The Cleanest Line

Patagonia Dating

by Kelly Cordes

The latest from our friend and frequent contributor, Mr. Mullestachetino himself. Sometimes, we just shake our head and wonder about this guy.  -Ed

We have so many ways to connect, and so it brings me great pleasure to present a new idea. We at Patagonia believe that the best connections bring us personal peace and expand our horizons, challenging us as peoples physically, intellectually, spiritually. For example, there’s yoga, surfing, trail running, climbing (yes, yes!), music, whatever it may be.

Speaking of music, I think the new Patagonia Music program is super rad, the funds go to great enviro causes, and we get to listen to cool tunes (not to nit-pick, but it’d be way better if they could get Motörhead on board) – just click the player while you surf the web and get your namasté on, or whatever. But Patagonia Music is just the tip of the iceberg.

The best connections usually involve a partner. Which brings to mind a lovely idea for another Patagonia program (as if Patagonia doesn’t get bombarded with enough, “ya know, you guys should…”). We’re Patagonia fans because we have similar interests, right? And what could be better for similarly interested peoples than Patagonia Dating? Imagine, you and your online souuuul mate get together for virtual yoga and herbal teas n stuff, talk about recycling, and if that goes well, maybe you meet in person someday? I’m not talking creepy stuff like sending nekked pictures of yourself over Twitter. Only cool stuff, like climbing and margaritas. I totally think this would fly. I’m gonna ask Yvon if I can head-up this new program.

[Patagonia Dating . . . Standup Shorts and tube socks not required.]

The Dirtbag Diaries: Live from 5Point Volume 2

Our long-held dream of creating a live performance of The Dirtbag Diaries came true this spring at the 5Point Film Festival. We interviewed filmmakers and people who were in films and let the conversation flow as though we were sitting on the truck tailgate. If you haven't listened to the previous episode, check out the stories from Baybe Champ and Frank Smethhurst. Today we present the stories of the folks behind the camera. A surf photographer who created a viral video sensation that simultaneously radiates sadness and joy. And a young filmmaker who draws a connecting line between skiing and art. The audience has settled into their seats and the mics are on. Mickey Smith and Nick Waggoner join us on stage. Welcome to the 5Point Film Festival. --Fitz Cahall, creator/host of The Dirtbag Diaries

Listen to "Live from 5Point Volume 2"
(41:19 - right-click to download MP3)

Now that you've heard their stories, check out the work of Mickey and Nick. [Update 6/9/11: Embedded the videos after the jump.]

Radical Lawmakers Seek to Destroy Years of Bi-Partisan Conservation Law

Bruce Babbitt, Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior, is challenging Congress and the Obama administration to set a strong conservation agenda to protect our nation’s public lands and threatened species.

Listen live to Former Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt, who will speak to members of the press at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on June 8th. Secretary Babbitt will discuss the urgent threats facing the nation’s land, water and wildlife. At this critical juncture for our public lands, House leaders in Washington, D.C. are working to fundamentally undermine the nation’s environmental laws. Secretary Babbitt will provide a critical take on many recent policy decisions and missed opportunities.

Babbitt will challenge the Obama Administration to stand up to these recent attacks and set a strong conservation agenda to protect our nation’s public lands and threatened species.

Who: Bruce Babbitt, Former U.S. Secretary of the Interior and Governor of Arizona
When: Wednesday June 8th, 1:00 PM (EDT)
How: Visit the National Press Club's website to live-stream Secretary Babbit's speech. Note: you will be asked to fill out a few required informational fields before listening live to the speech, and following Q&A, with reporters.

Additional information can be found in this recent New York Times editorial, See No Wild Lands, Speak No Wild Lands.

[Blue Mass Scenic Area (with the Deep Creek Range on the horizon) on the Nevada/Utah border. Much like this designated Scenic Area, the BLM's Wilderness Study Areas protect stunning national treasures that provide critical clean water and habitat. BLM-managed lands like these are what Interior Secretary Ken Salazar's proposed "Wild Lands" designation was designed to protect. Hailed by conservationists as a courageous and forward-thinking proposal, the administration has begun to back away from it as a result of intense political pressure. Photo: David Smoyer]

From the Trenches series - Caring for your Down Clothing

Like flocks of swirling swallows or shimmering schools of tropical fish, our customers swoop in with mysteriously synchronized concerns and questions on a regular basis, prompting the need for ready answers. Times like these, nothing would be more handy than magically beaming knowledge out into the ether. Our very own Old School is here to do just that. He's stepped back from the front lines to answer some of these more popular questions.

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How Do I Wash My Down Jacket?

Perhaps it due to all the warnings about the perils of wet down, but it seems a lot of people are afraid to wash their down jacket. Down is remarkably tough stuff and though wet down has virtually zero insulation properties, getting it wet doesn’t hurt it in the least. Washing a down jacket is not much harder than washing a pair of jeans. 

There are 3 things you’ll need to wash your down jacket: down soap, a front load washer, and a dryer with reliably low heat. While you can use regular detergents, they can strip away the natural oils in down and don’t always rinse out cleanly so I recommend using a cleaner specifically designed for down. I find NikWax® Down Wash works really well but there are several other effective down cleaners on the market.

The Cartwright Connection

Unrelenting spindrift avalanches and gusty winds constantly blasted and buffeted our portaledge. Our small cocoon of safety on this harsh and hostile mountain was slowly being engulfed, as we nervously watched the snow level rise up the fly walls. Five of the toughest days climbing of our lives it had taken to get to this point and our chances of reaching the top of the North Buttress were quickly diminishing. There was nothing we could do about it and the forecast was for more snow and stronger winds over the upcoming days… 

Editor's note: On Wednesday, May 18, 2011, Patagonia ambassador Matt Helliker and his partner Jon Bracey established a new route up the North Buttress of Mount Hunter (aka The Moonflower Buttress). The entire trip was well-documented on their blog, British Moonflower Buttress Expedition 2011. Today, we’re pleased to share reports from the boys describing their new route, The Cartwright Connection. First up is Jon, then we'll hear from Matt.

[An amazing pitch. Matt Helliker space walking on the 'Moon.......' Photo: Jon Bracey]

After our previous recce, the first day on the wall went smoothly and things were going to plan. That night was less so as we realised the perils of hanging our portaledge on a 60 degree ice slope. We were awakened by the bang of the ledge as it suddenly collapsed and transformed into a hammock!

Cover Story

by Kelly Cordes

What makes a good cover? Well, as with most things, that depends. What do you want? Sex appeal? Eye candy? Or are you hoping to convey something more? The story behind the image means something. To me it does, anyway. Since 2000 I’ve been one of the editors of the American Alpine Journal, and we try to capture the previous year in big new routes, worldwide, in our annual edition, as we’ve done since 1929. Right now we’re frantically trying to wrap things up and get the 2011 book to press.
 
What to put on the cover? It should probably be from one of the feature articles – we select features based on what we (with consultation from others in the serious alpine community) consider the most badass, interesting and inspiring big climbs of the previous year. And after sorting through the barrage of butt-shots, we find some gems and make a decision.

[From left: Covers of the 1998, 2006, 2007 AAJs.]

Advocate Weeks: Support Local Conservation Efforts with Patagonia Footwear

We’re bringing our partnership with 1% for the Planet to the local level. During Advocate Weeks, the Patagonia Footwear team donates $10 for every pair of Patagonia shoes sold to a local non-profit group whose mission includes environmental advocacy, conservation or education. Today marks the beginning of the program in our Patagonia Retail Stores and select Patagonia Footwear dealers across the United States.

We piloted this program with a few retail partners last fall to help launch our minimalist Advocate moc co-branded with 1% for the Planet. Some of our retail partners are quite creative with their in-store displays like Jax Mercantile in Bellvue, Colorado (pictured), while others like Mountain Sports in Flagstaff, Arizona went all-out and produced a playful video to promote their program.

To find a participating store near you, check out the Advocate Weeks microsite hosted by 1% for the Planet. We'll be adding to the list again in late July. Patagonia Retail Stores that carry footwear will run their Advocate program for the entire month of June and have selected local water-based organizations to support Our Common Waters.

Please note: this program does not apply to online orders.