The Patagonia brand was officially born in 1973, when founder Yvon Chouinard change the name of his outdoor equipment shop from Chouinard Equipment to Patagonia. The year after, Patagonia employees attend a city council meeting to protest the potential disruption to a popular surf break as a result of proposed development of the mouth of the Ventura River. This kind of activism would set the tone for the future of the company; one in which it’s not, as far as they’re concerned, just about being another apparel brand.
Ever since the start, Patagonia has been committed to using their company to change the way business is done. Along the way, they’ve hoped to influence customers and other businesses (and hopefully change the system along the way). Basically, if you’re after no-nonsense outerwear that’s also ethical, look no further. And don’t let the price tag put you off either: an expensive jacket that lasts five seasons will work out cheaper than five that only last for one.
Additionally, a percentage of all sales profits go towards environmental campaigns. Since 1985 Patagonia has donated millions to domestic and international grassroots environmental groups. And as of 2022 100% of the company’s voting stock has been transferred to the Patagonia Purpose Trust, created to protect the company’s values. On top of this, 100% of the nonvoting stock has been given to the Holdfast Collective; a non-profit dedicated to fighting the environmental crisis and defending nature.
Known for documenting different environmental issues and changes, Patagonia’s managed to influence change with their film Vanishing Lines being a prime example. The film helped raise awareness about a planned development to join two glacier ski resorts together in Tyrol, Austria, a development that was later scrapped.
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Scroll down or select from the links below to check out our reviews of this season’s best Patagonia snowboard outerwear.
