prAna

prAna's roots can be traced to the most humble and authentic of origins. In 1992 Beaver Theodosakis and his wife Pam set out to create a clothing brand centered around the lifestyle they loved. They were enchanted by the simplicity and soulfulness they had found in rock climbing and yoga, so they call the company prAna—a direct reference to the Sanskrit word for breath, life, and vitality of the spirit. The first pieces were designed and stitched in their garage in Carlsbad, California. Their designs focused on functionality and freedom of movement, creating pants, shorts, and tops that were ideal for climbing and yoga. They recycled old newspapers to create hand-made paper tags and shipped the clothing in surplus fruit boxes they collected from grocery stores. Early on, they partnered with leading athletes like rock climber Chris Sharma and master yogi Shiva Rea to collaborate on the design of clothing and forward prAna's message of health and sustainability. To honor the meaning imbued in the name prAna, Beaver and Pam made sustainability one of the brand's core values from the beginning—always seeking to give back more than take. Despite the challenges inherent in rapid growth, prAna has continuously worked towards maintaining and adopting sustainable practices. In 2000, after attending an organic exchange conference that brought companies together with organic farmers and suppliers, they immediately switched 19 of their products to organic cotton, and today over 70 styles are made with organic cotton. In 2005, prAna launched their Natural Power Initiative and became an ambassador for wind power. They also took steps to reduce emissions in their own offices and at their retailer's stores—shedding 72,000 metric tons of greenhouse gasses, the equivalent of removing 13,000 cars from the road. Most recently, following the model of Fair Trade Certified foods, prAna has made an extensive investment to be among the first companies to bring Fair Trade Certified clothing to market. Today, prAna creates clothing not only for rock climbers and yoga practitioners, but for anyone living a lifestyle that values health, wellness, and sustainability. In addition to providing the best yoga and climbing apparel available, prAna's line now includes jackets, button-down shirts, and denim pants that are as functional in a casual office environment as they are at the crag. They also continue to source sustainable fabrics like hemp, organic cotton, and recycled polyester with an eye turned towards ethical production. And whether you're trying on a pair of yoga pants or a summer dress, the principles of simple functionality and freedom of movement still apply. Centered by a connection to their humble roots with a vibrant vision of the future, it's clear that prAna truly is a brand "born from the experience."

prAna specializes in comfortable performance clothing designed to move with you no matter how extreme those moves may be. Climbers and yoga practitioners alike love prAna's products; you'll find it just as suited to everyday wear as well.

prAna Clothing & Apparel

prAna's roots can be traced to the most humble and authentic of origins. In 1992 Beaver Theodosakis and his wife Pam set out to create a clothing brand centered around the lifestyle they loved. They were enchanted by the simplicity and soulfulness they had found in rock climbing and yoga, so they call the company prAna—a direct reference to the Sanskrit word for breath, life, and vitality of the spirit.
 
The first pieces were designed and stitched in their garage in Carlsbad, California. Their designs focused on functionality and freedom of movement, creating pants, shorts, and tops that were ideal for climbing and yoga. They recycled old newspapers to create hand-made paper tags and shipped the clothing in surplus fruit boxes they collected from grocery stores. Early on, they partnered with leading athletes like rock climber Chris Sharma and master yogi Shiva Rea to collaborate on the design of clothing and forward prAna's message of health and sustainability.
 
To honor the meaning imbued in the name prAna, Beaver and Pam made sustainability one of the brand's core values from the beginning—always seeking to give back more than take. Despite the challenges inherent in rapid growth, prAna has continuously worked towards maintaining and adopting sustainable practices. In 2000, after attending an organic exchange conference that brought companies together with organic farmers and suppliers, they immediately switched 19 of their products to organic cotton, and today over 70 styles are made with organic cotton. In 2005, prAna launched their Natural Power Initiative and became an ambassador for wind power. They also took steps to reduce emissions in their own offices and at their retailer's stores—shedding 72,000 metric tons of greenhouse gasses, the equivalent of removing 13,000 cars from the road. Most recently, following the model of Fair Trade Certified foods, prAna has made an extensive investment to be among the first companies to bring Fair Trade Certified clothing to market.
 
Today, prAna creates clothing not only for rock climbers and yoga practitioners, but for anyone living a lifestyle that values health, wellness, and sustainability. In addition to providing the best yoga and climbing apparel available, prAna's line now includes jackets, button-down shirts, and denim pants that are as functional in a casual office environment as they are at the crag. They also continue to source sustainable fabrics like hemp, organic cotton, and recycled polyester with an eye turned towards ethical production. And whether you're trying on a pair of yoga pants or a summer dress, the principles of simple functionality and freedom of movement still apply. Centered by a connection to their humble roots with a vibrant vision of the future, it's clear that prAna truly is a brand ""born from the experience.""

Osprey Packs

You could say Osprey Backpacks was born when Mike Pfotenhauer, the company’s founder, sewed his first backpack at age 16. The backpacking pack he was using at the time had an awful fit, and he had a vision of how to improve upon the design. He asked his mother to teach him to sew, and soon he was making his own custom-fitted packs under the name Santa Cruz Recreational Packs. Before long Mike opened a retail shop where backpackers and travelers, having heard his reputation, would come and be fitted. Each pack took a couple days for Mike to sew, but his customers considered it well worth the wait. Mike officially founded Osprey in 1974. By 1976 Osprey was introducing exciting innovations in pack design, such as the breathable mesh back panel, and soon Osprey began to make a splash in the fledgling outdoor industry. Over the course of the next two decades, Osprey enjoyed industry success and accolades, as well as two relocations—one to Dolores, Colorado in 1990 and another to its current location in Cortez, Colorado in 1994 as the company grew. At first, Osprey fought the trend of outsourced manufacturing by employing local tradespeople to sew packs, but the need to stay competitive was crucial, and eventually Osprey moved its production to Korea and Vietnam. Mike, however, didn’t want to lose touch with his workers or with Osprey’s production, so in 2003 he moved his family to Vietnam, where they stayed for four years, visiting the factories daily to ensure the designs were produced accurately and faithfully. Since the early 2000s, Osprey products have received many notable accolades, including several prestigious Gear of the Year Awards from Outside Magazine. Many of these award-winning designs span the range from backpacking packs like the women’s Aura and the men’s Aether to running and cycling packs like the Rev or Raptor series and travel options like the convertible Ozone, the wheeled Contrail, or the smaller Portal laptop shoulder bag. One of the reasons for Osprey’s long string of achievements is its dedication to innovation in a single product group. As CEO tom Barney says “We’re a pack company, and every season we have to get it right on packs. We can’t have a good footwear year but a bad apparel year. We have to have a good pack year every year.” This dedication shows in every item that leaves the Osprey factory, its All Mighty Guarantee and lifetime warranty, and it shows in every decades-old Osprey pack that you see on the back of a rider or runner churning out the miles on the trail.

Osprey takes technical packs to a new level with their backpacks. Find great deals and a large selection of Osprey packs at Backcountry.com. 

Osprey Packs - Bags & Backpacks

Osprey takes technical packs to a new level with their backpacks. Their intuitive design and clean lines may make them appear simple, but beneath the surface lies the fruits of exhaustive research and innovation. From the Versatile Switch series to the shockingly light and comfortable Aether and Ariel, Osprey makes a pack for every occasion and every backpacker.

You could say Osprey Backpacks was born when Mike Pfotenhauer, the company’s founder, sewed his first backpack at age 16. The backpacking pack he was using at the time had an awful fit, and he had a vision of how to improve upon the design. He asked his mother to teach him to sew, and soon he was making his own custom-fitted packs under the name Santa Cruz Recreational Packs. Before long Mike opened a retail shop where backpackers and travelers, having heard his reputation, would come and be fitted. Each pack took a couple days for Mike to sew, but his customers considered it well worth the wait.
 
Mike officially founded Osprey in 1974. By 1976 Osprey was introducing exciting innovations in pack design, such as the breathable mesh back panel, and soon Osprey began to make a splash in the fledgling outdoor industry. Over the course of the next two decades, Osprey enjoyed industry success and accolades, as well as two relocations—one to Dolores, Colorado in 1990 and another to its current location in Cortez, Colorado in 1994 as the company grew. At first, Osprey fought the trend of outsourced manufacturing by employing local tradespeople to sew packs, but the need to stay competitive was crucial, and eventually Osprey moved its production to Korea and Vietnam. Mike, however, didn’t want to lose touch with his workers or with Osprey’s production, so in 2003 he moved his family to Vietnam, where they stayed for four years, visiting the factories daily to ensure the designs were produced accurately and faithfully.
 
Since the early 2000s, Osprey products have received many notable accolades, including several prestigious Gear of the Year Awards from Outside Magazine. Many of these award-winning designs span the range from backpacking packs like the women’s Aura and the men’s Aether to running and cycling packs like the Rev or Raptor series and travel options like the convertible Ozone, the wheeled Contrail, or the smaller Portal laptop shoulder bag.
 
One of the reasons for Osprey’s long string of achievements is its dedication to innovation in a single product group. As CEO tom Barney says “We’re a pack company, and every season we have to get it right on packs. We can’t have a good footwear year but a bad apparel year. We have to have a good pack year every year.” This dedication shows in every item that leaves the Osprey factory, its All Mighty Guarantee and lifetime warranty, and it shows in every decades-old Osprey pack that you see on the back of a rider or runner churning out the miles on the trail.

Mountain Hardwear

Mountain Hardwear's name undeniably tells a tale. "Mountain" is, well, for the mountains, while "Hardwear" is truly the most telling word of the pairing–every piece is, literally, built for hard wear. Combined, these two words map the plot of Mountain Hardwear's story; a story running parallel to our collective ambition outdoors. You see, you can't just show up to climb an ice face or ski a remote line on the mountain; you actually have to put the work into it. Likewise, since 1993, Mountain Hardwear has realized the necessity that innovation plays in living up to its own name. More importantly, though, its advancements supply the tools you need to conquer the seemingly unconquerable. As technologies have changed, Mountain Hardwear has never been one to simply adopt and adapt. Instead, it actually initiates the shift in trends through strategic partnerships that lead to the development of innovative new materials. Much of this is traceable back to 2001, when Mountain Hardwear partnered with W.L. Gore and Associates on the development of the venerable Windstopper fabric. Today, it's a household name, but back then, it required a truly pioneering spirit to roll the dice. The same was true when Mountain Hardwear went solo on the development of its highly breathable DryQ Elite jackets and pants or its Ghost Whisperer down insulation pieces, creating new standards in lightweight, protective outerwear. Since its early days in California, Mountain Hardwear's unyielding passion for perfection has extended itself to nearly every category of adventure and freedom. In the camping and expedition domains, Mountain Hardwear invented standards like Crossflow construction, the Tension Shelf, and the Tension Arch for its tents. For backpacking, it produced the first waterproof sleeping bags in 2003, followed up by Coolwave Suspension for its backpacks. For skiing and ice climbing, it was the first to produce both men's and women's jackets with welded seam technology–a feat that also helped to revolutionize the industry for ski jackets and ski pants. And in 2005, it adapted this technology to produce the first welded softshell and down jackets. Not surprisingly, Mountain Hardwear's innovative spirit translates into a host of patents. Sure, that's something to take pride in, but all of this was done simply because Mountain Hardwear believes that nothing should be impossible, and that anything worth having is worth some hard work. As Mountain Hardwear even says, "We think that the magnificence of the outdoors is magnified when it's shared."

Find Mountain Hardwear gear for sale at Backcountry.com. Shop a huge selection of Mountain Hardware tents, jackets, gloves & more.

Mountain Hardwear - Jackets, Pants, & Tents

Its name captures the brand's essence with clever simplicity-Mountain Hardwear. From Exum Ridge to Everest, hardcore mountaineers have relied on Mountain Hardwear to get them through the toughest conditions. Check out Gore-Tex shells, weatherproof soft shells, technical fleece jackets, pants, and more.

Mountain Hardwear's name undeniably tells a tale. ""Mountain"" is, well, for the mountains, while ""Hardwear"" is truly the most telling word of the pairing–every piece is, literally, built for hard wear. Combined, these two words map the plot of Mountain Hardwear's story; a story running parallel to our collective ambition outdoors. You see, you can't just show up to climb an ice face or ski a remote line on the mountain; you actually have to put the work into it. Likewise, since 1993, Mountain Hardwear has realized the necessity that innovation plays in living up to its own name. More importantly, though, its advancements supply the tools you need to conquer the seemingly unconquerable.
 
As technologies have changed, Mountain Hardwear has never been one to simply adopt and adapt. Instead, it actually initiates the shift in trends through strategic partnerships that lead to the development of innovative new materials. Much of this is traceable back to 2001, when Mountain Hardwear partnered with W.L. Gore and Associates on the development of the venerable Windstopper fabric. Today, it's a household name, but back then, it required a truly pioneering spirit to roll the dice. The same was true when Mountain Hardwear went solo on the development of its highly breathable DryQ Elite jackets and pants or its Ghost Whisperer down insulation pieces, creating new standards in lightweight, protective outerwear.
 
Since its early days in California, Mountain Hardwear's unyielding passion for perfection has extended itself to nearly every category of adventure and freedom. In the camping and expedition domains, Mountain Hardwear invented standards like Crossflow construction, the Tension Shelf, and the Tension Arch for its tents. For backpacking, it produced the first waterproof sleeping bags in 2003, followed up by Coolwave Suspension for its backpacks. For skiing and ice climbing, it was the first to produce both men's and women's jackets with welded seam technology–a feat that also helped to revolutionize the industry for ski jackets and ski pants. And in 2005, it adapted this technology to produce the first welded softshell and down jackets.
 
Not surprisingly, Mountain Hardwear's innovative spirit translates into a host of patents. Sure, that's something to take pride in, but all of this was done simply because Mountain Hardwear believes that nothing should be impossible, and that anything worth having is worth some hard work. As Mountain Hardwear even says, ""We think that the magnificence of the outdoors is magnified when it's shared.""

Mammut

It all started in Dintikon, Switzerland, in 1862. Kaspar Tanner had just finished a three-year rope-making apprenticeship and decided to go into business for himself—a decision that would propel a storied, 150-year-old brand into motion. The Tanner family enterprise flourished well into the 20th century and in 1943, the Mammut brand name was introduced. Translating to “mammoth,” the Mammut name embodies both power and strength. Shortly thereafter, Mammut helped pioneer the world of mountaineering through the invention of its first glacier rope to be made from nylon yarn.  In the next 35 years, Mammut kept its focus set on mountaineering, inventing several new ropes—most notably, the first rope to be certified for climbing and the first to feature a braided, kernmantle construction. In fact, it wasn't until 1978 that Mammut shifted its gears away from ropes and towards products like technical outerwear. Its first collection of jackets and pants, the Altitude Collection, utilized the then-new Gore-Tex fabric. With the latest in waterproof and breathable technology, the Altitude set the bar high enough to inspire Mammut to reach further into the outdoor market.  For several years in the early ‘80s, Mammut introduced a stream of new products, effectively transforming it from a well-respected rope company with a few jackets into a major player in the mountaineering arena. Beginning with sleeping bags and climbing gear like carabiners, climbing harnesses, and helmets, Mammut continued to diversify its offerings. It began selling avalanche safety gear—including beacons, shovels, and probes—since 2006, but in 2011, it took a significant step of acquiring Snowpulse, an established developer of inflatable airbag backpacks. Today, it offers a full line of RAS (removable avalanche safety) packs featuring technology designed to significantly improve the wearer’s chances of survival in an avalanche. Today, skiers and mountaineers look to Mammut for climbing, mountaineering, and avalanche safety gear, as well as windproof and waterproof clothing suitable for the most demanding environments. Mammut’s backpacks, footwear covering everything from mountaineering boots to trail running shoes, and headlamps round out its offerings, which together have made the company a one-stop shop for professional-grade alpine equipment. However, this isn't to say that Mammut’s resting on its laurels. In fact, it continues to be the authority in climbing ropes, still producing them in Seon, Switzerland. In this way, little has changed in the spirit of Mammut. Small, dedicated, and obsessive, Mammut moves quietly and confidently forward. And when you have 150 years of experience under your belt, it's easy to see why.

Shop Mammut for premium products like jackets and clothing for outdoors at Backcountry. Find Mammut ropes and other essential gear for climbing the peaks.

Mammut Climbing & Hiking Gear & Apparel

It all started in Dintikon, Switzerland, in 1862. Kaspar Tanner had just finished a three-year rope-making apprenticeship and decided to go into business for himself—a decision that would propel a storied, 150-year-old brand into motion. The Tanner family enterprise flourished well into the 20th century and in 1943, the Mammut brand name was introduced. Translating to “mammoth,” the Mammut name embodies both power and strength. Shortly thereafter, Mammut helped pioneer the world of mountaineering through the invention of its first glacier rope to be made from nylon yarn.
 
In the next 35 years, Mammut kept its focus set on mountaineering, inventing several new ropes—most notably, the first rope to be certified for climbing and the first to feature a braided, kernmantle construction. In fact, it wasn't until 1978 that Mammut shifted its gears away from ropes and towards products like technical outerwear. Its first collection of jackets and pants, the Altitude Collection, utilized the then-new Gore-Tex fabric. With the latest in waterproof and breathable technology, the Altitude set the bar high enough to inspire Mammut to reach further into the outdoor market.
 
For several years in the early ‘80s, Mammut introduced a stream of new products, effectively transforming it from a well-respected rope company with a few jackets into a major player in the mountaineering arena. Beginning with sleeping bags and climbing gear like carabiners, climbing harnesses, and helmets, Mammut continued to diversify its offerings. It began selling avalanche safety gear—including beacons, shovels, and probes—since 2006, but in 2011, it took a significant step of acquiring Snowpulse, an established developer of inflatable airbag backpacks. Today, it offers a full line of RAS (removable avalanche safety) packs featuring technology designed to significantly improve the wearer’s chances of survival in an avalanche.
 
Today, skiers and mountaineers look to Mammut for climbing, mountaineering, and avalanche safety gear, as well as windproof and waterproof clothing suitable for the most demanding environments. Mammut’s backpacks, footwear covering everything from mountaineering boots to trail running shoes, and headlamps round out its offerings, which together have made the company a one-stop shop for professional-grade alpine equipment.
 
However, this isn't to say that Mammut’s resting on its laurels. In fact, it continues to be the authority in climbing ropes, still producing them in Seon, Switzerland. In this way, little has changed in the spirit of Mammut. Small, dedicated, and obsessive, Mammut moves quietly and confidently forward. And when you have 150 years of experience under your belt, it's easy to see why.

Mammut manufactures premium products like jackets & clothing for outdoors, or ropes & gear for climbing the peaks. Find this great brand at Backcountry.com.

Mammut - Climbing & Hiking Gear & Apparel

Black Diamond

Although the Black Diamond name was officially adopted in 1989, the company's roots can be traced back to 1957. That's when climber and mountaineer Yvon Chouinard started hammering out chromoly pitons on an anvil in his backyard and selling them from the trunk of his car in Yosemite. Yvon's equipment quickly became an industry standard. In 1989 Chouinard Equipment LTD was purchased by a group of former employees and renamed 'Black Diamond.' Today, Black Diamond has offices on three continents. Its focus is, and always has been, innovative ski and climbing gear and an equally innovative approach to sustainable business practices. Black Diamond's approaches to innovation and sustainability have been inseparably intertwined since the very beginning. When climbers noticed that popular routes had been damaged by the pitons traditionally used for protection, Chouinard and his business partner Tom Frost developed aluminum chocks that had significantly less impact on the rock, and then phased out of the piton business entirely. It was a risk, but one that defined a lasting environmentally aware direction for Chouinard and Black Diamond. Today, Black Diamond's expertise extends well beyond climbing, with notable innovations in skis, headlamps, backpacks, harnesses, trekking poles, tents, helmets, and many other outdoor products. Black Diamond has earned an outstanding reputation in backcountry skiing for its ground-breaking designs in both AT and telemark gear, including award-winning skis, boots, bindings, gloves, climbing skins, and vital accessories like beacons, probes, and Avalung packs. Moving beyond gear, Black Diamond continues to expand its line of high-quality apparel, offering both the technical jackets and pants one would expect from Black Diamond, as well as appealing, comfortable casual wear. Even with Black Diamond's broad range of products and worldwide distribution, it never lost sight of its roots or its high standards of environmentally responsible manufacturing processes and safe working conditions. In 2010 it initiated an official Corporate Responsibility program to monitor and ensure environmental and social compliance and stewardship within the brand, and it put into place a Vendor Code of Conduct to hold its outside vendors to a similarly high standard. Black Diamond is also extremely active in environmental programs, providing continuing support for over a dozen groups whose focus is environmental preservation. The company came a long way from a backyard anvil and a climber's vision in Yosemite. Fortunately, it hasn't lost sight of its values along the way. Black Diamond produces some of the finest climbing and skiing equipment and clothing in the world, but its commitment to the environment and fair labor practices are equally impressive. As it grows, Black Diamond's influence will also grow—helping to advance the outdoor industry not only through technical innovation, but through social and environmental programs as well.

Black Diamond continues to introduce cutting-edge climbing & skiing gear year after year. Shop skis, gloves, headlamps, climbing harnesses, & more on Backcountry.com.

Black Diamond Gear & Apparel

Although the Black Diamond name was officially adopted in 1989, the company's roots can be traced back to 1957. That's when climber and mountaineer Yvon Chouinard started hammering out chromoly pitons on an anvil in his backyard and selling them from the trunk of his car in Yosemite. Yvon's equipment quickly became an industry standard. In 1989 Chouinard Equipment LTD was purchased by a group of former employees and renamed 'Black Diamond.' Today, Black Diamond has offices on three continents. Its focus is, and always has been, innovative ski and climbing gear and an equally innovative approach to sustainable business practices.
 
Black Diamond's approaches to innovation and sustainability have been inseparably intertwined since the very beginning. When climbers noticed that popular routes had been damaged by the pitons traditionally used for protection, Chouinard and his business partner Tom Frost developed aluminum chocks that had significantly less impact on the rock, and then phased out of the piton business entirely. It was a risk, but one that defined a lasting environmentally aware direction for Chouinard and Black Diamond.
 
Today, Black Diamond's expertise extends well beyond climbing, with notable innovations in skis, headlamps, backpacks, harnesses, trekking poles, tents, helmets, and many other outdoor products. Black Diamond has earned an outstanding reputation in backcountry skiing for its ground-breaking designs in both AT and telemark gear, including award-winning skis, boots, bindings, gloves, climbing skins, and vital accessories like beacons, probes, and Avalung packs. Moving beyond gear, Black Diamond continues to expand its line of high-quality apparel, offering both the technical jackets and pants one would expect from Black Diamond, as well as appealing, comfortable casual wear.
 
Even with Black Diamond's broad range of products and worldwide distribution, it never lost sight of its roots or its high standards of environmentally responsible manufacturing processes and safe working conditions. In 2010 it initiated an official Corporate Responsibility program to monitor and ensure environmental and social compliance and stewardship within the brand, and it put into place a Vendor Code of Conduct to hold its outside vendors to a similarly high standard. Black Diamond is also extremely active in environmental programs, providing continuing support for over a dozen groups whose focus is environmental preservation.
 
The company came a long way from a backyard anvil and a climber's vision in Yosemite. Fortunately, it hasn't lost sight of its values along the way. Black Diamond produces some of the finest climbing and skiing equipment and clothing in the world, but its commitment to the environment and fair labor practices are equally impressive. As it grows, Black Diamond's influence will also grow—helping to advance the outdoor industry not only through technical innovation, but through social and environmental programs as well.

Patagonia

Patagonia's founder Yvon Chouinard started climbing in 1953 at the age of 14. By age 18 he was manufacturing climbing gear, and by 1970 Chouinard Equipment had become the largest supplier of climbing gear in the U.S. Before long, Chouinard realized that the standard climbing gear of the time was damaging popular climbing routes, so he developed an entirely new type of climbing gear—nuts instead of pitons—and started all over again. Patagonia, originally a clothing division under the Chouinard Equipment brand name, was created in the mid-'70s and stayed true to the brand's spirit of environmental awareness. Through organizations such as the Conservation Alliance and 1% For The Planet, Patagonia has since led an environmental charge in the world of outdoor clothing. Patagonia jackets, pants, shirts, board shorts, T-shirts, and other men's and women's apparel feature goods designed and manufactured using recycled materials, organic cotton, and low-impact construction methods. Patagonia is more than an environmentally friendly clothing manufacturer, however. It has led the way in technical apparel with moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics and other industry-changing innovations. Its timeless designs and legendary durability have made Patagonia one of the most widely respected names in ski and outdoor clothing. Patagonia has also expanded its manufacturing to include everything from backpacks to belts, hats, shoes, and even beanies. Patagonia has also had a huge influence on the outdoor industry from the fashion perspective. Chouinard believed that perfection in design was achieved 'not when there is no longer anything to add, but when there is no longer anything to take away'. Minimalism has been a guiding principle in Patagonia design from the very beginning, allowing form to follow function. This wisdom is recognized and appreciated throughout the outdoor industry. In the early '80s, Patagonia made a bold move that would change the industry forever. It drenched its outerwear in vibrant colors at a time when all men's outerwear was strictly tan or forest green. Soon cobalt, teal, French red, aloe, sea foam, and iced mocha became standard colors for outerwear, and the look of the outdoors changed forever. These days, Patagonia is everywhere. Although it never strove to influence fashion, you can't go to the grocery store, the movies, or the local pub without seeing Patagonia's influence on what we wear every day. Unlike many manufacturers, however, Patagonia put its stamp on the outdoor clothing industry forever while to staying true to its roots and its promise to environmentally conscious ideals.

Shop Patagonia clothing, shoes, & outerwear at Backcountry. Find the latest gear for your next climbing, skiing, fly fishing, and running adventure.

Patagonia - Jackets, Down Coats, Shoes, & More

Patagonia's founder Yvon Choiunard started climbing in 1953 at the age of 14. By age 18 he was manufacturing climbing gear, and by 1970 Chouinard Equipment had become the largest supplier of climbing gear in the U.S. Before long, Chouinard realized that the standard climbing gear of the time was damaging popular climbing routes, so he developed an entirely new type of climbing gear—nuts instead of pitons—and started all over again.
 
Patagonia, originally a clothing division under the Chouinard Equipment brand name, was created in the mid-'70s and stayed true to the brand's spirit of environmental awareness. Through organizations such as the Conservation Alliance and 1% For The Planet, Patagonia has since led an environmental charge in the world of outdoor clothing. Patagonia jackets, pants, shirts, board shorts, T-shirts, and other men's and women's apparel feature goods designed and manufactured using recycled materials, organic cotton, and low-impact construction methods.
 
Patagonia is more than an environmentally friendly clothing manufacturer, however. It has led the way in technical apparel with moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics and other industry-changing innovations. Its timeless designs and legendary durability have made Patagonia one of the most widely respected names in ski and outdoor clothing. Patagonia has also expanded its manufacturing to include everything from backpacks to belts, hats, shoes, and even beanies.
 
Patagonia has also had a huge influence on the outdoor industry from the fashion perspective. Chouinard believed that perfection in design was achieved 'not when there is no longer anything to add, but when there is no longer anything to take away'. Minimalism has been a guiding principle in Patagonia design from the very beginning, allowing form to follow function. This wisdom is recognized and appreciated throughout the outdoor industry. In the early '80s, Patagonia made a bold move that would change the industry forever. It drenched its outerwear in vibrant colors at a time when all men's outerwear was strictly tan or forest green. Soon cobalt, teal, French red, aloe, sea foam, and iced mocha became standard colors for outerwear, and the look of the outdoors changed forever.
 
These days, Patagonia is everywhere. Although it never strove to influence fashion, you can't go to the grocery store, the movies, or the local pub without seeing Patagonia's influence on what we wear every day. Unlike many manufacturers, however, Patagonia put its stamp on the outdoor clothing industry forever while to staying true to its roots and its promise to environmentally conscious ideals.

Shop Patagonia clothing, shoes, & outerwear on Backcountry.com including gear for climbing, skiing, fly fishing, and running.

The North Face

When you think of movements born in San Francisco in the late ‘60s, the high-performance outerwear movement probably isn’t at the top of your list. That is, however, exactly when and where it all began. Back then, Alpinists were forced to use equipment they picked up from the local Army surplus store. There were hardly any manufacturers focused on outdoor equipment in the private sector. That was about to change in a big way. In 1966, Doug Tompkins and his wife Susie decided to open a high-end ski and camping gear storefront at 308 Columbus Avenue in San Francisco's North Beach. They called their shop The North Face, a nod to the storied face of the Eiger and one of the most difficult climbs in the Northern Hemisphere. The store quickly became a hangout for local outdoor enthusiasts, and the legend was born. In 1968, Kenneth ‘Hap’ Klopp acquired The North Face and shifted the company’s focus from retail sales to the design and manufacture of outdoor clothing and equipment. The first manufacturing facility was squeezed into the back of The North Face store in Berkeley. Just a year later, a full-blown factory was opened to produce specialized gear and outerwear. Having established itself as a leader in outdoor apparel and equipment, The North Face began to sponsor expeditions to far flung, untouched locations at every corner of the globe. This launched a proud tradition of exploration that has continued for more than 50 years and solidified the brand’s standing as a leader in the outdoor industry. By the early ’80s, The North Face had expanded its product offering to the world of extreme skiing. Jackets, pants, gloves, and even beanies from The North Face were designed to withstand the harshest weather on the most unforgiving peaks in the world—a far cry from the mostly basic offerings from other manufacturers. By the end of the decade, The North Face became the only supplier in the United States to offer a comprehensive collection of high-performance outerwear, skiwear, sleeping bags, backpacks, and tents. The North Face entered the sportswear market in the ‘90s with its Tekware line. This innovative collection was designed to provide rock climbers, backpackers, hikers, trail runners, and outdoor enthusiasts with the ultimate fit and function. As the ‘90s drew to a close, the Half-Dome logo was a common sight at ultra-marathons. In response, The North Face launched its own line of trekking and trail-running shoes to complement its hiking, backpacking, and winter boots and to outfit the outdoor enthusiast from head to toe. Today, almost 50 years since its humble beginnings in San Francisco, the North Face offers an extensive line of men’s and women’s outdoor gear and clothing. Whether you’re looking for a hat, a windbreaker, a down jacket, or even an expedition shelter for a month at basecamp high in the Himalayas, The North Face can provide you with gear built to meet your needs and much more.

Shop the latest The North Face jackets, coats, clothing & gear at Backcountry.com. Check out popular lines such as the Osito, Denali, Venture, and more.

The North Face - Outdoor Apparel & Gear

The North Face, like the athletes who wear it, represents strength and endurance. The North Face is the most venerable and ubiquitous brand in outerwear and equipment. Like a protected stash of powder, here are The North Face goods: waterproof shells, plush fleece jackets, warm down coats, winter boots, tents, packs, and much more. We are a preferred The North Face seller. So if you seek The North Face gear, we have the largest selection anywhere online. Shop here first to find the outerwear and equipment you're looking for.

When you think of movements born in San Francisco in the late ‘60s, the high-performance outerwear movement probably isn’t at the top of your list. That is, however, exactly when and where it all began. Back then, Alpinists were forced to use equipment they picked up from the local Army surplus store. There were hardly any manufacturers focused on outdoor equipment in the private sector. That was about to change in a big way.
 
In 1966, Doug Tompkins and his wife Susie decided to open a high-end ski and camping gear storefront at 308 Columbus Avenue in San Francisco's North Beach. They called their shop The North Face, a nod to the storied face of the Eiger and one of the most difficult climbs in the Northern Hemisphere. The store quickly became a hangout for local outdoor enthusiasts, and the legend was born.
 
In 1968, Kenneth ‘Hap’ Klopp acquired The North Face and shifted the company’s focus from retail sales to the design and manufacture of outdoor clothing and equipment. The first manufacturing facility was squeezed into the back of The North Face store in Berkeley. Just a year later, a full-blown factory was opened to produce specialized gear and outerwear.
 
Having established itself as a leader in outdoor apparel and equipment, The North Face began to sponsor expeditions to far flung, untouched locations at every corner of the globe. This launched a proud tradition of exploration that has continued for more than 50 years and solidified the brand’s standing as a leader in the outdoor industry.
 
By the early ’80s, The North Face had expanded its product offering to the world of extreme skiing. Jackets, pants, gloves, and even beanies from The North Face were designed to withstand the harshest weather on the most unforgiving peaks in the world—a far cry from the mostly basic offerings from other manufacturers. By the end of the decade, The North Face became the only supplier in the United States to offer a comprehensive collection of high-performance outerwear, skiwear, sleeping bags, backpacks, and tents.
 
The North Face entered the sportswear market in the ‘90s with its Tekware line. This innovative collection was designed to provide rock climbers, backpackers, hikers, trail runners, and outdoor enthusiasts with the ultimate fit and function. As the ‘90s drew to a close, the Half-Dome logo was a common sight at ultra-marathons. In response, The North Face launched its own line of trekking and trail-running shoes to complement its hiking, backpacking, and winter boots and to outfit the outdoor enthusiast from head to toe.
 
Today, almost 50 years since its humble beginnings in San Francisco, the North Face offers an extensive line of men’s and women’s outdoor gear and clothing. Whether you’re looking for a hat, a windbreaker, a down jacket, or even an expedition shelter for a month at basecamp high in the Himalayas, The North Face can provide you with gear built to meet your needs and much more.

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