Patagonia gear?

[lcheunger]

Hi guys,

I'm new to surfing and I'm looking to buy a wetsuit that will hold up in the cold waters by San Francisco. I've been looking at Patagonia cuz they're so eco friendly but I've never actually bought any of their gear before. Any thoughts on their products and if this eco-friendly stuff is really true?

[twerked]

they are one of the most, if not most, ecofriendly apparel company out there. they started the 1% for the planet thing. they donate 1% of their profits to environmentally based npos and other groups. the kayak/surf company i work for is also part of 1% for the planet. i don't know how well their wetsuits work, but some have wool linings, which i hear are really itchy. i'm all for ecofriendly clothes and gear, but when it comes to me freezing my balls off, i'd rather have something that keeps me warm than sacrificing that just so i feel a little better about the environment and what i bought. all of their stuff is really good. i get prodeals for patagonia so i like buying from them. and with wetsuits the most important issue is fit. try on all types of brands and models until you find one that fits you the best and gives you the most amount of flexibility. a lot of their other gear is 100% recyclable. if it gets totally destroyed, just send it to them and they'll reuse the fabrics and materials to make new items

[tomcat360]

Mmmmm Patagonia. Great stuff. I wish I could have more but I'm too poor.

They haven't yet broken into the East Coast surf scene although surfing is where they got their start. I would love to try out a wetsuit, I'm surprised they are itchy because they are merino lined, which to me isn't itchy. But who knows.

The only thing that upsets me about Patagonia is that I thought they were classy enough to manufacture in the US, or at least just not in China.

[CHarvey]

Part of the reason I got my Matuse wetsuit. While the material is from China (I think it was invented over there, limestone based material) it is put together here in San Diego and is a local based company. The wet suit is extremely warm and very cozy. This is the second season I have had it and it is holding up strong. I got the 4/3/2 hoplite suit.

[tomcat360]

Hmm haven't heard of them, next time I'm in the market I'll check them out.

[twerked]

yeah, merino wool isn't itchy, at least in sweater form. but i just heard the wool lining is, different, i guess

[tomcat360]

interesting. Anyways, shooting pictures for them would pretty much be my ideal career

[twerked]

^ that'd be sick. i'd like to work for either the travel channel or nat geo as a videographer/photographer...get paid to travel around the world and see awesome things? yes please