Patagonia Outdoor Gear

Patagonia is a globally recognized outdoor apparel company founded in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard. The brand emerged from Chouinard Equipment, a small company that produced climbing tools. Known for its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, Patagonia has become a leader in the outdoor industry, focusing on durable products and ethical supply chains.

While the brand is headquartered in California, its manufacturing is distributed across multiple countries to accommodate its global scale. Key production locations include Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, and Mexico, among others. The company maintains a high level of transparency regarding its factory list and working conditions, often partnering with Fair Trade Certified facilities.

In a landmark move in 2022, the Chouinard family transferred their entire ownership of the company to two non-profit entities: the Patagonia Purpose Trust and the Holdfast Collective. This structure ensures that all profits not reinvested into the business are dedicated to fighting the climate crisis and protecting nature, effectively making 'Earth' its only shareholder.