PATAGONIA

Patagonia, founded by Californian climber, surfer and “reluctant businessman” Yvon Chouinard, began life in 1973 as an offshoot of Chouinard Equipment, a tiny shop near the great Rincon surf breaks that made the best climbing gear in the world.

Patagonia makes gear for the “silent sports” – climbing, surfing, snowboarding and skiing, fly fishing and trail running – sports without crowds, trophies or motors, sports where immersion in the elements is reward in itself.

“Build the best product, cause no unnecessary harm, and use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”