Comments on: Eddie Bauer’s new “First Ascent” line

By: Lany

Lany — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 12:50:06 +0000

I can say as a petite woman that although I love Patagonia stuff, most of it is too long for me. Their down sweater also look awful. I admit that I want the down sweater more for everyday wear and hiking with my dog, but I want something that fits. I love the new Eddie Bauer down sweater in a petite size. I will say that I had to go to the large for every day wear so that I could fit a layer under it. Right now, I am 5’3″ and 140. Losing weight though…

By: PJ Jaime

PJ Jaime — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 03:42:55 +0000

I purchased the EB First Ascent Paradise 1/4 zip baselayer and pants to survive the subzero madness recently in Kansas City. Absolutely the best baselayer I have ever had and the price was good. Tried Patagonia, North Face and Land’s End and this find was a good one. Soft, durable, and most of all, helped me stay warm. -PJ

By: Nickel

Nickel — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 02:45:12 +0000

I changed Eddie Bauer stores long ago, for Patagonia, REI and the similar. But when I was looking to insulate my Patagonia jacket for the Minnesota winter ski season, everything was either puffy or very expensive. In Black Friday, the Serrano cost me $119, that from the insulation, fashion and cost was perfect.

By: Justin

Justin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:16:54 +0000

Hey Chris, thanks for the feedback. Seems like this post has received a lot of comments (granted some are probably PR spam…), so it’s good to hear some add’l real world feedback.

My Patagonia down sweater has the same cut, really boxy. Always figured Patagucci to do a more athletic cut. I’m going to pick up one of the Mtn Hardwear ones one of these days, will let you know how it is.

By: Chris

Chris — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:32:12 +0000

I purchased (online) the first ascent men’s marino baselayer (top and bottom), as well as the downlight sweater (all size M). The downlight sweater is super light, but it is obvious that the company has designed this jacket/sweater for the ‘average’ man, not an athletic one. The cut was too loose and bulky for me. Are all guides fat? Secondly, the baselayers were all off on sizes… the top was too big while the bottoms WAY too small in the waist. Another obvious design flaw is the lack of a cutout (to pee) in the crotch. Who designs something like this with no cutout? Obviously had no input from a real guide/athelete/anyone who wears these things. Sending them all back.

By: John

John — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:17:07 +0000

I get and appreciate what EB is trying to do. Hypothetically, let’s say that their gear lives up to the hype. What I feel is missing is the knowledge from the sales associates. No offense to all the nice soccer moms and bored college girls, but they couldn’t answer any of my technical questions. They will tell me what they have been trained to say, then smile and nod when they run out of a script. If they get some good looking “dirtbags” in their that know their stuff, then you might have something (especially if they lower their prices). For those EB stores that have staff that is well versed in the outdoors, awesome, I hope it filters out to all their stores.

By: Justin

Justin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:32:29 +0000

LOL, are you saying that people on the internet are skeptical? Appreciate the feedback though, it’s always good to have first hand accounts on gear. Report back when you’ve had it for awhile, curious how it holds up long-term – does it keep it’s loft, lose feathers, etc. Looks like a decent piece of gear to my untrained eye though.

By: eliump

eliump — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:28:13 +0000

In anticipation that some on this site might dub me as working for Eddie Bauer in some fasion I wanted to make it known that I have nothing to do with Eddie Bauer or any other PR firm for that matter. I’m a long distance, recreational hiker when I’m lucky enough to be able to do so. (read, able to get blocks of time off my job) I’m kind of a gear freak who, like all others who fit into that category, appreciates fine new hiking/backpacking offerings from whatever company puts it out there for me to experience. I know a lot of people haven’t had the opportunity to try the sweater for themselves so I thought I’d give my take on the downlight sweater.

Elisa

By: eliump

eliump — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:18:38 +0000

I am 5′3.5″ and 130 pounds (female). I ordered a petite medium DOWNLIGHT SWEATER and I am very happy with the fit. The sleeves rest comfortably at my wrists but could be pulled down to my knuckles. The back of the top goes just short of half way down my butt with the front sitting where a low-rise style jean would. The jacket/sweater is clearly cut with the women’s form in mind as I have enough room in the chest and a comfortably flattering waist. With the top on less than a minute I immediately felt its warming properties at work. Weighing the jacket for myself it came in at an almost not there 9 ounces! Out of curiosity I put my Marmot Precip (size s/p) jacket on over the sweater to see if this could be a complete, weatherproof system without causing the down to lose is heat-trapping loft. It worked great! I have not field tested this seemingly wonderful new piece of gear but by all accounts I am extremely pleased with my purchase.

By: Justin

Justin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:37:28 +0000

Slim – you’re probably right. I know when I first wrote an article on the gear some of the referring URLs were from a PR firm that had EB listed on their client list…