Patagonia Review [2023]: King of Outdoor Travel Apparel?

You've probably heard people talking about Patagonia in your travels or noticed their eye-catching logo on fellow explorers' hats and shirts.

This isn't your average clothing company. No, Patagonia is like a loyal companion, always there with you on your journeys, from the peaks of mountains to the heart of the cities. At least that's what the brand wants you to feel when you wear its clothing!

Ever found yourself comparing the merits of Patagonia with the likes of Outdoor Voices, Eddie Bauer, or Norrøna? We all have. That's why I decided to put pen to paper, or rather, fingers to keyboard.

I'll deep dive into the variety of attire they offer, from their versatile jackets and vests to those comfy shorts. But it's not just about clothes. Patagonia stands for something much more. Sustainability is its mantra, its North Star.

So get ready—my article will be your roadmap to everything Patagonia: where to snap up their best sellers, how the company is revolutionizing sustainability, and of course, my honest take on whether the brand is really worth all the hype.

Ready? Let’s go!

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What Is Patagonia?

Patagonia started when founder and rock climber Yvon Chouinard started crafting and selling pitons, the metal spikes used in climbing. Then, Chouinard and his partner Tom Frost expanded into selling clothing.

Before long, they started making insulated clothing and thermal underwear. The business continued to boom into what it is today. Patagonia clothes have become popular among travelers because of their high quality and reliability. 

Fun side note: Patagonia is also a region in South America in Argentina and Chile, but we aren't talking about that today!

Where Is Patagonia Made?

A common question that comes up about Patagonia, and one you likely have if you're considering buying their clothing, is where is Patagonia made?

Well, Patagonia makes its clothes in a few different parts of the world, one of the places being the United States. They have factories in Los Angeles, Texas, and North Carolina. 

However, less than half of their clothing is made in the US, with most being made in Canada and China.

If you live in the US, you may want to find a clothing brand that makes their clothes in the country. 

But, you should consider that half of Patagonia's sales come from outside of the US. Making their clothes in other parts of the world means less transport costs and less negative impact on the environment.

If you want to limit your impact on the environment when buying Patagonia, you can easily see where each product comes from. Go on their website under the "Country of Origin" section of the product you want to learn about.

Where to Buy Patagonia?

You have a few options for where you can buy Patagonia products. At least one of them should be quite convenient, as there are in-store and online options.

First, you can go through the Patagonia website. The website will have the most size and color options available, as well as the latest releases. It's also easy to return or exchange an item on their website. You can even get your items repaired. 

Or, if you prefer shopping in person, which can be a lot of fun, you can go to a Patagonia store! Patagonia has stores all over the world, and you can use the store finder on their website to find one no matter where in the world you are. 

You can also find Patagonia on Amazon, which is the best option for fast shipping, especially if you have Amazon Prime. However, Amazon has limited options compared to in-store or on the Patagonia website.

Is Patagonia Sustainable?

Patagonia has a lot of sustainability programs, and one of their biggest is 1% for the Planet. This program donates 1% of all sales to preserve and restore the environment. So far, Patagonia has donated over $140 million to organizations and groups that help the environment.

They even have a buyback program where you can sell your used Patagonia gear for credit on Worn Wear. You can then purchase used Patagonia clothing at a lower price whether you traded in gear or not. 

Not only is it more affordable to buy used clothing, but you are also helping the environment. Buying second-hand lowers demand and prevents clothing from ending up in a landfill.

Patagonia Bestsellers: Clothing for Travel

Patagonia has a lot of clothing options for travelers, especially those who love the great outdoors. The company also sells gear and accessories to take on your next adventure, like bags, water bottles, and sleeping bags. 

You'll be able to find anything you need and want from Patagonia. But if you want everything (relatable), start out with some of their best selling clothing items, which I've listed below.

1. Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

Why It's Good for Travelers: Lightweight and warm, the Nano Puff Jacket is the perfect companion for those cooler travels. Its insulation keeps you cozy while its compressibility makes it a breeze to pack.

Made from 100% recycled polyester, it doesn't just shield you from the elements—it protects our planet too.

2. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag

Why It's Good for Travelers: Durability meets versatility with the Black Hole Duffel Bag! 

This one's ideal for anything from a weekend escape to an extended expedition. Its ample space, weather-resistant material, and convertible straps that turn it into a backpack make it a reliable travel buddy.

3. Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket

Why It's Good for Travelers: The Better Sweater Fleece Jacket strikes the perfect balance between casual style and performance warmth. It's great for layering and it's equally at home on city streets as it is on mountain trails, making it an indispensable part of any traveler's wardrobe.

You won't want to forget this one at home! It's versatility makes it an essential item for any packing list!

4. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket

Why It's Good for Travelers: Don't let a little rain dampen your travel plans. The Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket, made from 3-layer waterproof yet breathable fabric, provides comprehensive protection against the elements.

It's compact enough to stow in a corner of your bag, ready to keep you dry when those surprise showers hit.

Is Patagonia Worth It?

Yes, if you value the features Patagonia highlights, it's a great brand to add to your clothing collection! 

I'm big on sustainability and quality—that's why I would continue to go back to Patagonia for many of my most essential purchases. With great product variety, I feel it's a fantastic choice for both travelers and outdoor enthusiasts!

But, I mentioned "my most essential purchases" because Patagonia does have a higher price point. If you're still budget-conscious but still look for quality, pick and choose what you decide to buy.

Basically, the most important part is considering your priorities and budget before making your Patagonia purchases.

Our Rating: 4.2/5

Pros:

• High quality with durability
• Focus on sustainability
• Extended sizing options
• Variety of styles

Cons:

• Not budget friendly
• Some products made outside of the US

Ready to Travel?

Patagonia has everything you need for your next active adventure, so why not start planning with Pilot?