Patagonia - Our business plan is to save our planet

Muir, Thoreau, Emerson, Gaston Rébuffat, Riccardo Cassin, and Hermann Buhl are names that have always inspired Patagonia's founder. The common thread among them revolves around their commitment to nature—whether through preservation, philosophy, or physical adventures and achievements in mountainous environments.

It all started with Chouinard forging his own pitons in a small workshop in his parents' backyard in Burbank. Together with his work partner Tom Frost, he developed climbing equipment and became an industry leader in the U.S. during the 1970s. In 1970, they revolutionised the industry by replacing pitons with aluminium chocks that spared the rock face—what could be considered the first step toward environmentally conscious climbing.

”I never wanted to be a businessman. I started as a craftsman, making climbing gear for my friends and myself, then got into apparel”

Mountain climbing apparel in innovative materials

Patagonia’s garments are inspired by and designed for the places the company strives to protect—the mountains, forests, oceans, and the entire planet. They place great emphasis on the details, ensuring that every wearer can experience the superior quality, both now and for many years to come. Through innovative climbing apparel, Patagonia has advocated for the use of materials like polypropylene and fleece, which provide the crucial layering effect to protect against the elements. In 1985, they introduced Capilene® polyester and Synchilla®, a soft, double-knit fabric that resists pilling.

”We’re in business to save our home planet”

Focusing on repair

Photo credit: Drew Smith