Chouinards

Chouinard Equipment was a company founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1957. Initially, it was a small operation focused on producing reusable climbing pitons. Chouinard, a passionate rock climber himself, recognized the limitations and environmental damage caused by traditional pitons, which were hammered into rock faces and often left behind. He began hand-forging stronger, more durable pitons from steel.

The company grew organically through word-of-mouth within the climbing community. Chouinard's innovative designs, such as the "Stoppers" (wedge-shaped metal pieces inserted into cracks) and "Hexcentrics" (hexagonal-shaped metal pieces), became highly sought after. These designs aimed to be less damaging to the rock and more easily removable.

In the 1970s, Chouinard Equipment expanded its product line to include a wider range of climbing hardware, including carabiners and other protection devices. The company also became known for its environmental ethos, promoting practices that minimized impact on natural environments. This commitment to sustainability would later become a defining characteristic of the company and its successor.

In 1989, Chouinard Equipment underwent a significant transformation, evolving into Black Diamond Equipment. This transition allowed for further product development and broader market reach while retaining the core values of quality and environmental responsibility established by Yvon Chouinard. The legacy of Chouinard Equipment lives on through Black Diamond and Yvon Chouinard's subsequent founding of Patagonia, a highly influential outdoor apparel company.