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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 Critical Mass This large, versatile commuter bike bag is made from recycled fabric.
Patagonia Men's Down Sweater This lightweight 800 fill down jacket delivers minimal weight, superb compressibility and high-loft warmth
Patagonia Men's R1 Pullover Whether the snow flies or the sun shines, this versatile pullover – with its high/low grid interior – stretches, breathes, moves moisture, and insulates.
Patagonia Women's Rain Shadow Jacket While being waterproof and breathable, this lightweight rain jacket is tear resistant, and packs away in a cinch.
Patagonia Women's Borderless Zip-Off Pants The Women's Borderless Zip-Off pant can be worn as capris or pants, so you are covered no matter where you go.
Patagonia Men's Synchilla Snap-T One of Patagonia's signature styles, warm durable fleece in a Snap-T Pullover
Patagonia MLC Burrito Built to hold your clothing wrinkle-free on hangers and to reduce your packing and unpacking time, this convenient carry-on garment bag, made from recycled fabric, can be folded in thirds and hung in the closet of an airplane.
Patagonia Trucker Hat Classic road-tripping hat with a high crown and plenty of ventilation.
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