PATAGONIA COMMUNITY

Patagonia Shoes on Sale

2012-02-08T17:53:00.000-08:00

Gilt is offering Patagonia footwear at some pretty good discounts right now. My favorite is the P26 Hiking Boot for $61 off the regular price. Check out the sale here, but be aware that it ends tomorrow.

Patagonia 30% Off Sale and Winterfest Sale

2012-02-07T15:45:00.000-08:00

Patagonia recently completed its 30% Off Sale which means the Winterfest Sale should be coming within days. The 30% Off Sale kind of waters down the selection for the Winterfest, but it'll be fun to shop the sale nonetheless. I'm hoping to post specific dates as soon as I hear.

PS: I recently picked up a couple of Patagonia items and will post about them soon. Also, I've seen some of the newer products available and am eager to discuss here!

Store Visit: Patagonia Palo Alto

2011-07-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

photo from Yelp.com

Last week I was in the San Francisco Bay Area for a business trip and was able to run by the Patagonia Palo Alto store. The stop was made all the more convenient since the Caltrain stop is just across the street from the store.

photo from Jun Seita's Flickr roll

I've probably been to this store 8 times since it opened and I'm telling you, the NICEST people work there. Totally unpretentious, genuinely interested in helping, and knowledgeable about their products. A few times ago, they also gave me a canvas "Patagonia Palo Alto" store book bag as a gift with purchase. When you walk into some stores, you just want to turn around and leave because the merchandise is poorly displayed or the employees are cold and rude. Not so at Patagonia PA. They have a great selection of Patagonia gear and are eager to help you find anything that they don't have in store (even if they are sometimes unsuccessful, like the time a few years ago I was looking for the Down Jacket in black, size small--not to be found anywhere!).

It's also conveniently located near Stanford University, so you can research some nuclear physics, then come by and get a Patagonia Nano Puff! Plus University Avenue is the local drag just a street over, so it makes it easy to drop into one of my favorite shops, Palo Alto Bicycles.

The next time you're around the Bay Area, pay the good folks at Patagonia Palo Alto a visit and tell them the Patagonia Community sent you! (They'll probably look at you like, "What's the Patagonia Community?")

And for the record, no one is paying me to write this blog post--I'm just a fan (and you'll be one too after a visit!).

The Patagonia Freebox Jacket

2011-07-19T16:13:00.000-07:00


image from patagonia.com

One of the products that caught my eye in the Patagonia Early Fall catalog is the Freebox jacket. This is not a new piece but I believe it's been re-designed from previous years. It has a classic equestrian jacket look to it, and with Patagonia's quality, it's sure to be a strong as a horse. It's a nice casual jacket that could probably hold its own in adverse conditions. I'm going to have to take a look at it in Palo Alto when I'm there this week.

Patagonia 30% Off Sale coming July 21-27

2011-07-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

image from previous sale at patagonia.com

Thanks to tipster Chris O for the heads up on the upcoming Patagonia 30% Off Sale. It goes from July 21 to the 27. I just got my postcard today advertising the sale and one of the deals listed is the Torrentshell at $79 down from $119.

I'm going to be in the San Francisco Bay Area this week and hope to stop by the SF store and the Palo Alto store. Eager to see what's on sale. Also, I can't wait to sneak a peek at the early fall offerings. The early fall catalog has some really nice stuff out, including a redesigned Free Box jacket and a redesigned Half Mass bag. If you've been to my blog before, you know I've had some history with the Critical Mass bag so it'll be interesting to have a look at the newest version.

A Return to the Patagonia Community

2011-07-06T11:33:00.000-07:00

After some time off and some health issues, I'm gearing up for a return to the blog (and to Twitter for that matter). I'm excited about some of the new offerings from Patagonia and plan to visit a couple of the retail stores in the next several weeks. I just got the Early Fall catalog from Patagonia and was intrigued by a few of the things in there (including a redesigned Critical Mass bag). Thanks for sticking with me and I look forward to getting back into the swing of things.

Video of the Patagonia Ultralight Down Shirt

2011-02-22T21:17:00.000-08:00

While there is a new video of the Patagonia Ultralight Down Shirt on patagonia.com, it's not yet up on YouTube and I don't have the technical skills to slice it from the Patagonia site. So for now, you've got a video from the good folks at SteepPlanet.com that does show the general fit of the Ultralight (albeit with bizarre music and poor lighting).

Patagonia Winterfest: Kind of a let-down?

2011-02-21T13:36:00.000-08:00

photo from patagonia.com

Well, the once-a-year sale on Patagonia winter gear is ending today and frankly, it was kind of a let-down. I know that for many who visit the Patagonia Community and who have commented here and/or contacted me personally, this is THE sale that gets gearheads geeked up. But the let-down started with the 30% Off Sale and continued when the Winterfest blew into town with even less to offer than the 30% Off Sale. The company's had such great sales in the past; this one just didn't measure up.

Disappointing--and I only say that because I really like the stuff that Patagonia has been producing (was my blog devoted entirely to the company's products/sales/causes a subtle tip-off?). I'm going to have to sniff out deals in other places and hopefully my sniffer is working well. High on my list is the Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket. I'm going to be eBaying my Patagonia Down Jacket very soon here (anyone interested, btw?) for the versatility of the Down Sweater and I was hoping to snatch up a great deal on the Sweater. I'm unable wait for the 2012 Winterfest as I have a trip coming up in April and the Sweater is going to be ideal under a good Rain Shadow (which I'm also hoping to find at a great price).

*Sniff...sniff...

photo from patagonia.com

Patagonia Winterfest Sale

2011-02-14T21:06:00.001-08:00

So the word is that the Patagonia Winterfest Sale starts on February 18, but I've yet to get confirmation anywhere. Anyone have any word on this?

New Patagonia Stores

2011-02-14T19:43:00.000-08:00

photo from thecleanestline.com

Nice post on The Cleanest Line about the new Patagonia stores that have opened. I have been to 6 or 7 but the one I like the best is probably the Ventura store which, according to the blog post, is a former slaughter house.

The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel is Back!

2011-01-26T16:19:00.000-08:00

All photos in this post from patagonia.com

Patagonia has been quietly making top-notch bags for many years. The North Face Base Camp bags get a lot of exposure, but Patagonia bags have held up well as evidenced by old Black Hole Bags going for the price of a new one on eBay.

Well, the Black Hole Duffel is back. Patagonia had a version out during fall/winter 2009 that I came very close to purchasing. As quickly as they came they disappeared. Now though, Patagonia has released the Black Hole in not two sizes, as they've done in the past, but in three sizes. Seems they've found a fabric/function package that they really like, enough to make three versions and have them ready for all of the spring and summer travel that people do.

I really like the look of the new ones and am considering picking a 90L one up for a coming trip abroad. The price is right and the black is just plain attractive.

Patagonia Stretch Ascent Jacket

2011-01-24T19:27:00.000-08:00

I've had my eye on the Patagonia Stretch Ascent Jacket for over a year now. I had an old Patagonia Dimension Jacket that I loved, but the fact that it was a soft-shell just didn't suit my needs. The Stretch Ascent is a waterproof hard shell but adds that extra stretch that is so nice to have when engaged in outdoor pursuits or when your gut is just getting big (I, shamefully, fall into that latter category). I came across this video on YouTube posted by Patagonia about the Stretch Ascent. I had noticed the nice Riri Aquazip when browsing the Patagonia site and they talk briefly about this feature in the video too.

New Spring Styles at Patagonia (Including the Ultralight Down Shirt!)

2011-01-22T13:23:00.000-08:00

photo from Backcountry.com

photo from tvtropes.org

Now on the Patagonia website are some of the new spring styles. Among the items is the Ultralight Down Shirt--a new class of down shirt. At $250 it's 25% more expensive than the Down Sweater Jacket which seems a bit odd to me, but it seems destined to become a Patagonia classic. The aesthetic is kind of a Spiderman/The Thing look--very unique in that great Patagonia-form-follows-function way and, I'm guessing, very warm. Looking forward to seeing one in person soon.

photo from tabletmag.com

Patagonia as Fashion, Part III

2011-01-21T16:09:00.000-08:00

photo from Giltman.com

In the past I've documented some instances of Patagonia becoming a model for fashion items and I came across another example today. On the fashion sales site Gilt.com, I saw an item from a company called Highland that has produced another variation of the Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Pullover. It's a decent-looking piece until you take a gander at the price. Mind you, it's polyester fleece--no more luxurious than the Patagonia pullover. On sale, it's $169, down from a full retail price of...are you ready for this...$405. Holy knock-offs Batman!

So if the original is better-looking (personal taste, I guess), environmentally responsible (no doubt), and less expensive (we're in a recession, people!), remind me why anyone would pay $405 again?

photo from Giltman.com

Patagonia 30% Off Sale is Live

2011-01-19T15:47:00.000-08:00


Photo from Zappos.com

The sale is now live so check it out here. I just browsed through it and a lot of the items are sold out in many sizes. Perhaps Patagonia cut back on the supply this year due to lagging sales in the midst of the recession, but this doesn't bode well for the Winterfest Sale which follows this sale and is usually simply a carry-over of the 30% sale. Will Patagonia replenish sale supply?

Patagonia Ultralight Down Shirt

2011-01-17T09:37:00.000-08:00

Photo from backpackinglight.com

I just came across this from backpackinglight.com. It's the spring 2011 Patagonia Ultralight Down Shirt which debuted at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market show back in August. Patagonia has gained notoriety with their lightweight down products and this takes it to another level.

Video of the Patagonia Men's Down Sweater Jacket--Special Edition

2011-01-16T23:40:00.000-08:00

Here's a little video to check out the fit of the Patagonia Men's Down Sweater Jacket--Special Edition, courtesy of Steep Planet, via YouTube:

Pre-Cursor to the Patagonia Winterfest Sale: the Patagonia 30% Off Sale

2011-01-15T15:19:00.000-08:00

Just saw today that the Patagonia 30% Off Sale will go from Wednesday, January 19 to Wednesday, January 26. In recent years, Patagonia has begun the sale season with the 30% Off Sale then moved into the Winterfest Sale about three to four weeks later. Last year the 30% Off Sale ended on January 19th and the Winterfest Sale started on February 11. So if there's something you just have to have, check out Patagonia on January 19. Wonder what everyone's on the look-out for....

Patagonia Men's Down Sweater--Special Edition

2011-01-07T17:30:00.000-08:00

Photo from Patagonia.com

Now available from Patagonia is a special, limited edition of the Down Sweater in a new color, raven. It has a contrasting aqua-colored zipper and is pretty eye-catching if you ask me. It has a translucent shell and 900-fill down as opposed to the 800 in the regular Down Sweater. This colorway is the second in the special edition line, with the fog-colored Down Sweater having been released this past fall.

Patagonia on Sale at Real Cheap Sports

2010-12-28T21:28:00.000-08:00

Real Cheap Sports is at it again with another great sale. The Patagonia Winterfest Sale will be coming in February, but until then the best deals you're going to find anywhere are from Real Cheap. Currently, they're having their End of the Year Sale through January 2. Here's the list of just some of the great deals you'll find.

On the Cleanest Line: Product Test of the New Patagonia R1 & R2

2010-12-22T05:00:00.000-08:00

Photo from rei.com

Patagonia's blog, The Cleanest Line has an entry posted about the new R1 and R2 jackets. It's a review from a product test and it gives some good insight into the improvements in the newest versions.

Patagonia Rain Jackets: What's the best?

2010-12-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

Photo of the Patagonia Rain Shadow Jacket from patagonia.com

With all of the rain we've been getting in California lately, I've been thinking about picking up a new rain jacket. Currently I'm using the Mountain Hardwear Typhoon Jacket that I purchased at REI for half-off a couple of winters ago. It does the job (Gore-Tex PacLite) but has a lot of flaps and velcro.

I used to own a Patagonia Dimension Jacket and though it was a softshell and I ultimately eBay-ed it because it wasn't waterproof, its simplicity was nice. That's why I've been considering the Rain Shadow (at the top of the post). I like its water-resistant zipper in front and the fact that there are no flaps over the center zip or any of the pockets. Basic, clean rain protection.

Another jacket I've considered is the Patagonia Stretch Ascent. It's $300 price tag has put the brakes on the idea of actually getting one, but its stretchiness and streamlined design are reminiscent of my old Dimension Jacket.

Photo from patagonia.com

Then there's the Patagonia Torrentshell which is a nice, basic option (and well-priced too). I may have to try one of those on when I'm in San Diego this weekend for Christmas.

Photo from store.apolisglobal.com

By the way, Apolis (a company I've previously mentioned) is offering the jacket on their website and also has some great "fit shots" if you want to see what it looks like on a real human being.

Christmas Packages Meet Patagonia

2010-12-20T15:19:00.000-08:00

By the door and ready to be shipped. Props to Patagonia Palo Alto!

Patagonia Sales: Real Cheap Sports' Gift Ideas

2010-12-11T21:37:00.000-08:00

Real Cheap Sports continues to offer some great deals on Patagonia and other outdoor brands. As you can see in the picture above, they are currently offering the Patagonia Down Sweater for $149.50.

Myself, I'm torn between the Down Sweater and the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket. I like the warm-when-wet resilience of the Nano Puff, but I love the classic down warmth. I still have some time before I go on my rainy trip to Europe but if you're looking for a great deal now, give Real Cheap Sports a call.

The Extended Patagonia Community: Clif Bar

2010-12-02T13:32:00.000-08:00

Image from outsideonline.com of Kit Crawford and Gary Erickson, owners and co-CEOs of Clif Bar.

We'll return to our regularly-scheduled Patagonia programming shortly, but I'd like to start a new feature (semi-regular?) that gives a glimpse of some other companies that are like-minded with Patagonia. In other words, these companies align with some aspect of the Patagonia brand. We're going to call this The Extended Patagonia Community (EPC) and we'll start today with Clif Bar.

I came across a feature on Outside Magazine about the new Clif Bar headquarters in Emeryville California. It's been a growing company that creates good products, and the fact that they're just a stones throw from Berkeley keeps the company endearingly quirky.

The headquarters are great, with a rock wall, solar panels, and a wall-mounted topo map. The time-lapse video of the building of the headquarters is below, but to get the full treatment, check out the article on the Outside website.

Resole Your Patagonia Footwear

2010-11-30T21:44:00.000-08:00

Image from thecleanestline.com

It's happened to me before. A perfectly good pair of shoes is tossed in the garbage because the sole is worn out. The rest of the shoe looks fine, but that darn sole is worn through. Patagonia is now offering resoling on its shoes. The picture above is from thecleanestline.com and is the Patagonia Drifter shoe in pieces.

Take advantage of this opportunity to reduce waste and keep those favored pair of Patagonia shoes by utilizing this new service!

New Release--Unexpected: 30 Years of Patagonia Catalog Photography

2010-11-28T19:43:00.000-08:00

One of the things I've always enjoyed about receiving Patagonia catalogs is the photography. The products are usually pretty fantastic, but seeing them in the environment for which they were created adds a neat dimension. Patagonia has released a new book presenting the photographs that have shown up in their catalogs through the years. At $49 (or $32.34 on Amazon), it would make a nice holiday present.

Fit Shots of the Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover

2010-11-27T15:17:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it's hard to figure out how an item is going to fit. I've checked out some Patagonia items before on their website, then have gone into their store and actually tried it on, only to find the fit is different than what I had originally thought. Zappos.com has some good "fit shots" of various Patagonia items so they're a good place to visit.

One item that has been extremely popular for Patagonia has been the Nano series. It started with the Nano Puff Pullover, and now Patagonia has branched out with the Nano Puff full zip jacket and the Nano Storm Jacket. I came across this Patagonia video about the surfer Kohl Christensen and in it he's wearing the Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover. It gives a good idea of the overall fit of the garment. However, keep in mind that this dude is a big time surfer so your physique may not quite match up with his....

Patagonia for Apolis

2010-11-27T14:56:00.000-08:00

Images from apolisglobal.com

Patagonia has teamed up with Apolis to sell the Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket. It makes a lot of sense as both companies conduct business with a conscience, an eye toward making a positive difference. Here's Apolis' philosophy from their website:

"Apolis is a platform for a network of global citizens empowering people through opportunity. Apolis co-creates products with manufacturers and directly allows the market to determine the future of each item we produce. Donating proceeds can be effective, but we believe that giving people access to opportunity is even better. As the line between development and business is becoming blurred in the marketplace, consumers are beginning to see their integral role in the process as they demand to know how, where and by whom their products are made. With select products, Apolis connects developing economies to the global marketplace through seasonal stories and ensures tangible social results."

You can pick up the Patagonia Torrentshell from the Apolis website for $148.

Real Cheap Sports: The Patagonia R2 Jacket for a Steal

2010-11-26T10:38:00.000-08:00

Looking for a nice holiday gift that won't break the bank? Real Cheap Sports just may have your solution. They have the Patgonia R2 Jacket for almost half off. Everything you need to know is in the graphic above and the big bonus for those of you who live out of California: they take phone orders!

Best Patagonia Gift You Ever Gave/Got?

2010-11-24T19:43:00.000-08:00

Image from carsrcoffins.com

Another day, another apology for poor photo quality. But this time, it's kind of not my fault. I was on the look out for a picture of the old Patagonia Critical Mass. And this was one of the only ones I could find. I have a special affection for this bag as it was the first Patagonia item I ever owned, some 13 years ago.

It was a Christmas gift to me from my mother-in-law, though mine was a dark grey/silver/blue color that I loved. It had the toughest fabric, was BIG so it held everything, and was almost like that trophy wife that you could hold on your arm. Except the Critical Mass lets me watch football on the weekend.

Anyway, that was the best Patagonia gift I ever received. What's the best Patagonia gift (Christmas or other) you ever gave or received? See more stories about my past Critical Mass bags here.

PAT COM REVIEW: the Patagonia Talus Jacket

2010-11-23T13:16:00.000-08:00

Alright, let me just apologize right now for the horrid pictures. I was trying to get this done quickly and didn't have the decent camera around, so let this be an indictment of the camera on the iPhone 3GS.

I've owned my Patagonia Talus Jacket for almost a year now. I was on the look-out for a great softshell and had been using a decent one from the North Face called the Apex Magic Jacket and I got it for a great deal on backcountry.com. Eventually though I returned it because I just found the fabric to be really rigid.

I then got a nice deal on the Patagonia Guide Jacket from 6pm.com. They have some great deals on Patagonia from time to time, though their stock right now is pretty low. I liked the Guide, but it didn't offer me enough insulation. The wind flowed right through and while I don't live in the coldest of climates (nights might fall to high 20s in the coldest parts of winter), I did want something warmer. So back it went.

I saw the Talus on the Patagonia site, but at $250, it was out of my league. However, during one of Patagonia's sales I saw that it was discounted to a reasonable amount. I saved my pennies and splurged.

I called directly to a few of their stores and found one in black, size small in the Pasadena, CA store. They were really nice, shipped it quickly, and as far as I know, my credit card isn't being hit with fraudulent charges by the person who took my order (note to person who took my order: THANKS!).

Anyway, this jacket has been a great piece for me. One of the reviews on the Patagonia site said that this was a warm jacket, and the person is right. It is not one of those breezy soft shells. This thing keeps you nice and toasty inside. The exterior is supple and quiet. It definitely feels thicker than the Patagonia Guide Jacket and has a warm, brushed interior. For athletic pursuits, the Guide is probably great, allowing the air to flow. My acitivities, I'm sad to report, aren't quite as strenuous. I just use it as a knock-around, walk-around, play-outside-with-the-kids kind of jacket.

The shape, as you can see above, is somewhat trim in the waist. It narrows, somewhat like a women's jacket which is not really my preference. However, it's not too severe, and I think the fact that it's black helps to make that less pronounced.

It has two hand-warmer pockets and two chest pockets. The shell holds up nicely to rain, even strong rain. However, I wouldn't personally go stand in a downpour in just the Talus. This past March, I did take it with me on my trip to Europe (see my Twitter profile pic!) and for the unpredictable pre-spring weather of London, Paris, Florence, and Rome, the Talus was perfect--warm, flicked rain, and in black, low-key. I did have to pull out my Mountain Hardwear Typhoon hard shell (got that one for less than $100 at REI!) a few times though. I was walking down Savile Row in London (snooty, I know) and it started coming down cats and dogs. I put the hard shell on over the Talus, b-lined for an awning and waited the downpour out with a young chap who also was heading my way, though the poor laddy didn't have a Talus and hard shell like yours truly. Okay, no more British terms.

One thing I don't really love is the lighter grey trim around the neck and zipper. The neck part is starting to show some light dirt (I shower everyday, I promise!) and I don't feel good about tossing it in the washing machine. The cuffs are hook-and-loop and function nicely. The zipper pulls are great though I noticed that the older Patagonia jackets had the same pulls with little nubs to give a little more grip and this jacket doesn't. Another sign of the recession?

Overall, very happy with this purchase and plan to use it for a long time. In fact, I broke it out this morning for the 40-degree temps and the light but steady rain. I'd recommend the jacket to anyone looking for a warm, comfortable softshell that has a supple, quiet fabric. Patagonia is also offering a hooded Talus this season for $30 more, so if you're going to pick one of those up, please don't get the Pasadena guy to charge my card.

Patagonia Community is now on Twitter!

2010-11-22T21:27:00.000-08:00

Image from bioweb.uwlax.edu

That's right, the Patagonia Community is now on Twitter, @patagoniablog. Now, I'm not trying to confuse anyone here. Like the Patagonia Community blog, my Twitter account is NOT affiliated with or sponsored by Patagonia at all. It's just that when I registered for a Twitter account, "PatagoniaCommunity" was too long for a name; Twitter would not accept it. So, since my blog is about Patagonia, I called it patagoniablog.

So, to be EXTRA clear:

the official Patagonia Twitter account is @patagonia.
the official Patagonia blog Twitter account is @cleanestline.
the official Patagonia customer service Twitter account is @patagonia_cs.
and for good measure, the official Patagonia blog itself is at thecleanestline.com. See widget in the sidebar of this site.

Phew! There you have it! Follow us all--there's enough room for all of us on the internet!

Results of the first Patagonia Community Poll!

2010-11-22T17:16:00.000-08:00

Image from onenewsnow.com

I posted first Patagonia Community poll recently and had a nice turn-out! Here are the results (though you can still place your vote!).

The question was, "What do you like most about Patagonia products?"

10% said "highly functional products"
17% said "the way their stuff looks"
30% said "their focus on being a responsible business"
and the top response at 43% was "product quality"

Frankly, that was what first attracted me to Patagonia products about 13 years ago. What I've found is that for the most part, that famous quality has continued through the years, even as the company has grown. I'm curious if other people in the Patagonia Community have had a similar experience.

Thanks again for the participation and feel free to keep the votes coming! Here it is again:

Patagonia Down Sweater vs. the Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

2010-10-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

(Photo from trusnow.com)

Just submitted an answer to a question on Patagonia.com about the Down Sweater and the Nano Puff. Curious to know what others out there think. I like the classic down look and feel but the new-tech properties of synthetic fill are a nice advancement. I have a few months before my next rainy European excursion so we'll see.

Patagonia for...J. Crew?

2010-09-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

Interesting that J. Crew is now selling the Patagonia Boy's Down Sweater. J. Crew has been selling outside brands for a while and in fact has upped their offering of products from other companies, but the Patagonia offering caught me off-guard.

I guess Patagonia has developed an urban following though its clothes have always been designed with mountain function in mind. I'm interested to see what kind of response the jacket gets from J. Crew customers and whether or not J. Crew offers more Patagonia items in the future.

Patagonia Summer Sale August 19-23

2010-08-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

It's officially on. The Patagonia Summer Sale is here and you can save 30%-60%. My favorite deal in this sale is the Patagonia Down Sweater in the Desert Clay color for $120 (pictured above). It's all at Patagonia.com.

The First Ever Patagonia Community Poll

2010-08-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

So I've been curious about this for a while now and I'm finally pulling the trigger. I'd like to know what you like about Patagonia. I've set up a poll question and I'd love to hear your responses. What you vote may also help me determine what to blog about on Patagonia Community in the coming days. You may also write in your own option if you don't see something you like. Let me hear you!

What do you like most about Patagonia?survey software

$5 Flat Rate Shipping at Patagonia.com

2010-08-08T19:56:00.000-07:00

Image from goldstargames.com

Currently, Patagonia.com is offering $5 flat rate shipping. This is a great deal as usually their shipping is quite costly. If you're going to make a fall purchase, now is a great time. Of course if you are one of the lucky ones living near a Patagonia store, then curses!

Patagonia T-Shirts

2010-08-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

Picked up a couple of t-shirts from the Patagonia 30% Off Sale recently, including the Surf Dragoons print above. The Cleanest Line blog recently posted an interview with the t-shirt line manager, Cheryl Endo. Check it out!

The Patagonia Nano Family

2010-08-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

Photo from patagonia.com

For fall 2010, Patagonia has expanded its popular Nano-range with a couple of new pieces. One of the more intriguing is the Waterproof Nano Storm Jacket. A mix of hard-shell and insulation, this jacket adds some versatility for those Nano-lovers out there. It has the same PrimaLoft One insulation that the others have but with a waterproof/breathable shell. $299

Patagonia Flannel Shirts

2010-08-03T14:46:00.000-07:00

Photo from patagonia.com

Been checking out the new Patagonia gear on their website. I've been intrigued with their newest flannels. There's nothing like a good flannel shirt to get you through the chilly months. The photo above is of one of the Patagonia Fjord organic cotton flannels. They also have the lighter Buckshot Flannels as well. The Fjord is a relaxed fit while the Buckshot is regular fit--a bit trimmer. I'm hoping to duck into the Santa Monica Patagonia store this week and try them on and will report on my findings.

Visit to the 30% Off Sale

2010-07-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of quick things here.

I stopped by the 30% off sale at Patagonia Palo Alto last week. I picked up a couple of t-shirts (which shrink a bit, by the way). I love the Patagonia designs. They're unique and kind of understated, which is a stark contrast to those Ed Hardy t-shirts making their rounds these days. They had some of the new fall items in and had probably half the store on sale. Looking forward to seeing what the end of summer sale brings.
I just returned from a trip abroad while using my Patagonia Lightweight Travel Tote. I took that thing with me everywhere and it was such a great bag to have. I've now used it abroad in wintery weather and in the heat of the summer and that bag has some great features to it. I will be sharing my experiences with it soon.

Patagonia 30% Off Sale Coming Very Soon

2010-07-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

Just got word that the 30% off sale is on its way July 21-29 in-store and online. Patagonia will usually run this sale a couple of weeks ahead of its regular summer sale so if you want the deeper discounts, wait until the first week of August or so. But if you really have to have it now, by all means....

Patagonia's Early Fall Arrivals

2010-07-13T11:26:00.001-07:00

Photo from Patagonia.com

The Patagonia site has been updated with some of their early fall arrivals. One of the new items is a variation on the much-loved Nano-Puff Pullover, the Nano-Puff Jacket. Full zip for extra versatility, the Nano is ultra-light and offers some warmth when you're on the go. With the traveling I've been doing lately, this piece is intriguing to me. Hoping to check it out next time I'm at a shop.

Patagonia at Real Cheap Sports: Summer Sale 2010

2010-07-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

Just got word that Real Cheap Sports is having it's summer sale. While they're located in Ventura, this post can be helpful to all since they take phone orders. If there's something you liked from summer, give them a call (phone number's above; click on the pic and it'll expand) and have it shipped!

For Real This Time

2010-07-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm serious this time. After some feet-dragging, I'm going to be getting back into blogging regularly. Just because I haven't posted doesn't mean I haven't been doing my homework on Patagonia products and testing out my own Patagonia stuff. I plan to post regularly starting this Monday, July 12. I have quite a few things I'm ready to write about so I'm looking forward to getting that stuff out there and hearing from the Patagonia community.

Thanks for your patience and especially to Rich who asked about the Talus Jacket. My review is on the way buddy!

Back Soon!

2010-05-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

Had a great time using my Patagonia Lightweight Travel Tote and my Patagonia Talus Jacket on my recent trip abroad. Will be back soon to write it up!

Patagonia @ Real Cheap Sports

2010-03-20T15:22:00.001-07:00

I've mentioned Real Cheap Sports several times on this blog. It's a great place to get Patagonia gear at discounted prices and they even take phone orders for those of us not fortunate enough to live near laid-back Ventura. On the RCS blog, they have time-lapse video of them setting up for a Patagonia sale. Check it out above.
Video from venturaoutdoorstore.wordpress.com

Patagonia as fashion--again?

2010-03-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

Last week I mentioned that Patagonia was referenced by Andy Spade in an interview posted on the popular blog, A Continuous Lean. In the same week, there's been another Patagonia-as-Fashion sighting that I picked up from InventoryMagazine.com. Popular men's label Woolrich Woolen Mills has created a dead ringer for the Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Pullover. Check out this one:

Photo from odinnewyork.com

Strikingly similar to the genuine article, below, ain't it?

Photo from patagonia.com

The Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Pullover is recycled and recyclable polyester while this one is mainly cotton. Kind of weird--it's like a Bizarro Snap-T. Anyway, here's where the "fashion" part kicks in: while the Patagonia Snap-T is $95, this one by Woolrich Woolen Mills is...drum roll please...$185!

Jack Spade and Patagonia: Brothers from Another Mother?

2010-03-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

Photos: Top, from patagonia.com. Bottom from blackbirdballard.com

I'm a follower of Michael Williams' great blog A Continuous Lean and he posted an interview recently with Andy Spade, creator of Jack Spade (and husband to Kate Spade). Why mention that on a blog about Patagonia?

Turns out, Andy is a Patagonia fan. Check out the article here. I stay away from "fashion bags" and I think that's why I like (and own) some Jack Spade items--at heart, they're utilitarian. Of course, what drew me to Patagonia initially are their incredibly useful bags, including the legendary Critical Mass, as documented here. Supposedly, Patagonia will be reverting back to their ballistic, bomb-proof fabric soon for the Critical Mass (though now it will be recycled and recyclable) so I'm keeping my eyes open....

Head over to A Continuous Lean if you want to be updated on quality American made products and see bits of Americana.

A couple of things...

2010-03-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

I picked up a couple of things recently: the Patagonia Talus Jacket and the Lightweight Travel Tote. I'll be posting more about them soon. I'm going to be taking both on a quick whirlwind tour of Europe and I'll note how they perform there. I can tell you right now, the Talus is a much better piece than the Patagonia Guide Jacket, but more on that later.

Patagonia Winterfest Sale February 2010--Can you feel it?

2010-02-08T17:36:00.000-08:00

Above: photo from besthike.wordpress.com (but they probably got it from patagonia.com!)

We're just days away from the big Patagonia Winterfest Sale 2010. I'm looking for a great deal on a good hard shell like the Patagonia Stretch Ascent. I have a couple of other shells that I am willing to eBay in order to pare things down and simplify to have just one go-to hardshell. I'm wondering what others out there are looking to pick up. Usually, this is the time to get great fall and winter gear at a decent price so stock up because it'll be a while before you see prices like these on Patagonia fall/winter gear again.

Patagonia Winterfest Sale 2010 is Coming Soon

2010-02-02T17:48:00.000-08:00

Above: Photo from thecleanestline.com

I was tipped off the other day by Richard (see the comments on the last post) that the Patagonia Winterfest Sale 2010 is on its way and sure enough, Patagonia posted on its Cleanest Line blog that the sale is indeed coming on February 11. Start saving those pennies, folks.

30% Off Sale at Patagonia

2010-01-18T21:27:00.000-08:00

Appears to be just a quick two-day sale, but Patagonia has a 30% off thing going on right now through the 19th. This is something they offered last year weeks before their main Winterfest Sale.

On its way...the Patagonia Guide Jacket

2009-12-27T19:41:00.000-08:00

Above: The Patagonia Guide Jacket. Photo from Zappos.

The Patagonia Winterfest Sale is probably a good two months away. Until then, us mere mortals who are on a budget can find some good deals around the 'net. A couple of days ago, I ordered the Patagonia Guide Jacket. Found a great deal and am waiting for it to get here. The Guide Jacket seems to be the essential soft shell that Patagonia is currently offering. The Patagonia Talus Jacket is for colder weather (and, at $250, bigger bank books) but the Guide is a nice everyday piece. Will post more about it once it gets here....

Sneak Peek: Patagonia 2010

2009-12-17T20:10:00.000-08:00

Photo from outdoorsmagic.com

Came across this site that is offering a sneak peek at some Patagonia wares from the OutDoor trade show in Germany. Pictured above is the new Patagonia M10 Jacket that will be coming out in 2010. Check out the website outdoorsmagic.com for a few more photos of coming Patagonia items.

The Patagonia Slingshot Down Vest

2009-12-15T17:58:00.000-08:00

Photo of the Slingshot Down Vest from Patagonia.com

Patagonia has done a nice job with their lifestyle line this winter. The Slingshot Down Jacket and Vest are great casual outerwear pieces that look great in a lot of different situations. The vest has a western slant to it that is a nice variation on the run-of-the-mill down vest. I think I would like it more if it had a zipper as well as the buttons, but for the first edition of this vest, it's nice.

I found some non-Patagonia-stock photos that give an idea of the detail. I love the khaki color of the vest in the photos below but it seems like it would show dirt pretty quickly. Anyway, I like coming across non-stock photos as they often give a better idea of actual fit and finish.

Follow Up: The Patagonia Nomad Gore-Tex Boot

2009-12-08T21:34:00.000-08:00

I always enjoy hearing from the Patagonia community and recently got a comment from "J" regarding my recent post on the Patagonia Nomad Gore-Tex Hiking Boot.

Very interesting comment about the partnership between Patagonia and Merrell! I recently chatted with a representative from Patagonia, and from the question I asked, he replied that Patagonia sizes the same as Merrell. I suspect that the rumor is true. Is there any suspicion as to what Merrell boot the Patagonia is modeled after, or is it a dedicated design only to the Patagonia name? What I am trying to get at is if there is another boot of exactly the same specs, but with the Merrell name and lower price. BTW, how are these boots holding up?

My reply:

Hi J,
Yes, Merrell and Patagonia have joined forces on the Patagonia footwear line. This article talks about that: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/06/patagonia_and_m.php

The boots have held up well. In fact I wore them yesterday for the first time in a while. We had some wet and cold weather out here in the west and they did great. I've not been up to the snow yet or really had to experience any severe weather so I can't say how they'd do in those conditions. But they are comfortable and they have that heavy-duty look to them.

After looking at the Merrell website, it looks like comparable shoes from Merrell are pretty similarly priced as those from Patagonia. It doesn't appear as though Merrell's prices are significantly lower than Patagonia's (again, for a comparable product). Also, from the Patagonia website, it sounds like more care has been taken to stay consistent with Patagonia's environmental ideals and commitment to making a "cleaner" or "greener" product. Perhaps that's worth choosing a Patagonia-branded product over a Merrell-branded product.

Thanks for the comment J.

Feel free to get in touch if you have a question or comment about anything Patagonia. I enjoy hearing from folks out there and I try to respond promptly each time.

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel

2009-12-03T22:36:00.000-08:00

Above: The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 90. Photo from patagonia.com

The holidays are prime traveling time and I'm a bit of a bag freak. I love finding the right bag that will work perfectly for whatever the situation. Currently, I'm looking for a good bigger bag for a week long trip in the spring. The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel bag has me intrigued. I love the size and the heavy duty look of the fabric. I know that the legendary North Face Base Camp Duffel (large) is similar in size and price and I'm curious to compare the two.

I'm keeping my eyes open for a good deal on the Black Hole and am hoping to get to a Patagonia store soon to see the thing with my own eyes.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Patagonia Community

2009-11-26T13:42:00.000-08:00

Above: from artmad.ca

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Thanks for all of the emails, comments, and interest in the blog. Hope you have a wonderful holiday.

Patagonia's First Online-Only Catalog

2009-11-21T20:44:00.000-08:00

Above: Image from thecleanestline.com

Patagonia has just released their first online-only catalog, Patagonia Surf Fall 2009. While I'm a fan of their paper catalogs (it's just nice having the pictures in your hand), this is a great step for a company that prides itself on environmental awareness and action. And what you can get from the online catalog that just ain't possible in a print version is video--really cool surf action video. There's also a section showing Patagonia wetsuits in action. I've blogged about those before as they've become almost icons in the surf world. Now see 'em up close in the online catalog.

The Patagonia Ascensionist: A Soft Shell Classic

2009-11-19T15:53:00.000-08:00

Photos from Patagonia.com

My first Patagonia jacket was the Dimension Jacket. I purchased it from Sport Chalet and basically got it for half price. I loved the trim fit, the stretchy material, and it's clean look. I later purchased another Patagonia Dimension that had a few changes (and eBayed the other one) and loved that one as well.While Patagonia no longer makes the Dimension Jacket, their newer minimalist soft shell is the Patagonia Ascensionist. They make both a men's and women's version that is very similar to the old Dimension. As a soft shell, it's really not designed for rain (the leaky shoulders of my Dimension would attest to that), but for wind resistance and breathability, Patagonia soft shells are tough to beat. And in this version of the Ascensionist, they've added some extra protection from the elements which is fantastic.

This season, Patagonia has changed up the color scheme adding colored zippers. It's a different look for Patagonia but has a great style.

Bike Commuting: Get on out there!

2009-11-17T12:21:00.000-08:00

Left: Relaxed; Right: Nervous (Illustration by Chris Philpot)

Graphic from Outside Magazine, October 2009

I enjoy commuting by bike. I happen to live close to where I work, so while I don't get much of a workout, it just feels good. Outside Magazine printed an article in their October issue that dispells some myths and offers encouragement to those considering hopping on their bike for the commute--some great tips. Plus it's a great chance to wear your Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover!

PAT COM REAL DEAL: The Patagonia Ascensionist Softshell Jacket--Women's

2009-11-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

Photo from Backcountry.com

If there's one thing that is a winter essential, it's a good shell. Knowing that you can fend off most anything that comes your way is a secure feeling and Patagonia makes some great stuff for that favorite season.

The PatagoniaCommunity Real Deal right now is the Patagonia Ascensionist Softshell Jacket for women. It's being offered by the Backcountry.com outlet and can be found there in the Shoreline Blue color for a full 50% off, making it $112.50. They currently have them in every size (S-XL) but are sure to go as fast as the next 20 degree morning comes.

So hop on the Backcountry.com site and get yourself a Pat Com Real Deal!

Veteran's Day Sale @ Real Cheap in Ventura

2009-11-02T20:21:00.000-08:00

For all intents and purposes, Real Cheap Sports in Ventura is a Patagonia outlet store. It has a nice offering of Patagonia products for a great discounted price. I've posted about the place before and have had only great things to say about it (and Ventura in general--love that place).

From Friday, November 6 to Wednesday, November 11, they're having their Veteran's Day Sale and offering 10-60% off their stock. Excellent time to get some Patagonia gear together before the rain and snow hits (or if you live in Southern California, before the cool and sprinkles hit). Afterward, walk about 100 yards down the street to the Great Pacific Iron Works building and the Patagonia Ventura store.

Inside the World of Patagonia: The Tin Shed

2009-10-23T20:35:00.001-07:00

As you can tell from this Patagonia Community blog, I'm a fan of the stuff Patagonia produces. So it's odd that I had never visited the Patagonia mini-site, The Tin Shed. Never visited, until today, that is. And man, I was really impressed. What a cool site that is filled with stories, both audio and video, from Patagonia friends and ambassadors.
One of my favorite stories can be located under the "View All Stories" link, then the "Backcountry Stashes" link. From there, click on "From Before Cloudmachine" and get ready for some really well-shot skiing action. Fantastic.

Great job by Patagonia of showing the lifestyle behind the apparel. Check out The Tin Shed!
All photos from Patagonia.com.

PAT COM REVIEW: First Look at the Patagonia Nomad Gore-Tex Boot

2009-10-21T18:17:00.000-07:00

At the end of last winter, I found a nice little deal on the regularly priced $160 Patagonia Nomad Gore-Tex Boot. I finally got a chance to test them in inclement weather last week when the skies opened up and the rain came a-fallin' down.
They held up nicely and kept my feet warm and dry. The uppers are a great looking and great feeling leather and the contrast-color eyelets make for a snazzy design.
The back of the Patagonia Nomad Gore-Tex Boots have a rubber (or plastic?) piece that goes up the back a bit and gives rigidity to the heal.
Inside is a Gore-Tex membrane that keeps the wet stuff out. This is going to be a great hiking shoe and perfect for those days when I need to walk through some puddles and muck. It has a thickly padded collar and tongue that offers nice support to the ankles too.
And the sole offers some great nubby traction by the folks at Vibram. I hope to get these out to the snow this winter for some hiking and snowballing with the family and from what I've seen so far, they should hold up beautifully. From what I understand, Patagonia has partnered with Merrell to produce their shoe line and so far, the Patagonia Nomad Gore-Tex Boots are winners in my book. More to come once I really give them a test.

P.S. Feel free to check out my other PAT COM REVIEWS here.

Outside Magazine Gear of the Year: Patagonia Returns

2009-10-12T20:38:00.000-07:00

Above: The Patagonia Men's Reconnaissance Jacket. Photo from Patagonia.com

I've been reading Outside Magazine for a while now and it seems like Patagonia was a fixture in its Gear of the Year issues. Last year though, I noticed that the number of Patagonia products featured in Outside's Winter Buyer's Guide issue was thin.

Well I just received the most recent Winter Buyer's Guide and it seems that Patagonia is back in full force in this issue with no fewer than six products featured. Case in point, the Patagonia Reconnaissance Jacket pictured above. This jacket won Gear of the Year and a number of other items were featured in the magazine, including the new Patagonia Elmer Waterproof Boot ($155).

I love the expansion of the product line as well as some of the classics like the Synchilla Snap-T Pullover. Looks like winter is off to a great start at Patagonia.

Above: The sole of the Patagonia Elmer Waterproof Boot. Photo from Patagonia.com

PatagoniaCommunity is coming back with regularity...

2009-10-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

...very soon. I've had to take some time off, but I will be blogging regularly through the new year from this point forward. Thank you to those who have been checking this blog and I apologize that you haven't seen anything new lately. But I've been checking out the Patagonia website and catalogs and am looking forward to getting back in the swing of things here.

Thanks for staying with me!

PAT COM REAL DEAL: The Patagonia MLC

2009-08-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

Great deal right now on the beloved Patagonia MLC. I've discussed this bag on PatagoniaCommunity a couple of times--it's a Patagonia favorite. Down from the original $175 price tag, REI Outlet is offering it for $99.93. But wait, there's more! REI Outlet also has a 20% off coupon for one item from its outlet store. That would bring the price of the MLC down to about $80. That's not bad at all folks.

Interestingly, there's an updated version of the Patagonia MLC that's part of the fall collection over at Patagonia.com. It's now being sold for $160. Interested to hear from anyone who has either the old or new version.

Patagonia Summer Sale Coming Soon!

2009-08-06T14:46:00.001-07:00

Just got word that the new Patagonia Summer Sale is on its way. It'll be going on from August 11 to the 20th. Merchandise will be 40%-60% off retail. This is always a nice sale and comes on the heels of the 30% off sale from a few weeks ago. Look for great savings on spring and summer merchandise. For example the men's Short-Sleeved Puckerware Shirt will be $35, down from the $70 regular price.

30% Off Sale at Patagonia

2009-07-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

I wandered in to the Palo Alto Patagonia store yesterday to find that they had a 30% off sale going on. It is also going on on the Patagonia.com website. Everyone at the store was very helpful as has always been the case. I picked up a froggy Live Simply t-shirt in yellow for $21 (pre-tax).
This 30% off sale is usually followed up fairly closely by a bigger sale (the Winterfest in the winter and a summer sale in the summer) where you can get discounts at more like 40-50%. But if you are impatient (like yours truly), you can go for the 30%. Remember though, we're in a recession!

Patagonia Sale at Real Cheap Sports

2009-07-14T16:20:00.000-07:00

(Above: Inside Real Cheap Sports in Ventura, CA. Photo from realcheapsports.com)

Real Cheap Sports is having their Mid-Summer Sale starting tomorrow, Wednesday July 15th. You can view their price list here. They're known for some great deals on Patagonia jackets and gear. They do take phone orders and when I've called them in the past they are very friendly. One example of a great deal they're offering is the Women's Patagonia Spraymaster jacket. It regularly goes for $299 but is only $139 during the sale. That is a great recession value!

Patagonia Deals at Real Cheap Sports

2009-07-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

(Above: Patagonia Baggies. Photo from patagonia.com)

Real Cheap Sports offers deals each week on Patagonia gear. This week it's a Patagonia original, the Baggies Shorts. These have been part of Patagonia's product line season after season and they are regularly $40. Real Cheap is offering them for $29.50.

PatagoniaCommunity...

2009-07-01T23:54:00.000-07:00

returning soon. I was on hiatus for a while, but I'll be back full force soon. In the meantime, I noticed a new Patagonia Critical Mass Bag has emerged....

(Photo above: Patagonia.com)

Coming Soon to the Patagonia Community: the Pat Com Patagonia Down Jacket Review!

2009-02-09T22:15:00.000-08:00

I'll give the skinny on the mother of all down jackets: the Patagonia Down Jacket. I picked one up recently for a song (if anything can be considered a "song" in these economic times). Look for a detailed, in-depth review, in keeping with other Pat Com reviews (like my review of the Patagonia Critical Mass and the Down Vest).

Patagonia Winterfest Sale Just a Day Away

2009-02-09T10:10:00.001-08:00

(Image from winterwanderland.com)
Gettin' ready for the big one! The Patagonia Winterfest Sale will be hitting their stores and website tomorrow, February 10. Look for some great deals and let the Patagonia Community know what you came up with. As I posted previously, this could be THE best time of the year to get Patagonia jackets, gear, and clothing for a low price.

Patagonia Winterfest Sale: Coming Soon!

2009-02-06T21:10:00.000-08:00

(Image: lyttlesofdunchurch.co.uk)

Well, this is the one you've been waiting for. Turns out that the next couple of weeks may be the BEST TIME OF THE YEAR to get great prices on Patagonia products. The Patagonia Winterfest Sale is on its way from February 10-19. Merchandise will be 40-60% off. That makes the piddly 30% off sale last month seem like just an ice chip. This avalanche will be hitting their website and their retail stores (with the exception of their outlets and the Cardiff-by-the-Sea store). This sale along with the Real Cheap Sports sale I wrote about earlier today provide some opportunities for fantastic deals.

One sample from the sale is the Men's Light Smoke Flash Jacket: was $300, will be $150.

Patagonia Sale at Real Cheap Sports in Ventura, CA

2009-02-06T14:58:00.000-08:00

(Photo from realcheapsports.com)

Posted at 2:59 pm PST
This just in: Real Cheap Sports, the outlet store just down the street from the Patagonia Great Pacific Iron Works Store in Ventura, will be having it's annual President's Weekend Sale from Thursday February 12th to Monday February 16th. Items, including new Patagonia gear, will be 10%-60% off. I've written about Real Cheap Sports before here at Patagonia Community. It's a great little hole-in-the-wall shop that is practically a stone's throw from the Patagonia store.

I've actually been there for a President's Weekend Sale before and it's a fun experience. As in the picture above, they dragged out the cardboard boxes of Patagonia goods that were nicely discounted. And here's a little tip for you Patagonia Community readers out there: they take phone orders. Their number is 805-648-3803. You might even want to call before the sale and see if they'll stash something aside for you. But it's worth a call just to see if they have the wares you're looking for. In the meantime here's a sampling of what you'll find at their store (some fantastic deals):
Grade VI Jacket
Retail Price 325.00 | Sale Price $165.00

W's Grade VI Jacket
Retail Price $325.00 | Sale Price $165.00

Grade VI Pants
Retail Price $250.00 | Sale Price $127.50

Micro Puff Jacket
Retail Price $180.00 | Sale Price $94.50

W's Micro Puff Jacket
Retail Price $180.00 | Sale Price $89.50

Micro Puff Hooded Jacket
Retail Price $225.00 | Sale Price $119.50

W's Micro Puff Hooded Jacket
Retail Price $225.00 | Sale Price $119.50

Rain Shadow Jacket
Retail Price $149.00 | Sale Price $77.00

W's Rain Shadow Jacket
Retail Price $149.00 | Sale Price $77.00

Rain Shadow Pant
Retail Price $100.00 | Sale Price $52.50

W's Rain Shadow Pant
Retail Price $100.00 | Sale Price $52.50

Down Jacket
Retail Price $199.00 | Sale Price $104.50

W's Down Jacket
Retail Price $199.00 | Sale Price $104.50

Down Sweater Vest
Retail Price $140.00 | Sale Price $69.50

Down Vest
Retail Price $145.00 | Sale Price $76.00

W's Down Vest
Retail Price $145.00 | Sale Price $76.00

Shelter Stone Pants
Retail Price $300.00 | Sale Price $154.50

Winter Sun Jacket
Retail Price $300.00 | Sale Price $154.50

Visit their website to see the full list as well as store contact information and hours.

PAT COM REAL DEAL: The Patagonia Down Vest at Altrec.com

2009-02-02T20:31:00.000-08:00

(Photo from Zappos.com)

Recently I decided to add a new feature to the Patagonia Community and that is the Pat Com Real Deal. These are difficult times for everyone but if you can find the right deal, Patagonia gear may still be within reach. I think I may have found the right deal for some of you out there.

Altrec.com is having a pretty good sale right now. Some of their items, including Patagonia, are going for around 30% off. Ah, but here's the kicker: through the magic of internet coupons, you can get more taken off. So my Pat Com Real Deal is the much sought-after Patagonia Down Vest (reviewed by Patagonia Community) in the toughest color to get--black. As of this posting, Altrec has black in all sizes (S-XL). It's regularly $145 but it's on sale for $99.97. Shipping is free for orders over $49, and there's no sales tax unless you're ordering from Washington state. Here's where the Real Deal comes in: enter the code 15WINTER09 (until February 26) and you get an additional 15% off. So your out-the-door cost for the $145 Patagonia Down Vest is $84.97.

You might be saying, "That's a real deal." No Johnny, that's a PAT COM REAL DEAL! Okay, feel free to slap me.

A Patagonia Education, Part Three

2009-02-01T20:49:00.000-08:00

Part three in a series: A Patagonia Education (photo from prolitegear.com). Last time I covered lessons number two to four.

Lesson Number Five
The Patagonia Down Sweater just, um..., isn't for me. The next item in my fitting room was the Down Sweater in black, again in size small. At 30% off, this jacket was $140, about as good a price as one is going find for this basic piece that Patagonia always carries. I liked the fit and feel a lot. This is a very light weight piece. When you think of classic down jackets, they are packed with feathers and bulky. This one's pared down and, forgive the play on words, light as a feather. The shell feels very thin and I read a review on Backcountry.com that mentions some tearing that the reviewer experienced.

I really liked this jacket, but I didn't buy it for one reason: I thought it looked feminine on me. Now I know the psychoanalysts out there will start accusing me of repressing thoughts, having crushes on my father, etc. But it just looks like a woman's jacket when you put it on! The bigger beefier down jackets look a bit more rugged. It's not all about how a jacket looks, but that does count for something. I think it's the narrower quilting lines that make it look like it was made for my wife. I don't know--it just wasn't for me.

Lesson Number Six
The Patagonia Storm Jacket has a really baggy fit in the upper body. This was one of the final jackets I tried on. It has a tough-feeling exterior fabric and it seemed like it would hold up well in a rough-and-tumble back country environment. When I put it on though, it seemed like I could fit a little person inside the underarm area. The jacket was really nice except for that fact. It's to accommodate layers, I'm sure, but just what exactly will someone be using as a layer? A living, whole goat? (Photo from paragonsports.com)

Lesson Number Seven
The Patagonia Eco Rain Shell is a nice, civilized basic rain jacket. This is the much (and rightfully so) bally-hooed first fully recycled and recycleable jacket that Patagonia produced a couple of years ago.
It has very simple styling and could work as a rain coat that one would wear to the office. The hood is comfortable (though no drawstring) and detachable and the jacket is lightweight. The mesh lining makes it easy to get on and off and there you go--very straightforward features.

My issue with it was that it was too straightforward. Where's the two-way zipper that versions of the Eco Rain Shell available as recent as 2007 had (according to my old issues of the Patagonia catalog). That would be a helpful touch as the jacket is rather slim fitting. So the bottom hem could use the extra give that a two-way zipper would afford. I actually liked the slimmer fit, but if someone plans to layer, they'd be in trouble unless it was a very thin layer. I tried a hoodless softshell and it was too much. My down vest was way too much. So if you're going to wear it alone, you're golden. (photo from hanon-shop.com)

One thing I didn't get: why do the pocket zippers rest at the bottom of the zip when the pockets are closed? The picture illustrates this. See the Napoleon chest pocket? The pocket is closed and the zipper pull hangs down, as do the handwarmer pocket zippers. Seems to me that if the pockets closed with the zipper at the top of the pocket, gravity could do its thing and virtually hide the zipper pulls rather than forcing them to look like you have a piece of black licorice hanging out of your pocket.

Lesson Number Eight
The Patagonia Down Jacket is still one of the finest pieces around. True, they didn't have it in my size in black. But I did try on a navy blue one in my size and that thing was nice. The right weight, the right feel, the right warmth--just really solid. Keeping my eye out for a small in black.

So there it is, my Patagonia Education. The Patagonia Palo Alto store was beautiful and the employees very helpful and kind. Looking forward to furthering my education sometime soon.

New at Patagonia.com: Live Chat

2009-01-31T12:23:00.000-08:00

Perhaps taking a cue from other internet retailers (like Backcountry.com ), Patagonia.com has added a live chat feature with a Patagonia service operator. Stay on a product page long enough and you'll be invited to ask questions about products or service. No word yet as to whether or not customers are being asked if they would like fries with their Stretch Element Jacket.

New Product: The Patagonia MLC Dawn Patrol

2009-01-28T23:27:00.001-08:00

(Photo from Patagonia.com)

Recently Patagonia took one of its popular items, the Critical Mass, and created a variation on it, the Vertical Mass. Seems like it was a popular concept because they've duplicated the strategy, this time with the time-honored and much-beloved MLC bag. The original MLC has been raved about for years (as has the relatively recent introduction, the MLC Wheelie) so for those MLC-lovers out there who just can't give too much TLC to their MLC, Patagonia's created the MLC Dawn Patrol.

This version is a backpack that is $35 less than the pricey $175 MLC but holds some 500 cubic inches less than the original. What many will probably love about it though is that it has a padded laptop computer pocket that will put the notebook-toting traveler's mind at ease.

A Patagonia Education, Continued

2009-01-24T21:16:00.000-08:00

The second part in a series on my Patagonia Education.

Lesson Number Two
In this instance, the store had more sizes available during a sale than the website did. On the website a lot of the stuff I was interested in was not available in my size, small. The store had smalls in many things including the Men's Rubicon Rider Jacket in black (more about that in the next lesson) which seems sold out in size small across the world wide web. The only item I couldn't find in small--and the sales woman checked the computer and said there isn't one to be found anywhere in the system--was the Patagonia Down Jacket in black, no doubt a popular item.

The rest of my education came in the fit of the garments. These items I had seen in the catalogs were now on my body and I was able to get a better sense of their fit and feel. I have to preface this by saying that I am basically a "perfect" size small (if there is such a thing--every guy under 5'10" probably views his height as pretty "imperfect", but you get what I mean) in Patagonia gear, and in pretty much every other brand for that matter. I've had the Patagonia Dimension Jacket, the Down Vest, a Shelled Synchilla, a Marsupial, etc. So that's the premise I'm working from--a small should fit me just fine.

Lesson Number Three
The Rubicon Rider Jacket has really long arms. First of all, I felt like I had scored a coup by finding this in black, size small. As I said, I haven't seen that anywhere on the internet, so I was quite eager to try this one on and possibly make a purchase. Immediately after putting it on, I found that it was very warm and the fabric has a great feel to it. The reinforcements on the shoulders feel tough, like they would stand up so some scrapes. I liked the removable hood too. But what was up with the arms? They were a solid two inches too long. Take a look at this picture I found on the internet that demonstrates my point perfectly:

(Photo from kakaku.com)

The sleeves are almost down to his fingernails and they're STILL bunched up at his wrists. Folks at Patagonia design: this is a great jacket, but please fix the sleeve length! I get that the jacket is supposed to have a relaxed fit and it does. But it shouldn't have a relaxed fit designed for a gorilla. Back to the rack you go, you rarest of finds. May some primate find you useful.

Lesson Number Four
The Patagonia Quilt Again Jacket is really tight. No, not slang "tight" as in "cool" but "tight" as in "restricting"! Again, size small ought to fit me fine. And again, I felt like I had scored because this is a very popular jacket and the website didn't have this blue one in small. Ah, but the fit--I had a hard time even getting my arms through the sleeves. Though I'd like to think it's because my arm muscles are so ripped, the facts tell me that the sleeves are just cut too slim. Mind you, I was only wearing a t-shirt and a thin cotton shirt over that--nothing excessive. Here's the kicker, I later checked out the Patagonia website and they label the jacket "Regular Fit." Just not true.

More Patagonia lessons to come this weekend.

A Patagonia Education, Part One

2009-01-24T20:26:00.000-08:00

Last Friday the 16th, I sat down to write a new entry for the Patagonia Community. Here's how it started (thanks to the hard-working people at Blogger who make sure that drafts are auto-saved):

I've noticed that when I walk into a Patagonia retail store, I'll rarely ever find anything on sale. I know they have their sales a couple of times a year, but outside of those times, the Patagonia retail stores are havens for full-priced items. I'm going to be heading to one of the Patagonia stores this weekend and am looking for evidence to dissuade me. I'm guessing I won't find much. Nevertheless, I enjoy the Patagonia stores because I get a chance to get up-close and personal with their newer gear and I've always found the sales people to be quite helpful.

So the part about their sales people being helpful remains true, but I was so wrong about the first part. Shortly after I typed the paragraph above, I visited Patagonia.com and to my amazement, found that they had begun a 30% Off Sale. I then went to their store locations page and checked in on the Palo Alto store which was where I was headed last Sunday. I was pleased and surprised to read that the store was also participating. Therefore, lesson number one in my Patagonia education was that sometimes they do have sales out of the blue (though the downturn in the economy no doubt spurred the creation of this sale on; wouldn't expect this in "normal" years).

Usually the Patagonia Winterfest Sale is only a few weeks from this time of year, so to have a 30% Off Sale in mid-January seemed strange, but was welcome. I browsed through the website and found some pretty good deals though I didn't make any purchases. On Sunday I was off to Patagonia Palo Alto where I've visited a couple of times before. Here's a shot I took from Alma Street:
The rest of my Patagonia education last weekend took place within this store. My first clue was the print on the window:
The "30% Off" sign applied to everything in the store (with the exception of books and things like that). The website had some things on sale, and some for full price. Not so at the store. To verify, I asked one of those helpful sales people who reassured me that I wasn't going crazy.

When it actually came time to try on some items, the real education started. I've been a fan of Patagonia clothing and gear for the last 10 years or so, yet much of my admiration has come from reading about their company or perusing their well-produced catalogs. On this day I would be able to try some items on with the intention of purchasing. I grabbed several items and headed to the fitting room and that's where the real education in Patagonia began.

I'm going to post the second part of my Patagonia education this Wednesday. Stay tuned.

Patagonia Winterfest Sale Still on for '09

2009-01-20T16:07:00.000-08:00

I have it on good word from "Free" at the Patagonia blog that the Patagonia Winterfest Sale will still be taking place this February. I also talked to an employee at the Santa Monica store who assured me of the same. So if the 30% Sale at Patagonia didn't do it for you, stay tuned for the Winterfest. I'll post it here THE MOMENT I get word of it.

Patagonia Sale at Real Cheap Sports in Ventura

2009-01-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

Looking for Patagonia sales? Aren't we all. The Real Cheap Sports outlet has just gotten its shipment of Patagonia stuff in. Check this out:

Wanted you to know that we just received a shipment of Patagonia closeouts.

Discount Patagonia items (25% off retail prices) are available in our store at 36 W. Santa Clara Street, Ventura, Ca. They are not sold in our online store at this time, so if you are out of the area, a phone/mail order is required. Please feel free to give us a call to inquire about size and color availability and to place an order. 805-648-3803.

POSTED BY PATAGONIA COMMUNITY AT 4:27 PM PST

The Patagonia Service Center Emerges!

2009-01-12T14:49:00.000-08:00

So last Thursday I rang Patagonia to get an update on my returned Critical Mass Bag. This return has been an ongoing process since I sent it back on December 21. I hadn't heard anything in several days so I was wondering what was up. I spoke to "Chip" at the service center who was very helpful. However, he said that according to the email they received (from the returns department, presumably) they were now processing returns that came back on December 24th. UH OH. My return was tracked and signed by a Patagonia rep. on December 23rd. What happened?

Fast forward to the next day, Friday January 9 and I got a message from Patagonia saying that the return was ready to roll. So all in all, it took two and a half weeks and two phone calls (by me) from the time they received it to the time the return was ready. The two and a half weeks part is understandable, I guess, given the fact that it was the holidays and post-holidays. But not knowing what the status was was a bit worrisome. It's probably not feasible for them to call every person that returns something, but maybe there's a better way, like posting status updates on items that are being returned. A possibility?

Winter Clearance Sale (Including Patagonia) at REI

2009-01-11T22:06:00.000-08:00

REI is having a major winter clearance sale right now. It started this past Friday and everything ending in .83 is an ADDITIONAL 50% off. It's pretty amazing. I purchased the Patagonia Men's Capilene 3 Zip-Neck (which is still full price, btw; reviewed here) a couple of weeks ago but I also got a kid's one for my oldest daughter. I paid $30 at the time. Yesterday, as part of the sale, I got the one pictured above for my other daughter. See that ".83"? That's right, an ADDITIONAL 50% off that, taking it down to $13 and change. Great deal.

As far as Patagonia stock goes, my local REI was pretty thin. Aside from the Capilene stuff, they don't carry much else. Maybe yours has more. However, I did pick up a Mountain Hardwear Typhoon Jacket for a song. It's a Gore-Tex PacLite shell that, full price, is $200. REI's Winter Clearance Sale price? $106.83, making the jacket about $53!

So head on down to your REI and tell 'em Patagonia Community sent you. (They'll just give you a puzzled look.)

Introducing...The Pat Com REAL DEAL

2009-01-06T21:35:00.003-08:00

We all know that times are tough right now for many people. We also know that Patagonia products are--let's face it--expensive. So what I'm going to try to do here at Patagonia Community is track down some great deals for you on a somewhat regular basis. These might be items that are heavily discounted or items that are slightly discounted but rarely go on sale. Whatever the case, Patagonia Community will be looking to help you save a few bucks.

Also, I'll be on the look-out for some local deals so if you know of a discount or sale at a local Patagonia retailer around you, I'd love to hear from you so that I can post it on the blog (after you grab your bargains, of course). So...

The first Pat Com Real Deal is the classic Patagonia waterproof shell, the Rain Shadow Jacket. This jacket is a staple of Patagonia's outerwear line season after season and is usually one of the few jackets that they'll advertise even in the warmer months.

It is currently available in the sage khaki color here from Zappos.com for $109.50, almost 30% off. As of this posting, they had every size except small. In addition, their website offers multiple pictures of each item, something the Patagonia website often lacks (photo above from Zappos.com). If you've never ordered from Zappos, you're in for a treat. I wrote about them around the time they started carrying Patagonia products. They offer FREE OVERNIGHT SHIPPING on clothing (no minimum purchase!) and I've never had to pay tax on any order from them. In fact even on other items like shoes and accessories, they offer free shipping. On those items they say that it takes 4-5 days, however in my experience I've always gotten those items from them in no more than 2 days. They really offer great service.

So there it is, the first Pat Com Real Deal. Hope it makes your burden lighter and keeps your pocketbook heavier. Look for the Pat Com Real Deal to become a regular feature on Patagonia Community.

Patagonia Service Center: Gone Sleddin'?

2009-01-06T21:23:00.000-08:00

Well, we're at January 6 and after checking the old bank account, no sign of the money back for my Critical Mass Bag that was received by the Patagonia Service Center on December 23rd. I'm a little bit taken aback that it truly is taking this long. I realize there were a couple of holidays in there, but even so. Perhaps they're out on the slopes somewhere?

Patagonia Sales

2009-01-03T18:37:00.001-08:00

I know that after-Christmas sales are big, especially in this economic climate. Retailers are looking to grab some customers and are dropping prices to do so. I've noticed that while other brands are cutting prices on some of the outdoor gear sites, most Patagonia clothing is staying full price.

If you are aiming to pick up some Patagonia jackets, bags, baselayers, and gear but don't want to pay the premium prices, I know that the Patagonia Winterfest Sale usually takes place in early February each year. That means we're probably only five or six weeks away from some good deals on Patagonia gear. If you can hold out until then, you'll probably be glad you did. Stay tuned to the Patagonia Community blog because I'll be posting anything and everything I hear about the Patagonia Winterfest Sale as soon as I find anything out.

(Image above from thewhiteroomshop.com)

PAT COM REVIEW: The Patagonia Capilene 3 Zip-Neck

2009-01-03T17:32:00.000-08:00

Because I'm on a pretty tight budget, I usually plan my purchases quite carefully. And when buying Patagonia stuff which is definitely on the more expensive side, the planning is even more involved (saving and saving and eBay-ing and saving some more). Sometimes though, circumstances dictate a quick, last-minute purchase.

Such was the case this past week as we decided to take the kiddos on a quick trip to the snow. I grabbed some gear from the local REI (more about all of that later) including boots and jackets for the family. I also grabbed the Patagonia Capilene 3 Zip-Neck for myself. There were some other options including a Nike Dri-Fit zip neck that had reflective tape which would be perfect for my running and a North Face zip neck that was more fleece-y. But I decided to take the Patagonia route even though it was $50 compared to the sale-priced Nike ($44) and North Face tops ($34, down from $65).

I really like that it's lightweight, thin for the warmth it provides, and has a perfect base-layer fit for me. The material is comfortable and the seams are flat-knit which reduces and practically eliminates any scratchy discomfort. Below: the stitching along the underside of the left sleeve.

The plastic gripper-tip on the end of the zipper is a nice touch too. I wore the Capilene 3 during our sledding and snow-ball fight time and it kept me dry and comfortable. There was no B.O. afterward as far as I could tell (though don't they say you can't smell your own?) and that must be due in large part to the Gladiodor treatment that Patagonia gives their Capilene stuff.

The Patagonia Capilene 3 Zip-Neck definitely isn't a wind-blocking piece. I walked outside today while it was a cool 46 degrees and a little breeze hit me like a Yeti. I'm also wondering how it will do with pilling. Will it look like my dad's navy blue acrylic sweater, circa 1981? I noticed that in a customer review on the Patagonia site of the Stretch Velocity Full Zip Jacket, a customer said it was great except for the pilling after only a short amount of time.

For now though, the Capilene 3 is a winner. Yes, I could have chosen the less expensive options (and did recently when it came to buying a shell; more to come on that later), but what would I have blogged about?

Learn more about Patagonia Capilene base layers here.

Happy New Year from Patagonia Community

2009-01-01T14:22:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to send a big Happy New Year to the Patagonia Community readers out there. I'm shooting to blog with even more frequency in the coming year, especially about Patagonia sales and deals (look for a new "deals" feature soon, among other things).

Wishing you a terrific 2009.

-Patagonia Community

Patagonia Service Center Clogged Up

2008-12-30T21:07:00.000-08:00

(Above: Inside the Patagonia Service Center in Reno. Photo from natures-lighting.com)

I had to send my faulty Patagonia Critical Mass Bag back to the Reno, Nevada service center. I sent it UPS so it was insured and it had tracking. According to the UPS site, it was delivered to Patagonia on December 23rd. I hadn't heard anything and hadn't been refunded according to my bank website so I gave them a call this morning.

The helpful customer service representative, "Elle," kindly informed me that they were only now processing returns from--are you ready for this--December 9th. Yikes! Either everyone's sending their Critical Mass Bags back or they need to hire an extra person or two. So with a little bit of simple math, they should be getting to my bag on...January 20th?

Kinks and New Features on Patagonia Community

2008-12-28T23:38:00.000-08:00

I'm not a tech-wiz by any stretch of the imagination so adding new features to the Patagonia Community blog is an adventure to say the least. To make the blog a bit more friendly for you, the reader, I'm trying to add some keyword labels so that you can search the blog more efficiently and effectively. I've added some on the right and will be adding more soon. Notice there's no heading for that stuff yet. Probably something a tech-wiz could figure out.

(Image at top of post: from pro.corbis.com)

A MASSive Problem

2008-12-28T22:33:00.000-08:00

(Above: The Fall 2008 Patagonia Critical Mass Bag in "gravel". Photo from Patagonia.com)

Uh oh.

With bags, it doesn't matter how great the features of the bag are, how indestructible the fabric is, how beautiful its design is. If THE STRAP doesn't work well, that bag is about as useful as an iPod with a broken click-wheel.

Folks, the strap on the newest version of the Patagonia Critical Mass slips! When adjusted, the locking clamp that keeps it in place...doesn't! Here's a picture from Patagonia's The Cleanest Line blog in an entry about the Critical Mass:

And I'm not hauling heavy loads around. I thought that perhaps it was just my bag that did this, but I saw that the Patagonia product page for the Critical Mass has a customer review in which the person reports the same thing. This is really disappointing. I reviewed the bag here on Patagonia Community and was quite happy with it, the only exception being the lesser fabric they're now using. But this latest development is a deal-breaker. Back to Patagonia it goes. And it puts me back on the trail in search of a solid work bag.

After Christmas Patagonia Deals at Real Cheap Sports

2008-12-24T16:07:00.000-08:00

Pick up great deals on Patagonia jackets, clothing, and gear at Real Cheap Sports. This little place is a great shop for bargains on your favorite stuff (blogged about here). Posted at 4:05 pm.

Happy Holidays from the Patagonia Community

2008-12-24T10:24:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to take a moment to thank those of you who have visited the Patagonia Community blog. I enjoy working on this blog and have had only positive interaction with those of you who have contacted me. Have a happy and safe holiday season.