Patagonia outdoor clothing and gear

Founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard in Ventura, California, Patagonia has grown from a local climbing equipment manufacturer (originally Chouinard Equipment) into a global leader in sustainable outdoor apparel. The brand is renowned for its technical gear, including fleeces, jackets, and base layers, as well as its radical commitment to environmental activism and corporate transparency.

In a historic move in September 2022, the Chouinard family transferred 100% of the company's ownership to two new entities: the Patagonia Purpose Trust and the Holdfast Collective. This unique 'steward-ownership' model ensures that the company remains independent and its values are protected, with all profits not reinvested into the business being distributed as dividends to fight the climate crisis. The Patagonia Purpose Trust holds all voting stock to maintain the brand's mission, while the Holdfast Collective, a non-profit, owns the non-voting economic interest.

Patagonia does not own the factories that produce its goods. Instead, it partners with contract manufacturers across approximately 16 countries, including Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Portugal, and the United States. The company is a certified B Corporation and is highly regarded for its 'Worn Wear' repair program and its '1% for the Planet' initiative, which pledges 1% of total sales to environmental groups.