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!

Welcome to the Patagonia Community

Greetings from the Patagonia Community (referred to as Pat Com hereafter). This blog is for all things Patagonia. I have been a fan of Patagonia products for about 10 years now. I'm a firm believer in the old saying that I'm "too poor to buy cheap." I would rather purchase a great jacket that costs a little more and will last me 15 years than pay less for something of inferior quality and have to spend more on a new one after a short period of time. To me, there aren't many companies that compare to Patagonia for products that are of superior quality and thoroughly researched. Do I take my Patagonia jacket to the ends of the earth in search of the steepest face to scale? No, but it's sure nice to know that if it will stand up to the most extreme conditions the earth has to offer, it will certainly perform beautifully when there'a heavy downpour in my neighborhood. Beyond that, there is also the fact that Patagonia's hallmark is creating products that are eco-friendly and encouraging the consumer to consider the environment. It's difficult to argue with a company that creates a first-rate product AND has a conscience.

I know that Patagonia has a fiercely loyal following (just check Patagonia jacket prices on eBay) and there are many people that have been buying Patagonia for decades and who are now buying it for their own children. This blog is to discuss my own experiences with Patagonia products as well as to become a community for those who want to share their own stories or even ask questions of Pat Com about specific items. And who knows, I'll see if I can throw in some surprises every now and then too (challenge number one for myself: could I somehow find a way to snag an interview with Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard himself?).

So, welcome to the Patagonia Community and I hope you'll bookmark us, spread the word with other Patagonia supporters and even lend your comments when you feel compelled. Thanks for reading.

Mac, the Patagonia Community Moderator