Comments on Way Upstream: El Pescador returns

Thanks for your interest in F8 Jon. There are two...

2008-06-18T07:43:00.000-05:00

Thanks for your interest in F8 Jon. There are two new styles being introduced, one is the Insulator Jacket and the other is the Stormfront Pack. There have been some images and words already conveyed about these styles but no official posts yet. Stay tuned.

When do we get to see what is new for fall 2008?

2008-06-17T11:03:00.000-05:00

When do we get to see what is new for fall 2008?

Noted Taku, you are right that "true" waterproof z...

2008-06-16T09:51:00.000-05:00

Noted Taku, you are right that "true" waterproof zippers are the type that Sage Brush have used (German-made T-Zip). Riri (Italy) and YKK also make these type zippers. Zip lock technology and roll top designs round out the waterproof menu. Design, fabric and construction are integral and equally important to waterproof function. Some types of basic maintenance can also be required for optimum performance.

Good question Matt J. Patagonia does work closely...

2008-06-13T07:40:00.000-05:00

Good question Matt J. Patagonia does work closely with fabric and trim suppliers to co-develop solutions to meet our design and quality needs. Rarely does an off-the-shelf choice make it into the line. Sometimes that does mean that we end up with a uniquely exclusive result, especially with fabric. Regarding stock choices, they are widely distributed.

Referring to the "true" waterproof zippers, look c...

2008-06-12T21:59:00.000-05:00

Referring to the "true" waterproof zippers, look closely at those on dry suits, or bags like the Sage Brush Dry gear. A different creature from the ones on other types of clothing. Also, what helps keep them operating smoothly and keeps them from tearing out in bits and pieces, is the zipper lube that comes with dry suits and zippered dry bags, or available from paddle shops. In my experience, taking good care of the zippers is the key to ensuring they last and work well. Taku

Does Patagonia work with the design team at YKK to...

2008-06-12T12:18:00.000-05:00

Does Patagonia work with the design team at YKK to come up with zipper solutions, making the zipper unique to Patagonia? Or, does YKK have one water proof zipper that is distributed among all the outdoor apparel companies?

Good comments and questions on zippers Ian and Mat...

2008-06-12T05:53:00.000-05:00

Good comments and questions on zippers Ian and Matt. The Guidewater and Deep Wading Jackets use reverse coil zippers with coated zipper tape (not all are created equal). This type of zipper is often referred to as waterproof but in reality I think it best to call them highly water resistant. They're not submersible. Early versions of these types of zippers were a bit "sticky" and didn't operate with the ease that our choices do now. Our trims team has also made subtle improvements to the carrier and pull which allow smooth operation even if the pull force is off angle. Tack on the new "fish pull" to the equation and you end up with what I feel is a clean, operable, durable and functional fishing jacket zipper that will deal quite well with rain and spray. Zippers used in dry suits and the Stormfront Pack are yet another breed and worthy of the waterproof title. More on that later.

All the waterproof zippers in the various products...

2008-05-31T20:37:00.000-05:00

All the waterproof zippers in the various products I own use YKK zippers. From what I have observed, YKK seems to be the leader in waterproof zippers.

Nine years ago I bought some ski pants that had the waterproof zipper. I say "had" because the waterproof portion of that zipper has now fully deteriorated.

The guidewater looks like a sweet jacket, but I'm ...

2008-05-31T09:16:00.000-05:00

The guidewater looks like a sweet jacket, but I'm still spooked on waterproof zippers after a very wet season in another company's jacket.

Couple of questions:

I've had nothing but negative experiences with "waterproof" zippers. Every waterproof zipper I've ever used has leaked - jackets, packs, luggage, everything. How have these zippers performed in the field? Are the zippers Patagonia is using any different than competitors' waterproof zippers, and have they gotten better over the last few years?

Do waterproof zippers require maintenance? I've noticed that over time the rubber sheathing on waterproof zippers I've used have had small sections torn, which didn't help keep water out. I know that dry suits using waterproof zipper require maintenance, but I've never read anything to that effect with these types of zippers.

Hi Jonathan, the Guidewater Jacket will come in tw...

2008-05-29T15:31:00.000-05:00

Hi Jonathan, the Guidewater Jacket will come in two new colors but not until Spring 2009. Those colors will be Gravel (grayish brown) and Northern Light (rich dark blue). Stay tuned.

I read the Guidewater will come in two new colors ...

2008-05-29T11:14:00.000-05:00

I read the Guidewater will come in two new colors for Spring 09 - do you have photos?
Cheers - Jonathan Troy

Thanks for the offer JockScott. If I'm ever in No...

2008-05-29T07:49:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the offer JockScott. If I'm ever in Nova Scotia I'll look you up.

Great stuff El Pesc... this is my next jacket for ...

2008-05-28T15:22:00.000-05:00

Great stuff El Pesc... this is my next jacket for sure. I really appreciate the help, as there are no retailers nearby that carry the fishing products.

On Sunday, i'll be fishing a smaller local river hoping for a an early fish. I do the majority of my summer salmon fishing on the Margaree in Cape Breton, the Lahave, the Musquodoboit and the St. Mary's. In the fall, the salmon fishing really turns on, and I tend to visit a whole other list of 'fall run' rivers. If you're ever in Nova Scotia, let me know and I'll try to put you on some silver.

Both the Stretch SST and Guidewater Jackets use 4....

2008-05-28T08:40:00.000-05:00

Both the Stretch SST and Guidewater Jackets use 4.2oz, 3-layer, stretch 50-denier nylon with H2No HB (Highly Breathable) barrier; Deluge DWR finish. All seams are sealed. This is the same fabric used in our premier mountaineering Stretch Element Jacket. Both jackets have an ample back pocket. The Stretch SST maintains a back pocket version with a hook and loop flap (similar to what it's always had) and the Guidewater Jacket has a vertical, side accessed, reversed coil zipper version with zipper garage (http://www.flickr.com/photos/airtaxi/2203014541/in/set-72157600026869077/). Review and advise JockScott. Good luck out there on the water. Where will you be atlantic salmon fishing?

I've heard that the guidewater jacket is made from...

2008-05-28T07:36:00.000-05:00

I've heard that the guidewater jacket is made from a relatively lightweight, thin material... and that the SST is a better choice for cold weather fishing. Since most of the fishing the Guidewater jacket would see with me involves cold water and layered clothes, is the SST a better choice? I prefer the style and pocket config of the guidewater, but don't want a basic 'shell' jacket.

Also - does the jacket have a back pocket? and if so, how is it accessed? So far, the only coat i've seen with a good back pocket is the new G4 guide jacket through Simms. Big back pocket with side access. Seems like a no-brainer doesn't it??

Thanks in advance. Atlantic Salmon season starts in 4 days... giddy up!!!

Great stuff... looks like a real solid coat. I was...

2008-04-22T13:00:00.000-05:00

Great stuff... looks like a real solid coat. I wasnt' sure if it had fleece lined hand warmer pockets, but according to that review it does!
I'm sure if I buy one I'll hook more atlantic salmon... right?!? ;)

The GWJ has been written up quite a bit since it's...

2008-04-21T09:29:00.000-05:00

The GWJ has been written up quite a bit since it's unveiling. I'll see if I can get you a list of reviews from our marketing dept. Here's one recent review for now - http://flyrodreel.com/Fly-Rod-and-Reel-Online/Online-2008/Layers-Upon-Layers

I'd love to get some more info on the Guidewater j...

2008-04-21T08:36:00.000-05:00

I'd love to get some more info on the Guidewater jacket. Hoping to buy one within a month or so. There are no Patagonia fly fishing dealers near by, so i need to be sure.

Any chance there are any reviews posted online? I haven't been able to track any down.

Thanks for the Guidewater Jacket note Gferrari. T...

2008-02-09T10:25:00.000-05:00

Thanks for the Guidewater Jacket note Gferrari. This jacket has received good press so far and with favorable reviews and ads showing up in the mags demand is high. I'm confident that the Guidewater Jacket will serve you well.

I finally recieved my new Guidewater jacket and it...

2008-02-07T19:47:00.000-05:00

I finally recieved my new Guidewater jacket and it looks awesome!!! I can't wait to hit the water in it this weekend.

It was well worth the wait.

Thanks to Patagonia for another great product.

Sunshade Shirt colors for S8/F8 are:M's - Fresh Cl...

2007-11-29T16:57:00.000-05:00

Sunshade Shirt colors for S8/F8 are:

M's - Fresh Clover, Aquatic Blue, Retro Khaki and White

W's - Laurel Green and White.

I also checked out your review of the Sunshade. Thank you Joe.

el pescador:Check out my review of the Sunshade sh...

2007-11-29T11:26:00.000-05:00

el pescador:

Check out my review of the Sunshade shirt and let me know your thoughts!

http://reelgear.blogspot.com/

What colors are planned for the 2008 Sunshade shir...

2007-11-29T10:37:00.000-05:00

What colors are planned for the 2008 Sunshade shirt?

The 2008 Sunshade Shirts are scheduled to hit the ...

2007-11-27T12:16:00.000-05:00

The 2008 Sunshade Shirts are scheduled to hit the wharehouse next month and should be ready to ship in early January. Same goes for the Sun Hoody which is technically part of the surf collection. We'll also introduce the new Sun Mask then as well. Thanks for asking Joe.

What is the status on the 2008 sunshade shirt and ...

2007-11-27T09:49:00.000-05:00

What is the status on the 2008 sunshade shirt and the hooded version? When will it be available? These are the best warmwater shirts ever designed and I know sellthru was great as well. let us know!