wornwear:

The Grandfather
Yvon Chouinard, Ventura, California

Dear Patagonia,

Little did we know this blue prototype fleece developed in ’76, which we referred to as rare Siberian blue poodle fur, would be the grandfather of all fleeces.

I knew that people like myself were seeking the joys of outdoor activities in greater numbers and they needed warmer, lighter, quick-drying clothes that did not bog down with moisture as did the  cotton and wool garments then commonly in use. I came to believe that the solution was synthetic layers: a base layer to wick, a fleece layer for warmth and an outside layer for wind and moisture protection. Once we came to that conclusion, Patagonia’s team proved they were up to the task of creatively identifying and developing the necessary fabrics.

As they say, “necessity is the mother of invention,” the “necessity” in this case being the need for a nonabsorbent insulating layer and the “invention” representing the resourcefulness of my wife, Malinda Chouinard, who was willing to try even an ugly fabric intended for toilet seat covers because we suspected it best fit our needs. That’s  how synthetic fleece was born. We made the first fleece jackets out of a near-bankrupt company’s left-over inventory of muddy, nondescript tan and bilious blue fleece, but it did indeed work, although it pilled badly, which made it look even worse. It has evolved, through trial and error, from that “base” into today’s fleeces. 

This first fleece jacket hangs proudly on the wall at Patagonia headquarters, but I had to take it down and try it on for old time’s sake.

―Yvon

(via patagonia)

1970’s Patagonia Softwear Synchilla

Found

1963 was a good year for Ventile in Great Britain…

It was worn by the 19 members of the first American summit of Everest, exactly 10 years after Edmund Hillary’s Expedition. 

pelicanfossa:

Inspired by the alpinist jackets of the 50’s/60’s, staying true to the original design and detailing; storm cuffs, adjustable under leg strap, fitted hood with drawstring, neck zip with storm gusset and high drawstring waist made out of fully lined 10 ounce 100% cotton.

Merrow (UK)

Not another soul for miles

http://www.archivalclothing.com/

The Great Outdoors

Trapper Nelson

Found

nothingnewvintage:

West Ridge Designs

Hiking Summer

Wilderness Ready

(via 1bohemian)