There was a time—not that long ago—when I thought “hiking” just meant a sweaty uphill walk, and outdoor gear was… well, something you bought only if you were heading into the Alps to become a hermit. Fast forward a few years, and I’m now the proud owner of trail shoes, an ever-growing collection of merino wool, and a deep appreciation for thermos coffee on a mountain ridge.
The funny part? This transformation didn’t come from some epic expedition or dramatic wilderness journey. It all started with a simple afternoon walk in the woods, an aching back from wearing the wrong shoes, and a grumpy inner voice saying, “There’s got to be better gear for this.”
Spoiler: there was. And that realization led me straight to Naturzeit—my now go-to online shop for everything outdoorsy, high quality, and comfort-focused. From those first-hours-on-the-trail basics to advanced gear I didn’t even know I needed, Naturzeit has quietly helped me build the kind of outdoor kit that makes nature feel not just fun, but freeing.
Let me share how this small change snowballed into something way bigger (and more enjoyable).
A Bit of Backstory: Nature Was Calling, But I Wasn’t Ready
I remember the moment clearly. It was during one of those early lockdown weeks. Tired of being indoors, I decided to go for a “proper” walk—not in the city, but in the forest about 45 minutes outside town. I laced up my old sneakers, grabbed a drawstring bag with a leaky water bottle, and headed off proudly into the unknown.
About two hours in, my feet were on fire, I was sweating through a cotton hoodie with zero breathability, and my phone GPS was all I had to rely on. Romantic forest walk? More like mildly painful wandering.
That night, while scrolling with sore feet and sore pride, I typed into Google: “practical hiking gear Germany”.
One click later, I found Naturzeit.de. The homepage was smooth, warm, and full of gear I didn’t even know existed—but it didn’t feel intimidating. It felt like it was for people like me: folks who want to get outdoors, live a bit better along the way, and maybe even enjoy sweating up a hill if it means a good view and warm coffee at the top.
What Is Naturzeit?
If you’ve never heard of them, Naturzeit is a German-based online shop specializing in outdoor clothing, hiking gear, and adventure tools for basically every age and ability level. They offer a carefully curated selection of reputable brands (think Vaude, Fjällräven, Salewa, Patagonia—yes, the good stuff), along with expert advice through detailed product descriptions, sizing help, and responsive customer care.
But what makes them stand out to me is the balance they strike:
- A deep love for nature
- A modern online shopping experience
- Real, practical gear—not just what “looks” outdoorsy on Instagram
Whether you’re planning a weekend hike, a camping trip with kids, or some winter snowshoeing, they’ve got options tailored for real use, not just aesthetic vibes.
My First Order (and My First Real Hike)
Wanting to start small but smart, I checked out Naturzeit’s beginner section and found exactly what I needed:
- Proper trail shoes (finally!) from Lowa
- A weather-resistant daypack by Deuter
- Lightweight hiking pants with enough stretch to stop the dreaded knee-pinch
- And a moisture-wicking merino base layer that I knew was going to save me from another sweat-fest in a hoodie
What really sold me? Their detailed product pages—like having a friendly expert tell you, “Here’s why this works for your kind of excursion.”
When the box arrived (quickly, I might add—shoutout to DHL), even the packing felt good. No fluff, no overdone branding—just the sense that this was quality stuff made to be used. Not preserved in a closet for “someday,” but worn often and worn well.
That weekend, I went back to the same forest. And this time? The walk turned into a real hike—and it was a joy. No blisters. No clunky straps. Just that giddy feeling of realizing this is why people do this!
Why I Keep Coming Back: More Than Just Shopping
Naturzeit isn’t the kind of shop you just buy from once and forget. It’s become a regular part of how I plan my outdoor life. Every trip, every season—there’s something new to pick up or improve.
Here’s what I love most about shopping with them:
Trusted Brands, No Nonsense
Naturzeit only stocks brands they trust—and the quality shows. I’ve now got pieces from Vaude (amazing eco-conscious gear), Ortovox, and Icebreaker that have lasted beautifully through seasons of mud, rain, trail dust, and surprise detours.
Search Filters That Actually Work
Unlike some massive online stores that drown you in options, Naturzeit helps you find what you need fast. I can filter by trail length, weather range, size, sustainability features, and even intensity level (which is a game-changer when you’re not climbing Everest—you’re just out for a chilled half-day loop).
Fit & Sizing Help That Matters
The fit finder tool and honest product reviews saved me from so many sizing mistakes—especially when it comes to hiking shoes and fitted jackets. I’ve never had to deal with a return because of weird sizing issues, and that’s rare in online clothing shops.
Environmentally Friendly Shipping
Their values align with mine. Naturzeit always packs using minimal, recyclable materials. They also highlight sustainable products clearly, making it easy to choose options that are better for the planet. Because let’s be honest—buying outdoor gear shouldn’t hurt the outdoors.
Not Just for Pros—Perfect for Beginners Too
One of the things I keep telling friends is that Naturzeit isn’t just for the hardcore climbers or ultra-trail runners with 30L backpacks and GPS watches. It’s also for people like me when I started—curious, a little clueless, but eager to learn and get outside more often.
They’ve even got a wonderful blog section on the site, full of useful tips—how to layer for winter walks, how to pick the right shoes, what snacks to bring on a hike. Friendly, non-patronizing, and genuinely helpful stuff.
I once bought trekking socks just because their post convinced me that cotton socks were the root of all blister evil. (It was correct.)
Bonus: Great Gear for Families and Kids
Naturzeit has a solid range of outdoor wear for kids and teens, which makes it ideal for families who want to explore nature together. My sister recently used their site to kit out her two kids—rain jackets, mini hiking boots, and even child-sized water bladders so no one has to share mom’s bottle again. Genius.
The gear is high-quality, practical, and designed to help even little legs love the trail.
Final Thoughts: Good Gear Really Does Change the Experience
Before I found Naturzeit, I didn’t realize just how much the right gear can enhance your relationship with nature. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about removing the barriers that stop you from getting outdoors in the first place.
When you’re not distracted by wet socks, cold fingers, sore hips, or poor-quality clothes, you can finally tune into the real gift of the outdoors—peace, presence, and perspective.
Naturzeit made that possible for me without breaking the bank, overwhelming me with options, or making me feel like I needed to summit a mountain to be “outdoorsy.”
So whether you’re just getting curious about where the trail behind your town might lead, or planning your next hiking adventure with friends—start with Naturzeit. Your back, your feet, and your inner adventurer will thank you.
