### The Decline of ExOfficio: A Cautionary Tale for Iconic Travel Gear Brands
When a large corporate conglomerate that sells everything from trash cans to pens acquires a well-known travel clothing brand, the outcome is often predictable: the brand either vanishes or undergoes significant decline. Unfortunately, ExOfficio, once a cherished name in travel gear, appears to be experiencing the latter, becoming a mere shadow of its former self.
#### A Remarkable History
Established in 1987, ExOfficio quickly became a renowned name among travelers. Known for their rugged, durable, and versatile travel clothing, the brand was a favorite among adventurers and globetrotters. Their products, including the innovative BugsAway clothing treated with Insect Shield, were highly esteemed for their quality and durability. Many travelers, including myself, found ExOfficio’s gear essential, with items enduring years of rigorous use.
#### A Shift to Underwear
In recent years, ExOfficio’s product range has narrowed down to almost exclusively underwear. This transition has left many loyal customers bewildered and disappointed. The once varied collection of travel clothing has been reduced to a single category, and even the quality of their underwear has been questioned. Customers have reported issues such as elastic wearing out and fabric thinning over time, a stark contrast to the brand’s previous reputation for durability.
#### Lack of Clarity
Efforts to get answers from ExOfficio’s parent company, Newell Brands, have been met with silence or vague responses. Despite reaching out through various platforms, including email, social media, and their website’s chat function, I received no clear answers regarding the future of ExOfficio’s product line. The closest thing to a definite answer was an acknowledgment that BugsAway clothing had been discontinued.
#### The Marmot Shift
Interestingly, when signing up for purchase discounts on the ExOfficio website, the welcome email came from “Marmot Mountain, LLC.” This indicates that Newell Brands is shifting focus to Marmot, another outdoor clothing brand in their portfolio. While Marmot is a reputable brand with a solid history, it caters to a different market segment—more technical and high-end outdoor gear rather than versatile travel clothing.
#### Alternatives to ExOfficio
For travelers seeking alternatives to ExOfficio’s once-reliable gear, several brands stand out:
1. **Craghoppers**: A UK-based company known for its durable and reasonably priced travel clothing. They still offer Insect Shield items, making them a good alternative for those who miss ExOfficio’s BugsAway line.
2. **Columbia Sportswear**: Known for its value and frequent sales, Columbia offers a wide range of travel-friendly clothing that won’t break the bank.
3. **prAna**: Focused on sustainability and versatility, prAna has expanded its travel clothing line in recent years. Their Sol sun protection clothing line closely resembles some of ExOfficio’s old offerings.
4. **Clothing Arts**: Makers of Pickpocket Proof Pants and other rugged travel clothing designed to keep your valuables safe in crowded cities.
#### Conclusion
The decline of ExOfficio serves as a cautionary story of what can happen when a beloved brand is absorbed by a conglomerate prioritizing financial gains over brand integrity. While loyal customers are left searching for alternatives, the legacy of ExOfficio’s durable and innovative travel gear remains a cherished memory for many. As we bid farewell to an iconic brand, we can only hope that other travel gear companies will continue to fill the void left behind.
For now, travelers should explore other reliable brands and keep an eye on sales to get the best value for their money. And who knows? Perhaps one day, someone will acquire the ExOfficio brand from Newell and restore it to its former glory. Until then, happy travels with your new gear!