The Gear That Takes Us Further

Gear shapes how we move. Visibility isn’t just about standing out, it’s about being seen, represented, and a sense of belonging. Patagonia’s commitment to functional, responsible design allowed me to focus on what truly mattered: connection, reflection, and joy on the trail. Each layer became part of my story, whether it was adapting to weather, terrain, or emotions. It carried me further, both physically and personally in the Pacific Northwest alpine.

Layered Lessons on the Trail

There are many lessons that I have learnt on the trail. I think that one of the most important, yet the most difficult to find, is a lightweight outer layer. Time and time again, I found myself depending on the wrong clothing that wasn’t sustainable for the long run, literally. The Houdini® Jacket, a lightweight outer layer, is the first thing that comes with me, no matter the conditions. Running along mountain ridges that pass through various microclimates, I know I can trust that the protection would keep me moving through wind, and weather. Plus, there is something really special about looking around you, and feeling a part of the landscape when you’re sharing the same colour ways. 

Living in the Pacific Northwest means learning to embrace the elements. Layering isn’t optional - it’s essential to staying warm, dry, and joyful during our damp, windy seasons. Enter the Nano-Air® Ultralight Full-Zip Hoody - an insulated layer that moves with you. It feels like a high-performance quilt: soft, breathable, and made with care. It’s the jacket you can’t leave behind because it carries memories stitched into every seam.

I am a big fan of merino, and I think it would be considered one of my three items I would bring on a deserted island. Not quite deserted, but living on Vancouver Island, a long sleeve merino is one of those staples that everyone should have in their closet. The Capilene® Cool Merino Blend Shirt stands out because you don’t feel the dampness that would otherwise go through your bones. It’s breathable, lightweight, and warm - whether you are actively moving, or finding yourself standing still, admiring the cedar trees, moss carpets, or wildflowers in the Pacific Northwest alpine. 

When the temperatures drop or it’s time to rest and recharge, the Women’s Capilene® Midweight Bottoms are my trusted companion. They’re reliable, comfortable, and form the foundation of my cold-weather layering system.

When I am reaching for something soft, reelable, that is truly ready for anything - I know I can trust the Capilene® Cool Daily Shirt. When I tell you it is ready for sweat, sun or the rain - I mean it. This piece is one that has been integrated into my daily life, work, and when I show up in community. It’s become something that I have made part of my life, and shared it with others.

Finding the right shorts took years, and patience. But when I discovered the Maipo Shorts 8", it was the beginning of a long lasting relationship. Five years later, they’ve travelled thousands of kilometres, weathered countless runs, and never failed me. The color may be sun-bleached now, but the comfort and performance remain constant. Whether it’s the Maipo Shorts or the Maipo 7/8 Stash Tights, these pieces embody what I value most in gear: softness, security, and performance. That’s the best kind of support you can ask for on long days in motion.

Looking beyond gear is a practice of care

Our lives are painted in layers of experience, community, and place. Representation and sustainability are more than buzzwords; they’re acts of care. Every Patagonia piece I wear feels like a hug - from the planet, and from the people who design with intention and responsibility. In the Pacific Northwest, where wild landscapes and weather constantly remind us of our smallness, Patagonia’s design philosophy reflects what matters most: these garments are not just tools for comfort; they’re instruments of visibility, safety, and joy.

By Leah Fulton, Victoria Queer Run Club