This was a surprise, showing up at the bottom of my iPad's screen this morning....



I thought, that's got to be a mistake, but when I clicked on it, sure enough, I went to patagonia.com....it's them all right.

Senate race in NC is close, and the (D) candidate they are hawking here has just been caught doing his "Wiener" impression texting with women not his wife which has made it even more of a toss-up.

I am not a customer of Patagonia- never owned any Patagonia stuff, and am not in that market, so this cannot make me buy any less of their stuff or throw what I have (none) in the trash.

That said, if any of you are/have been customers, though, and think this move unwise and unworthy, please consider letting them know how you feel.

Ugh. I'm so sick of these companies. Why alienate half of your customer base? How did politics become the center of EVERYTHING?

I've been in the "fuck Patagonia" camp for years. Hypocritical leftist assholes hate oil & gas.

This is a 2019 article, but they had begun refusing Corporate sales (i.e. company logod or project logod clothing) while I lived in Alaska (I haven't lived in Alaska in 6 years).

The owner, after making a fortune because of capitalism now believes we need to look at more fair and equitable systems of commmerce. Typical rich guy turned liberal that doesn't understand that only capitalism can create the wealth to buy stuff like his clothes that only affluent people can afford.

Par for the course for Patagonia as they're one of the original activist companies...and people are sucking it up. Their business has been on fire the last 10+ years: from #44 embracing/pandering green-socialist policies supporting their interests, all the the VC bros all wearing the new business uniform of outdoor vest with dress shirt, to BLM leader DeRay Mckesson wearing his vest for all media appearances, their business has exploded and they're pouring it into political issues.

This is nothing new, the day after Trump was elected, all their stores and websites were devoted to political outrage and messaging. Last month, they came out with a new label for their clothing:
The story behind that Patagonia tag, and how the Trump era changed outdoor recreation

They stopped being a company to me many years ago.

What's a good brand as alternative to Patagonia for things like their Better Sweater fleece jacket? Better price is good to as Pat is overpriced to value in my mind. They are warmer than other fleecewear I have but at much higher prices.

Years ago I bought a couple pieces of clothing made by Patagonia, but not specifically because it was made by them, but because they made quality gear that was sharp looking, fit me well, and performed well. In fact, as I sit here typing this, I just realized I'm wearing an old thermal pullover base layer that I retired from fly fishing/ outdoor duties probably 15+ years ago. You can just barely make out their name on it now.

I saw a promo documentary years ago on what the company was involved in and it was clear that even then they were environmentally and socially focused, but it wasn't as in your face and I could excuse it back then. But I didn't realize how much more of an activist stance they had take now in directly supporting political parties, candidates, and movements.

They make good gear but I haven't bought any for years, and it now looks like I have a reason not to.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
What's a good brand as alternative to Patagonia for things like their Better Sweater fleece jacket? Better price is good to as Pat is overpriced to value in my mind. They are warmer than other fleecewear I have but at much higher prices.

That sweater fleece is pretty common as just about every company has at least one model using that textile. Just depends on cut, fit-block, features and colors you want:

The North Face - Gordon Lyon's Jkt/Vest/1/2-zip/Hoody/PO
Marmot - Ryerson jkt/vest/hoody
Arc'Teryx - Cover jkt/hoody/PO
Khul - Thor and Interceptr

Kuiu - Base Camp Sweater
LL Bean - Sweater Fleece

Thanks!

I've bought other fleece jackets but they were not nearly as warm as the Pat and also let a lot of wind through.

I'll look at your suggestions - thanks. Don't really have their products today. I've looked at Arc'Teryx before but they are generally way out of my budget.

I like Eddie Bauer gear. Though I have no idea if they have any open political stances.

Unfollowed them on Instagram this morning. I love to fly fish and they make some great gear but I'm sick of all of their "save the water" campaigns, as if fishing water was even in the top 50 of things that matter to this election.

A couple of years ago my MIL got me something Patagonia for Christmas and they called her with their political pitch and she gave them an earful and said she'd never buy another thing from them.

Funny thing is Patagucci has some pretty fat military contracts that much of their progressive customer base would probably object to.

Patagucci has been festooning the backs of latte sipping, granola eating, Lexus driving, suburbanite wannabees for 20+ years. The must have accessory for your Vail ski trip. They have also been cramming their message down the throat of anyone who would listen for at least as many years. They make great gear, but they have been pretty far left since the beginning.

Screw Pataguchi. Screw REI too.

Arc'Teryx is where it’s at. Pricey, but great quality. Better fit.

I was a Patagonia fan. Not any more.

LL Bean is a good alternative. And Linda Bean has a different take on politics.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Bean

quote:

Originally posted by iron chef:
Funny thing is Patagucci has some pretty fat military contracts that much of their progressive customer base would probably object to.

I got all my family members a pair of surplus soft shell PCU pants from them.

Screw Patagonia. They once made great outdoor gear although it's always been very expensive.

While I've spent good money on good outdoor gear I have never been a fan of their stuff.

They are a company that wants to be socially correct if that is a term today yet sell redickulesly expensive gear at huge markups that many people can not afford.

Screw them.

I was looking at jobs with them and in the job description was a bunch of green/SJW BS.