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.""

Thule

Although the history of the Thule brand doesn’t begin with the world’s best car racks, it still involves the smart practicality of Swedish design and a love of life in the outdoors. In 1942, a Swedish outdoorsman named Erik Thulin put his name on a pike trap he designed for local fisherman. The trap, a lethal-looking device with a spring-loaded steel hook, kicked off a growing business. Thulin continued to design practical products for his company and in 1955 Thule’s first car product was introduced—a metal grill for protecting headlights while driving on rugged dirt roads. By the 1960s, Thule had focused the majority of its business on automotive products. In 1962 the first ski rack was introduced and just two years later it debuted the roof rack with a basket—a design that was improved upon in ’68 with a fastener that made mounting the rack faster and easier. In 1977 Thule brought its first roof box (the Ski Box TB-11) to market. The TB-11 was endorsed by Swedish skiing superstar Ingemar Stenmark (the most winning World Cup alpine ski racer in history); fittingly, the boxes’ bright blue and yellow colors matched the suit of the Swedish ski team. Recognizing an opportunity to help a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts transport gear, Thule introduced surfboard carry systems in 1983, the iconic Combibox 250 in ’84, and in 1992 it debuted their first hitch-mounted bike carrier. Before the decade came to a close, Thule had become the world’s largest producer of roof boxes—a long way to come for a company that got its start making traps for fisherman. Today, Thule operates under the motto “Bring Your Life,” and with its diverse range of products designed for function, safety, and style, it’s clear the company lives up to it. Beyond versatile carry-it-all roof boxes, ski racks, and smart carry systems for both road and mountain bikes, Thule has continued to expand its line with racks designed specifically for kayaks, and it supports all of its products with a full line of accessories and parts. It can even help you get up to the mountain with its selection of snow chains. In addition, Thule Chariot strollers make it easy to run, bike, or ski with youngsters in tow. Thule even has a smart configurator tool that takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect rack for the type of car you drive. Whatever your passion, you can bet on Thule having the carry system you need to bring whatever you need along for the ride.

Check out our wide selection of Thule racks, boxes, roof rails, bike carriers and trailers. Find great Thule deals on Backcountry.com.

Thule - Roof, Hitch, & Trunk racks for Bikes, Skis, & More

To many outdoor junkies, Thule is best known for vehicle-mounted racks for sporting equipment, but the Swedish brand's history started elsewhere in the outdoors—fishing traps, to be precise. It was 1942 when Erik Thulin designed the aforementioned trap and introduced it to local fishermen; as you may expect, it was the result of an unadulterated passion for spending time outside. The shift to automotive racks didn't come until two decades later, when the first ski rack was introduced in 1962, and it was followed up shortly thereafter by a roof basket. That led the way for the 1977 introduction of Thule's roof box for carrying skis, another product whose descendants remain in production to this day. The focus on versatile, user-friendly carrying solutions led Thule to develop a strong following that has only grown with time. Through a series of acquisitions, Thule has expanded into a wide range of product categories, but despite that growth, the focus on functional products that enhance the outdoor experience remains unchanged. Of course there are the iconic ski racks, and equally beloved bike racks that adorn vehicles at trail heads and resort parking lots every weekend. The luggage line has become widely popular as well, with a range of storage and transit solutions for travelers. And in an effort to ensure that the next generation is connected to the outdoors, Thule has introduced a range of products aimed at parents. It includes joggers, strollers, and car seats, all of which are intended to make getting outside with children easier and more enjoyable. Whatever your destination or your goals when you get there, odds are that Thule offers a well-executed solution to make your journey easier, and that's backed by well over half a century of devotion to the cause of getting outside.

Although the history of the Thule brand doesn’t begin with the world’s best car racks, it still involves the smart practicality of Swedish design and a love of life in the outdoors. In 1942, a Swedish outdoorsman named Erik Thulin put his name on a pike trap he designed for local fisherman. The trap, a lethal-looking device with a spring-loaded steel hook, kicked off a growing business. Thulin continued to design practical products for his company and in 1955 Thule’s first car product was introduced—a metal grill for protecting headlights while driving on rugged dirt roads.
 
By the 1960s, Thule had focused the majority of its business on automotive products. In 1962 the first ski rack was introduced and just two years later it debuted the roof rack with a basket—a design that was improved upon in ’68 with a fastener that made mounting the rack faster and easier. In 1977 Thule brought its first roof box (the Ski Box TB-11) to market. The TB-11 was endorsed by Swedish skiing superstar Ingemar Stenmark (the most winning World Cup alpine ski racer in history); fittingly, the boxes’ bright blue and yellow colors matched the suit of the Swedish ski team.
 
Recognizing an opportunity to help a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts transport gear, Thule introduced surfboard carry systems in 1983, the iconic Combibox 250 in ’84, and in 1992 it debuted their first hitch-mounted bike carrier. Before the decade came to a close, Thule had become the world’s largest producer of roof boxes—a long way to come for a company that got its start making traps for fisherman.
 
Today, Thule operates under the motto “Bring Your Life,” and with its diverse range of products designed for function, safety, and style, it’s clear the company lives up to it. Beyond versatile carry-it-all roof boxes, ski racks, and smart carry systems for both road and mountain bikes, Thule has continued to expand its line with racks designed specifically for kayaks, and it supports all of its products with a full line of accessories and parts. It can even help you get up to the mountain with its selection of snow chains. In addition, Thule Chariot strollers make it easy to run, bike, or ski with youngsters in tow. Thule even has a smart configurator tool that takes the guesswork out of finding the perfect rack for the type of car you drive. Whatever your passion, you can bet on Thule having the carry system you need to bring whatever you need along for the ride.

Billabong

In an industry where brands ride in with the morning curl and wash out with the turbulent afternoon tide, Billabong has stood apart. Born out of necessity for superior surf threads, this swell-inspired brand began as a single pair of triple-stitched shorts sewn on the kitchen table of board shaper Gordon Merchant in 1973. On beachheads around the world, local water dogs don <a href="http://www.backcountry.com/billabong-mens-board-shorts">Billabong's boardshorts</a>, retro rash guards, and top-of-the-line wetsuits before dropping into monstrous swells. Swing through a boardwalk bar for a brew and you're sure to run into tanned shred-heads wearing Billabong's signature relaxed-fit jeans or cool, comfortable tees. You might even see a Billabong girl or two sipping a frosty drink while wearing a stylish top, beach-ready dress, or sultry swimsuit (with a sarong). A growing wave of ripping ams, dedicated shredders, and pros like Taj Burrows, Joel Parkinson, Keala Kennely, and Rebecca Woods continue to help Billabong refine its gear. Slay a tube in Bali or rail a bottom turn in Baja and you're sure to run into someone who's a fan of Billabong's passionate mission to stay true to humble surf communities while carving out a global presence.

In an industry where brands ride in with the morning curl and wash out with the turbulent afternoon tide, Billabong has stood apart. 

Billabong Clothing | Shirts, Shorts, & Accessories

In an industry where brands ride in with the morning curl and wash out with the turbulent afternoon tide, Billabong has stood apart. Born out of necessity for superior surf threads, this swell-inspired brand began as a single pair of triple-stitched shorts sewn on the kitchen table of board shaper Gordon Merchant in 1973. On beachheads around the world, local water dogs don <a href=""http://www.backcountry.com/billabong-mens-board-shorts"">Billabong's boardshorts</a>, retro rash guards, and top-of-the-line wetsuits before dropping into monstrous swells. Swing through a boardwalk bar for a brew and you're sure to run into tanned shred-heads wearing Billabong's signature relaxed-fit jeans or cool, comfortable tees. You might even see a Billabong girl or two sipping a frosty drink while wearing a stylish top, beach-ready dress, or sultry swimsuit (with a sarong). A growing wave of ripping ams, dedicated shredders, and pros like Taj Burrows, Joel Parkinson, Keala Kennely, and Rebecca Woods continue to help Billabong refine its gear. Slay a tube in Bali or rail a bottom turn in Baja and you're sure to run into someone who's a fan of Billabong's passionate mission to stay true to humble surf communities while carving out a global presence.

DAKINE

DAKINE was founded by Rob Kaplan in 1979 to produce surf leashes that could stand up to the beatings dished out by Maui’s North Shore. His first product was, as Rob put it, "the first leash you could pull a car with." The development of this ultra-tough leash actually opened a few unsurfed breaks because of the reduced risk of losing a board. It was a great start for a brand that, like its products, would stand the test of time. By the early '80s, Rob and DAKINE were leading the windsurfing industry with its first adjustable footstrap, seat harness, and waist harness. Its Coffin board bag became a favorite for surfers who travelled to events, beaches, and breaks around the world. In 1986 DAKINE moved its office, manufacturing facility, and warehouse to Hood River, Oregon, which was at the time the mainland epicenter of windsurfing. It also happens that Hood River is home to world-class mountain biking, kayaking, kiteboarding, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. Because of its year-round snow, Mt. Hood hosts summer ski and snowboard clinics that attract pros from around the world. By 1989, DAKINE had invested heavily in the snowboard market with board bags, gear bags, and jackets, as well as an accessories line including hats, beanies, and wallets. In 1993 DAKINE began manufacturing gloves and mittens. The Heli Pack, the original dedicated, low-profile backcountry snowboard-specific backpack, was developed soon thereafter. The Heli Pack was so successful that it was followed with several different versions, included men’s and women’s versions. There were also countless colors and patterns. Since the '90s, DAKINE has become involved with just about every action sport. It produces bags, clothing, and accessories for snowboarding, skiing, surfing, windsurfing, mountain biking, skateboarding, kiteboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding. There is also a full line of DAKINE luggage and bags for just about any occasion or purpose, from beach totes to photo backpacks. After more than 35 years, DAKINE continues to make durability its first priority. It’s not uncommon to see the original DAKINE Heli Pack backpack in the tram line or slowly making its way up a boot-pack in the backcountry. That’s because these packs, like everything else DAKINE makes, were built to withstand many years of harsh weather and abuse and keep going.

Shop DAKINE backpacks, gloves, luggage, clothing & snowboard bags at Backcountry.com. Find great deals, consumer reviews, and a 100% satisfaction gear guarantee.

DAKINE - Backpacks, Luggage, & Snowboard Bags

Unlike other brands, DAKINE actually understands the core of the culture. Andrew Shandro, Matt Hunter, and the rest of DAKINE's solid crew of riders give input for on every piece of gear. Anyone from  cross-country riders to freeriders and dedicated trail builders can find a tool in the DAKINE lineup to help get the job done. 

DAKINE was founded by Rob Kaplan in 1979 to produce surf leashes that could stand up to the beatings dished out by Maui’s North Shore. His first product was, as Rob put it, ""the first leash you could pull a car with."" The development of this ultra-tough leash actually opened a few unsurfed breaks because of the reduced risk of losing a board. It was a great start for a brand that, like its products, would stand the test of time. By the early '80s, Rob and DAKINE were leading the windsurfing industry with its first adjustable footstrap, seat harness, and waist harness. Its Coffin board bag became a favorite for surfers who travelled to events, beaches, and breaks around the world. In 1986 DAKINE moved its office, manufacturing facility, and warehouse to Hood River, Oregon, which was at the time the mainland epicenter of windsurfing. It also happens that Hood River is home to world-class mountain biking, kayaking, kiteboarding, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding. Because of its year-round snow, Mt. Hood hosts summer ski and snowboard clinics that attract pros from around the world. By 1989, DAKINE had invested heavily in the snowboard market with board bags, gear bags, and jackets, as well as an accessories line including hats, beanies, and wallets. In 1993 DAKINE began manufacturing gloves and mittens. The Heli Pack, the original dedicated, low-profile backcountry snowboard-specific backpack, was developed soon thereafter. The Heli Pack was so successful that it was followed with several different versions, included men’s and women’s versions. There were also countless colors and patterns. Since the '90s, DAKINE has become involved with just about every action sport. It produces bags, clothing, and accessories for snowboarding, skiing, surfing, windsurfing, mountain biking, skateboarding, kiteboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding. There is also a full line of DAKINE luggage and bags for just about any occasion or purpose, from beach totes to photo backpacks. After more than 35 years, DAKINE continues to make durability its first priority. It’s not uncommon to see the original DAKINE Heli Pack backpack in the tram line or slowly making its way up a boot-pack in the backcountry. That’s because these packs, like everything else DAKINE makes, were built to withstand many years of harsh weather and abuse and keep going.

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 on Backcountry.com including gear for climbing, skiing, fly fishing, and running.

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.

Vans

Since 1966 Vans has been putting shoes on the feet of skaters and surfers. Their canvas shoes with gum rubber soles gripped onto slick piers and skinny skate decks like nothing else before it. In short time their waffle pattern sole and colorful uppers became synonymous with southern California board riding culture. Throughout the '70s and '80s skatedecks grew bigger, surfboards got smaller, and music got louder. It was during these fast times that Vans solidified their reputation with legendary skateboarders and original punk rockers, Tony Alva and Steve Caballero. To this day, Vans shoes have been worn to more skate missions, mosh pits and surf breaks than any other.

Browse a wide selection of Vans shoes, clothing, and accessories at Backcountry.com. Find the latest Vans jackets, pants, dresses, hats, and more.

Vans - Shoes, Clothing, & Accessories

Yakima

Yakima makes versatile rack systems ready to carry anything you can throw at them.  From skis to bikes to anything you can jam into a gearbox or gear basket, Yakima makes a rack to fit your car and a part to fit your gear.

Find the latest Yakima bike racks, travel cargo boxes and ski racks available at Backcountry.com

Yakima Racks - Bike Racks, Cargo Boxes, & More

Yakima makes versatile rack systems ready to carry anything you can throw at them. From skis to bikes to anything you can jam into a gearbox or gear basket, Yakima makes a rack to fit your car and a part to fit your gear.

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Surf

Surfing Essentials

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Surf Wax Warm

Surf Wax Base

Surf Wax Cold

Surf Wax Cool

Surf Wax Tropical