CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESPatagonia is a staple in the outdoor industry, both for their quality products and for their dedication to protecting the environment and commitment to social responsibility, such as using Fair Trade Certified and recycled materials. Active Junky testers love Patagonia for all these reasons, plus the top-notch performance from their gear and apparel, all of which make perfect gifts.
Photo Credit: Dan Rhodes
Check out our favorite gift ideas from Patagonia below and other Active Junky gift guides, or techy gift ideas from our sister site, Tom’s Guide. But don’t forget to sign up for Active Junky for the best deals and cash back on your gear and gift purchases.
Active Junky willingly trades a few more unpacked ounces for the weather resistance Patagonia’s built into the Black Hole Backpack, one with a wide-mouth, cram-and-jam compartment. But even at 1lb 8oz, this 25L pack is a reasonable weight for the volume. The main compartment provides separation and organization for both hydration reservoir and 15” laptop inside the padded sleeve, and a concealed front panel pocket guards phone, keys and cards. Aside from pounding squalls, Black Hole Backpack repels nastiness with DWR treatment on 450-denier ripstop nylon for protection from the elements and wear and tear.
Best for: Getting through blustery, damp days with heavyweight duffel fabric
If you need a bit more space than 25L, consider upping to 32L. Not only do the TPU laminate and DWR finish rebuff bad weather for all-season credentials, but the two-zipper main compartment opens wide to handle what you’ll need for 90% of day outings. Also padded for tablets and laptops to 15”, the Patagonia Black Hole 32L adds even greater versatility with a tuck-in exterior pocket, one that’s dangerously accommodating and takes some discipline to avoid overstuffing. Shoulder straps and sternum strap manage the back-padded load, with the unpadded waistbelt rarely needed.
Best for: In-town commuting, fast-paced travel with under-seat stowage
Patagonia’s Black Hole Duffel line is the ideal companion for the stress that active travel puts on luggage. The water-resistant fabric has a laminate finish that shrugs sand and water right off. Black Hole Duffel has a couple mesh pockets inside and one outside for those small items that you need to find in a jiff, which is handy because 90L is pretty large, but a perfect size for weeks on the road. The shape and less-rigid structure made it clutch for the many games of Tetris necessary during transport, and it was the perfect choice to ride cinched onto a car rack when if you run out of room in your vehicle.
Best for: Week-long adventure and international traveling with loads of gear
For the ladies, we loved the Patagonia Nanogrip Triangle Bikini for not only its simplistic and stylish design, but also the slip-resistant blended polyester/PU nanofiber lining that kept it in place. One might think a sticky swimsuit sounds awfully uncomfortable, but the material is soft against the skin, and when it gets wet, everything stays put. No wardrobe malfunctions while free diving for conch or splashing around in the surf. The top is best for A-B cups (ladies with a bit more on top should check out the standard Nanogrip top), and the crisscross strap design allows for a secure fit. Pair the bikini top with the Nanogrip bottoms that have ties at the side for fit adjustment, and cute ruching down the center back.
Best for: Living and being active in your swimsuit, ready for water at a moment’s notice
There are some pretty sweet elements that go into Patagonia’s simple yet technical Hydro Planing Board Shorts, like Fair Trade Certified sewing with UPF50+ fabric that’s also an eco-friendly 100% recycled polyester treated with a DWR coating. The waistband is comfortable, and the drawstring passes through a double ladderlock for secure fastening that holds tight in bigger conditions. One of the coolest features is the shorts stuff into their own pocket, a self-storage design similar to that of many rain jackets. When stored, the key loop is on the outside of the pocket, and the packed shorts can be easily attached to the outside of a backpack if wet.
Best For: Prolonged surf trips; daily use abroad
In true Patagonia form, the R1 Lite Front-Zip includes eco-friendly and recycled materials, most notably the natural Yulex rubber used in 85% of this long-sleeve top. Durability is solid with 100% of seams triple glued, and high-stress points are internally spot taped, shutting down water intake. While this stealth-black wetsuit top eases up on the environment, it also doesn’t lack in protection and performance.
Best for: Conditions that do not call for a full wetsuit but require more than a rash guard
Warm water is about freedom, mobility and enough protection to avoid extremes. As in, getting chilled or overheating. Patagonia’s wise product guides pointed Active Junky to this model designed for years of on-water movement. The brand’s 100% recycled polyester jersey lining complements a durable exterior face fabric by accelerating dry time. At a highly packable 19.2oz, the 1.5mm neoprene Short John performs best in 65-75 degree waters, and combine this shorty wetsuit with socks and gloves for additional comfort. The open-arm design, flatlock seams, and zipper closure with a generous pull seal the deal on this reasonably priced Patagonia gift.
Best for: Moderate water temperatures from 65 to 75 degrees
With excellent hand feel, waterproofing and breathability, the Patagonia Powder Bowl Jacket is a straightforward solid jacket. The dual layer polyester Gore-Tex fabric works wonders for waterproofing and windproofing while remaining breathable combined with the wicking mesh lining. Coated zippers are watertight and sealed, and pit zips offer quick cooling. Active Junky testers loved the zipper flap on the audio-compatible breast pocket, and the hood that’s perfect sized to fit a helmet. Nothing too fancy, and not too much. The lower-down hood attachment point was also a bonus, as the position prevents dumping a hood-full of snow down your back.
Best for: Resort skiing shell, sidecountry treks and cold weather touring shell
Versatile and easy to stash, this Patagonia softshell jacket is dynamic enough to move and breathe with her through any activity. The Levitation is a great piece for layering, so if she needs to adjust to conditions by adding or removing layers, this could be the perfect gift for her. Due to its relatively small packing size, as well as offering both wind and water protection with breathable construction, Patagonia Levitation provides waterproof and windproof weather protection needed without filling up too much of her bag.
Best for: Packable protection that goes the distance; minimalist backpacking trips
