Since moving out west, I’ve wanted to try Cotopaxi. They are an apparel brand that has made a lot of strides to be sustainable and more eco-friendly. As I mentioned, last year, eco-friendly was important to me in 2021.
About Cotopaxi:
The founder of Cotopaxi, Davis Smith, grew up in Latin America. He later lived in Ecuador. In his free time, he explored Cotopaxi National Park. At the National Park, I developed a lifelong reverence for the Andes’ strong, hard-working people.
Later Davis moved to the US and pursued advanced degrees in business and international studies. He started several successful e-commerce businesses. He found he wanted to make a difference in the world and decided to merge his love of travel with a poverty-fighting business model. Each Cotopaxi purchase gives to those living in poverty.
The name “Cotopaxi” represents adventure, optimism, and determination from when he lived in Ecuador.
Cotopaxi Gives Back:
Cotopaxi integrates giving back into their company culture. They see their business as a vehicle to make an impact. Each year, Cotopaxi provides grants to nonprofits. This includes volunteering at local farms or helping install irrigation pumps in Myanmar. They have committed to help irradicate poverty.
They also put 1% of revenue toward addressing poverty and supporting community development. To date, they’ve awarded 42 grants in six focus countries! Wow.
Cotopaxi Gear I Tried:
Admittedly, I didn’t know a lot about the brand Cotopaxi and truly just liked the style. I am so glad I took the time to research even more about the brand.
Bandera Full-Zip Hoodie:
- One thing I love is that the Bandera Crew is made from 58% recycled polyester.
- Materials: 58% recycled polyester, 35% polyester, and 7% Spandex
- Sizing: I wear a size small in tops and hoodies which is what I opted for with the Bandera Full-Zip Hoodie. It fits looser and isn’t a slim fit, but it does fit true to size. If you are looking for a fitted hoodie, this wouldn’t be it. If you’re looking for a looser-fitting hoodie, this is a great option.
The Bandera hoodie was designed for lunch break hikes and daily life. It combines the style of vintage hoodie with technical performance. I’ve used the Bandera hoodie for several hikes, living life, and even a couple of warm-up jogs before workouts. I find it works for any of them.
It’s not heavy, so if you are looking for a thick cold weather hoodie, this probably isn’t it. It’s great for spring and fall days, and I’ll continue to use it.
At $110, it’s not cheap, but I appreciate it functions well and that Cotopaxi donates money to poverty. Plus, the recycled material makes me even happier to support the brand. If it was just a $110 hoodie, I’m not sure I could justify the price, but the fact that Cotopaxi does so much great for the world, I can justify supporting the brand.
Tierra Adventure Short:
- Materials: 5% nylon/15% spandex stretch woven
- Sizing: I wear an extra small in bottoms and I chose the XS in the Tierra Adeventure Short. They fit true to size. With the high waist band, I was worried my butt might hang out but they are also long enough to cover everything. Needless to say, I’m a big fan of the fit.
The Cotopaxi Tierra Adventure Short is mid-rise and an A-line cut. They are my style of shorts and come up just above the belly button. As someone who is 5’8 and prefers high-waisted bottoms, it can be hard to find shorts that don’t ride up or are that are long enough. These cover everything that needs to be covered.
The flat waistband is flattering. Finally, and not to be missed by the Cotopaxi Adventure Shorts do have pockets to hold gear. I’ve run in the Tierra Adenvrture Shorts as well as lived life in them. They are comfortable enough to do both, and they don’t fall while running. With all of the rain in Napa Valley, they also dry quickly, which has become extremely important to me. I think they could be a great board short if needed.
While the Tierra Adventure Short is $70, I do feel better knowing Cotopaxi works hard with charities.
Cotopaxi Conclusion:
Cotopaxi is a more expensive brand, but its charity work and work for sustainable and eco-friendly practices cannot be overlooked. I appreciate that, and I’ll continue to support them. It would be hard to justify buying clothing at that price, but because they have sustainable practices in place and the quality is good, I can justify it.
Finally, you can save $20 by using this link.
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Questions for you:
Have you tried Cotopaxi?
What is your favorite eco-friendly or sustainable brand?
That hoodie is so cute! I love Cotopaxi. They are definitely out of my normal price range for apparel so I wait for clearance and sales to buy outerwear, but the quality is great and I think everything will last a long time. I have two down coats (fuego and nina), the older pacaya (favorite most versatile jacket in my closet), the old running hydration pack, and a travel bag. In the winter I wear something or other from them daily!