by Dave MacLeay
Patagonia’s fall 2008 clothing and outerwear line, which debuted today at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market, includes a staggering number of products that seek to “close the loop” by being both made of recycled materials and fully recyclable at the end of their useful lives. Fully 47 percent of products in Patagonia's fall 2008 line will be recyclable, up from 34 percent in fall 2007.
Among those products is the Ascensionist Jacket, a 19-ounce, water-resistant and breathable soft shell designed for alpine climbing and skiing. According to Patagonia’s Tim Rhone, the Ascensionist is the first soft shell that is both recycled and recyclable. The jacket is made of 45 percent recycled double-stretch polyester and can be recycled through Patagonia’s Common Threads recycling program.
The Ascensionist includes a helmet-compatible, 3-way adjustable hood, articulated arms, a draw-cord hem, two hand warmer pockets with DWR-coated zippers and zipper garages, and one internal pocket. It will retail for $225 and come in men's and women's models.
