Why Patagonia
Embrace life's adventures every day, everywhere.
When we started Idaho River Sports over 20 years ago, we did it because it was a way for us to stay connected to an activity we love - paddling. Idaho is and will always be the Whitewater State. The ensuing years taught us that we had to be involved in keeping Idaho safe and our rivers, waters, air and backcountry better than we found them if we could. Part of this growing sense of responsibility was and is to this day, selling products we use and products made by companies that respect the environment we love.
Beyond these principles also comes a sense of responsibility to our customers. We believe our customers are also the best there are. They share our concerns for the environment and keeping locally-owned businesses strong. We are in business for our customers and employees who share this special place. With this in mind, here are a few of the reasons we think Patagonia is a great fit for our customers, Idaho and far beyond.
Reason Number 1
Quality WITH Commitment
Patagonia's "definition of quality demands that any garment we make be long-lasting and strong. It should also be as light as possible for its intended uses, supple, feel dry and comfortable against the skin, and be easy to care for. It should be versatile. It should fit an active man, woman or kid: arms must be free to rise and knees to bend. Environmental harm from manufacturing or growing practices, from dyes and finishes, should be as minimal as we know how to make them. Every garment should be beautiful; when we take all the necessary pains to make a product right, it usually does come out beautifully. We design products that embody these qualities."
Backing up that commitment, Patagonia founders and management including Kris Tompkins (see Reason Number 2 below) was the first clothing manufacturer to pledge 1% of it's Gross Revenue to environmental activism.... putting their money where their mouth is! For more about 1% For The Planet click here.
Reaon Number 2
Kris McDivitt Tompkins - College of Idaho Class of 1972
Kris Tompkins, head of Conservacion Patagonica, graduated from the College of Idaho in 1972 . She joined Yvon Chouinard, founder of Chouinard Equipment, makers of rock climbing and ice climbing equipment. Being a ski racer herself, in 1973-74 she realized the need for climbing and skiing clothes and thus Patagonia was born. Patagonia started off as a company of six people who tried to create a working environment in which they would enjoy working. Kim eventually became Patagonia's CEO.
In 1980 they came up with the idea of donating 10 percent of their profits to radical segment environmental organizations such as Earth First! Having helped to pollute the earth, they believed that they must do something to equalize the effects of polluting.
In 1993, when she and her husband were emotionally and ethically exhausted from business life, she sold her stake in Patagonia to her partners and moved with her husband to Chile with just two bags. In Chile they have three family foundations through which they have managed to put 2.2 million acres into permanent protection. They have created two national parks including the first coastal national park in Chile. The third national park, Patagonia National Park, is under construction now. She considers herself blessed for having created companies they are proud of and for using third phase of her life to work for the non-human world while, at some level, improving the human world as well.
"To build a business that inspires people and to do something with your life that you are proud of when you look back is leadership. People don't look up to you unless there is not more to your business than money. So take hard stances, be a part of something that is not just making money".
Reason Number 3
Choosing Retailers that Live Their Environment
From the Patagonia website: "Patagonia products can be found in the best specialty outdoor shops in the country, and many of these outfitters also carry great selections of hard goods and gear. But best of all, their employees posses valuable local knowledge to assist you in pursuing your outdoor adventures."
At EveryWear and Idaho River Sports, as well as other great local and Idaho specialty stores, we truly know the conditions, places and spirit of the market we server. Our staff not only makes it a point to enjoy all that Idaho offers, we encourage all of our business partners, customers and friends to take what we love every they go - EveryWear!
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