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    • Patagonia Men's Classic Retro-X Fleece Jacket

    Patagonia Classic Retro-X Fleece Jacket

    The Patagonia Retro-X fleece takes the name "classic" honestly. The model has been around for decades (literally). They are distinctive in that the fleece pile is so long, they almost look like wearers  have a sheepskin on their backs. But they don't.

    By now many of us are familiar with Patagonia’s exploits in environmental and social responsibility. If not, we recommend checking out their range of programs funding bottom-up environmental activism, and their conscious approach to materials and manufacturing on their website. I’ll mention that 100% of Patagonia’s online/offline sales on Black Friday (whenever that was is for you) were donated to grassroots organizations - if you feel like giving a purchase of yours a little more positive sway out there.

    We have reviewed many items from Patagonia on the site. For a sampling, look to our impressions of: the Patagonia Northwall Softshell Jacket, the Refugitive Jacket or the Patagonia Black Hole Snow Roller.  

    Patagonia Retro-X Classic Fleece Jacket

    Here is a full-view shot of the fleece on another dreary day in the Pacific North-West. I'm around 6'1, 165lbs and wearing a size Large. Don't worry--there's snow in the mountains.

    Patagonia Retro-X Classic Fleece Jacket
    SHOW THE REST OF THE REVIEW / PHOTOS / VIDEOS

    Let's let some pictures do the talking:

    The 'Retro-X' boasts a thick 100% polyester (50% recycled) bonded sherpa fleece exterior, managing to block the chill, withstand the work, and still feel soft to the touch.

    Patagonia Retro-X Classic Fleece Jacket

    The "T" stitch from the front is mirrored on the backside.

    Patagonia Retro-X Classic Fleece Jacket

    Fit is not snug (by choice). Think of it as a high-tech cozy cardigan.

    Patagonia Retro-X Classic Fleece Jacket
    Convenient vertical-zipped chest pocket made of nylon with DWR (durable water-repellant) finish. Way bigger than Napolean's. 
    Patagonia Retro-X Classic Fleece Jacket
    L: Zippered handwarmers lined with brushed polyester mesh interior. R: The lining consists of an air permeable, moisture-wicking 100% polyester (50% recycled) warp knit mesh with Polygiene® permanent odour control.
    Patagonia Retro-X Classic Fleece Jacket
    Patagonia Retro-X Classic Fleece Jacket
    Patagonia Retro-X Classic Fleece Jacket

    Features:

    • Windproof membrane bonded between a 100% polyester (50% recycled) ¼"-pile sherpa fleece exterior and a moisture-wicking 100% polyester (50% recycled) highly air-permeable warp knit mesh with Polygiene® permanent odor control interior
    • Full-zip jacket with internal wind flap
    • Y-Joint sleeves provide better mobility through the shoulders and arms
    • Vertical zippered chest pocket made of nylon
    • Zippered handwarmers lined with brushed polyester mesh
    • Wind flap: 3.4-oz 100% nylon plain weave with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Mesh liner is bluesign® approved

    Verdict:

    I’ve had the ‘Retro-X’ Fleece Jacket since the beginning of this past summer. I brought it up to Northern B.C where I was tree-planting for three months. The days were hot, and the nights equally cold. The fleece quickly became my go-to at sundown. It didn’t seem to cling to the smell of campfire too much, and could easily shrug off grass, dirt, and dog hair after an impromptu wrestling session. The weather outside of Prince George was extremely unpredictable. Hail storms and sunshine hit the ‘land’ back to back throughout many work days. I wore the fleece a couple times during these flash storms and it performed surprisingly well. It allowed for more range of motion than my rain jacket, while still effectively repelling rain and hail. Some pit zips would have been nice as working in it got quite hot, but I can’t imagine the jacket was designed for what I was dragging it into. It would dry off quick enough to throw on in the truck on the way home and keep any cool-sweat chills at bay. The summer definitely put the jacket’s ruggedness to the test. Zippers, stitching, and mesh all seem firmly intact.
     
    I’m back in ‘Raincouver’ now and still wear the fleece all the time. It has an understated ‘retro’ look to it that is a nice change from some of the flashier gear options out there. I’ve found it puts up with the drizzle most days, allowing me to dodge the hassle of finding a warmer layer to wear underneath my rain jacket. The ‘Retro-X’ fleece is clearly at home in this climate. It feels like it will outlast most of my other gear. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a warm staple that can be both worn in more bush-like and urban settings. I've begun to take it into snowy climes with winter now upon us. 'still a winner.

    PROS:

    • Rugged build allows for wide range of work/activities
    • Warm, wind resistant, and water repellent
    • Subtle retro stylings
    • Allows for good range of mobility

    CONS:

    • Pit zips would make the piece a little more breathable
    • $239 ultimately seems a little pricey for something that may not quite be the be-all and end-all in colder temperatures

    SPECS:

    Price: $239
    Sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
    Colours: Black, Feather Grey, Industrial Green, Natural, Navy Blue, Pine Stamp
    Weight: 773 g (27.3 oz)

    RATING: 8.5/10

    Fit/Mobility                       2/2
    Packability                        1/2
    Warmth/Breathability        1.5/2
    Weight                              1.5/2
    Quality/Price                     1.5/2

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    Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation. You'll need to login or register before you can comment but it only takes a few seconds, then you're good to go.

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