Patagonia Wetsuits
by Warren McLaren, Sydney 
on 04.12.07
The other week we noted, in passing, that Patagonia were playing with more environmentally benign wetsuits. We should’ve linked to their dedicated page, where you can learn more. Like how the neoprene outer is of 80% non-petroleum based ingredients. (Fortune Mag reckoned it was made with crushed limestone but the Patagonia site is coy on that aspect.) The inner lining is a chloride-free merino wool grid bonded to recycled polyester. Kneepads are PVC-free and are said to be more durable and grippier. Coming for both men and women in 2mm and 3mm versions, to span water temps from 48 to 65°F (9 to 18°C). Long and shortie styles, although limited availability just now. ::Patagonia Wetsuits.
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good luck surfing in 48degree water with a 3/2 suit! Other than that, cheers to patagonia. their boards are practically indestructible, so hopefully these suits are as good.
This whole wetsuit from crushed limestone is BS. They make it sound like they take some rock, crush them up and proof it's a wetsuit! The process of creating this suit is just as toxic as standard neoprene, creating the same hydrocarbons. On top of that they use hydroelectric power which may be good for the alleged eels but for the environment.... not so much.
Come on Patagonia, don't pull the wool over our eyes. Just be honest. Do your best without the creepy green washing please.
Wow a Hater without any idea of what the company has done. Typical BS you find on the net.
Where is all the info coming from?
I own a matuse 5/4 winter suit (geoprene/limestone on there wetsite) and can say that it worked great for me through our gold welsh winter down to 48/47 for a few months. It was as warm as my previous xcel 5/4/3 (i never wear a hood)
So back to the patagonia , they are saying there 3m could do a 48 degree winter, if this were true I would be stoked, the fredom of not putting a 5/4/3 on through 6 months of winter is a huge boost to surf freedom.
But unless the wool lining is magic, I would think a surf in 48 degree would be less then 1hour before the numbness set in.
These companys also need to remember that in these temps we also wear gloves and boots, and in my last winter i could feel the cold through my no geoprene boots and gloves, so come on patagonia and matuse if you realy want be to belive you test this stuff in cold water start making the ancilarys.
keith