Kokatat (1971), a deep-dive into the company history

Kokatat: The Brand That Stays Dry, True, and Local

In a world of outsourced gear and overhyped tech, there’s something quietly powerful about a company that still does things the hard way—the right way. Kokatat is one of those companies. If you’ve ever paddled into frigid whitewater or toured the coast in a drysuit that just felt right, there’s a good chance it came from their workshop in Arcata, California.

And yes—still made right there, after more than 50 years.

It All Started With a River

Kokatat’s story begins back in 1971. A guy named Steve O’Meara, a textile specialist with a love for rivers and remote places, started stitching technical outdoor clothing under the name Blue Puma. He wasn’t trying to start a global brand—he just wanted better gear for friends, local paddlers, and river guides.

Then came the pivotal moment: a group of kayakers preparing for an expedition to the Alsek River in British Columbia asked him to build gear that could handle glacial water, high winds, and constant spray. Steve said yes—and designed the suits himself. Those drysuits worked. The team stayed warm and dry. Word got around.

From that moment on, Steve shifted his focus exclusively to paddlesports. Blue Puma eventually became Kokatat, a name inspired by the Karuk word meaning “into the water.” And just like that, the company had a mission: build the most reliable gear on the planet for people who rely on water not just for recreation, but for life.

From day one, Kokatat stood apart because of its obsession with reliability. This wasn’t gear made for showrooms or influencer shoots. It was gear designed for class V rapids, freezing surf, and expedition conditions. The kind of equipment that gets tested on a daily basis, by the people using it.

Gear That Holds Up in the Worst Conditions

As paddlesports evolved through the '80s and '90s, so did Kokatat. They were among the first to partner with GORE-TEX for waterproof-breathable drysuits. It was a major leap forward in comfort and performance. Today, they’re still the only paddling brand using GORE-TEX in their suits—everyone else has moved to private-label membranes or lower-cost materials. Kokatat never compromised.

Over time, suits like the Meridian, Expedition, and Legacy became industry legends—trusted by paddlers from Greenland to Patagonia. Their rescue suits are used by swiftwater teams and search-and-rescue crews around the world.

But what really sets Kokatat apart isn’t the material—it’s the process. Over 90% of their products are still built in Arcata, California. Inside their factory, nearly 200 employees hand-cut, sew, and seam-seal every suit. Each one is pressure-tested. Every gasket is individually fitted. Each suit is made like someone’s life depends on it—because often, it does.

In a time when most outdoor brands have shifted to offshore mass production, Kokatat’s refusal to compromise is almost rebellious. It’s also the reason they’ve built a reputation that’s lasted for generations.

What happens when your suit wears out? You send it back. Kokatat runs one of the most respected repair programs in the outdoor industry. It’s not a marketing gimmick—it’s a core service. They’ll replace zippers, cuffs, neck gaskets, and even full panels. Some suits come in that are over 15 years old and still going strong after a tune-up.

That’s not just great for the environment. It’s a business model built on longevity, trust, and pride.

The Next Chapter, Still in Arcata

In 2021, founder Steve O’Meara made a big decision. After 50 years at the helm, he handed ownership and leadership of Kokatat to Mark Loughmiller, a paddlesports veteran with deep roots in the community and a clear respect for the company’s values. This wasn’t a corporate takeover. It was a careful handoff—from one steward to another.

Mark didn’t shake things up—he deepened them. Under his leadership, Kokatat expanded its manufacturing space by 40% to meet demand. They installed solar panels to power part of the factory and switched to energy-efficient LED lighting. Hiring ramped up. Training programs were improved. Repairs became faster. Products got better. And all of it stayed rooted in Arcata. Cont’d below the poll..

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The gear line has also expanded thoughtfully. Beyond whitewater and sea kayaking, Kokatat now produces suits for SUP, fly fishing, rescue professionals, and even select military contracts. But you won’t see them chasing trends or dropping lifestyle collabs. This is a company that knows who it’s for—and they stay laser-focused on performance, durability, and safety.

Slow Growth, Built to Last

Kokatat isn’t flashy. They don’t dominate ad space. But behind the scenes, they’ve built a quietly impressive business.

Based on multiple business intelligence sources, Kokatat’s estimated annual revenue is between $10–25 million, with a likely midpoint of $14.4 million. This estimate comes from platforms like Growjo, CIENCE, and IncFact—none of which report exact figures, but all paint a consistent picture of a strong, independent, premium brand.

That level of revenue, coming from mostly hand-built, made-in-USA gear, is remarkable. In a market where nearly every competitor has moved offshore, Kokatat has found a way to stay competitive without cutting corners.

Part of their secret? Customer loyalty. Paddlers who buy a Kokatat suit often become lifelong customers. Outfitters order dozens of suits a year. Rescue teams won’t work in anything else. It’s the kind of brand that people trust—and tell their friends about.

In fact, Kokatat is one of the rare outdoor companies where owning their gear feels like joining a community. People trade repair stories. They pass down suits to the next generation. They trust the gear not just because it’s good—but because the people behind it care.

So what makes Kokatat worth following?

It’s not just the quality of their suits. It’s their unwillingness to cut corners. It’s their decision to keep jobs in Arcata. It’s their commitment to repairs, not disposability. And it’s their belief that outdoor gear isn’t just a business—it's a responsibility.

Fifty years in, they’ve proven that it's possible to build a small, profitable, sustainable brand without compromise.

And in today’s outdoor industry, that’s a rare thing.