Cotopaxi outdoor gear

Cotopaxi is a prominent outdoor gear brand headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, founded in 2014 by Davis Smith, Stephan Jacob, and CJ Whittaker. The brand was named after the Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador, reflecting the founder's childhood experiences in Latin America and his commitment to global poverty alleviation. Cotopaxi is a certified B Corporation and operates as a Public Benefit Corporation, focusing on ethical manufacturing and sustainable materials.

Manufacturing for Cotopaxi is distributed across several international locations, with a strong emphasis on transparency and fair labor practices. Their principal backpack factory is located in Bataan, Philippines, where the famous 'Del Día' collection is made using remnant fabric. Other major production hubs include Tianjin and Shanghai in China for technical apparel and headwear, as well as facilities in Cambodia and a small-scale zero-waste design studio in Portland, Oregon, USA.

As of 2026, the company remains private, having raised significant venture capital from investors such as Bain Capital Double Impact and Greycroft. While founder Davis Smith remains a key figure as Chairman, the company is managed by a professional leadership team, including CEO Lindsay Shumlas, who succeeded earlier executives to guide the brand's international expansion and continued focus on humanitarian impact.