Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Backpacks: 35L, 28L, 42L, 20L Hiking Packs, Laptop Bags & Gear

The company was founded in 2014 by Davis Smith, who grew up partly in Latin America and saw firsthand how much poverty affects daily life in the region. That background shaped the company’s mission from day one: gear sales fund real programs that help people work their way out of poverty, not just short-term aid.

Cotopaxi runs on a “Gear for Good” model. A portion of profits — 1% of revenue — goes to the Cotopaxi Foundation, which partners with nonprofits tackling poverty in places like Latin America, Africa, and the U.S. This isn’t a side project; it’s built into how the business runs.

The mismatched, colorful look of many products comes from using leftover materials from other manufacturers. Instead of letting scraps of nylon or other fabric go to waste, Cotopaxi turns them into one-of-a-kind bags — meaning no two are exactly alike, and less material ends up in a landfill.

The brand also leans into the idea of adventure as something anyone can access, not just serious outdoor athletes. Products are designed to work equally well on a mountain trail, a daily commute, or a weekend trip, which fits with the “simple enough for everyday” angle already used in past copy for this site.

Cotopaxi Backpack has also become known for its Questin’ events — outdoor scavenger hunts and challenges that get communities moving and exploring together, reinforcing the brand’s focus on shared moments over solo gear-flexing.