Eddie Bauer and Patagonia are two popular names in the world of outdoor apparel, each with a rich history of innovation and commitment to sustainability.
Eddie Bauer, founded in 1920 in Seattle, revolutionized outdoor gear with the first American down jacket and has since become a household name for quality outerwear and adventure gear.
Patagonia, born in the climbing community in 1973, has evolved into a brand synonymous with environmental stewardship and durable, eco-friendly products.
In this comparison, we explore the legacies and current offerings of these two pioneering brands, to help you make the right decision for your next outdoor gear purchase.
Contents:
1. Eddie Bauer Outdoor Gear
History of the Brand
Eddie Bauer’s official website
Eddie Bauer boasts a century of heritage, originating in 1920 in Seattle, Washington, USA. The brand has gained recognition for pioneering various products, including the first down jacket in America.
It has earned various awards for its outdoor apparel, particularly in the realm of footwear and outerwear. Interestingly, the company outfitted the initial American Mount Everest expedition in 1963, as well as subsequent significant ascents like Dhaulagiri in 1973 and Makalu in 1980.
Focusing on sustainability and renewable resources and materials, Eddie Bauer presently operates over 200 stores across the United States, solidifying its position as a leading name in outdoor merchandise.
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Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Based primarily on Polyester and Nylon, their manufacturing also incorporates WeatherEdge®, a technology developed by Eddie Bauer to render the jackets and other items waterproof and breathable.
Thermafill® is another technology utilized for synthetic insulation, while StormDown is employed in select products. This involves treating down with DWR coating to enhance its moisture resistance. Although natural down is an excellent insulator, it is vulnerable to damp conditions.
Next, we have another material, Thindown, an innovative Italian fabric used by Eddie Bauer to insulate some of its garments. It possesses the same loft and compressibility as natural down but is engineered to be more resilient in adverse weather conditions.
Eddie Bauer is dedicated to sustainable design, producing versatile, utility-focused, and long-lasting apparel and gear, encouraging customers to utilize their products extensively and pass them down through generations.
The brand also prioritizes the use of lower-impact fabrics, such as recycled polyester and nylon, as well as sustainably sourced man-made cellulosic fibers, and incorporates recycled packaging to minimize environmental impact.
Also, Eddie Bauer partners with organizations like American Forests to restore ecosystems and promote urban reforestation, and actively works towards equity and inclusion within their community and industry. You can read more about Eddie Bauer’s sustainability efforts on their website.
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Where is Eddie Bauer’s outdoor gear made?
Eddie Bauer’s outdoor apparel and equipment are predominantly produced in various Asian nations, including Vietnam, China, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia.
Recommended Products
Eddie Bauer Men’s Superior Down Parka
Image: eddiebauer.com
Check it out at EddieBauer.com
The Men’s Superior Down Parka is a durable winter jacket crafted to withstand extreme weather conditions. It is equipped with a waterproof and breathable recycled nylon shell featuring WeatherEdge® technology and StormRepel® Super DWR finish to resist moisture.
The parka is filled with 650-fill-power premium down, providing insulation for subzero temperatures. Additionally, it includes inner rib-knit storm cuffs, zip pockets, an adjustable hood with detachable faux fur, and an action back design for enhanced mobility.
The relaxed fit allows for comfortable layering, offering both practicality and comfort during winter.
Read also: Eddie Bauer vs North Face (Side-by-Side Comparison)
Eddie Bauer Adventurer® Trail Backpack
Image: eddiebauer.com
Check it out at EddieBauer.com
The Adventurer Trail is a versatile pack suitable for various outdoor activities, ranging from day hikes to overnight technical climbs. Constructed with durable 70-denier shadow ripstop nylon, it can endure the challenges of the trail while remaining lightweight.
With its 30L capacity, the backpack provides ample space for all essential gear. Comfort is prioritized with the inclusion of the FreeCool® trampoline airflow back panel, offering both cushioning and ventilation to prevent overheating during rigorous activity.
Hydration is managed with the pack’s hydration options, ensuring convenient access to water while on the move. The backpack’s organization is enhanced by a Power Mesh front pocket for storing rain gear or an insulating layer, along with a secure top lid pocket for quick access to essential items.
Other practical features include side compression straps for balance and stability, as well as strategically placed tool loops for easy access to critical gear such as trekking poles or ice axes.
Prices
As soon as you open the brand’s website, it’s evident that Eddie Bauer’s prices fall within the moderate range. The jackets are priced from $60 to $300, and numerous backpacks are available for under $80. Although certain backpack styles are pricier, they rarely exceed $200.
So, it’s an accessible brand, especially considering the quality it offers.
Are Eddie Bauer products worth the price?
We can take as examples the two suggested products we saw above. If you require versatile and practical options, both of these items are suitable for various situations, including outdoor pursuits and daily use.
So, for multi-functional products such as these, we believe that Eddie Bauer offers reasonable pricing, making its gear a worthy investment.
Read also: 10 Oldest Outdoor Clothing and Gear Brands
2. Patagonia Outdoor Gear
History of the Brand
Patagonia official website
The origins of Patagonia can be traced back to 1957 when Yvon Chouinard, a climber and the company’s founder, expressed an interest in pursuing blacksmithing. That same year, he crafted his initial pitons, which he then marketed to his climber friends.
Subsequently, Chouinard set up a modest workshop in Burbank, where he produced his climbing gear. He would then transport these products in his vehicle, traveling throughout California to sell them.
In 1965, Chouinard joined forces with Tom Frost, leading to the establishment of Chouinard Equipment. Following the division of Chouinard Equipment, Chouinard went on to establish Patagonia as a clothing brand in 1973.
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Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Patagonia believes that every individual’s actions have a global impact. The brand uses recycled materials in the production of its premium clothing, including fishing nets, polyester, wool, cashmere, and cotton.
In addition, Patagonia incorporates Nylon and Polyester in their jackets and gear, just like Eddie Bauer, along with advanced technical fabrics such as H2No and the industry-standard Gore-Tex.
Recycled down is used for insulation, and fabrics undergo thorough testing before being used in the final product.
Patagonia is well-known in the outdoor industry for its dedication and focus on sustainability, ethical labor practices, and donating a portion of revenue to environmental causes. For more information about Patagonia’s materials, you can visit their official website.
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Where is Patagonia outdoor gear made?
Patagonia primarily manufactures its outdoor gear in Vietnam, China, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Thailand, and several other nations, with a minor portion produced within the USA.
Recommended Products
Patagonia Triolet Men’s Jacket
Image: patagonia.com
Check it out at Patagonia.com
The Patagonia Triolet Men’s Jacket is intentionally engineered to endure harsh, wintry conditions. Constructed from a 3-layer GORE-TEX fabric, it offers waterproof, breathable, and windproof properties, complemented by a 100% recycled polyester exterior to enhance durability.
This jacket is PFC-free and is made in a Fair-Trade-certified factory. It features a helmet-compatible hood, two welted front pockets, two chest pockets with watertight zips, and an interior pocket.
It also has welted, watertight two-way pit zips for breathability and a dual-adjust drawcord hem to effectively block out the elements. The jacket incorporates a RECCO® reflector for enhanced visibility and is made in Vietnam.
Patagonia Terravia 28L Pack
Image: patagonia.com
Check it out at Patagonia.com
The Terravia 28L Pack represents a versatile backpack suitable for day trips or slightly longer hikes. With a 28-liter capacity, it is crafted from durable 100% recycled nylon, offering robustness and eco-friendliness.
The backpack includes a breathable back panel and shoulder straps, a front-loading pocket, and an automatic lid closure when the drawstring is pulled. Its suspended mesh back panel design ensures good airflow and moisture prevention for comfort.
Featuring Regulator® airmesh shoulder straps and a hip belt, it ensures a comfortable fit. The backpack also has easily accessible side pockets for securing small items and is compatible with hydration systems. It’s equipped with a rain cover, zippered lid, and internal security pockets for your belongings.
Prices
Patagonia is known as a premium, expensive brand in the outdoor enthusiast circle. Their collection of jackets and coats begins at around $130 and goes up to $700, while their backpacks are priced between $70 and $300.
Are Patagonia products worth the price?
We are of the opinion that the products by Patagonia are a good investment even if they’re pricey. The company is dedicated to the use of sustainable materials, advocating for environmental conservation, and delivering long-lasting, high-quality, innovative gear.
Learn more: Why Is Patagonia So Expensive and Popular? Are Its Jackets Worth It?
3. Which is Better? Eddie Bauer or Patagonia?
Eddie Bauer and Patagonia are both great. They’re very popular for outdoor clothing, especially in the United States. Here are our considerations to help with your decision:
Eddie Bauer:
- More affordable prices on average compared to Patagonia. Good value for the quality they provide.
- A broad assortment of clothing and gear for a range of outdoor activities like hiking and camping, and also for casual wear.
- Known for durable and warm coats, fleeces, and layers. Their down jackets are highly rated.
- Good customer service and return policy. Good warranty for defects in materials or workmanship.
- Uses technologies such as WeatherEdge and has sustainability programs in place.
Patagonia:
- Expensive and generally higher quality fabrics and construction. Items tend to last longer.
- More technical and specialized offerings geared towards extreme outdoor enthusiasts. Uses technologies such as H2No and Gore-Tex.
- Superior sustainability practices, eco-friendly materials, and recycling programs.
- Good warranty on all products against defects.
- Activism around environmental issues which appeals to many outdoor enthusiasts.
In the end, Eddie Bauer offers a good price-to-quality ratio. We’d recommend it for general outdoor activities or everyday clothing. We’d keep Patagonia for more serious outdoor sports and activities thanks to its durability, quality, and innovative technologies.
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