Cotopaxi is a socially-conscious outdoor gear and apparel brand founded in 2014 by Davis Smith in Salt Lake City, Utah. The brand was inspired by the iconic Cotopaxi volcano in Ecuador, Smith’s childhood home, and was built around a mission to address global poverty while producing high-quality outdoor gear designed for adventure and purpose. Brand History & Timeline
• 2013-2014: Davis Smith, motivated by his upbringing in Latin America and his passion for adventure, planned to build a brand t...
hat combines sustainable outdoor gear with social impact. His personal experience helping children in Latin America inspired the company’s core mission to fight poverty through business.
• 2014: Cotopaxi officially launched, emphasizing innovative, durable outdoor gear with a social mission. Early marketing campaigns, such as the “Questival” adventure race, aimed to connect young, active consumers with the brand’s mission-driven purpose while engaging them in community-based experiences.
• 2015-2020: Rapid growth as the brand expanded globally, donating a portion of its profits to education, healthcare, and livelihood projects, especially in Latin America and Africa. Cotopaxi earned B Corporation certification and became known for colorful, ethically made gear designed for explorers and explorers-at-heart.
• 2021-2025: The company increased its impact initiatives, including sustainable sourcing, renewable energy at its facilities, and partnerships with local organizations worldwide. Cotopaxi has grown into a leader in the “buy one, give one” and “Gear for Good” movements, with millions of dollars donated to poverty alleviation programs. Cotopaxi focuses on blending durable, high-quality materials with vibrant, eye-catching designs, reflecting its strong commitment to social good. Its products include backpacks, jackets, apparel, and accessories, all engineered for adventure and crafted ethically. The brand emphasizes transparency, sustainability, and empowering communities through responsible manufacturing. Distinguishing Remarks
• Named after a volcano in Ecuador, symbolizing adventure and social impact.
• Pioneered the “Gear for Good” movement—part of proceeds support poverty relief and community development.
• Known for innovative marketing campaigns, including social media-driven storytelling.
• Committed to transparency and responsible sourcing—certified B Corporation.
• Leader in integrating social missions into outdoor industry branding and retail.
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