East Midlands-based outdoor equipment brand Alpkit, which has a store in Kingston, has expanded with the acquisition of Scottish backpack maker, Trakke

Trakke was founded in Glasgow in 2010 and has built a reputation for durable wax cotton packs and other outdoor gear. 

Alpkit's factory is based in Nottingham, but Trakke's products will continue to be made in Glasgow.

David Hanney, chief executive of Alpkit, said: "We've long admired Trakke's commitment to heritage materials, timeless design, and sustainable production.

"Bringing Trakke into the Alpkit family is a natural step, as both companies are driven by purpose, not just product."

The original Trakke team, including founder Alec Farmer, has been closely involved in the transition. 

With more than 200 staff, Alpkit has grown by almost 50 per cent per annum compound over the last decade.

 It started online in 2004 and has opened ten stores in the past six years, including Kingston, Bristol, and Inverness.

Alpkit's Kingston store opened on June 17, 2022, and was the brand's ninth store to open.

The store says it is equipped with the brand's full range of Alpkit and Sonder gear and is "conveniently close to Richmond Park".