Capilene Collection Features New Styles and New Polygiene® Permanent Odor Control; Merino Now Sourced From Patagonia, Argentina in a Joint Venture With The Nature Conservancy and OVIS XXI.

VENTURA, Calif. (December, 2012) — Patagonia Inc., the outdoor apparel company, will offer the most comprehensive selection of performance baselayers in both Capilene polyester and the company's extraordinary new merino wool for Fall 2013. Of great environmental significance: every single baselayer style is bluesign® approved, which means that all chemicals and finishes have been vetted to be free of toxins and reflect the most progressive environmental standards. Additionally, the company now sources it's merino from Patagonia, Argentina, in a joint venture with The Nature Conservancy and Ovis XXI. Ovis XXI is an Argentine company working to improve the economic, environmental, social and human sustainability of the sheep-based supply chain. In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, Ovis XXI is developing

and implementing sustainable grazing practices that regenerate grasslands once destroyed by grazing. Additionally, these new husbandry practices are yielding a merino that is superior in quality to any merino fibers the company has previously seen.

"Patagonia's goal is to make baselayers a part of every core users kit, to the mountain, on the mountain and from the mountain. The right baselayer is the first step in layering for a successful day in the mountains," notes Tyler LaMotte, business unit director for snow and baselayer, "By adopting all bluesign®-approved fabrics in this collection, the user can feel confident that the most environmentally-safe fabrics are sitting next to their skin."

Across the entire Capilene collection, one will find updated styling and a consistent slim fit. New features such as locker loops for drying and elastic thumb loops have been incorporated throughout. To avoid chafing, all Capilene styles are constructed with offset flatlock stitching. Capilene 1 fabric has been reengineered with ideal spandex content for motion and better moisture-management. Capilene 2 has been redesigned with an exclusive Polartec Power Dry fabric, which offers warmth and breathability. Also new to the collection is the Capilene 4 Expedition Weight One-Piece. For permanent odor control, the collection will utilize Polygiene® technology. This technology uses low concentrations of natural silver salt, a highly effective antimicrobial, to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. Polygiene® lasts for the life of the garment, is safe next to skin, is environmentally-friendly, utilizes recycled silver, reduces washing frequency and provides certified odor control.

Starting in Fall 2013, every single merino baselayer style, including all merino socks, will be made with merino wool that is sustainably sourced from the grasslands of Patagonia. The merino sheep from which the wool comes from are non-mulesed, and produce top quality wool. Patagonia employs an advanced wool classification system in which specific wool qualities are separated and selected at the time of shearing, and processed in a chlorine-free manner, meeting the bluesign® standard. The wool is then blended with Capilene polyester for improved wicking, durability and increased dry times. Merino 1 Silkweight is a blend of 65% merino/35% Capilene, ideal for staying cool in warm to hot conditions. Merino 2 Lightweight is a blend of 80% merino/20% Capilene, designed for staying warm in cool to cold conditions. Merino 3 Midweight is a blend of 80% merino/20% capilene, perfect for the coldest days. All Patagonia Merino products are incredibly soft next to skin, naturally control odor, are warm when wet, and can be machine- washed and tumble-dried on low.

All new Capilene and Merino baselayers will be available to consumers in Summer 2013.

About Patagonia

Patagonia, Inc., based in Ventura, California, is a leading designer of core outdoor, snow, surf and sport- related apparel, equipment, footwear and accessories. The company is noted internationally for its commitment to authentic product quality and environmental activism, contributing over $49M in cash and in- kind donations to date. Incorporating environmental responsibility into product development, the company has, since 1996, used only organically grown cotton in its clothing line. Committed to making its products landfill-free, the company’s entire product line is recyclable through its Common Threads Initiative. The company also advocates corporate transparency through its interactive website, The Footprint Chronicles, which outlines the environmental and social footprint of individual products.

Contact:
Jess Clayton, 805-667-4755, jess_clayton@patagonia.com