I don't know that much about Patagonia, but I'm starting to hear an increasing amount about them - and I really like what I hear. So much so, that I'm strongly considering my next wetsuit being one of theirs.
While I continue to learn more about them, I thought I'd introduce them to you, and share what I do know in the mean time.
The website is below (select your country, then 'sports', then 'surfing'):
Patagonia
In my opinion, design has a lot to do with choosing where on the 'form versus function' spectrum one wants to sit. Patagonia, I feel from my limited experience, tends towards 'function' - and they do the best they can with 'form' afterwards. For example, all of their wetsuits that I have seen are totally black (this is largely ignoring 'form'). However, this is functional as the wetsuit's job, above all else, is to keep the surfer warm - and nothing absorbs heat like black.
But I'm here to talk about their environmental cred...
Patagonia seems to be a company that genuinely appreciates the natural world around us. Hence, they strive to make products that allow us to enjoy it, and don't simultaneously deplete that very environment due to their manufacturing processes. I understand Patagonia tries to use the most environmentally friendly materials and practises, and invests in research and development to further improve these technologies.
This attention to the environment and detail does come at a price - but that's to be expected. I perceive their gear to be quite pricey. The way I see it is that anybody can pour a drum of oil down a drain for free - it's the ones with a little more conscience that incur a cost to have it disposed of properly.
I'll keep you posted as I try out their gear and learn a bit more...
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