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Who are the most influential people or organizations in the outdoor gear industry?

Burley Prestwich

Oh boy, here we go! As an avid outdoor enthusiast myself, I can definitely say that the outdoor gear industry is an exciting and ever-evolving world. And when we talk about influential people and organizations in this industry, there are certainly a few big dogs that come to mind.

First up, we have Patagonia. Yes, you know the one. The one with the cute puffy jackets and fleeces that we've all been guilty of drooling over at one point or another. But did you also know that Patagonia is a certified B Corp, which means they meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency? They've also led the charge in sustainable business practices and ethical manufacturing. Plus, their founder, Yvon Chouinard, is a straight-up badass who has been climbing and adventuring since before most of us were even born.

Next on the list is The North Face, another major player in the outdoor gear industry. These guys have been outfitting explorers and athletes for decades, and have a reputation for making bombproof gear that can withstand anything the mountains can throw at you. But beyond their gear, The North Face has also been a leader in promoting diversity and inclusion in the outdoors. They've launched initiatives like the Explore Fund and the Walls are Meant for Climbing campaign to help break down barriers and make outdoor adventures more accessible to everyone.

Now, let's talk about REI. This retail giant is beloved by outdoor enthusiasts across the country for their massive selection of gear and apparel, as well as their generous return policy and top-notch customer service. But did you also know that REI is a co-op, owned by its members who have a say in how the company is run? And every year, they close their stores on Black Friday to encourage people to #OptOutside and spend time in nature instead of shopping. Way to walk the walk, REI.

Last but not least, we have Arc'teryx, a Canadian brand that has become synonymous with high-end technical gear and apparel. From their iconic Atom LT jackets to their ultra-durable climbing harnesses, Arc'teryx is known for using cutting-edge materials and engineering to create gear that performs at the highest level. But they've also been pushing the boundaries of sustainability and environmental stewardship with initiatives like their Used Gear program and their LEAF (Law Enforcement and Armed Forces) line, which uses environmentally-friendly materials.

So there you have it, folks! These are just a few of the most influential people and organizations in the outdoor gear industry. Whether you're a casual hiker or a hardcore mountaineer, chances are you've worn gear from at least one of these brands. And with their commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and breaking down barriers to the outdoors, we can feel good about supporting them. Happy trails!