This jacket is by far the warmest, softest, most windproof fleece jacket you can own. It won't "do it all" because it's too warm for heavy activity, but when it is blistering cold outside, this is the one to grab. Considering that there are only a handful of truly windproof fleeces out there for Men, this is the only jacket that uses a windbloc laminate sandwiched between two layers of R2 high loft fleece (MHW has the Lynx/Mynx for Women which is similar to the R4). As for sheer warmth, nothing from TNF or MHW will match this jacket. Just keep in mind that like many technical fleeces, this one also comes with pockets placed higher (for backpacking), and it has long monkey arms. Another note is that this jacket is waterproof in a sense that it'll keep water out, but the outer fleece will get wet, so an outer shell is recommended. It fits normal, with room to layer, and I wouldn't recommend sizing down for more technical fit because the torso gets considerably shorter too.

I spent most of my spring and summer skiing while wearing the R4 and have been very pleased so far. When temps get above 50F, it can get a bit warm but the ventilation by the pits certainly help. At times, I think its wind resistance could be better, but I suppose that's what I get for taking this jacket above 13k feet with 40+mph winds. Durability has been top-notch so far and there are no problems to report. I don't have much experience with other fleeces, but will definitely consider the R4 should someone try to steal mine.

This jacket is now lighter and softer and with much better zippers than its predecessor. The Aegean Blue is Beautiful! I'm purchasing it for a trip I'm anticipating to take soon... However, I can't quite decide if I need a Small or a Medium or Aegean or Black...
Bottom Line: There is no other fleece jacket in the market that's better at providing windproof, compressibility, lightweight, durability, stretch, comfort, and is also stylish. ONE issue: I wish they would have placed regular hand warming pockets instead of the "venting" pockets whose purpose is useless for me-(am I the only one?)

I have owned this piece for almost two years now and it never lets me down. Living in MN, windchill is always a factor so you need to have something that blocks the wind. TNF's Denali might be warm around the house, but with the slightest breeze you might as well not be wearing it at all. The R4 cuts the wind and is incredibly warm. I'm a big fan of the higher pockets too, and you don't need pitzips when your pockets double as vents. I am 6'0"/165 lbs and I ordered a Large so I could layer underneath on colder days, though a Medium would have worked a bit better if I wasn't going to layer. With this jacket all you need to remember is to throw a hardshell in your pack in case of rain or snow. Hands down, this is the best fleece ever and I won't buy another one until this one wears out, and then I'll get the latest R4 again!

Great jacket !!!
It is the second purchase.

Great Fleece jacket.... but I'm 6'3, and I got a XXL. But it's just big enough. It does have a give in movement(it does stretch well), but the venting pockets are useless. It is 100 times better than the North Face Denali jacket, and it seems to be A LOT more rugged.overall I give it four and a half stars...

I've owned various top quality fleece jackets over the years, but this one continuous to be my absolute favorite!

It is windproof and toasty warm, the fit is very good (e.g. TNF Denali is way too bulky) and I love the fact that doesn't have tons of "technical features" (just for the sake of it), instead it makes it very smooth and comfy - it easily doubles as a pillow on a flight/while on travel or as a (windproof) blanket for the kids (my 2 yrs old LOVE this jacket).

It is well worth the price - I've had it for about 2 years and it looks/performs great. Definitely a pure best buy!

I know know.. there's been tons of reviews. Why bother? For this sole reason.. To tell you to buy it! You'll love it. You'll never regret it. This is the only jacket I took to Chile to visit the northern edge of the patagonia in the middle of their winter. Worked like a charm. So go ahead.. snag one.

This is the greatest fleece jacket. It is super warm and WINDPROOF. I love it. It keep me warm whether I wear a t-shirt or several layers (t-shirt, sweatshirt/fleece). It is so soft that others just want to touch it. I have had for almost a year and it looks great. I am thinking of getting another one in a different color. I wish they had the same for my daughter. I would buy one for her in a heartbeat.

This is the warmest and most comfortable fleece jacket I have ever owned. I have 2 North Face fleece jackets and neither of them hold a candle to the R4 in warmth, wind resistance, and comfort. It is also less bulky than the the North Face jackets. Worth every penny.

I've owned/used plenty of fleece jackets over the years but this is my favorite - bar none! Toasty warm, holds up great, no added "features" to make it technical just for the same of it - which makes it a much softer/more enjoyable jacket, e.g. it doubles up as a pillow on a flight, (windproof) blanket for the kids etc.

I'd say it is one of the single best all around warm/windproof fleece jackets you can buy!

Have had this for about 2 years now and is always my go to fleece when it's cold as an outer layer and I'm active (too warm when it's get's 50+). It blocks wind like no other fleece and it ain't bad on the eyes. I've got the older version, which is a little bulkier than the current. As a baselayer, I use it for fly-fishing quite a bit, but for skiing, is a little bulky for me and I use an R2 under a shell. My only complaint is the pockets that combine as ventilation. I use my pockets quite a bit, so as a causal wear, can sometimes be a little cold.

Very warm super fuzy and comfy! the chest pocket kind of dangles inside the handwarmer pocket but you'll get used to it quickly. It has a more trim fit then most of the Patagonia items I own (rubi puff, slopestyle hoody, vapor bowl, and primo jackets) to the point I sized up to make sure I could layer or wear it on bluebird days on the hill. Must buy just for the extra rub-downs you'll get when everyone starts asking to hug you.

I have had mine for a few years now. It is really amazing. I am 6-4 215 and the XL fits me perfectly. Looking at this on the internet doesn't do it justice. Its soft and fluffy on the inside and outside. Not stiff compact fleece like all other wind block fleeces on the market. The stretch makes it really comfortable and the breathability is great. I wear this backpacking when the temps are below freezing and usually have it mostly unzipped while hiking. My only complaint is that for some reason it pulls whatever shirt I am wearing down in the back causing it to choke my my neck in the front. It must have something to do with the orientation of the fibers on the lining.

the patagonia r4 fleece is light weight but a heavy weight in cold weather. it is the best jacket i have ever owened.this jacket cuts the coldest wind and protects you from the cold also.the r4 will also breath so it stays comfortable when the temp warms a bit.great piece of gear highly recommended.

I've had this jacket for two years - I wear it nearly every day between November and March, and it still looks as good as the day I got it. I have a 1+ mile walk each way (in Minneapolis) to the bus stop, and it handles everything from +40 down to below zero (even in gusty winds) extremely comfortably. While it isn't designed to be worn in a deluge, it sheds light to moderate rain just fine, as long as you're not out in it for too long.

When it drops to -5 or -10, I switch over to my down jacket, but more so that I can get the use out of that jacket, rather than that this one can't handle it.

It is very attractive, and doesn't look too "sporty" when I wear it to work or out in the evening (mine is dark blue). The vented pockets are in convenient locations, and do a good job of helping to dump extra heat when working too hard.

Ideally, pit zips would extend the comfort range of this jacked another +10 degrees, but that is splitting hairs. This is a great product.

I'm 5'7 175lb athletic frame with wide shoulders, I own a large. Its roomy enough for me to layer another 200 weight fleece under. Sizing is pretty Patagonia standard for mens. Personally I feel the large is a little bit bigger than an ARC large as well as a TNF & MHW Large. Its similar to a Marmot Large in terms of sizing.

Its Patagonia quality and Patagonia pricing. The length is a little longer than I like but overall the jacket is bomber. Blocks out wind very well.

On a recent ski trip where wind chill was (NEG) -40 degrees I wore two 1st layers, 200 weight windbloc pullover, THIS R4, then a GORE-TEX Shell. I was NOT toasty but comfortable enough to ski.

This is the Chuck Norris of windproof fleeces. Nothing else compares. Buy one now.

Out of all the Patagonia's I own, this is the best by far, you won't be disappointed!

Wind? What wind! I wear a light fleece and polo-shirt under this fantastic jacket and feel nothing but comfortable warmth. Plus it fits very well (I wear a large) and looks great...I have worn it under a rain shell w/o feeling confined. It has been a nasty end to the fall season around these parts - temps have been way low and the gusts typically high with winter still around the corner yet the R4 has passed the test for me time and time again already...meanwhile all those trendy northfacers out there in their puffy coats STILL look miserable.

Very warm. Where I'm from in Canada the winter often fall well below -30 C (-22 F). Tried the R3 but exchanger it for the R4. This baby keeps me warm though.

This jacket is exactly what I hoped it would be. I purchased one large in North Sea, and I could not be happier. I am very confident that wearing this jacket as an alternative to my bulky winter jackets will be a breath of fresh air. I was skeptical about the venting pockets after I made the purchase, but honestly, I don't mind. They are the style where once you open them, you can pretty much feel inside the jacket from near the top of your chest to just about where normal pockets would rest. Even though the exterior of the pockets are a little higher up and in on the face of the jacket, I will still use them for car keys and a cell phone when I need to do so. I'll also take advantage of them to keep my hands warm if I'm running from my house to the car or vice versa. If you're purchasing Patagonia, you expect quality; that's what I received. I have read a number of other reviews on many of their similar products, and I am very confident that my purchase was the best decision for me. I live in Southern IL, but our family is from the Twin Cities, so we definitely know what cold weather is, and I plan to use this jacket as my regular primary jacket on any day that is not raining during the cold winter months.

It's worth it. So thermally versatile, it replaces most of my winter jackets. Extremely comfortable! Buy one and you will stride the earth feeling like God's own fuzzball.

Have owned several Patagonia vests and jackets over the years, but this is the warmest. True windbreak, coupled with warm fleece works great riding the DC Metro on chilly weekday mornings and again on weekends in North Jersey. My son wears his in sub-zero mornings at college in Logan, Utah, and my mother claims hers is the warmest fleece she's ever worn. Now I'm waiting for R4 gloves!

This is a great technical jacket that does everything it was designed to do. However, fashionably speaking, worn with the collar turned down so you can see the inside around the zipper, etc. it LOOKS cheap and lays poorly. So, while at this price, none can compare in terms of performance, I will gladly pay a bit more for a better finish in this area. Patagonia, I'll check back with you next year.

Needs a higher (more flared) collar. This one is wimpy and small.