A few months ago, I was headed into my very first Vermont winter, and I was nervous. I grew up in California where winters are an entirely different thing. The weather changes slightly (I’d say it gets crisper, not quite colder), but mostly, we pray for rain that rarely comes. For the most part, I comfortably survived the season with my Mom’s old Better Sweater, one good pair of wool socks, and the occasional rain shell.

This year, in the months approaching winter, I had a number of conversations with Vermonters who spoke of the snow and the cold with endearing reverence. They recalled epic adventures in the Green Mountains in sub-freezing temperatures with fierce wind chills, and I would grimace behind my mask. Whenever I voiced my skepticism, I was enthusiastically reminded about the importance of proper gear. I came to understand that with the right layering of the right gear and a good attitude, even I, a scared and stubborn Californian, could learn to thrive in a Vermont winter. I set out to upgrade my wardrobe, and did so with a few principles in mind.

The gear I wanted needed to be versatile, durable, effective, responsibly produced and repairable.

I always thought the idea of skiing uphill was silly, absurd even. That’s what chairlifts are for, right? Who would subject themselves to that level of torture, right?

I have never thought of myself as particularly “active,” at least in the physical realm. I love being outside; a nice day hike in the summer and fall? Sure! Shredding down the Green trails in the winter? Sign me up! I guess I would have always considered myself an outdoor leisure enthusiast. Nothing stressful, nothing too physically involved, a nice dose of fresh air to keep the mind sharp.

Then the pandemic hit and it seemed as though all of my leisure activities slowed down - too much for even my liking. My daily walks throughout March and April were necessary, but not enough. A trip to the grocery store felt a little too riveting for what it should be. Throughout the spring and summer I craved a type of stimulation that would make the days pass by a little faster. Finding a swimming hole or hanging out on Lake Champlain was great, usually my favorite parts of summer - but it wasn’t enough to replace how I found stimulation in other ways, like grabbing a drink with my friends, walking up to campus for my classes, seeing my family on a more regular basis, traveling, etc.

Aside from how rewarding those first human-powered turns felt, the thing I remember most from my first time alpine touring is that I was hot -- ripping off layers and unzipping vents at a pace much higher than I had expected -- and then I was cold -- really, really, finger-freezingly, bone-chillingly cold.

After that first time out, I thought that maybe skinning just wasn't for me. I couldn't handle the swing from high-output climbing, to standing dead still, to zipping downhill in temps capable of frostbiting cheeks or a nose in just a few minutes. Fortunately, I found it in myself to take the plunge into the backcountry a couple more times. Over the course of a couple more tours, I found out that it was not that I was simply not cut out for alpine touring, but rather that I didn't really know how to properly layer my clothes for such a wide range of needs and experiences.

We’re in business to save our home planet.

At Patagonia, we appreciate that all life on earth is under threat of extinction. We’re using the resources we have—our business, our investments, our voice and our imaginations—to do something about it.

Feeling inspired? Here's what can you do:

1. Text "DEFEND" to 52886 to find out how to contribute to this important fight for public lands.

2. Watch, re-watch, and share the full feature film now (below).

3. VOTE for public lands and the planet - elect climate leaders now: 
Click here to learn more.

4. Help measure the impact of the Public Trust screening tour:
Click here to provide feedback.

JOIN US AT THE DRIVE-IN
for a special screening of Patagonia's new documentary Public Trust

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15

It’s October in Vermont and despite the few, random days of higher temps we all know the inevitable truth: winter is coming. Maybe the changing of seasons causes you unmitigated joy for all the winter activities you love. Or maybe you feel the existential dread of 4pm sunsets and accidentally sliding to the bottom of Main street after hitting that hidden patch of black ice, prompting you to create a new sport called the ‘Involuntary Luge’. No matter your reaction to winter, we can all agree on at least one thing - wow, it’s COLD outside! So, how do we warm up?

Besides just staying tucked in bed all winter, the best way to stay warm outside is to invest in an insulated jacket or midlayer. When choosing the correct piece for you, one of the first questions you should ask is whether you want natural down or synthetic insulation. The best option is dependent on the type of environment and activities you plan to use your product for.

Food is an influential part of my life. Knowing where my food comes from, how it's grown and who is growing it, is important to me. Locally sourced, environmentally friendly and fresh food helps keep me happy, healthy and supports my local food system to boot.

When you choose to support a local farm you stimulate your local economy and small businesses. Something that is so important in today’s global economy - and now more so than ever. The other big part of supporting local relates to the environmental impacts your food creates. Food from local growers has a much smaller carbon footprint than traditionally grown and sourced food. It doesn’t have to travel thousands of miles, be cleaned, packaged and shipped and finally delivered to your local supermarket. Not too mention most small scale farming operations have a smaller impact on the environment in which they are growing.

The world of waterproof shells can be very confusing, especially because of the unique technology and terminology that, without a certain level of knowledge, seem like another language.

Patagonia is no exception to this; H2NO, 3-Layer, 2.5-Layer, Waterproof/Breathable, are all terms that we use on a regular basis. For most, what really matters when looking for a rain jacket is: Will it keep me dry? Will it be breathable enough? Is it durable?

For many of us, our clothing holds an equally important place in the gear quiver as our bikes, skis, or climbing hardgoods do. Properly functioning and long lasting clothing is critical to performance, safety and, most importantly, having fun.

Patagonia tests its clothing to the highest standards well before it reaches the public's hands through rigorous field testing. This ensures we receive the best product possible.

Gear testers are a rare breed of adventurer - as this short film shows, they are tasked with some crazy objectives. Would you want to be a tester?