bpw, patagonia is pretty much top of the line. they make great stuff, and back it up with solid guarantees. the other reason Patagonia is so expensive is because they put A LOT of effort into ethics (no sweatshops) and ecological progress - recycled clothing fibers, non-poisonous fabric treatments, non-polluting manufacturing, factories and offices that generate their own electricity, etc. plus they support (with money and manpower) lots of excellent causes around the world. when i buy Patagonia, which i occasionally do on sale, i don't feel as guilty about what went into making the product.