Patagonia Spring catalog

imported
#1

Patagonia sent me their Spring 2005 catalog. The pics are amazing … I was either scratching my head or couldn’t stop laughing. You should see some of the models, it makes you wonder just who the target audience is.

It starts out with this chick climbing a sheer rock wall with just her bare hands, no ropes or any other support except her shorts and top. She’s a looker, allright. Then on the next page we have what would be a nice “beaver” shot except for the short shorts she’s wearing … MMmmmmmm… Then after some nice models wearing bikini bottoms, it moves on to the men’s section. Here’s where the laughter comes in big time.

Starts with this guy tightroping on a pencil thick nylon rope across this 300 yard river like the Marlboro man. But the best shot is the guy with the nice guitar slung around his neck with a strap on p.54, getting directions from the peasant family. … can you say YUPPIE!!! Then a few pages later there’s this guy walking through some little town in Central America with a backpack and Chacos on. Hmmm, wonder if he looks like “American money” and “victim” to the locals. Then it ends with this cute chick on a surfboard in some tropical paradise, and more cute girls enjoying the waters.

Damn, I wanna be a Patagonia type. That’s the life!

Slow Foot

#2

well, who wants to gawk at real people?

gang

#3

Patagonia used to take submissions of their gear being used for the catalog. You may find those are real people doing those activities. There are a lot of rock climbers that are very fit and doing crazy things like free soloing a large rock wall. Then there is Patagonia’s gear which is first rate and well work the investment. I hike from ME to GA with three pair of patagonia expedition weight wool socks. Don’t knock something until you try it. I know Patagonia is expensive but it’s worth the money. As for target audience try kids in Southern California with too much spending cash and free time.

Darh Packman

#4

Darth Packman is right. Most every shot in a Paty catalog is sent in by the people who use their gear. The “chick climbing a sheer rock wall” is Lynn Hill, arguably one of the best rock climbers in the world. Free soloing (without rope and protection) is nothing new to this woman. You should read her book.

Patagonia is a great company that contributes thousands of dollars each year to grassroots environmental and social activism. They also make gear that lasts based on fair labor laws, something you don’t really see much these days with companies producing all their products in places like Sri Lanka, China, or Vietnam.

They’re also a very “the west is best” type company. I don’t think I’ve ever seen any photos in their catalog from the Southeast. Maybe I should write a letter to Yvon . . .

Cap’n

#5

When I got home from my hike in 02, I sent them a slide of me at the NY/NJ line wearing the dress I wore for 900 miles that summer. I bought it for ~ $20 at the local Patagonia Outlet - girls’ size. Unfortunately they didn’t choose to use the shot. oh well. I don’t have the current spring catalog, but I can’t believe the poster didn’t know the name Lynn Hill!!

Bluebearee

#6

I can’t have anyone knocking Patagonia, not since I live about 45 mins from a factory outlet. They sell the best clothes…period. (and…the prices can be awsome, i have an organic cotton t-shirt which cost me $4!!)

Cheersagonia

Cheers

#7

I for one am glad to see women portrayed as actively participating in outdoor sports. You may have no idea what it is like to love doing something such as backpacking, climbing, etc. and NEVER see anyone that looks like you doing it in the media.

Patagonia IS very expensive. You get what you pay for. The stuff they make is made for the job, lasts, and whenever possible is made of recylcled and organic materials. They put their money where their mouth is. Patagonia will work to refurbish well loved and used jackets, bags, etc. They donate to the environment, encourage pro-environment voting, and feature those that take a stand against destructive policies such as old growth logging.

You may see me in my Patagonia fleece vest and label me as a yuppy. Instead, you should call me a person who makes educated decisions on how I spend my money.

eclecticliz

#8

I’m still laughing at the pics, although not knocking Patagonia itself. I actually have a piece of pricey Patagucci gear, and know they’re a good company. But how many people would know there are people crazy enough to go rock climing on a sheer face w/o a safety harness. One slip of her cute little foot and that spandex will be thrown in the dumpster. :x

And the guy with the guitar, pointing it toward the camera with the DUH look on his face … give me a break. But I would like to be a Patagonia guy, spending my days doing all the cool hiking and surfing I wanted, and hanging around those cute women all day. :tongue That’s the life.

Slow Foot

#9

I can’t complain about Patagonia to much since I just did a pro-deal with them for some new gear. Those of us in the outdoor rec industry scrimp and save living on ramen noodles and pbj’s in an attempt to live this lifestyle. And at $18 grand or less a year it can be tough to do. As Bluebearee knows I complain about not having any money sometimes but it beats being a cube dweller. I guess what I’m saying is that you can live that lifestyle but it means sacrifice. I don’t have a car, cable TV, cell phone or highspeed internet and I live in a tiny apartment but I do have some kickin bicycles leaning against the wall and assorted pieces of well used backpacking, running and cycling gear laying around and I wouldn’t trade any of it for a suit and tie. Yeh, the guy with the guitar is pretty campy. And yes Lynn Hill is very cute. Meow, that was Kallicat Bluebearee not me. :slight_smile:

Black Toe Bob

#10

Does anyone have the actual amounts of money Patagucci donates to what specific environmental causes? How much do they give to EarthFirst or do they just give to the giant environmental corporation fronts. I’m just asking, it’s clear there is a fashion love affair here.

Blue Jay

#11

By 1985, we formalized our support of environmental activism by committing 10 percent of our pre-tax profits to grassroots environmental groups. Later, we changed our pledge to at least one percent of sales or 10 percent of pre-tax profits – whichever is more. We give at the grassroots level to innovative groups overlooked or rejected by other corporate donors. We fund activists who take radical and strategic steps to protect habitat, wilderness and biodiversity. We have given more than $20 million to more than 1,000 organizations since our grants program began.

Sounds like they pick and choose small, individual projects. News to me, but pretty cool!

Eric

#12

Paty also encourages other corporations to mirror their environmental philosophy with 1% for the planet where, as noted above, they donate 1% of their sales to grassroots environmental endeavors. I understand singer/songwriter Jack Johnson just joined on with them.

Black Toe Bob, I’m right there with ya. I don’t make a lot of money working for an outfitter, but I love my job! Got a race next Saturday as a matter of fact.

Cap’n

#13

There are alot of companies with crappy gear, poor service, no stewardship commitments, and unreconcilable marketing campaigns. Patagonia is not one of them.

Tha Wookie

#14

After a little research both on the web and with a group I respect, it appears Patagonia walks the walk. Corporations rarely surprise me, they have done so.

Blue Jay

#15

The founder of Patagonia was one of us before we realized we were “us” regarding our love of wild places.

booger

#16

wow, I was joking. sorry. I didn’t mean those people weren’t talented, I didn’t mean women shouldn’t be in the wilderness. I just meant you wouldn’t buy spandex if a guy like me was modelling them.

gang