Gear Patrol

When an outdoor titan like Patagonia states they’ve invented the highest-performing down technology available anywhere and stuffed it into “the finest down parka ever made” — you should pay attention.

The outdoorsman on your list is easily identifiable: he’s rarely home and smells faintly of man sweat and wood smoke when you do catch him between excursions. His particular passion falls within an extensive of range possible pursuits (noodling for catfish, anyone?), but one thing is for certain — he does them outside. His look…

Taking a swim sounds nice this summer, but only if you’re a safe and willing participant. Patagonia River Crampons ($200) are the latest invention in “don’t tumble into fast-moving water” technology, and if you’re a serious fisherman they’re a worthy purchase. The crampons strap over your wading boots using a simple harness system and are…

Pathos — that’s relevant experience and credibility for you non-rhetorically adroit folk — is everything when it comes to how-to books. That’s why The Responsible Company: What We’ve Learned From Patagonia’s First 40 Years ($20) gets two green thumbs up from us. Written by Patagonia’s founder and owner Yvon Chouinard and the co-editor of the…

In 1996, founder of Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard, changed the clothing industry with the move to organic cotton. The big dogs, such as Wal-Mart, are finally following suit. Now, 16 years later, Chouinard plans on once again changing an industry –- but this time, it’s the fishing industry. Salmon has been a hot topic of controversy,…

This week we’re reporting from Edinburgh, UK, and seeing things through the traveler’s lens (more on Edinburgh in the coming weeks). In that spirit, this week’s picks are all about seeing familiar things from a different perspective. We’ve also got two recipes that celebrate the changing of the seasons, which is exactly what happened this…

The Stormfront Pack ($279) is any simple outdoor adventurer’s dream. Its beefed-up backpack form is made of 840-denier double polyurethane-coated nylon fabric (that’s science-speak for “super waterproof stuff”) and features a waterproof zipper system, an internal custom-fit padded gear case complete with adjustable divider, and even a separate zippered mesh pocket. The Pack’s backpack harness…

If you believe the commercials, buying candy, cards, jewlery and flowers on February 14th is the ideal way to commemorate love. We happen to think Dan Riordan at Gnarly Bay Productions has a better approach. A Story for Tomorrow was filmed over five weeks by Dan while traveling through Chile & Patagonia with his girlfriend…

The first in a series of upcoming editions, photo artist Bruce Percy has compiled 40 of his incredible photoworks into The Art of Adventure: 40 Photographic Examples (~$61). Spanning the waterfalls of Iceland, to the Bolivian Altiplano, to Nepalese buddhists, each photo — like Patagonia’s Pehoe Curve (pictured above) — are stunning examples of Percy’s…

Light is good. Light, warm and water-repellent are just that much better, especially when it comes to outerwear. No doubt this fall will bring the kind of weather where you want to be prepared yet mobile and versatile. The new Patagonia Ultralight Down Jacket ($279) will allow you to do just that with its lightweight…

The modern fly fishing wader has only seen a moderate degree of innovation since the introduction of breathable construction materials. With breathability came increased comfort and performance compared to heavy and hot neoprene or plastic materials, but designers have essentially been tweaking and adjusting a basic model that no one built better than Simms Fishing……

The Patagonia Black Hole Duffel ($130), as its name suggests, is a cavernous deposit for all of your gear. This ultra-tough bag is constructed with waterproof fabric and water-resistant zippers and seams. Padded on the bottom to protect your breakables, the Black Hole Duffel features a u-shaped lid for easy access to the main compartment….

Outdoor lovers are well aware of Patagonia as a brand, and have probably spent plenty of time browsing through the companies unique and decidely epic catalogs. Unexpected: 30 Years of Patagonia Catalog Photography ($49) is compendium of over 100+ images submitted by customers and professional wilderness photographers over the last 30 years (of which they…

Should you ever be in the unfortunate situation of being stranded in the winter, most survivalists advise that you stay in your vehicle and wait for help. This, of course, is the wisest course of action. Should you find it absolutely necessary to leave your vehicle to get help (for a loved one in medical…

Wearing a down vest can be a precarious affair. Often times you can be left with exceeding bulk and freezing extremities, not exactly an ideal combination. The Patagonia Down Sweater Vest ($150) protects without the unnecessary mass commonly found in down vests. It offers a snug fit against your chiseled core while shielding it from…

By Gear Patrol Reader Brett Prior The Patagonia Friction Belt breaks away from the dreary leather belt that often straps in our whimsical being. After looking for the perfect belt for well over a year, I finally realized that I was looking in all the wrong places. I realized that I do not need my…

By Guest Writer Taylor Gould Everyone needs a good weekend bag and, as a college student, the backpack is generally the preferred choice. However, a recent gift has changed my opinion: the Patagonia MLC ($160), or Maximum Legal Carry-On. This bag is a godsend. It holds a ton! Patagonia says it can hold between 3-5…

By Guest Writer and Outdoor Enthusiast Sandy Bandu Patagonia is certainly renowned for their bombproof, outdoor performance gear, but their DAS Parka is nothing short of well-rounded perfection. If you are in the market for a lightweight, synthetic coat (truly a superior material to down, in most situations), this coat provides all the comforts that…

Clearly taking some design cues from the likes of Pennfield’s Rockwool Vest, Patagonia’s Slingshot down vest mixes its tried and true technical appeal with a few key touches of fashion-focused flair. Insulated with 600-fill goose down, like all vests, it’s great for keeping your core toasty while retaining flexibility and movement in your arms. It…

Based on all the fall wardrobe question’s we’ve been receiving from you lately, we came to the conclusion a fall roundup was in order. Done and done. In this Gear Patrol Roundup, we’ve taken the time to scour some of our favorite men’s brands (high and low), for unique, sharp, and warm sweaters that’ll match…

It’s a cool 60 degrees out with bright blue skies and a gentle breeze at your back. Perfect running weather… that is, 3 months ago. With 90+ degree temps, soaking wet humidity and the blaring sun, you’re probably dreading those morning runs. While we can’t do much about the weather you’re experiencing, we can help…

Look around you. Where are you sitting? Are you behind a desk? Are the half toned walls of your office your scenery? The whirr of your computer and clacking of keys the soundtrack to your Friday afternoon? That. Is. Miserable. You’re looking at the Hotel Salto Chico nestled in the heart of Torres Del Paine…

Patagonia M’s Wavefarer Board shorts have been around for a while. The Wavefarer II is made of a durable water repellant treated nylon that wears light and dries fast. Furthermore the material is actually recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program. The board shorts are of the flat-lying, single-buttes gusseted variety with a self-draining side-zip…