Everyone has an opinion about Patagonia. For this post, we’re only focusing on their products and their cultural impact. I’ve been wearing Patagonia for as long as I can remember. I remember my first Snap-T from my college girlfriend, my pique polos that I wore in college, Stand Ups and Baggies, windbreakers, and Better Sweaters…the list goes on.
What’s interesting about Patagonia gear is the timeless essence – it’s tough to wear their gear out. I have Stand Up shorts that are 20 years old. Baggies that are the same. Snap-Ts from the mid-90s that I still wear. That says something to the investment aspect as well as the functionality.
Personally, I love their stuff. It works. The old climbing culture is very interesting to me, and Patagonia led the way back in the day.
After some research, here are Patagonia’s top ten products based on popularity and impact:
1. Synchilla Fleece Pullover (1985):
Why it’s iconic: Patagonia pioneered fleece with Synchilla, replacing heavy wool sweaters with lightweight, warm, quick-drying polyester fleece. This essentially revolutionized the outdoor industry.
2. R1 Pullover (1999):
Why it matters: Known for its grid fleece design, the R1 became a staple for alpine climbers and backcountry skiers because of its warmth-to-weight ratio and breathability.
3. Snap-T Fleece Pullover (1985):
Why it’s loved: A classic for decades, the Snap-T defined the retro outdoor aesthetic while being practical and ultra-comfortable.
4. DAS Parka (1993):
Why it stands out: A belay parka for climbers, the DAS provided warmth in frigid conditions without being too heavy, and it became a standard for alpine expeditions.
5. Baggies Shorts (1982):
Why it’s legendary: Arguably the most versatile shorts ever made—quick-drying, tough, and stylish enough for decades. They have a cult following far beyond the outdoor crowd.
6. Down Better Sweater Vest (2013):
Why it’s a game changer: Light, packable warmth that became one of Patagonia’s best-sellers and set the standard for urban and outdoor “casual” vests.
7. Houdini Jacket (1999):
Why it’s essential: An ultralight wind shell that packs into its own pocket—perfect for climbing, trail running, and cycling. Still a benchmark for minimalist shells.
8. Capilene Baselayers (1985):
Why it’s important: One of the first technical synthetic base layers designed to wick moisture and dry fast—still a core product in Patagonia’s line.
9. Black Hole Duffel (2010):
Why it’s famous: Bombproof and weather-resistant, these duffels are the go-to travel bag for adventurers and athletes.
10. Nano Puff Jacket (2009):
Why it matters: Lightweight, warm, and made with recycled PrimaLoft insulation. It became a huge hit and influenced the entire synthetic insulation category.
Honorable Mention: Stand Up Shorts (1973):
These shorts were introduced in 1973, making them one of Patagonia’s earliest products. They were designed for rock climbers who needed extremely durable shorts. They were made from hefty 10-oz canvas, hence the name ‘Stand Up’, because the fabric was so stiff and rugged that the shorts could literally stand up on their own when new. They quickly became a staple of 80s climbing culture and made their way to Fraternity Row in the 90s. Their cultural significance is only outlasted by their durability.
Any of these resonate with you? What’s your oldest Patagonia piece? What’s the story?
When I returned from Iraq in August of 2011 and was ramping up to start my senior year of college I ordered a yellow nano puff pullover. $39 because apparently nobody wanted yellow. Still wear it today, because it’s just as awesome as the day I got it!
nice post. i bought a pair of stand ups on ebay while i was in my second year of law school, so around 2007. they were easily ten years old at the time. they are still my go to shorts for football tailgating. indestructible.
one other item that deserves a mention would be the retro x jacket and/or vest. probably my favorite patagonia product ever.
I’ve owned (still own) most of those products. My first fleece from Patagonia was acquired in 1996 and it’s still in the fall rotation. Most durable clothing out there (next to a North Face Mountain Light from 1997). My guess is that, between my wife, kids, parents, and me, we have over 30 pieces, and not one has ever let us down.
Outside of the North Face Denali fleece, which I think everyone owned circa 1999, nothing is more iconic than Patagonia. Patagonia stuff just lasts, and their customer service is top-notch. I sent back a 10 year-old nano puff jacket and they returned it to me completely repaired, I just had to pay shipping.
Snap T is my favorite product of theirs probably. Got one of my freshmen year of college and still wear it some. Something that didn’t get mentioned that I love of theirs is just their t-shirts. I have several and some i’ve had for 10 years. Still look fine. I will say, I think i’m the minority with this blog and the stand up shorts. I like them in theory, but I don’t feel like they ever look very good. They are always ‘slanted’ or something when I wear them and get kinda on my nerves.
Both my TNF Denali and Synchilla q zip are still going strong having survived everything from dive bars to camping trips
Good post. My only complaint is that, as someone who is 5’6″, I find pretty much all of their current outerwear products too long in the torso for me.
Love Patagonia. I live in their baggies and stand-up shorts when it’s warm and their snap-ts and jackets when it’s cool. Also, their environmental approach to manufacturing and their quality are unmatched. Yvon Chouinard’s book “Let My People Go Surfing” is a great book about the company’s business model and approach.
I still have that exact same, made in USA red/purple snap-t (pre-pocket) I bought in the fall of 1985 – melt marks and all! Without question the most iconic Patagonia product, just slightly ahead of the original length Baggies and Stand-ups (which, oddly enough, I still have as well – at least the mid-80s versions).
I was proudly wearing the exact same on the Hill 2003-07!
Like most the Baggies, Snap T, and standup shorts were staples for me. I went to CU Boulder in the early nineties and was keen on my North Face Mtn Light and Denali jacket for skiing. I’m on my second Mtn Light and still have my original Denali jacket though I haven’t worn it in years. It rarely gets cold enough in Middle GA for it. The Mtn Light still gets a lot of use on rainy days.
Unfortunately, I have outgrown my stand-ups and baggies, but recently purchased a new pair of stand-up shorts. They seem to fit longer than the original fit, but I have been wearing the hell out of them this summer. My Snap T still gets some use on cold weekends.
I’ve worn the same Nano Puff jacket most days in the winter for years. Incredible comfort and warmth at almost no weight. The cost per wear in unbeatable.
I remember getting outfitted for a trip to Col outward bound school in 1989 when I was 15. It was cool to get this more as “gear” than a style – it back came my “”style” when I came home/ a midge ahead of it being mainstream popular (sling with vasque boots and Birkenstocks. I still identify with this mountain style today at 50.
An aside, I always thought they were called standup shorts for two other reasons when I was a kid-
1) shit falls out of your pocket if you sit down
2) everyone will see your nuts if you sit down.