dynalon rope, the thinnest single rope on the market.

2006

EDELRID becomes part of the VAUDE Group.

2007

EDELRID presents the first folding climbing helmet, the Madillo.

2009

EDERID is the first rope manufacturing company to meet the bluesign® environmental standard. The entire process chain (from fiber selection and production to the sale of the ropes) has been awarded the environmental standard.

2013

150 Years Rope Making Experience. EDELRID celebrates its 150th anniversary.

2015

Foundation of EDELRID USA based in Redmond, Oregon.

2016

EDELRID introduces the OHM, revolutionizing safety when climbing with a partner of differing weight.

Completion of all production, workshop and laboratory extension buildings.

2017

Merger with the climbing shoe brand Red Chili, which continues under the EDELRID umbrella.

2018

Completion of the new administration building at the company site in Isny.

EDELRID introduces the Swift Eco Dry, the first PFC-free climbing rope that complies with the UIAA standard for water-repellent ropes.

2021

EDELRID becomes a member of the Fair Wear Foundation (FWF)

EDELRID can look back on a long and turbulent history—the company has burnt down and been rebuilt twice over the years; it has been bought and sold again; it has overcome tragedies and celebrated successes.

Despite these struggles we have established ourselves as one of the most influential manufacturers in the industry.