Patagonia’s Storm Jacket
by Warren McLaren, Sydney on 08.29.05
When were adding an update to the story on Patagonia recycling their Capilene underwear we were nosing around their site and spied another innovation. A recycled rain jacket. Previously we’ve noted their fleece lined Infurno, but now they’ve waved the magic recycling wand over their venerable Storm jacket too. The external shell is 100% recycled polyester, and the same is true for the upper body internal mesh lining. As the fabrics might just be sourced from Teijin, their partner in the underwear caper, it is conceivable that in time these jackets will also be recyclable. If they can first figure out how to remove the waterproof/breathable coating. Available for men and women is a variety of colours, for $275 USD. ::Patagonia Storm
I love to see a company like Patagonia actually back up the hype with recycled products you can buy. I have a fleece by Patagonia that is made of recycled platic bottles. That jacket has served me well for 6 years and it still is in great shape.
Most waterproof coatings can be rendered ineffective by a simple wash/ machine dry cycle. Now whether they are chemically removed or not is another mater.