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Patagonia clothing has long been the choice for people tackling nature’s elements, from climbers and mountaineers to paddlers and hikers. They recognize that the company’s commitment to design, durability, and environmental stewardship leads to superior, longer-lasting garments. Although the Capilene base layer line has been well-used by cross-country skiers and other winter silent sport enthusiasts in the past, Patagonia has now come out with a number of different outer layer garments that will keep you warm and dry this winter. I’ve been testing these items since last winter and have been very pleased. Let me share with you some of my impressions of the new outer garments and socks. For more information, check out www.patagonia.com.
 Best jacket ever.
Countless hours of design and testing as well as dozens of prototypes have produced what I believe is the best jacket for cross-country skiing ever. Our sport poses multiple challenges to clothing designers. A jacket must have enough insulation to keep us warm, wick moisture away from our skin, block the biting cold on long downhills or windy days, and be agile enough to accommodate our technical movements. By using thirteen panels of fabric, the Wind Track jacket produces an excellent fit. Windproof and water-repellent fabric on the chest and front of the arms blocks wind while keeping you dry with its moisture-wicking interior surface. Medium-weight stretch fleece on the back of the arms and torso is plush and warm. The full zipper is lined as further protection from the elements. Two zippered chest pockets are large and accessible, while a zippered pocket on the left arm accommodates a small MP3 player or cell phone (about 2.5” x 5”). Also good for spring and fall cycling.
Wind Track Jacket, $145, # 24980, Available in: Black, Dark grey, Light grey
All conditions cross-country skiing jacket.
 Matching pants to boot.
The Wind Track Tights fit more like pants than tights, despite the name. Similar fabrics and design used in the jacket were used to produce these pants. The fit is agile enough for anything from tele to skating. The front of the legs as well as the lower back part of the leg is made of the same windproof and water-repellent fabric as used in the jacket. The rear is made of comfy, moisture-wicking fleece-spandex. Full side zips with button-closure at waistband allow easy removal before a race or the uphill slog to the summit. Zippers are lined to prevent snagging and keep out the elements. Boot fit with gripper elastic at hem accommodates skate boots and lightweight tele gear. Knee and crotch feature multiple panels to allow freedom of movement. Two large zippered pockets on the upper leg.
Wind Track Tights, $180, # 24770, Available in: Black
Winter weather pants suitable for any silent sport.
For more intense exercise.
Even if the temps plunge into the teens when I am out training, after ten minutes, I am warm enough that sometimes I wonder if I could do with just a pair of shorts. That’s where the Coolweather Zip-Neck and Tights come in, especially if bright and super tight racing spandex suits aren’t your thing. Coolweather fabric is dual-layer: exterior nylon for protection and interior polyester for moisture-wicking and modest insulation. With your body burning all of those calories under heavy exercise, the combination is enough to keep you warm and dry, rather than hot and sweaty.
 The top has a generous 14-inch front half-zipper that allows for additional ventilation on uphills or intervals. Quilted neck fabric is soft against the skin while the zipper flap makes sure that you won’t be tempted to stick your tongue to the zipper on sub-zero days. The front chest pocket is roomy enough for wax, a cell phone, and energy bar. Thumb loops on the sleeves keep wrists warm and make dressing easier. Features a reflective logo and graphics on the wrists and back. The fit is a bit long in the torso, but this allows for better integration with the tights mentioned below. I recommend wearing a light base layer underneath as I found the un-lined zipper to be a bit uncomfortable on bare skin.
Coolweather Zip-Neck, $120, # 24435, Available in: Black, Light Grey
Intense exercise in cool to cold conditions.
 The Coolweather Tights have a close fit, but they’re not like a pair of spandex tights. The close fit means that your range of motion is uninhibited, as can happen when you’re wearing bulky pants. They also fit snugly inside a pair of skate boots. Flat seams will keep the fabric from fraying along the legs in case you’re using poles with Velcro grips. A rear zippered hip pocket is small, but large enough for keys, cash, and wax, if you’re desperate for storage space. The brushed waistband with internal draw cord will allow you to adjust the fit. Use these tights with a pair of padded chamois for fall and spring cycling.
Coolweather Tights, $95, # 24850, Available in: Black
Tights for all active sports in cool to cold weather.
 Pants with that?
If you’re not too keen on the whole tights thing, try the lightweight Cold Track Light Pants. They are equally as agile as tights, with a gusseted crotch and stretch all around. A draw cord waist lets you set the fit while two front zippered pockets add storage. The fabric is quick drying and treated with a water repellent finish. With a base layer, they are suitable for winter activity on warm days. Alone, they are perfect for spring and fall, especially in light rain.
Cold Track Light Pants, $70, # 24750, Available in: Black
Outer layer for intense exercise year-round.
 Heavier protection.
When you’re deep in powder or the weather inches closer to absolute zero, you need heavier protection. The Cold Track Pants are equally suitable to backcountry and powder skiing as they are for bitter cold days on groomed trails. The entire garment is wind-proof and treated with a water-repellent finish, though the quads have added protection with an extra layer of fabric. Despite the level of shelter these pants offer, they are still lightweight. Multiple panels around the knees and waist assure excellent freedom of movement and improve ventilation. Ankle zippers open to reveal a layer of stretch fabric that will secure the pants over tele or skate boots. (Footwear must be removed in order to remove pants, however.) Also has an adjustable draw cord and zippered fly as well as two zippered front pockets.
Cold Track Pants, $120, # 24880, Available in: Black
Deep powder backcountry or groomed skiing in cold conditions.
Socks really are under-rated.
There really is nothing better than a nice pair of comfy socks, especially when you’re out on the trails on on a cold, damp day. Patagonia’s new line of socks is perfect indoors and outdoors. Even though I am allergic to wool, the Merino wool that Patagonia uses is of such soft, fine quality that I don’t experience any discomfort. Made in the USA, each of these three socks combine wool felt with polyester, nylon, and spandex to improve durability, moisture wicking, and fit. They all also have a specially designed toe box to reduce chafing, an arch band to improve support and fit, and welt top to keep the socks from slipping down the calf.
 The mega-thick Heavy-Weight Mountaineering Socks (right) are the wooly mammoths of socks. They are especially nice as substitutes for slippers on winter mornings when you have to tiptoe across cold floors, or when you’ll be standing around outside for long periods in the snow. Fits to upper calf. 150 g.
Heavy-Weight Mountaineering Socks, $19.50, # 49662, Available in: Dark grey, Olive green, Brown
 The less bulky Mid-Weight Hiking Crew Socks (left) are great for cold days, whether out shoveling snow or on classic ski tours. Felt wool footbed provides good cushioning for long days in boots. Fits to mid calf. 74 g.
Mid-Weight Hiking Crew Socks, $17.50, # 49737, Available in: Dark grey, Olive green, Brown
 If you’re like me and you rarely get cold feet no matter how cold it is, try the Light-Weight Hiking Crew Socks (right). They’re also great for traveling. Fits to mid calf. 51 g.
Light-Weight Hiking Crew Socks, $15.50, # 49757, Available in: Dark grey, Light green, Brown
Go to www.patagonia.com and input the product number to learn more and purchase.
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