In anticipation of the upcoming winter climbing season, Patagonia releases their High Alpine Kit — a complete, integrated apparel and hardgoods system, from baselayer and belay parka to bivy kit and backpack, designed for moving efficiently through wintery, alpine environments. Built in conjunction with Patagonia’s alpine climbing ambassadors, each piece in the kit is patterned to work seamlessly with the next, while simultaneously working as individual pieces.
The High Alpine Kit includes nine different pieces for both men and women. Details are as follows.
Merino Air Hoody and Bottoms ($149 and $129):
Starting next to skin, the Merino Air Hoody and Bottoms are quick-drying, seamless baselayers that provide exceptional warmth and comfort and perform well in a variety of cold weather conditions. The baselayers are made from a blend of 51% lofted merino wool and 49% recycled polyester fabric.
Nano Air Light Hoody and Pants ($249 and $149):
The Nano Air Light Hoody and Pants midlayers are warm, stretchy and highly breathable for fast, high-output endeavors in cold climates. The pants have an invisible crotch zip that pairs with the Galvanized Pants for full alpine performance — yes ladies, we also get a crotch zip! I currently have a Nano Air Light Hoody and am excited to test it out once the weather turns colder.
M10 Anorak ($379) and M10 Jacket ($399):
The Men’s M10 Anorak is the lightest 3-layer waterproof/breathable shell Patagonia makes. The deep-venting, weight-shaving pullover stuffs into it’s single chest pocket and has a tapered, climbing-specific fit. Women’s is available in the full-zip M10 Jacket.
Galvanized Pant ($299):
The Galvanized Pant for men and women has a minimalist, climbing specific feature set and fit. The pants use a new soft, stretchy and durable 3-layer waterproof/breathable H2No® polyester/spandex fabric, and have a high waist with suspenders (men’s only), two thigh pockets, a through-crotch zip and tapered cuffs.
Grade VII Down Parka ($899):
The Grade VII Down Parka is Patagonia’s warmest ever down parka. The precise, fully baffled construction (laminated in critical areas for improved water repellency) and differentially cut shell and liner keeps the 800-fill Traceable Down lofted and in place while eliminating cold spots, regardless of severity of use.
Hybrid Sleeping Bag ($299):
The minimalist Hybrid Sleeping Bag is an “elephant’s foot” style bag that, when paired with the state-of-the-art Grade VII Down Parka, creates an innovative, lightweight, packable bivy/belay kit for Spartan alpine bivies. The weight-saving Hybrid Sleeping Bag uses 850-fill-power Traceable Down insulation in an ultralight Pertex Quantum shell fabric with a DWR finish. Above the insulated lower portion, the bag continues with a single layer of our whisper-light, windproof Houdini fabric – creating a cocoon when paired with the Grade VII Parka. When paired together, the Grade VII Parka and the Hybrid sleeping bag are rated to a 10 degree Fahrenheit (-12.22 degrees Celsius) sleeping system that weighs only 41 oz.
Ascensionist Pack ($149-$179):
Rounding out the kit is a 35 or 45-liter Ascensionist pack, a super-clean climbing backpack with critical high-alpine features.