Utah-based Cotopaxi has earned a lot of accolades for its progressive approach to philanthropy, including its commitment to donating 2 percent of all revenue to nonprofits that improve health, education, and the standard of living around the world. In recent years, the benefit corporation has supported malaria prevention in sub-Saharan Africa, emergency response in the Middle East, and girls’ education in India.
But while these efforts attract customers, what keeps us coming back is the quality of Cotopaxi’s gear. Take the Allpa pack ($170), a 35-liter hauler with a central wrap-around zipper that lets you open it like a book for easy access to mesh compartments. It’s carry-on-size, with grab handles on four sides, but it also performs admirably on the trail, with a comfy padded hipbelt, contoured shoulder straps, and a breathable back panel for ventilation. Plus, it’s made of waterproof 1,000-denier polyester.