About Us

Our story has never stayed in one place.

For decades, Yakima has helped people carry what matters, from everyday routines to weekends away and everything in between. What started as a small machine shop in Washington State has grown into a global brand, shaped by different landscapes, different roads, and different ways of getting outside.

Across Europe, that means something a little different everywhere. A coastal drive in Portugal. A ski trip through the Alps. A family holiday across borders. A quick ride out after work. However you move, we are here to make it easier to bring your gear along for the ride.

We design products that are built to last, easy to use, and ready for real life, backed by decades of engineering, testing, and refinement. Together with our network of trusted retailers across Europe, we make sure you get the right setup for your vehicle, your gear, and where you are headed next.

Because getting there should feel simple.

Yakima was born in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, a place defined by mountains, water, and a constant pull toward the outdoors.

In 1979, Steve Cole and Don Banducci took over the company and helped shape what Yakima would become, building solutions for people who wanted to go further, carry more, and do it without overthinking it. By 1984, Yakima was on the global stage, outfitting vehicles at the 1984 Summer Olympics.

Since then, we have continued to evolve, influenced not just by our origins, but by the communities and landscapes around the world that use our products every day. Learn more about our history.