Patagonia emphasizes recyclability and new, distinctive fabric patterns in their 2009 apparel and vest products. The overall line, in our opinion, looks sleeker and more up-to-date. But plenty of smart design changes lurk beneath the surface. The most interesting, in our opinion, come with the redesign of the venerable SST. Gone is the bomber-jacket feel of the SST of ten years ago and even the slightly heavy look of last year's stretch-fabric version. Yvon Chouinard challenged his team to come up with a recyclable jacket that also improved on performance, and the new SST ($425) does just that. It features high-end non-corrosive waterproof zippers on the side pockets, and double-rip-stop Nylon 6 fabric — in part because of its abrasion resistance and because it doesn't wet out as fast as the stretch fabric, but also because Nylon 6 is completely recyclable. The new SST also has new cuff designs and a single-pull hood that works from the back of the head (something from their alpine design team). In addition to a new Women's Guidewater Jacket ($400) and a Shelled Insulator Jacket made of stretch-woven polyester ($275), Patagonia also has several new additions to the clothing line. Their new Guidewater shirt ($120), pants ($75) and shorts ($60) are hardier versions of the hot-weather line; the stretch-woven "dobby-weave" fabric is quite distinctive and more suitable for cooler climes. And the new Marlwalker pants ($85) and shorts ($70) are the first recycled and recyclable lightweight fishing pants in the company's line (check out the new colors, including the "Blood Knot" print). A new fabric for the Sun Mask and new form-fitting Sun Gloves round out the offering. Finally, Patagonia has subtle but clever design changes in place for their Pack Vest ($180), Double Haul ($130), and Hip Chest Pack ($70).
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