Chouinard equipment. Great mid-80s aluminum poles by Gipron.
Chouinard equipment A collection of his writings, Some Stories is an autobiographical book which sheds light on the eclectic life of Chouinard, a true nature lover, equally happy bivvying in the mountains, fishing by the river, surfing . Officials of Lost Arrow, the umbrella firm that runs Patagonia, Chouinard Equipment and several other companies, declined to identify the plaintiffs, or to say Aug 18, 2002 · "Another serious influence on my developing style came via the Chouinard climbing equipment catalogue of 1972, a slender publication with a Chinese landscape painting on the cover. Yvon Chouinard (born November 9, 1938) [1] is an American rock climber, environmentalist, and businessman. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality climbing hardware. Get the best deals for Chouinard Equipment at eBay. Payment due within day of listing end. The catalog was used for several years by Chouinard, and is commonly referred to as the 1972 catalog, and indeed on page 4 listing ''History of Chouinard Firsts,'' the list of new products stops at 1972 (Crag Hammer, Stoppers, Climaxe. Peter Metcalf, Maria Cranor and the employees of Chouinard Equipment took over in 1989, changed the name to Black Diamond and moved to Salt Lake City, to be at the base of the Wasatch mountains. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items! In addition to providing the inspiration for the journey documented in Mountain of Storms, in 1973 Chouinard Equipment chose the name “Patagonia” for its new clothing line. Chouinard denies the But in 1972, Chouinard and his business partner, Tom Frost, opened the Chouinard Equipment catalog with an essay urging readers to stop using pitons. This would be the beginnings of Chouinard Equipment. on December 1, 1989, acquiring the assets of their one-time employer in a leveraged buyout. Mar 22, 2022 · These are still relevant climbing tools today, 50 years later. Yvon Chouinard — inventor of fleece Chouinard with equipment for rock climbing, including Hexentrics, c. Check out our chouinard equipment selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our tools shops. In the same vein, Chouinard Equipment would develop tubular ice screws to follow the same mentality of clean climbing for the winter sports. Learn more about how Patagonia came to be. Chouinard’s innovative, reusable steel pitons became popular amongst his fellow climbers as they didn’t have to be left behind in the rock. Perhaps it’s a piton he forged in the late 1950s, after he The success of his pitons caused him to found Chouinard Equipment, Ltd. 2 days ago · The Demise of Chouinard Equipment, Ltd. ) However, on page 71 is a price list, and it clearly states ''Prices effective March 15, 1974 through June 15, 1974;'' also, '' This listing includes all new Feb 2, 2025 · Explore Yvon Chouinard's age, net worth, career highlights, and more in this comprehensive biography. Black Diamond was born from Chouinard Equipment and was a natural continuation of the passion and ethos that Yvon Chouinard and his friends started in 1965. Great mid-80s aluminum poles by Gipron. without the use of pitons which damage the rock) in the US in the early 70s, most notably through the publication of the following essay in the Chouinard 1972 Chouinard Equipment, by Yvon Chouinard, Tom Frost and Doug Robinson. His company, Patagonia, sells outdoor products, outerwear, and food. During the nine years that Frost and Chouinard were partners, they redesigned and improved almost every climbing tool to make them stronger, lighter, simpler and more functional. Yvon is credited with kick-starting the move to clean climbing (i. The 1972 Chouinard Equipment Catalog marked a watershed in climbing culture/technology by establishing a standard for clean climbing ethics in the United States. In the late 1960s, Chouinard and business partner Tom Frost began studying ice climbing equipment, and re-invented the basic tools (crampons and ice axes) to perform on steeper ice. 50 What is a commercial catalog doing in the book review section? Doesn’t it list items and prices just like Sears and Roebuck? Yes, but what other catalog quotes the Rolling Stones, Einstein and Yvon Chouinard? Jan 22, 2025 · Yvon Chouinard’s journey from a scrappy climber to the founder of one of the most influential outdoor brands in the world is a lesson in aligning passion with purpose. Nov 19, 2025 · Discover how Yvon Chouinard transformed a rock-climbing gear business into Patagonia, a leader in sustainable outdoor apparel and environmental activism. Author David Gelles pulls no punches in the book, but finds no skeletons, either. The company was known for its innovative designs, introducing high-quality pitons and carabiners, and later focusing on more environmentally friendly gear, such as aluminum chocks, to mi 3 days ago · A new biography of Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard was released earlier this fall. A group of employees and supporters bought the company’s assets out of bankruptcy and, amid some tension with the founder, renamed it Black Yvon Chouinard's six month road trip to South America (skiing, climbing and surfing. I am selling some of my dad’s vintage hiking/backpacking gear so check out my other listings! Please see pictures for details and measurements. They called it “clean climbing. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. It was also nationally and internationally renowned for its proactive envirenmental policies, programs and positions. Oct 4, 2024 · Early days of climbing gear: Chouinard Equipment In 1957, Yvon began forging his own climbing gear, initially to support his own adventures. no corrosion, just some scratches in the coating in places (the worst of which is pictured in closeups) Mar 20, 2017 · A self-proclaimed "dirtbag," Yvon Chouinard built Patagonia into a $750-million-in-sales powerhouse by sticking to his values. Chouinard’s story is not just one of success but of staying true to principles American Rock climber and mountaineer, Yvon Chouinard, started making climbing equipment in his parents backyard in Burbank, Calafornia, way back in 1957. Simultaniously, Yvon Chouinard's clothing venture, Patagonia, was also becoming immensely popular. This was the first step indicative of Chouinard, Patagonia, and Black Diamond’s continued commitment to sustainability and clean climbing. Sep 12, 2016 · In 1989, Chouinard Equipment declared Chapter 11. He was soon to set up his own company, Chouinard Equipment which operated out of The Great Pacific Ironworks in Ventura. Why not “Chouinard?” We already had a good image going, why start from Nov 25, 2025 · Chouinard label history - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia's journey from a small climbing equipment company to a global leader in sustainable business practices is a story of vision, passion, and unwavering commitment to Nov 26, 2025 · A copy of the first catalog of the ground-breaking Chouinard Equipment Company in excellent condition. Black Diamond Equipment's history dates from the late 1950s, when climber Yvon Chouinard began hand-forging pitons and selling them from the trunk of his car in Yosemite Valley. Santa Barbara, California: Sandollar Press, 1972. Yvon Chouinard is an American rock climber, environmentalist, and businessman. Founded by Yvon Chouinard Aug 26, 2024 · Explore 10 vintage outdoor brands that shaped the camping world, from Chouinard Equipment to Moss Tents, and discover their lasting impact. Reviews, ratings, and price comparisons for 1 items of Chouinard Equipment outdoor gear and apparel. e. Though Chouinard Equipment was, at the time, the country’s premier piton manufacturer, Chouinard and Frost saw firsthand the damage their pitons did to the rock. The Black Diamond name and symbol were reminiscent of Chouinard Equipment's diamond-C trademark. Jan 7, 2021 · New book column ! Yvon Chouinard left his mark on El Capitan and Fitz Roy, and established the emblematic brand, Patagonia, having started out forging climbing equipment by hand. ” Practically speaking, clean climbing would replace pitons In 1965, Yvon went into partnership with Tom Frost and started Chouinard Equipment. Yvon Chouinard laughs when he tries to remember the oldest piece of gear he owns. Patagonia, the company he started almost accidentally, has grown into a beacon of ethical business, sustainability, and environmental activism. To the left of the building is the Little Giant power hammer we used to forge Lost Arrow pitons. Get the best deals for Chouinard Backpack at eBay. Chouinard's pitons quickly gained a reputation for quality, and Chouinard Equipment Ltd. 72 pages, $. Chouinard produced a host of innovative climbing equipment over the decades to come, and in 1969 the Piolet or ice axe May 23, 1989 · Chouinard denies the allegations. Lined up in front is the stellar team that in 1969 produced world-class climbing Aug 23, 2014 · My first job at Great Pacific Iron Works (it was then called, though officially, it "distributed" Chouinard Equipment) was to fulfill catalog requests starting in October 1974, and, the catalog then was the Chinese watercolor-cover one, which included Doug Robinson's treatise on clean climbing. These new tools and his book Climbing Ice (1978) started the modern sport of ice climbing. . What a great vintage Chouinard Backpack with the CHOUINARD EQUIPMENT FOR ALPINIST Label. Feb 15, 2011 · Another serious influence on my developing style came via the Chouinard climbing equipment catalogue of 1972, a slender publication with a Chinese landscape painting on the cover. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items! Jun 5, 2024 · Patagonia, a name synonymous with outdoor adventure, environmental stewardship, and innovative design, has become an iconic brand in the world of outdoor apparel. ” Get the best deals on Chouinard Ice Climbing Equipment when you shop the largest online selection at eBay. Twenty-five years later the two are This story is part of the National Geographic 33. Instead, he advocated the use of Chouinard's former employees created Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. [3] In 1957, Chouinard began making reusable chrome-molybdenum steel climbing pitons himself to replace iron pitons that could be placed only once into rock. May 28, 2014 · Chouinard Equipment to Black Diamond By the mid 1980s, interest in climbing increased rapidly and Chouinard equipment grew into one of the leading manufacturers of climbing equipment in the world. As we began to make more and more clothes, we needed to find a name for our clothing line. The founder of that company, Yvon Chouinard, got his start in the gear-making game by hand forging pitons and other rock climbing hardware. The book addresses the nuance and complications of the influential owner and his company. - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Jun 6, 2024 · Tom Frost writes, “This small tin building is where everything happened at Chouinard Equipment Company, later named Great Pacific Ironworks, Ventura, California. Nov 24, 2025 · Chouinard carabiner Timeline & Identification Guide- 1968-89 - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Officials of Lost Arrow, the umbrella firm that runs Patagonia, Chouinard Equipment and several other companies, declined to identify the plaintiffs or to say Sep 10, 2014 · Peter Metcalf learned the outdoor business at the feet of Patagonia's Yvon Chouinard, then bought out his failing equipment company, straining the friendship. He was named May 4, 1989 · Company officials said that four lawsuits blame Chouinard for injuries allegedly caused by inadequate instructions and warnings on climbing harnesses and other equipment. May 11, 1989 · Chouinard denies the allegations. Yvon Chouinard is an American climber who was extremely influential in the 1960s and 1970s. Binding is tight, no dog ears. Contains the two forward-looking environmental essays, “ A Word . Rather than using brute force to climb routes by any means necessary, Yvon Chouinard and others argued that good style mattered more than the send. com. Instead, he advocated the use of Black Diamond was born from Chouinard Equipment and was a natural continuation of the passion and ethos that Yvon Chouinard and his friends started in 1965. 50 What is a commercial catalog doing in the book review section? Doesn’t it list items and prices just like Sears and Roebuck? Yes, but what other catalog quotes the Rolling Stones, Einstein and Yvon Chouinard? Black Diamond was born from Chouinard Equipment and was a natural continuation of the passion and ethos that Yvon Chouinard and his friends started in 1965. Chouinard equipment display at Patagonia corporate in Ventura CA - Made by the Karabin Climbing Museum. Aug 18, 2002 · "Another serious influence on my developing style came via the Chouinard climbing equipment catalogue of 1972, a slender publication with a Chinese landscape painting on the cover. [2] Photo: Tom Frost Below is the introduction to the 1972 Chouinard Equipment catalog—the first edition that was more than just order forms—written by Yvon Chouinard and Tom Frost. He was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2023. Yvon Chouinard founded the Patagonia brand, one of the world's most successful and environmentally friendly outdoor clothing and gear companies. was the largest of a group of companies owned by the Lost Arrow Corporation. Jun 6, 2017 · 1972 Chouinard Equipment Catalog A highly coveted piece of literature—yes, literature—the 1972 catalog (Patagonia’s first) is considered a seminal contribution to the greening of alpinism Sep 16, 2022 · Who is Yvon Chouinard? The Patagonia founder who gave away his company to trust fighting climate change The billionaire founder began his career as a blacksmith before he launched the outdoor We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. 2 days ago · The story of Chouinard Equipment is really the prologue to the story of Patagonia. shipping: will be shipped separated to keep shipping costs low. easily reassembled. Chouinard Equipment, by Yvon Chouinard, Tom Frost and Doug Robinson. [3] In early 1989, after several product-liability lawsuits and a continued lack of This brief history is dedicated to all Patagonia and Chouinard Equipment employees, present and past. 1972. “Mountains are finite,” Chouinard and Frost wrote, “and despite their massive appearance, they are fragile. This privately owned company, based in Ventura, California, was a pioneer in the over $15 billion outdoor apparel and equipment industry (Lehr, 2000). Photo by Tom Frost. without the use of pitons which damage the rock) in the US in the early 70s, most notably through the publication of the following essay in the Chouinard 1972 Aug 28, 1990 · Owners of outdoor-equipment stores were decidedly pessimistic in the spring of 1989, when Chouinard Equipment, a Ventura-based maker of rock-climbing gear, floated a plan for a new company with a In the early ’70s, the Chouinard Equipment catalog advocated for a new kind of climbing, one that called for restraint in order to protect the rock. The buyout was structured along the lines of an employee ownership plan. in very good used condition. Oct 31, 2025 · Good condition! Could use a cleaning but not much. Dec 17, 2018 · Yvon Chouinard, who had been making pitons through his Chouinard Equipment brand for several years by then, introduced the aluminum chocks in his 1972 Chouinard Equipment/Great Pacific Iron Works catalog. Black Diamond Equipment's history dates from the late 1950s, when climber Yvon Chouinard began hand-forging pitons and selling them from the trunk of his car in Yosemite Valley. was born soon after in Ventura, California. Its author, the revered rock and ice climber Yvon Chouinard, called for "clean" climbing, proposing that climbers disavow pitons and bolts that scarred or otherwise altered rock. ) Hence the company name: Patagonia 1969 make first curved pick ice axes (Chouinard Piolet) 1971 Hexentrics introduced, the vanguard of clean climbing protection Crag Hammer and Climaxe released 1972 Doug Robinson's article in the Chouinard Equipment catalog sparked the 'clean climbing' revolution 10,000 Get the best deals on Chouinard when you shop the largest online selection at eBay. Oct 25, 2014 · Patagonia, Inc. This hobby evolved into a small business, Chouinard Equipment, which he founded in 1965. Quick to ship. He founded Chouinard Equipment and ran the business together with Tom Frost. vintage Chouinard Equipment Adjustable Probe Ski Poles - aluminum - by Gipron. Chouinard Equipment, founded by climber Yvon Chouinard, was a pioneering outdoor equipment company that specialized in climbing gear.