The COTOPAXI Way of Giving Back

The  backpack has always been a favourite essential whether you're on your way to school or to work. With its multi purpose use, travelers prefer to use it as well because of its convenience.  The same can be said  for those who love hiking or mountain climbing. 

One of the basic quality one looks for in a backpack is its durability and its design. Imagine climbing an 811 meter mountain above sea level with two liters of water, extra clothes, some light food, headlamp and other necessities in your backpack while balancing yourself trailing, climbing on a cliff on your way to the summit ? Then suddenly  your backpack gave in due to the heavy load. 

A real bummer, right?

I know it is an exaggeration but the point is if we are going  to travel for a hike or  a mountain climb,  we have to be sure that the basic essentials have been tried and tested. However, we usually prefer the ones that are made abroad. Not knowing that we have our own local products that are quality proven and the cause of pride for those who use them.

I am talking about the Cotopaxi backpacks.

Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia Backpack

Named after the famous volcano in Ecuador, the Cotopaxi is one of South America's most famous volcanoes and one of its most active ones. With its 5911 m it also ranks among the world's highest active volcanoes (26th highest). 

Source

Cotopaxi is an outdoor gear company that has two worthy goals: to make quality outdoor packs and apparel and to help people while doing it by donating a portion of the profits to the specific charity that inspires each product.

One advantage that Cotopaxi has over their competitors is that they are direct-to-consumer which means that you won’t find their products at your local middle man but you will find that when you purchase their products, the quality/helping people bang-for-your-buck factor will be turned up a notch. 

Cotopaxi backpacks made by our fellow Filipinos

The Cotopaxi factory located in Mariveles, Bataan.

All in a day's work

Made with Pride by Filipinos

   
More than producing world class gear, being well known and earning from it, there is a  deeper reason why Cotopaxi chose to do good and give back. CJ Whittaker, VP for Product Design shared one of the reasons why.

“I love people. As an artist, I spend a lot of time figure drawing. Through artwork, I learned there are no ugly people in this world. I’ve met beautiful people, many which are experiencing a harder life than I am. From living in inner-city Milwaukee, traveling through Tonga, and working in the Philippines and Bangladesh, I’ve witnessed complete poverty and lack of security. For example, I’ve walked the same streets that girls are often walking when abducted and sold into the sex trade. I can not do anything.” –CJ Whittaker, VP of Product Design

Cotopaxi is a company founded on the principals of making a difference, moving people to do good, and inspiring new adventures. Below is Cotopaxi 's info graphic guide on giving back.

Cotopaxi Info graphic Guide on Giving Back

I have always known that we Filipinos are world class. To say that I am proud knowing where the Cotopaxi backpacks are made is quite an understatement. Now each time I see a Cotopaxi backpack with that tag written in Filipino, I am not only grateful that I helped spread the word about it but also feel humbled  knowing I was part of a chain that gave back and made a positive impact to the world.

For more updates, visit Cotopaxi's website at www.cotopaxi.com  or like their  facebook page @ www.facebook.com/Cotopaxi.