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With a mission statement that includes building the best product while causing no harm, and using business to inspire and implement solutions to environmental crisis, Patagonia continues to innovate and lead the way toward a greener way of doing business.
Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia’s founder, began his entrepreneurial career out of necessity. As one of the pioneering climbers during the golden age of Yosemite rock climbing, Yvon began designing and then producing the climbing gear that he and his friends needed to push the limits of rock climbing; gear that didn’t exist until they envisioned it. By 1970 Chouinard Equipment had become the largest supplier of climbing equipment in the United States. As the equipment’s popularity grew so did the realization that their product was scaring the rock and harming the environment. Due to their ecological concerns, Yvon and partner Tom Frost pulled their most popular product and took a risk by introducing the climbing world to "clean climbing". The clean climbing movement caught on quickly, and it was not long before Yvon began to dabble in clothing. Just as he had done with climbing gear, Yvon and his comrades decided to take an earth friendly approach to the idea of a clothing line.
The primary goal was to find a fabric that would make a superior mountain layer. Years of experiments with materials and fibers led to the development and introduction of Capilene® and Synchilla®. The creation of these two materials revolutionized the layering industry and put Patagonia on the map. Building the best product was far easier than the later part of the Patagonia mission statement, "…to do no harm". Patagonia began to support environmental initiatives when it was still a small company. From protecting local rivers to making a stand against the urbanization of Yosemite Valley, Patagonia has worked on both a small and a large scale to help reduce our impact on the natural world.
In 2001 Yvon and friend Craig Mathews founded 1% for the Planet. This non-profit organization now has over 800 business members that contribute over $30 million annually to more than 1,500 environmental organizations. When you are working to lessen the impacts of a business as large as Patagonia the work is never finished. When Patagonia commissioned an independent research firm to assess the environmental impacts of four major fibers they were not surprised to learn that oil-based polyester and nylon were big energy consumers and sources of pollution. However, it was surprising to learn that cotton proved to be a far greater source of pollution and consumer of energy. Cotton was the biggest villain of all, but it did not have to be. In 1994 Patagonia pledged to use 100% organic cotton by 1996, and they succeeded. The research team at Patagonia continues to search for more environmentally friendly fabrics, while the rest of the Patagonia team strives to bring you the best product with the least impact on our one and only home.
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Patagonia Mini Mass A mini version of the Half Mass, this less-is-more bag made with recycled fabric carries a smaller personal load through day and into night.
Patagonia Men's Rain Shadow Jacket A lightweight essential, this waterproof/breathable hard-shell jacket is perfect for hiking and trekking
Patagonia Men's Active Classic Boxers The best boxers on the planet! The best boxers for the planet!
Patagonia Women's Down Sweater The Women's Down Sweater is an ultralight jacket with highly compressible 800 fill down insulation and a windproof shell for cold mountain pursuits
Patagonia Women's Plush Pants Made from microdenier fleece, these might be the most comfortable fleece pants on the planet, they have a straight leg, adjustable drawcord and flattering back-yoke details.
Patagonia Women's Retro-X Jacket Functional and warm, the Women's Classic Retro-X Jacket is a favorite fleece jacket with a feminine cut
Patagonia MLC Wheelie The MLC Wheelie appeals to your casual, business, and play sides!
Patagonia Men's Ascensionist Jacket Our most technical water-resistant soft shell the Men's Ascensionist Jacket has a fast dry time and extreme breathability for full-on alpine climbing and skiing performance.
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