Capilene Polyester Baselayer

Capilene baselayers are the best option for high-sweat activities and wet conditions.

We make four Capilene fabrics for different levels of exertion and temperatures; it is still a moisture-wicking polyester fabric that keeps you warm even when wet and dries quickly. Now, Capilene polyester is also recycled, recyclable and features Gladiodor™ natural odor control.

Capilene performance characteristics:

• Quick to wick, quick to dry
• Designed for fast-forward, aerobic activities
• Now with Gladiodor™ natural odor control (learn more)
• Made with recycled polyester (50% recycled content or more)
• 100% recyclable*
• Machine washable

We offer four Capilene fabrics:

• Capilene 1 is the silkiest and can be worn alone or as a baselayer
• Capilene 2 is a great weight for aerobic use in mild to cool conditions
• Capilene 3 is a versatile, do it all baselayer for active use in cool to cold conditions
• Capilene 4 is our warmest Capilene fabric. It features an inside-facing grid pattern that disperses moisture, aids in compressibility and retains warmth in cold conditions

When to choose Capilene polyester over Wool:

• For more fast-forward, aerobic activities
• For hot-weather activities (Capilene® 1)
• For a quicker-drying fabric
• If you have an allergy to wool
• Both fabrics move moisture away from the skin, provide environmentally safe odor control, and are machine washable

Capilene Baselayers are now recycled and recyclable:

• Made with more than 50% recycled polyester, derived in roughly equal measures from soda bottles and fabric scraps
• 100% recyclable through our Common Threads Recycling Program
• By Spring 2007 Capilene fabrics will include old Capilene garments (recycled into virgin-grade polyester) collected through our Common Threads Recycling Program

Chlorine-free Wool

Soft Next to Skin

Raw, untreated wool has scales that make it itchy and coarse and cause it to shrink, so most wool fabrics are treated with chlorine to reduce the scales. But chlorine is a pollutant.

Our high-quality wool is slow-washed for softness next to the skin and minimal shrinkage. It is chlorine-free.

Hemp

Though Patagonia's hemp is not “certified organic,” it is grown organically using all natural ingredients: compost, animal manure and available rainfall. We use hemp both on its own and blended with other fibers like PCR polyester, organic cotton and spandex.

Unfortunately, industrial hemp is illegal to grow in most parts of the world. Activists, businesses and farmers alike are working hard to get the laws changed but an aura of fear still surrounds most of the government agencies involved. We currently import our high-quality hemp from China and continue to hope that it might some day grow freely again.

Environmental Benefits
• Requires no irrigation
• Uses no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers
• Harvested and processed by hand

Performance Benefits
• One of the most, if not the most, durable natural fibers on the planet
• Wonderful drape that’s comparable to linen

Merino Wool Baselayer

Patagonia Performance Baselayers use New Zealand merino wool of the highest quality.

Only a few ranches in the world are capable of growing wool that meets Patagonia's standards for Performance Baselayers. While all wool retains its insulative qualities while wet, only exceptionally fine wool can wick moisture away from the skin. Patagonia buys only 100% merino wool from three superbly run ranches in the southern alps of New Zealand capable of producing wool fiber to an 18.5-micron fineness, or about one-fifth as thick as a human hair. Patagonia is confident that their wool is the best in the world for use as a moisture-managing baselayer. And it is exceptionally soft against the skin, naturally odor resistant and machine washable.

There are other benefits. Environmental standards for stock raising are stringent. The ratio of head to hectare is low. The sheep graze on natural grass and drink spring water. They are not subject to painful muesling. Their wool, because it is so fine, can be slow-washed without environmentally harmful chlorine.

Wool performance characteristics:

• 100% merino wool is the ideal natural fiber for Performance Baselayers
• Regulates body temperature by controlling the rate of evaporative cooling
• Soft next to skin
• Naturally moves moisture away from skin
• Naturally odor resistant
• Chlorine-free (see sidebar)
• Machine washable (lay flat to dry)

Patagonia offers three wool fabrics:

• Wool 2 is the lightest weight and best suited to active use in warm to cool conditions
• Wool 3 is warmer, best suited to active use in cold conditions
• Wool 4 is for the coldest conditions and styled as outerwear for a seamless transition from active use to “after use”

When to choose wool over Capilene® polyester:

• If you prefer the feel of a natural fiber on your skin
• For a fabric that’s warmer for its weight than Capilene polyester
• For natural odor control that will not diminish even with repeated washings
• Both fabrics move moisture away from the skin, provide environmentally safe odor control and are machine-washable

Organic Cotton

When Patagonia scrutinized fabric fibers to determine their environmental impact, they figured cotton was "pure" and "natural," made from a plant. Patagonia was right about the plant.

As it happens, very little is pure or natural about cotton when it is raised conventionally. Fully 10 percent of all agricultural chemicals in the United States are used to produce cotton, grown on just one percent of all major agricultural land. Conventional cotton crops in California alone are dusted every year with 6.9 million pounds of chemicals. And research shows that extensive and intensive use of synthetic fertilizers, soil additives, defoliants and other substances wreak terrible havoc on soil, water, air and many, many living things.

There is, of course, an alternative: organic cotton. There are farmers who have been growing cotton without harmful chemicals for years. Their yield is high and the quality of the cotton they grow is equal to or better than conventionally grown cotton. Their methods support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, improve the quality of soil and often use less water. Growing organically takes more time, requires more knowledge and skill, and, for now, costs more. But it's worth it.

Once Patagonia had this knowledge, and the counsel of good friends in the environmental community, they believed they had no choice. In 1996, Patagonia converted their entire sportswear line to 100% organically grown cotton. Patagonia decided never to go back to conventional cotton, regardless of the outcome.

Organic Wool

Even wool production has its environmental shortcomings unless held to strict organic standards. Patagonia uses organically raised wool in some of their sweaters.

Benefits:

• No synthetic pesticides are used on grazing lands or sheep
• All feed is organic
• Antibiotic use is regulated
• Number of sheep per acre is limited to prevent overgrazing

And like the wool we use for Performance Baselayers and Lifestyle sweaters, Patagonia's organic wool uses a slow-wash process to reduce shrinkage and make the wool soft next to skin. It is chlorine-free.

Recycled and Recyclable Polyester

To Patagonia, quality means more than how a garment looks or functions: It also includes the way it affects the environment and quality of life. This means working to source materials and develop processes that minimize damage to the environment.

In 1993, Patagonia adopted fleece into their product line made from post consumer recycled plastic soda bottles. Patagonia was the first outdoor clothing manufacturer to do so. PCR® clothing was a positive step towards a more sustainable system – one that uses fewer resources, discards less and better protects people’s health. Over the course of 13 years, they saved some 86 million soda bottles from the trash heap. That’s enough oil to fill the 40-gallon gas tank of the diminutive Chevy Suburban 20,000 times.

Today, they're able to utilize more sources for recycled polyester and offer it on more garments such as Capilene baselayers, shell jackets and board shorts, as well as fleece. Patagonia now recycles used soda bottles, unusable second quality fabrics and worn out garments into polyester fibers to produce many of their clothes. They've also started the world's first garment recycling program – bring us your old, worn-out Capilene baselayers and we'll make a new polyester garment from them using an innovative process developed by their friends at TEJIN.

Benefits of recycled and recyclable polyester:

• Lessens dependence on oil
• Curbs discards, thereby prolonging landfill life and reducing toxic emissions from incinerators
• Helps to promote a new recycling stream for polyester clothing that is no longer wearable
• Creates less air, water and soil contamination

2-Layer Waterproof

2-layer fabrics are waterproof/breathable by combining a shell fabric with a waterproof barrier. These jackets usually have some kind of internal mesh or hanging fabric liner to protect the barrier.

2.5-Layer Waterproof

2.5-layer fabrics are waterproof/breathable and combine a shell fabric with a barrier and a raised pattern on the inside, instead of the full coverage interior fabric used in 3-layer fabrics. The raised pattern makes the fabric package lighter and more compressible while still protecting the waterproof barrier.

3-Layer Waterproof

3-layer fabrics are waterproof/breathable by virtue of an advanced combination of shell fabric, waterproof barrier and interior fabric that are laminated together. The barrier is porous enough to allow body heat to escape, without allowing water from the outside in. These fabrics are very durable.

H2No Waterproof Barrier

More of a classification than a specific technology, shells with H2No Storm utilize a range of laminates and coatings made from varying applications of polyester and/or polyurethane to achieve a standard of waterproofness and breathability that's best suited for a specified performance range.

2.5-Layer H2No® Storm
The 2.5-layer version is a completely waterproof, windproof and breathable barrier that offers excellent packability and lighter weight. It uses a slightly raised interior pattern that protects the waterproof barrier and allow for a smooth glide over fleece insulation. Because of the reduced materials and weight, 2.5-layer H2No Storm is good for emergency wet-weather gear that can be packed tight when not in use.

3-Layer H2No® Storm
3-layer H2No is a completely waterproof, highly breathable and packable fabric package that has no hanging liner to wet out or bind. Instead, we use a nylon tricot scrim that disperses moisture and protects the barrier from abrasion. 3-layer H2No Storm offers increased durability over its lighter weight counterpart.

Some of our shells use a highly breathable, or "HB" version of the H2No Storm barrier. H2No Storm HB breathes even better than our standard barrier and is more appropriate for moving fast in very wet conditions.

Performance Baselayers

Over 20 years ago, Patagonia introduced layering for the outdoors. And we set standards for baselayer performance that went unmatched – until now. For Fall 2006, we have defined the standards anew.

Patagonia Performance Baselayers now offer two approaches to the single goal of staying dry: Capilene^® polyester with recycled content and all-natural merino wool. Both fabrics move moisture away from the skin, provide environmentally safe odor control and are machine washable.

Capilene®	Wool
Quick to wick, quick to dry Designed for fast-forward, aerobic activities Now with Gladiodor™ natural odor control Made with recycled polyester (50% recycled content or more) 100% recyclable Machine washable	100% merino wool Soft next to skin Naturally absorbs moisture, keeping skin dry Naturally odor resistant Chlorine-free Machine washable (lay flat or hang to dry)
When to Choose Capilene Over Wool:	When to Choose Wool Over Capilene
For more fast-forward, aerobic activities For hot-weather activities (Capilene® 1) For a quicker-drying fabric If you have an allergy to wool	If you prefer the feel of a natural fiber on your skin For a fabric that’s warmer for its weight than Capilene For natural odor control that will not diminish even with repeated washings

Fabric Details

Capilene

Capilene is the best option for high-sweat activities and wet conditions. Patagonia makes four Capilene fabrics for different levels of exertion and temperatures. Capilene is still a moisture-wicking polyester fabric that keeps you warm even when wet and dries quickly. Now, Capilene is also recycled, recyclable and features Gladiodor natural odor control.

Capilene 1
Stay dry and cool in this silky baselayer ideal for high-exertion, hot-weather pursuits.
Fabric: 3.7-oz. 100% ECOCIRCLE™ FIBERS recycled polyester (100% recyclable).

Capilene 2
Stay dry and cool in this highly breathable baselayer designed for use in a range of activity levels and temperatures.
Fabric: 4-oz. 54% ECOCIRCLE™ FIBERS recycled polyester/46% virgin polyester (100% recyclable).

Capilene 3
Stay dry and warm in this versatile baselayer for moderate exertion in cool or cold weather.
Fabric: 4.8-oz. 64% ECOCIRCLE™ FIBERS recycled polyester/36% virgin polyester (100% recyclable).

Capilene 4
Stay dry and warm in this stretch baselayer for high-output activities in cold weather.
Fabric: 5.3-oz Polartec® Power Dry®: 50% ECOCIRCLE™ FIBERS recycled polyester/48% virgin polyester/2% spandex (100% recyclable).

ECOCIRCLE™ is Tejin’s innovative recycled fiber.

Wool

Only a few ranches in the world are capable of growing wool that meets Patagonia's standards for Performance Baselayers. While all wool retains its insulative qualities while wet, only exceptionally fine wool can wick moisture away from the skin. Patagonia's merino wool is also exceptionally soft, naturally odor-resistant and chlorine-free.

Wool 2 (Men’s)
Stay dry and warm in our most versatile natural-fiber baselayer designed for a wide range of exertion levels and temperatures.
Fabric: 3.9 oz./sq.yd (111g/m2) 100% chlorine-free merino wool

Wool 2 (Women’s)
Stay dry and warm in our most versatile natural-fiber baselayer designed for a wide range of exertion levels and temperatures.
Fabric: 4.4 oz./sq.yd (125 g/m2) 100% chlorine-free merino wool

Wool 3
Stay dry and warm in this natural-fiber baselayer designed for comfort during moderate exertion in cool to cold weather.
Fabric: 6.8 oz./sq.yd (193g/m2) 100% chlorine-free merino wool

Wool 4
Stay dry and warm in this toasty baselayer designed for stop-and-
go activities in cold weather.
Fabric: 7.8 oz./sq. yd (221g/m2) 100% chlorine-free merino wool

Regulator Insulation

Regulator^® Insulation provides phenomenal compressibility, light weight warmth and moisture transport, whether used alone or as part of a layering system.

The lofted hollow-core fibers of Regulator Insulation conserve body heat while allowing body moisture to wick uninhibited during sweat-inducing activity. They’re also lightweight and highly compressible for packing – a boon when every inch of pack space counts.

These pieces may be worn alone in milder weather. When weather looms, they complement our Climbing, Skiing and Snowboarding shells and Performance Baselayer pieces.

Regulator Insulation comes in five weights: R4, R3, R2, R1.5 and R1:

R4–Windproof Insulation
Stretchy, lightweight fleece for wind protection

R3–High-Pile Warmth
Fur-like fibers create heat-retaining loft

R2–Midweight Insulation
Fur-like fibers offer superior warmth and lightweight breathability

R1.5–Bridges the Gap Between Baselayer and Insulation
Seamlessly varying fleece densities optimize thermal quality and breathablilty

R1–Core Warmth
High/low grid fabric insulates and moves moisture off skin

Benefits
• Exceptional breathability keeps you dry on the inside
• Same amount of warmth is provided by much lighter materials
• Comfort is maintained over a wide temperature range
• Fewer layering changes are required
• Lighter weight improves mobility and comfort
• Greater compressibility conserves space in a backpack

Welded Seams

In the spring of 2005, after years of research and testing, Patagonia introduced Welded Seam Technology on a select offering of Patagonia shells. Welded seams not only reduce bulk, weight and materials, they improve performance by eliminating the needle hole, a potential area for saturation in hard shells and leakage in soft shells. Welded seams also create a wonderfully clean finish on both the interior and exterior of the garment – increasing the functional elegance of our already streamlined shell designs.

Benefits:
Lighter weight
Greater compressibility
Better wet-weather performance
Increased durability
Aesthetic beauty

Patagonia Sizing Information

Product Care Washing

Washing instructions are printed on a white tag inside our garments. Following our garment instructions will help make sure that your gear has a long, interesting life. In general, washing your gear in cold or warm water with mild powder laundry soap (non-toxic, biodegradable types preferred) and drying it on the line are the best ways to clean Patagonia® products.

For a guide to the FTC product care symbols that you may see used on our clothing care tags, click here. To download this information as a PDF file, click here.

Replenishing Water-Repellency

Most waterproof/breathable shells on the market are originally treated with a Durable Water-Repellant finish (DWR), which keeps the outer fabric from becoming saturated so that the breathable barrier can do its job. This coating needs to be replenished once per season, or more often if the piece gets a lot of use or washing. If water is no longer beading up on your shell, it’s time to put on another finish. Our favorites are NiCad® products (www.Nikwax-usa.com), though there are many good products on the market. Whatever you choose, be sure to use a spray-on for two-layer garments (with a hanging mesh liner) or a wash-in for three-layer garments (with an interior fabric protecting the barrier). If the situation does not change, please send us the garment and we’ll take a look (see Returns and Exchanges).

Stain Removal

To get grease out of a technical jacket, dampen the stain and rub in dishwashing detergent. Then wash the jacket in warm water with plenty of mild powder laundry soap. If the stain persists, sponge it with a safe cleaning fluid (Renuzit® or Carbona®) or mineral spirits; you can find both at your local grocery store.

To get gum or sap out of a garment, first freeze the sap with some ice, then use a dull butter knife to scrape off as much as you can. Next, soak the garment in a water/white-vinegar solution, and throw it into the laundry with warm water and detergent.

Flammability Warning

Like most synthetics, our shells, fleece and Capilene® fabrics will melt or burn if exposed to flame or direct heat. They are not flame resistant; do not use them near ANY direct source of heat or flame

Welded Seams

In the spring of 2005, after years of research and testing, Patagonia introduced Welded Seam Technology on a select offering of Patagonia shells. Welded seams not only reduce bulk, weight and materials, they improve performance by eliminating the needle hole, a potential area for saturation in hard shells and leakage in soft shells. Welded seams also create a wonderfully clean finish on both the interior and exterior of the garment – increasing the functional elegance of our already streamlined shell designs.

Benefits:
Lighter weight
Greater compressibility
Better wet-weather performance
Increased durability
Aesthetic beauty