Patagonia

Those of us who have equipped ourselves with Patagonia clothing over the last several years may envy the alpinist who heads for the mountains for the first time in Spring 2006. Every technical piece now is lighter, more supple, and provides a more athletic fit than garments made only a few seasons ago: most offer superior moisture-shedding performance and greater breathability as well.

The evolution that began with Patagonia soft shells has advanced from fabric innovation to the extraordinary new construction techniques embodied by their Composite Seam System technology. This season, they have expanded their ultra light CSS hard-shell offerings for warmer - and not always drier - climbing weather with the Jetstream Jacket (in the Alpine line). In Endurance: Airius-Ts now come in a new BIOMAP version that seamlessly adjusts construction and density: you get what is needed where you need it. This also is the first spring season for the variable-density Regulator R15 BIOMPA Pullover and Jacket, which bridge the gap between base layer and insulation, while reducing bulk and boosting breathability.

The first-time alpinist, as well as the grizzled veteran, can look to us for more than clothes for an enlightened mountain experience come spring.

Patagonia's new technical packs (Endurance, Gritty, Catalyst, Houdini) come in a light but uncompromisingly durable double weave Shift Layer nylon whose floating top layer absorbs friction and protects the diffentially cut bottom layer from abrasion. Each pack affords superb load-bearing balance and intuitive, hassle-free performance. Every feature is worth inspection, from the non-slosh and hidden-strap water-reservoir Autocompression System to the whistle built into the sternum strap.

These new technical packs are part of a larger launch of innovative new backpacks and luggage that include ingenious new wheelies and duffels in a beefier Shift Layer fabric, as well as fanatically lightweight travel packs (in featherweight triple ripstop nylon) that stuff into their own pockets, and new Lightwire mobile-office backpacks for the computer-toting, but hooky-playing professional who likes to steal away while on a business trip for a few timeless swakums of outdoor adventure.

Also notable for spring, though not at all new: Patagonia'a strong commitment to Altrec.com, as evidenced by their selective distribution and the strength of their efforts to educate consumers on the environmental and design issues they care about most.