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Post by cweston on Feb 15, 2021 12:58:25 GMT -8
s Patagonia's actual gear & tech clothing really more expensive than comparable brands? I think this is the key. Some of what they produce is actual gear for serious outdoorspersons. And my experience with that stuff is that its generally fine and not any more ridiculously priced than outdoor specialty clothing is generally. And then there's the lifestyle wear.
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Post by cheaptentguy on Feb 15, 2021 13:47:14 GMT -8
Is Patagonia's actual gear & tech clothing really more expensive than comparable brands? Sure their "lifestyle" wear is more expensive than something you'd find in a department store, but I dont feel like their rain shells, base layers, running shorts, etc are really more expensive than their competitors. That being said, I typically buy during their semi-annual sales, so its entirely possible I just haven't noticed. My experience has been that most of things of similar quality are priced pretty similarly with few exceptions, like Arcteryx. "Quality," is clearly subjective, but when I look for same materials with solid stitching, etc, I see a lot of the same price points. For me buying a good product from a responsible company is TYPICALLY worth the extra money it costs from a cheap sweatshop version. But I also understand people that think their $30 base layer system and $70 tent that work for them are also making fine decisions for themselves.
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Post by cheaptentguy on Feb 15, 2021 13:56:44 GMT -8
That's why I say merino is a good choice if you're mostly going to wear it in camp, and you're willing to pay the price for it's unmatched stink control. (I also wear my merino tops for everyday life in the cooler months.) Generally speaking, the bottoms would be mostly camp clothes, as I usually hike in shorts unless it's really cold and/or windy out. Top may be used more, but still usually get down to my t-shirt unless it's very cold. Top is much more likely to see hiking use. Thanks for all the responses, folks! Good food for thought.
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Post by trinity on Feb 15, 2021 13:58:14 GMT -8
Patagonia just sucks and is way overpriced. I strenuously disagree. Everything I have ever owned from Patagonia has been top notch. They strive to conduct their business in an ethical way, prioritizing paying their workers a living wage. They give back to the environment, and advocate on behalf of environmental causes. They are industry leaders, and their gear is of the highest quality. I'll gladly pay a little extra for that.
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reuben
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Post by reuben on Feb 15, 2021 14:28:42 GMT -8
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crawford
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Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.--Edison
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Post by crawford on Feb 15, 2021 15:02:12 GMT -8
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Post by swmtnbackpacker on Feb 16, 2021 7:12:32 GMT -8
What Jer said, ..a base layer should wick. Bonus: Some companies, including Patagonia, will take and recycle your used (cleaned) polyester layers.
I’ve been thinking about replacing my polyester fleece with a midweight merino, especially for more “travel” oriented backpacking.
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jazzmom
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Post by jazzmom on Feb 16, 2021 8:00:14 GMT -8
For me it's merino hands down. I think wool (and natural fibers, down, etc., in general) regulates heat significantly better than synthetics, so I'm comfortable in a wider range of temps. That's what nature designed it to do, after all. In winter, my layers (inside to out) are merino, fleece, then shell; the same on top and bottom.
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Post by swmtnbackpacker on Feb 16, 2021 11:44:54 GMT -8
For me it's merino hands down. I think wool (and natural fibers, down, etc., in general) regulates heat significantly better than synthetics, so I'm comfortable in a wider range of temps. That's what nature designed it to do, after all. In winter, my layers (inside to out) are merino, fleece, then shell; the same on top and bottom. Quite a few bicycle riders have written about merino baselayer (bikepackers, - tourers, etc.. probably my next adventures) and eyeing those type if it gets cool/cold weather mountain bike riding. Of course I could probably pack more for a ride with camping gear even with just 2 panniers and a bag over the rear tire than a lightwt backpack.
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BigLoad
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Post by BigLoad on Feb 16, 2021 18:32:11 GMT -8
I prefer wool, especially on longer trips. Capilene is OK, and I still carry lighter weight Capilene on my less-frequent trips in warm weather.
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panatomicx
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Post by panatomicx on Feb 23, 2021 14:01:20 GMT -8
I need a piece of outdoor apparel. I read about it on the internet. I go to the store, or order it online, and try it on. If it fits, and appears to be effective, I buy it. It works great, and I wear it on many subsequent trips. Patagonia has been there quite a few times, along with other brands. That's what's important to me.
That said-I love the new Smartwool heavier baselayers. They feel absolutely luxurious, and appear to be more durable than Smartwool has been in the past.
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Post by tomqvaxy on Feb 25, 2021 5:24:59 GMT -8
... bicycle riders have written about merino baselayer ... more for a ride with camping gear even with just 2 panniers and a bag over the rear tire... don't underestimate the value of a gilet, or in an emergency, a tyvek envelope tucked under your top layer to keep the wind off. rear panniers are the last choice for gear carry. start with a handlebar bag, then front panniers,only then go backwards - think pendulum. www.bikeforums.net/touring/believe it or not, there's also a "what stove do i get" thread!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2021 2:36:52 GMT -8
I have one ll bean merino shirt that is very comfortable and I love that fact that is doesn’t stink after multiple days. It doesn’t appear to be very durable. Every time I wash it seems to have a ne whittle hole. I have some mountain hardwear wicked t that I have had for 15 years or more that are picked and faded but have not one hole or tear. They have been extremely durable. They are a material similar to Capilien.
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Post by cheaptentguy on Apr 2, 2021 17:43:43 GMT -8
Question I know will be tough to answer: generally, I end up in shorts and a t-shirt even in high 40s. The base layer I'm currently using is pretty thin, and I've been comfortable down to the low 30s at least.
I looked at the 250 layer and it looked a little too thick and warm. Mind you, I'm typically hiking the southeast and one of the main reasons I want to upgrade is a trip out west in the High Sierras over the summer.
Will I likely be too hot in the 250 and should opt for the 150, or is the 250 the safest way to go knowing I'll have the addition warmth if I need it?
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Post by cweston on Apr 2, 2021 18:19:41 GMT -8
I'd be too hot in 250 in summer mountains, for sure. It might be nice for the first 15 minutes of hiking after an alpine start, though.
For summer high mountain trips, I usually take a 170-200 weight merino top that I wear in camp in the evening/morning and to bed. I don't wear it hiking unless the weather is drastically bad.
I usually wear a Capilene tech tee for actual hiking, but I recently bought an Icebreaker Tech-lite merino tee (150 weight) that I'll try hiking in this summer.
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