Anyone who has shopped at a retailer with few physical storefronts knows it can be hard to figure out where to begin. There are lots of options that all seem as worthy as the next, but the reality is that products from any given brand are not all created equal. When you shop as regularly as we do, you learn that many brands just do some things better than they do other things. With an expansive inventory of hard-wearing, adventure-minded gear, Patagonia is one of those brands. To help you find the best jackets, fleece pullovers, windbreakers, base layers, travel bags, and more, we’ve compiled all the products that our writers and editors — plus designers, CEOs, chefs, and, of course, Chris Black — have recommended.
Bags
We’re longtime fans of Patagonia’s Black Hole collection — which includes duffels, totes, hip packs, and more. In fact, we’ve been so impressed by the line’s sturdiness and functionality that we’ve recommended no less than nine Black Hole bags of varying shapes and sizes over the years — all of which you’ll find here.
Recently, the Black Hole Duffels went through a rebranding of sorts: The 40L, 55L, 70L, and 100L now feature a fully recycled matte material, replacing the shinier fabric that we’ve written about before. Even with the updated material, the form and function stay largely the same — including that of this burly 40-liter duffel, which is our pick for the best weekender bag. With a water-repellent and abrasion-resistant coating, it’s made for off-grid adventures, and at under three pounds, it’s unassumingly lightweight while letting you pack heavy. If you plan to hike with your duffel, you can replace the cushioned sling strap with padded backpack straps, which is former associate editor Louis Cheslaw’s favorite way to carry his Black Hole. And as seen in our dad edition of the Strategist Haul, editor Maxine Builder’s longtime “Patagonia fanboy” father can’t live without his Black Hole duffels. “He can run through an airport wearing it like a backpack, easily throw it into the overhead compartment of a plane as a carry-on, and still bring a week’s worth of clothes,” Builder says.
Another favorite from the Black Hole collection is the Mini MLC, a smaller model with a 30-liter pack capacity, which Cheslaw named his best purchase of 2021. He calls it his “secret second suitcase” because it’s small enough to qualify as an airline personal item, while freeing up space from his rolling luggage. “I still feel like I’m cheating the system whenever I get it into the cabin,” Cheslaw told us. “Just like a suitcase, the bag lies flat on the floor when you pack it with a deep and structured interior.”
Our senior editor Simone Kitchens is also a Patagonia Black Hole fan, but instead of a duffel, she prefers the brand’s 25-liter day pack. She says the backpack has several perfectly sized compartments for things like “chargers and night guards and passports and AirPods,” while the top zipper closure makes for easy access to the interior.
There’s even a Black Hole bag that’s beloved by the art world: the Ultralight pack. Strategist contributor Molly Dektar first noticed the bag on a colleague in 2018, who told her that he had first spotted it on artist Dena Yago. Dektar then saw the backpack several more times at Art Basel in 2021, and again in 2022 — and knew she was onto something. After she bought one for herself, Dektar understood the appeal for artists (and anyone) on the go: “It can be carried as either a tote or a backpack, depending on the situation, and it folds into its own internal pocket, for easy storage,” she told us.
Also useful for people on the move: Patagonia’s Black Hole packing cubes. While not technically a Dopp kit, the cubes are an ideal solution for storing larger toiletries. Matt Kays, a senior vice president at PR Consulting, has two: He uses one as a Dopp kit and the other as a “wet bag” post-beach. Meanwhile, Peter Hunsinger, co-founder of sock brand Kane 11, appreciates that this packing cube is roomy enough to hold a pair of shoes on one side and other essentials, such as grooming products and a travel blow dryer, can be stored opposite. A top handle and daisy chain mean you can secure it inside a large bag or hang it from a hook.
For a more compact toiletry kit, Builder likes these three-liter packing cubes for her makeup and the six-liter for bulkier travel items like shower essentials, face wipes, and her toothbrush. She says the six-liter packing-cube design is ideal because, like the ten-liter option above, it can be unzipped to lay flat and completely open.
The Black Hole collection also includes waist bags — and we named this sturdy five-liter the top option for travel in our guide to the best fanny packs. Recommended to us by Charlotte Stone, who runs an eponymous shoe label, this five-liter pack has all the crowd-pleasing features as the rest of the Black Hole line — plus hands-free functionality. It’s “ridiculously functional,” says Stone, who keeps training treats in it on daily walks with her two dogs and even tethers their leashes to the bag’s webbing straps.
Patagonia also makes a Black Hole crossbody, which Sam Sanders counted as one of his favorite things, thanks to its just-big-enough size for his wallet, phone charger, some gum, chapstick, and sunglasses. “It fits ergonomically on my body, and it’s cute,” Sanders told us. “I get compliments on this thing — I never got compliments on my cell phone and thick-ass wallet poking in my back pocket.”
Not all our favorite Patagonia bags are from the Black Hole collection. There’s the Dirt Roamer Waist Pack, which Strategist contributor Chris Black recommends should you need a practical and cool way to carry your phone during “big-boy weekend runs.” It has tons of storage for gels, water, or a banana, and the three-pocket design “distributes weight evenly so you aren’t jogging lopsided,” says Black.
If you’re looking for a backpack, Catherine Bruhwiler, Canada’s first professional female surfer, tipped us off about this rugged Guidewater pack. She loves that the all-day bag, which is completely submersible and has rust-resistant zippers, can handle the elements. “I can go straight from work at the surf shop with my laptop to the boat and on a remote beach adventure or an evening salmon fish,” Bruhwiler says.
And for kids, try Patagonia’s Atom Tote Pack. While it’s not technically a kids bag, Strategist contributor Youngna Park says her elementary-age kids find the mid-size backpack very comfortable to carry. It has enough space to hold folders, lunch, and snacks thanks to a removable padded laptop sleeve, plus interior and exterior pockets to secure smaller items.
Shorts
If it feels like Patagonia Baggies are everywhere that’s because … well, they are. The shorts have become something of a cult item from the brand and are a favorite of current and former Strategist writers and editors alike (and probably of more than a few people you know). When we asked stylish men about the best men’s shorts, the Baggies were the leading nylon option. With a quick-drying mesh liner and pockets that are made to “drain and dry,” the brand says they’re “designed for use in and out of the water.” They’re also the best overall pick in our roundup of swim trunks, in part because of their fashion clout. They “have become something of a summer staple,” says image consultant Patrick Kenger. “They’re the perfect length, come in multiple color options, and it’s an attractive price point.” Black is also a fan and considers his pair one of the best summer basics, especially for their deep pockets that easily hold essentials. Baggies come in several colors and patterns, as well as five- and seven-inch inseams.
Baggies are also available in a women’s cut, which Builder and Strategist senior editor Winnie Yang both praised for being all-around shorts they can throw on for lounging, walking the beach, and running errands. Builder prefers the shorter Baggies and sizes up “so they aren’t too short,” while Yang says she prefers the five-inch inseam for a more modest fit.
Outerwear
When it comes to Patagonia outerwear, there are lots of options to choose from — and some styles we feel more passionately about than others. “I will die for (or in) my Patagonia Nano Air Jacket,” Strategist writer Jeremy Rellosa says. “It’s the most versatile outdoor jacket I own. I can wear it for easy hikes in cool weather, or use it as my main insulator or heavy layer on winter days around town. And it’s just downright cozy.” An experienced backpacker and hiker, Rellosa has tested it against similar jackets from other brands, including the Arc’teryx Atom LT, the Mountain Hardwear Kor Strata, and the North Face Ventrix, but the Nano Air remains his favorite — so much so that he owns two: one for everyday and the other for very special climbs.
Builder owns a very similar packable men’s puffer to this Down Sweater Jacket. “I sort of look like the Michelin Man when I put it on, maybe because it’s the men’s version. (If you want a slim fit, there’s a women’s version, too.) But man, it’s warm,” Builder says. “It’s also super-lightweight because it’s down, so I never really overheat while wearing it.” Although it’s not waterproof, Builder says it’s comfortable and lightweight enough to layer under her navy Snowbelle or black Torrentshell.
If you’re a runner, take note from Camilla Cho, SVP of e-commerce at Vox Media, who owns two of these Houdini Jackets and has worn them for many runs and races. “The thing is so light you forget you have it on,” Cho says. “It’s perfect for exercising outdoors when it’s a bit breezy and great for traveling, since you can stuff the whole thing into the side pocket so it becomes a little pouch that you can throw into a bag.” David Bruno, a cyclist and owner of Départ Wine in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, even keeps this shell with him at all times in case the weather changes unexpectedly.
For the bike commuters out there: Patagonia’s hooded Micro Puff Jacket might be the outer layer you’ve been searching for. Mike Radenbaugh, co-founder and CEO of electric bike company Rad Power Bikes, recommends the jacket because it’s warm and windproof, and the cuffs have elastic that keeps water and wind out. This insulation is made of 100 percent recycled polyester, and according to the brand, it’s the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any jacket.
When we consulted with a group of cool people — including professional skiers, shop owners, and ski patrollers — about the best ski-jacket options, the Patagonia Triolet Shell earned the top overall spot. Jackie Kearney, a ski patroller at Lake Tahoe’s Kirkwood Resort, says many of her colleagues wear it because “it’s sturdy and waterproof” and because of technical features like “more pockets and pit zips, which are nice to get some more ventilation.” And when celebrity stylist Mac Huelster temporarily moved to the West Coast, he replaced his snow jacket with the lighter Triolet, which he says is ideal for layering.
Our writer Arielle Avila thrifted this Nano Puff Parka before moving to New York City and says its insulation was effective during her first winter. “It’s incredibly warm, so I’d wear it by itself, but it’s super-lightweight, so I was able to layer it underneath my less substantial jackets,” she says. And if she gets too warm, Avila says she can easily pack it into a tote for storage. “I can’t stress how nice it is to have a puffer that doesn’t take up lots of closet space,” she says.
Recycled materials are an essential part of Patagonia’s offerings, so it’s no surprise that this coat — made from 100 percent recycled polyester derived from plastic bottles — was named our top sustainable parka for women. Dr. Susan Sokolowski, founding director of the University of Oregon’s sports products design program, also notes that this parka’s three-in-one design — which functions as a puffer jacket, raincoat, and waterproof parka — can help buyers avoid shopping for multiple winter coats.
And for outdoor expeditions in wintry conditions (or just sledding with your kids): snow pants. Ty Morrison-Heath, an outdoor marketer and former Big Sky ski patroller, told us he wears these SnowDrifter Bibs when he skins uphill. The waterproof, breathable membrane prevents him from sweating out his base layer, plus the pants keep him warm and dry for the chillier descent. He says the large “kangaroo pocket” is ideal for stashing energy gels, and that the elasticized cuffs keep them in place around his ski and snowboard boots.
Fleeces
From city streets to more rustic landscapes, this fleece jacket is popular among both celebrities and Strategist staffers. Actor Max Greenfield owns the Classic Retro-X, which he bought for a trip to Montana — and, he says, hasn’t taken it off since. “It just insulates you in a way you’re like, I feel safe in this jacket,” Greenfield says. Meanwhile, Builder has had this top since 2009, and says that “the actual stitching has stayed intact, and the zippers work great.” She calls her beige and kelly-green number “the perfect autumn coat, for when you’re hot in the sun, but it’s still a brisk 50 degrees outside.”
Among the Silicon Valley tech set, this double-sided fleece reigns status-item supreme, according to associate Jeremy Banon. He says the full-zip jacket is so ubiquitous that he likens it to “the North Face of San Francisco,” especially when it comes in “neutral tones.”
If you prefer a snap front to a zip, try this pullover, which our junior writer Brenley Goertzen received for Christmas. Goertzen, who lives in Minnesota, says the fleece has served as a soft and toasty layer under her winter parka for the past few years, and that its four-snap front closure and collar keep her neck extra warm on below-zero nights.
Base layers
For those searching for technical base layers that work in a range of conditions, look no further than Patagonia’s Capilene line. The collection, which is made from recycled polyester, offers a range of men’s and women’s tops and bottoms in various weights, including Thermal Weight, Midweight, and Cool, all of which can handle extreme temperature variations.
The Capilene Midweight Crew and Bottoms were named our best synthetic option in our roundup of long underwear for women. Thanks to their weight, these are suitable for a range of winter activities; the flatlock seams offer chafe-free comfort, and there’s enough stretch to the fabric for high-intensity movements. When designer Carolyn Yim isn’t wearing the merino leggings she designs for Ply–Knits, she swears by the Capilene base-layer bottoms. She also appreciates the brand’s commitment to responsible sourcing, and points out that these thermals are made from 92 percent recycled PET bottles, plus they can be donated to Patagonia’s Common Threads program, which will recycle them into a new garment. Primary Essentials owner Lauren Snyder also approves: “I like Patagonia thermals because they really do work, and they last. I still have pairs that I’ve had for years.”
Patagonia’s Capilene Cool Daily tops are ideal for warm or wet weather because the material is lightweight and quick-drying. The Capilene tees are Builder’s go-tos for most outdoor activities: “The long-sleeved is great for sailing and kayaking, because it’s not too heavy and also protects from the sun,” she says. “And then [the short-sleeved] is just a great sweat-wicking shirt for hikes.” Capilene is also known for its anti-odor technology, which keeps you feeling cooler and fresher for longer.
Workwear
A fan of Patagonia’s Hemp Canvas workwear line, Yang owns these Bib Overalls in off-white. Though her off-white pair is currently unavailable, you can still get the sturdy bottoms, which have two buttons on each side of the hip for easy on and off, in green or black.
Yang also has the insulated and heavy-duty Barn Coat, which she’s owned since 2018. According to the brand, this topper is more durable than conventional cotton duck canvas and designed for all types of cold-weather tasks.
For kids
To bundle up your little ones, Patagonia offers a wide range of styles for children. Yang has tried a number of other brands for her kids but says Patagonia’s outerwear is noticeably better made and longer lasting. She’s bought plenty of styles — which you’ll find below — for her kids, and adds that this Nano Puff gets the most wear of all. The quilted pattern offers lightweight insulation, so it isn’t as heavy as other Patagonia kids’ jackets, but it still does an excellent job at keeping small arms warm.
Yang uses this Hi-Loft Down snowsuit, which is insulated with 700-fill-power down, on colder days (freezing or below) and when it’s snowing. Though the outer shell isn’t completely waterproof, she told us her son has played in the snow while wearing the bunting, and it’s kept him dry and toasty. It also makes bundling kids up easier: “My youngest hates getting dressed or changed, so if we can just drop him into an all-in-one outer layer, that cuts down on the time we spend struggling to wrestle him into his clothes,” says Yang.
Insulated with the same 700-fill-power down as the Hi-Loft Bunting above, this full-zip jacket dries readily even if it’s raining or snowing heavily. Yang, who also owns this style, says you can feel the quality “in the zippers and see it in the stitching for the baffles and seams.” The sizing accommodates a wide age range, plus it’s available in many fun colors, including pink, purple, and several shades of blue.
While this coat is reversible, Yang prefers to keep the fleece-lined side on the inside for added warmth. And thanks to a windproof outer shell, it’s ideal for any kind of cold weather. Other notable features include a removable hood that snaps closed and elastic cuffs that keep chilly air out. (And if you’re concerned about the price, Yang says Patagonia also has good resale value, and she likes that you can send or take in any used Patagonia for credit toward new items.)
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