The Critical Timing of the Critical Mass

(Photo of the Critical Mass Bag from Patagonia.com)
The elusive, long-awaited new Patagonia Critical Mass Bag continues to elude. I had read on TheCleanestLine.com back in May '07 (thanks to the kind folks from Patagonia that offered some inside info) that the redesigned Critical Mass Bag would be emerging in Spring '08. The new bag went up on the Patagonia website a couple of weeks ago and I loved the new design features (especially the zip pocket on the side that replaces the old mesh pocket). I made the decision to eBay the old one and have a little stash that will give me a head-start on purchasing the new one.

eBay came through with a decent amount but alas, the Critical Mass Bag on Patagonia.com is on backorder and won't ship until February 25th! The other new spring items are in stock, but the Critical Mass is not yet available. Stores are also not getting them until later adding to my frustration. So I'm eager to get the new bag because hauling my laptop and gear around in my pillow case is only going to work for so long!

The Patagonia Winterfest Sale

(Photo of the Patagonia Men's Down Sweater from Patagonia.com)

The big Winterfest sale is coming down the pipe at Patagonia. This will be THE chance to pick up some great Patagonia items at 30-50% off retail. My man Free at thecleanestline.com gave the skinny on the upcoming sale. If memory serves me correctly, a lot of the down items and technical outdoor pieces (as well as the "lifestyle" items) were included in last year's sale. Here's Free's info from The Cleanest Line:

Winterfest Sale
Feb. 12-21, 2008
30-50% off retail prices on select merchandise, online and in our Patagonia stores.*

Shop online at www.patagonia.com/sale or at the Patagonia store nearest you. Store hours and directions available online.

* Sale prices limited to stock on hand. Sale prices apply only to Patagonia merchandise on days specified. Patagonia Outlets and Patagonia Cardiff-by-the-Sea are not participating in the sale. Surfboards and wetsuits are not on sale. Footwear sale items only available in stores. Offer valid in USA only. Not valid with any other offer. Sale ends February 21, 2008.

I personally am looking for a price break on the men's Stretch Latitude Jacket. I've been using my Dimension Jacket for a few years now and love the fit and feel of it, but I've realized that I really do need something waterproof. I've done a bit of homework on the Stretch Latitude Jacket and if the price is right, I'll pick one up and eBay the ol' Dimension Jacket.

So hop onto Patagonia.com or visit their stores to get in on the deals.

EDIT: In my sexist subconscious, I automatically assumed that my friend "Free" on TheCleanestLine.com was a male. Frankly I don't know if Free is a male or female. So here's to you, Free, whoever you are!