PAT COM REAL DEAL: The Patagonia Ascensionist Softshell Jacket--Women's

Photo from Backcountry.com

If there's one thing that is a winter essential, it's a good shell. Knowing that you can fend off most anything that comes your way is a secure feeling and Patagonia makes some great stuff for that favorite season.

The PatagoniaCommunity Real Deal right now is the Patagonia Ascensionist Softshell Jacket for women. It's being offered by the Backcountry.com outlet and can be found there in the Shoreline Blue color for a full 50% off, making it $112.50. They currently have them in every size (S-XL) but are sure to go as fast as the next 20 degree morning comes.

So hop on the Backcountry.com site and get yourself a Pat Com Real Deal!

PAT COM REAL DEAL: The Patagonia MLC

Great deal right now on the beloved Patagonia MLC. I've discussed this bag on PatagoniaCommunity a couple of times--it's a Patagonia favorite. Down from the original $175 price tag, REI Outlet is offering it for $99.93. But wait, there's more! REI Outlet also has a 20% off coupon for one item from its outlet store. That would bring the price of the MLC down to about $80. That's not bad at all folks.

Interestingly, there's an updated version of the Patagonia MLC that's part of the fall collection over at Patagonia.com. It's now being sold for $160. Interested to hear from anyone who has either the old or new version.

PAT COM REAL DEAL: The Patagonia Down Vest at Altrec.com

(Photo from Zappos.com)

Recently I decided to add a new feature to the Patagonia Community and that is the Pat Com Real Deal. These are difficult times for everyone but if you can find the right deal, Patagonia gear may still be within reach. I think I may have found the right deal for some of you out there.

Altrec.com is having a pretty good sale right now. Some of their items, including Patagonia, are going for around 30% off. Ah, but here's the kicker: through the magic of internet coupons, you can get more taken off. So my Pat Com Real Deal is the much sought-after Patagonia Down Vest (reviewed by Patagonia Community) in the toughest color to get--black. As of this posting, Altrec has black in all sizes (S-XL). It's regularly $145 but it's on sale for $99.97. Shipping is free for orders over $49, and there's no sales tax unless you're ordering from Washington state. Here's where the Real Deal comes in: enter the code 15WINTER09 (until February 26) and you get an additional 15% off. So your out-the-door cost for the $145 Patagonia Down Vest is $84.97.

You might be saying, "That's a real deal." No Johnny, that's a PAT COM REAL DEAL! Okay, feel free to slap me.

Introducing...The Pat Com REAL DEAL

We all know that times are tough right now for many people. We also know that Patagonia products are--let's face it--expensive. So what I'm going to try to do here at Patagonia Community is track down some great deals for you on a somewhat regular basis. These might be items that are heavily discounted or items that are slightly discounted but rarely go on sale. Whatever the case, Patagonia Community will be looking to help you save a few bucks.

Also, I'll be on the look-out for some local deals so if you know of a discount or sale at a local Patagonia retailer around you, I'd love to hear from you so that I can post it on the blog (after you grab your bargains, of course). So...

The first Pat Com Real Deal is the classic Patagonia waterproof shell, the Rain Shadow Jacket. This jacket is a staple of Patagonia's outerwear line season after season and is usually one of the few jackets that they'll advertise even in the warmer months.

It is currently available in the sage khaki color here from Zappos.com for $109.50, almost 30% off. As of this posting, they had every size except small. In addition, their website offers multiple pictures of each item, something the Patagonia website often lacks (photo above from Zappos.com). If you've never ordered from Zappos, you're in for a treat. I wrote about them around the time they started carrying Patagonia products. They offer FREE OVERNIGHT SHIPPING on clothing (no minimum purchase!) and I've never had to pay tax on any order from them. In fact even on other items like shoes and accessories, they offer free shipping. On those items they say that it takes 4-5 days, however in my experience I've always gotten those items from them in no more than 2 days. They really offer great service.

So there it is, the first Pat Com Real Deal. Hope it makes your burden lighter and keeps your pocketbook heavier. Look for the Pat Com Real Deal to become a regular feature on Patagonia Community.