Marmot is a powerhouse in the outdoor gear world, whipping up everything from cozy down jackets and rugged tents to sleeping bags and apparel that laugh in the face of blizzards and downpours. It all started when a couple of adventurous students decided to sew their own cold-weather prototypes, eventually pioneering waterproof-breathable tech that changed the game for explorers everywhere. Named after those chunky, high-altitude squirrels that dig deep and endure, the brand has evolved from a scrappy startup to a global go-to for performance-driven kit, with a knack for blending innovation and durability – like that one friend who's always prepared for a spontaneous summit push.

On the woke front, Marmot's got the full progressive backpack loaded, from DEI commitments that champion diversity across race, gender, and sexual orientation to ESG policies laser-focused on fair labor, eco-stewardship, and inclusive access to the outdoors, because apparently, trails need affirmative action too. They've thrown support behind LGBTQ groups with prideful partnerships and donated to racial justice causes amid BLM buzz, turning gear sales into subtle sermons on equity. Who knew your rain jacket was secretly an activist?