Red Equipment Great Outdoors S/S 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: Great Outdoors S/S 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: RED EQUIPMENT
Interviewee: Charlie Green – Head of Marketing

What trends do you see currently shaping the outdoor industry?
There’s a growing desire from consumers to slow down, disconnect from the digital world and connect with nature. The shoreline is becoming a key destination for moments of restoration, adventure, and connection. Comfort and protection from the elements remain top priorities. More and more people are looking to take part in challenges and push themselves within organised events as well as their own challenges and so are looking for products that support these challenges. We’re seeing a continued shift toward versatility and longevity in gear choices. More people are investing in high-quality, multi-functional products that serve a range of outdoor activities – from wild swimming and paddleboarding to camping and cold-water recovery. Consumers want gear that works hard and lasts, rather than buying multiple products for single-use occasions.

How is your brand responding to the increasing demand for sustainability and ethical production?
As a certified B Corp, sustainability and responsibility is embedded into everything we do. We’re committed to responsible sourcing, reducing waste, and ensuring longevity in our products. From repairable design to considered materials like recycled insulation and PFC-free DWR coatings, we create gear that lasts longer and performs better. Our ‘buy better, buy less’ philosophy ensures our customers invest in products that serve them well for years – without compromise.

What challenges are you seeing in the outdoor market today—retail, consumer behavior, or otherwise?
Consumers are becoming more selective, with higher expectations around product performance, environmental impact, and brand values. Standing out in a competitive market requires storytelling, product excellence, and authenticity. We’re supporting retailers with enhanced training around the whole Red product range as well as collaborating on events and activations to add value to our retail partners and their customers. We’re also supporting our partners with elevated instore displays and executions.

How are the latest U.S. tariffs and customs regulations affecting your business strategy and supply chain?
While we are a UK-based brand, our global distribution – including in North America – means we are closely monitoring tariff changes and customs regulations. We continue to work with a network of experienced logistics partners and maintain strong relationships with regional warehouses to ensure our supply chain remains robust. Flexibility in production and localised stock holding are key components of our strategy going forward.

About the Brand:

What is your brand’s core mission or philosophy, and how does it influence your product development?
At Red Equipment, we believe Life’s Better by the Water. Our mission is to help people enjoy the outdoors more by creating products that keep them warm, dry, and comfortable – wherever their adventure leads. We focus on thoughtful design, durable construction, and multi-use functionality. Whether it’s a morning swim, a coastal hike, or a epic paddle boarding adventure, Red products are built to perform across all environments and seasons.

How has your brand evolved in the outdoor market over the last few years?
While we’re best known for our world-class inflatable paddleboards, Red has grown into a full outdoor lifestyle brand. In recent years, we’ve expanded our offering to include award-winning change robes, waterproof bags, insulated drinkware, and adventure-ready apparel. Our products now support a broader range of activities that extend beyond paddleboarding – from wild swimming and trail hiking to beach camping and cold-water recovery.

Who is your target customer today, and how has that profile changed over time?
Our customer base has broadened. Initially, we focused on watersports enthusiasts, but today we attract a more diverse, outdoors-loving community. They range from weekend adventurers and wild swimmers to dog walkers, cold plungers, campers, and families seeking simple, nature-connected experiences. What unites them is a desire for quality, comfort, and connection to the water.

Which items should every nature lover take with him on the next outdoor-adventure?
Every outdoor explorer should have:

A Red Pro Change Robe EVO for instant warmth and protection post-swim or during early morning camping adventures.
A Red Waterproof Cross Body bag – this season’s must-have product and a sell-out success, the nifty lightweight multipurpose bag is packed full of features, keeping your valuables dry and protected from bike to hike.
Red’s Adventure Blanket – a camping stalwart is waterproof, insulated and packs down small – the ultimate versatile essential for lounging, wrapping up warm, sorting out kit or even an emergency waterproof shelter. Easy to clean and sand / dog hair proof – this is a hardworking outdoors essential.
Waterproof Adventure Backpack – The work horse backpack from our adventure range – fully waterproof and submersible, this backpack is the go-to for city commuters to coast path trekkers.

Take us through your brand line in detail for SS26
From hardworking great value essentials that have been reimagined, through to completely innovative new concepts, we have a busy line up for SS26 all of which appeal to consumers who want to make the most of their time by the water.

Key Products:

Evo Slimline Parka:
Taking the comfort, warmth and style from our award-winning change robes. This revolutionary slim fit cut change robe is built for shoreline moments. The EVO Pro Slimline Parka is highly waterproof (15k) and breathable (8k) in the same premium 100% recycled fabrics designed to keep you dry and warm no matter how harsh the conditions.

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22L Lightweight backpack:
Our compact 22L Lightweight Waterproof Backpack is a weatherproof daypack that won’t hold you back. Light but tough, abrasion-resistant, recycled nylon Taslan with PFC-free waterproofing, it protects gear from the elements with minimal bulk.

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30L Adventure Backpack:
Built in highly durable Armour Tech recycled fabric with reliable roll-top closure, it’s completely impermeable. Kit stays well protected, with a reinforced base, waterproof and water-resistant external stash pockets, plus removable padded laptop sleeve. Your safety’s enhanced too, thanks to reflective detailing and an integral emergency whistle.

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