SUMMERTIME : The Cut-Rate Outdoors : At Real Cheap Sports in Ventura, customers can get the top-quality Patagonia label for a lot less than the original prices.
For those dedicated to sports and the environment, the name Patagonia represents a beacon of light and a lifestyle. Since 1957, when owner Yvon Chouinard began making pitons, or spikes, for mountain climbers, Patagonia has broadened its scope to manufacturing spirited and functional clothes for the outdoors.
The merchandise is top-quality, the prices a touch high, but devotees of this label can turn to Ventura, where Patagonia’s only California outlet store offers healthy price breaks. Real Cheap Sports is well worth a drive up Pacific Coast Highway.
The inventory consists of factory seconds, close-outs and overruns. There are always specials, usually out-of-season items, sprinkled throughout the well-organized store. A woman’s drop-seat ski shell from the ’93 Patagonia catalogue, listed for $240, was $75. A unisex insulated fleece-lined cold weather jacket that was $210 in the same catalogue was marked $69.
For items from the current spring-summer catalogue, factory seconds offer the best buy. The flaws are minimal, such as a slight discoloration that is all but invisible. Such is the case with Synchilla Snap-T long-sleeved, snap-collar tops that usually sell for $59.50, but due to a slight flaw, they are $29. The colors are great, especially the deep green.
The seconds in women’s Bali boxers--full, loose-cut shorts that look like a skirt, have a two-button side closure, on-seam pockets and an additional inside pocket for a wallet or keys--are in the catalogue for $44. With flaws we never could find, the boxers are marked down to $21.
Patagonia sportswear tends to be classic, understated and overbuilt. To quote from the current catalogue: “You don’t need to sacrifice function and comfort just to look good.” When you examine the construction of the garments, you will find double-needle top stitching to strengthen seams and minimize wear at stress points. Runners (and astronauts) love the silk-weight Capilene underwear that helps you stay cool and dry in the heat and prevents evaporative heat loss in the cold. It’s a great first layer anytime, and when it’s at the outlet, it’s a fast mover. The retail price is $24, outlet price is $16.50.
There is serious outdoor stuff too. An ocean smock for off-shore sailing is reduced from $265 to $87.50. For white-water rafting or kayaking, there’s the Nemo DryTop with Latex neck and wrist gaskets for $129 instead of $195.
Shopping at Real Cheap Sports is serendipitous--you never know exactly what the stock will be, but it’s always a pleasant surprise.
If you can’t make it to the outlet, still order the catalogue (there’s also a kids’ edition), which describes many of the company’s services and environmental pursuits. With Patagonia’s Earth Tax, 1% of sales are pledged to the preservation and restoration of the natural environment.
* Geri Cook’s Bargains column runs every Friday in Valley Life!
WHERE TO SHOP
What: Real Cheap Sports.
Location: 36 W. Santa Clara St., Ventura.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Saturday, till 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Cards: Discover, MasterCard, Visa.
Call: (805) 648-3803. To order a catalogue, call (800) 336-9090.
