The path of the brand Cairn

A story of protection, passion, and transmission

It all begins in 1938, in the heart of the Croix-Rousse workshops, in Lyon. In this enclave of textile craftsmanship, Albert Baudet meticulously and passionately manufactures gloves and clothing designed to last. At that time, the demand was already there: to offer warmth, comfort, and protection, in all simplicity.

This artisanal approach, centered on people and usage, lays the foundations of what would become Cairn. Over the decades, the brand draws from this French tradition a rare ability to adapt, to listen to the real needs of practitioners, and to innovate with precision.

1990 – The call of the peaks

It is in the vastness of Nepal, facing the Dhaulagiri, that a foundational conviction emerges: in high mountains, passion alone is not enough. You must be able to rely on your equipment. There, in extreme conditions, the idea germinates to design protections thought by and for outdoor athletes with the sole ambition to meet their demands as accurately as possible.

1994 – The birth of Cairn

Strengthened by this revelation, the brand Cairn is officially launched in 1994. Initially focused on the skiing world, it offers helmets and goggles designed by enthusiasts, combining technicality, simplicity of design, and comfort of use. Very quickly, Cairn establishes itself as a human-sized brand, faithful to its origins but capable of innovating without ever losing touch with reality.

2014 – The natural expansion

To meet the needs of practitioners as a whole, Cairn enriches its offer with gloves, hats, glasses, and other accessories. For each product, a simple idea: that everyone can enjoy their outdoor practice with confidence using reliable, comfortable, and accessible equipment.

PROTECT YOUR ADVENTURE

2018 – From the mountains to the road

With its expertise in winter protection, Cairn takes a new turn by launching its first ranges dedicated to cycling. Helmets and accessories designed for sports, leisure, or urban mobility practices. A natural evolution, guided by the same requirement for adaptability and the desire to support athletes in all their adventure terrains, summer and winter.

2024 – 30 years of outdoor passion

To celebrate the brand's 30th anniversary, Cairn draws from its roots and imagines a capsule collection inspired by the 90s. A tribute to the beginnings, to the raw energy of this founding decade. It is also a way to remind that the history of Cairn is above all that of a brand that moves with the times, always looking forward but never forgetting where it comes from.

The same passion, the same requirement, for new adventures

Even today, Cairn designs outdoor protective equipment with the same attention, the same desire to do well. By cultivating a simple, technical, and human approach, the brand continues to innovate to allow everyone to fully experience the outdoors, regardless of their level or practice.