Patagonia has won a - omigodd, I guess we have to say it -
'presitigious' design award for its revised
R2 Jacket.
The R2's been around for a while now, since 1999 or so we think,
and was one of the first garments out there to use the fluffy wonder
that is Polartec's Thermal Pro fleece. Now it's been upgraded for the
21st Century and, as a result, has been recognised with a
Polartec® APEX Design Award.
The Apex awards are given to garments using Polartec fabrics which
best combine materials and design to innovative effect and the latest
R2 scores big techno-geek points by using an exclusive new version of
Polartec's Themal Pro, which is modelled on animal fur
technology.
Over the years, furry beasts have developed a structure consisting
of longer 'guard hairs' which create loft, overlying shorter, denser
underfur which traps warm air more effectively. That's exactly what
the new bio-mimicry Polartec® Thermal Pro® fabric aims to do
as well.
The jacket is finished off with sleek Patagonia cut and panels of
Polartec PowerDry under the arms to reduce bulk and enhance moisture
transfer.
The original R2 Jacket was a big OM favourite. It offers a great
warmth to weight ratio - think midweight fleece insulation with
microfleece warmth - even though it has limited wind resistance. If
the new version works even better, it should be excellent.
In the shops this autumn, the new Patagonia R2 will retail for
£90.
www.patagonia.com/europe
