Continuing with our little known brands series, the next brand to focus on is the Salt Lake City based brand Cotopaxi. What started off as a investor funded company based on doing good and investing back into destitute communities around the world has now morphed into a powerhouse company that is on the rise. They started out by making backpacks and apparel, but they give a set amount to different high impact organizations around the world, with everything from educating schoolgirls to providing much needed medical care in impoverished countries. They are an extremely transparent about who they give to, providing yearly giving reports and most recently becoming a certified B corporation.


 One thing that separates them from other outdoor companies is their Del Día collection. This collection is produced in their fair wage/fair treatment factory in the Philippines, and features a unique look: one pack is never made to look the same. The factory workers are given full liberty to create whatever color pack they wish, using left over scraps of technical material. This gives the packs a very singular look and creates the feeling of uniqueness with the owner. It's always a gamble to see what you will get, but I found that most people that I've convinced to get one are more than satisfied.


Their signature pack is the Luzon Del Día (above), which is very similar to the REI flash pack, but is better in both terms of construction and style. Mine has become my go to pack for everything, and can even stuff into it's own pocket, making it a great choice for a day pack while traveling. their other packs are also a great investment, as the quality and comfort is evident from the start. I traded my Osprey Aether 65 for the Cotopaxi Nepal 65 (below), and I couldn't be happier. Besides being cheaper than Osprey with the same lifetime guarantee, It is one of the most well thought out and comfortable backpacking packs that I have ever used.


Besides the packs, they are also making some stellar backpacking and camping gear, with a great lightweight tent that looks amazing, and a sleeping bag that is as high quality as it is stylish.


Cotopaxi's rapidly expanding outerwear line is also something that will soon be a serious contender, as the jackets are all made with a great slim fit, and the quality of the products shines through. That being said, if you are borderline sizes, make sure to order up or you might find it being a little too tight. I'm 6'4 200lbs, and an XL fits like a glove.


 Cotopaxi is quickly becoming my favorite company, and I plan on keeping on buying as much of their product as my wallet will allow. I highly recommend that you give them a gander here and you won't be disappointed.