Logo
    Show
    Hide
    Login
    Close

    SITE LOGIN

    • Forgot your password?

    Register

    Tailgate Industries
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
        • Skis
        • Boots
        • Bindings
        • Climbing Skins
        • Poles
        • Snowboards
      • Clothing
        • Hard Shells
        • Soft Shells
        • Insulation
        • Mid Layers
        • Base Layers
        • Gloves
        • Socks
      • Accessories
        • Safety Gear
        • Goggles and Helmets
        • Ski Touring Packs
        • Ski Boxes and Bags
        • Sleeping Bags - 4 Season
        • Technology
        • Sunglasses
        • Insoles & Braces
        • Books
      • Off-Season Gear
        • Hiking
          • Rain Shells
          • Day Packs
          • Apparel
          • Footwear
          • Safety
        • Camping
          • Backpacks
          • Sleeping Bags
          • Sleeping Pads
          • Tents
          • Coolers / Cooking
          • Furniture / Storage
          • Lighting / Power
        • Biking
        • Paddling
        • Climbing
        • Mountaineering
        • Running
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
        • Gear of the Year Winter 2024-2025
        • Gear of the Year Winter 2023-2024
        • Gear of the Year Archives
      • Best New Summer Gear
        • Best New Summer Gear 2023
        • Best New Summer Gear 2024
        • Best New Summer Gear 2022
        • Best New Summer Gear 2021
        • Best New Summer Gear 2020
      • Holiday Gift Guide
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2024
          • Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Base Layers
          • MSR Explore Revo Snowshoes
          • Fieldsheer Backcountry Heated Jacket
          • Fieldsheer Premium 2.0 Merino Heated Socks
          • MEC Hut Booties and Slippers
          • Arc’teryx Kopec GTX Shoe
          • Arc’teryx Kragg Insulated Approach Shoes
          • Gregory Verte 18 Backpack
          • Grundens Deck-Boss Ankle Boot
          • MEC Northern Light Vest
          • Montec-Scope-Ski-Goggles
          • Mountain Hardware Kor Airshell Hoody
          • Mountain Hardware Kor Alloy Crew
          • Arcade Atlas Belt
          • Dynafit Ridge Dynastretch Jacket
          • Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones
          • Buff Merino Move Multifunctional Neckwear
          • Bootdoc Foot Warmer
          • Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
          • DPS LastBag
          • DPS PHANTOM Glide At-Home Kit
          • DPS Mission Quiver Roller
          • Dragon Amped sunglasses
          • Dragon DX3 Plus OTG photochromic goggle
          • Fuse Lenses Anclote Flashback
          • Garmin Fenix 8 Solar Sapphire Watch
          • Gregory Alpaca Gear Tote 30
          • Hotronic Boot Dryer
          • MEC Aluminum Pot Set
          • Gnara Go There Pants
          • Grundens Shackleton 2.0 Duffel
          • Jones Deeper 19L Backpack
          • Le Bent Core Midweight Crew base layer
          • Leatherman ARC
          • Montane Nordes Hooded Softshell Jacket and Pants
          • Helly Hansen Odin Everdown Hooded Jacket
          • Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0
          • Montec Fawk Ski Jacket
          • Pomoca Free Pro 2.0 Skins
          • Rab Glaceon Pro Down Jacket
          • Rab Khroma Converge GORE-TEX Ski Jacket & Pants
          • Smith Squad MAG Goggles
          • Stellar Guide Aerogel Hybrid Hood 2.0
          • Stellar Ultralight Down Hood 2.0
          • Arms of Andes Alpaca Half Zip & Wool Leggings
          • Cotopaxi Allpa 70L Duffel Bag
          • Giro Taggert Mips Helmet
          • Loonr Hi Flyer Boots
          • Paka Mountain Crew
          • Roll Recovery SUPERPLUSH Classic Shoes
          • Smartwool Smartloft Hooded Jacket and Pants
          • Ortovox Switchback 32 Ski Touring Backpack
          • Cotopaxi Allpa X 3L Hip Pack
          • Giro Sagen Ski Goggle
          • Icebreaker Ski+ Over the Calf Socks
          • MEC-Fireside-Fleece-Snap-Pullover
          • Montec Roast Mittens
          • Mountain-Hardware-Sunblocker-Hoody
          • MSR Titan Kettle 900 ml
          • Tailgate-Industries-The Gondom-Goggle-Cover
          • Wild Country Rope Tarp
          • Bootdoc Race Merino PFI 50 Socks
          • Remind Soles Destin Impact Insoles
          • Kari Traa Rose Baselayer Half Zip Top and Pants
          • Le Bent Midweight Quarter Zip
          • Ombraz Dolomite Sunglasses
          • Ortovox Fleece Rib Hoody
          • Ortovox Merino Thermovent Base Layer
          • Smartwool Intraknit Merino Tech Half Zip
          • Suunto Wing Bone Conduction headphones
          • Sweet Protection Adapter Mips Helmet
          • Sweet Protection Connor Rig Reflect Goggles
          • Zeal Optics Selkirk Glacier Glasses
          • Norrona more flex1 Pants
          • Norrona Octa Zip Hood
          • Norrona Lyngen Alpha100 Zip Hood
          • MEC Deluxe Pillow
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2023
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2022
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2021
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2020
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2019
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2018
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2017
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2016
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • NEWS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
        • Alpine Touring Boots
        • Backcountry Skis
        • Alpine Touring Bindings
        • Backcountry Accessories
        • Off-Season Gear
        • Climbing Skins
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
      • Newsletter
      • Contest
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
      • Clothing
      • Accessories
      • Off-Season Gear
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Best New Summer Gear
      • Holiday Gift Guide
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • NEWS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
      • Newsletter
      • Contest
    Newsletter Signup

    TOP VIDEOS

      HOTTEST REVIEWS


      Hagan Boost 99 POW Skis Garmin inReach Plus Scarpa 4-Quattro Pro 130+ Top Ski Reviews Ortovox Ravine Jacket Scarpa Maestrale RS Boots

      Ortovox
      North Valley Huts
      Avalance Canada
      ROAM
      Fritschi Swiss Bindings
      Search
      • Home
      • »
      • REVIEWS
      • »
      • Clothing
      • »
      • Insulation
      • »
      • 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

      buy backcountry skiing gear

      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.

      Leave a Comment:

      Back to the rest of the reviews.


      Ortovox
      North Valley Huts
      Avalance Canada
      ROAM
      Fritschi Swiss Bindings
      • Terms of Use
      • Privacy Policy

      Copyright © 2023-24 Backcountry Skiing Canada. All Rights Reserved.