Patagonia: Part I

clothes for the outdoor crowd

In the 1960s, as the outdoor, backpacking, and camping movement was gaining momentum, one piece of gear helped kick it to a new level. None of us had ever seen anything as cool as the 60/40 parker by Sierra Designs. The attractive 60/40 was attractive, water repellent, and comfortable. Rain ponchos were the convention in storms, but they were cumbersome, hot, and annoying.

After the 60/40, several companies began manufacturing functional, eye-pleasing gear for outdoor enthusiasts. In 1969 Wilbert Gore and his son, Robert, invented Gore-Tex, a material that kept people dry and, unlike poncho material, was "breathable." The invention of Gore-Tex gave people more protection in severe weather. Skiers, mountaineers, and backpackers could now stay dry in the worst of conditions.

Yvon Chouinard was a French-Canadian who grew up in Northern New England. His family left Maine in 1947 and moved to Southern California. Eventually, he began climbing walls in Yosemite National Park and, to save money, learned blacksmithing and made his equipment. He went on to climb challenging routes all over the world. In 1970 on a trip to Scotland, he bought some rugby shirts and quickly sold them in the United States. Thus, was born the Patagonia Clothing Company.

Patagonia became a different kind of company. One of the first eco-conscious businesses, Patagonia, under Chouinard's leadership, began donating money to environmental causes. The company has continued to support the environmental movement for the last fifty years.

Initially, Patagonia made numerous products, from gaiters to Gore-Tex jackets. Over time, they have reduced the number of items they sell and focused on high-quality goods used for various outdoor activities or around town. I wear my Nano vest skiing and going out to dinner in Southern California.

Patagonia gear is expensive, but it lasts, and the company stands behind it. I have returned worn-out gear years after buying it, and the company has either replaced it or given me financial credit. We bought Black Hole bags to use in Nepal, and over a month, they took some abuse. We sent them in for repairs, and the result? New bags at no cost.

Yvon Chouinard

Other companies have emerged over the years as Americans have taken to the outdoors and dressed less formally. Many are good and make gear similar to that of Patagonia. Arcteryx's clothing is probably as good as Patagonia's, but its products are more costly.

(to be continued)