Field Notes from a Gear Tester

Being a gear tester at Patagonia goes something like this: Kelly sends pieces of gear to whomever he feels will put them through the most rigorous tests, based on everything from where we live and what sports we do, to what aspects of gear we’re especially picky about. [...] Then, we all set out doing what we do best: using the gear hard.

Riddle: How do two gear-testers evaluate three tech tees at once? Answer: Hutchins wears what designers call a 50/50 top, a shirt made from two different fabrics, while Jenny tests out a third option. The 50/50 top is an effective way to compare things like breathability and abrasion-resistance directly side by side.