Patagonia R3 Fleece Jacket - Men's - 2009 BCS

I got this jacket as an "around town fleece" but it turns out that I wear it for just about everything now. The R2 is just a little to light for the winter season but this fleece is pefect under a shell for skiing and looks good downtown too. Others say it is a little loose but for me a medium is perfect. 6'1" 170 lbs.

I'm an avid backpacker, and outdoor enthusiast. This R3 is an amazing jacket. I'm 6'4 and 200lbs and a Large fits me perfectly. The sleeves are slightly baggy, but not noticeable. It has an athletic cut to it, and is shaped quite nice for wearing a pack. I've had this jacket 3 weeks now, and absolutely love it. It is heavy enough to be an outer shell if its a cool breezy day, but light enough to be worn as a base layer under a soft shell. I've worn a normal base layer, this, and my soft shell jacket in -10 degree weather, skiing. I never had a problem with being cold. Its stylish enough to wear around Boulder, yet comfortable enough to lounge around the house in all day. By far this is the most comfortable fleece I own. Ive een some reviews that say its too big and baggy in the arms. I would disagree. It fits great. The arms are long... and thats how i like it. I have a difficulty finding jackets that fit my long arm span. The only draw back that Iv'e seen is that it doesn't have a drawcord on the bottom. Fortunatly, my soft shell does... so it keeps the cold from drafting up my back. Thats the only thing I would change about this fleece. For the price, its a great buy. I've had several Colombia fleeces and this by far is the best. It doesn't block 100% of the wind... but it does a pretty great job. Combine it with a soft shell... and you've got yourself a great coat.

Light, highly compressible, very warm, breathable, and excellent fit! The only reason I did not give this 5 stars is because it lacks a hem drawcord and the wrist opening is not adjustable.

Well I grabbed this sucker when it was on sale and I am totally happy with my purchase. The day I got the fleece in the mail our University got smacked with a narly blizzard and R3 performed great in the elements right from the get-go. While it doesn't soak up water like a sponge, it is good for cold to very cold conditions. I have coupled this piece with my Patagonia down jacket and together I was warm in -20C weather.

PROS: Lightweight and very warm. Wind doesn't get through the jacket, even in the sleeves. Looks good. Has a good functional pocket at the chest...good for cell phones and the like.

CONS: It fits me perfect but I would have liked a drawstring around the bottom of the jacket to prevent the wind from sneaking up there when it gets crazy out (I have an older model, and I think they have fixed this problem in the newer version). I would have also liked a pocket on the inside of the jacket for a wallet/keys!

OVERALL: Phenom jacket and I don't have regrets buying it whatsoever. Best uses would be for bombing around campus, around town, and heading out to the bars during the winter!

Forget down. I don't care about the extra weight or space when I think about the warmth and coziness that awaits me with this fleece. Very very warm. Wicks very well too. These combine to create a very comfortable experience, whether hoofin it up for a descent or just chillin. Its pretty classy too which will be sure to score you a few more points with the wilderness women.

I've worn this in single digits with only a long-sleeve shirt underneath and remained toasty. Only negative is no drawcord around the waist. Works very well as an intermediate layer while skiing in cold conditions(wore it under a shell in 5 degrees) and remained plenty warm. Doesn't block wind entirely, but better than my MH monkey man.

This fleece perfomed well on a multi-day alpine hike. Very nice breathability for its warmth/weight. I liked the fit and the weight alot, and it is pretty useful both at altitude and going to work. There are, however, a few things which really put me off about this coat. I do like the fabric/feel of the garment, but the pattern of the fleece makes it look kind of plaid. I like plaid, but not in my fleece. It is really kind of off-putting and I didn't appreciate this in the pics. More importantly, there is no waist draw strap, which leads to the inevitable icy breeze up the spine.
Overall, a great multi-purpose garment with a couple of things that could be improved.

On my 6'0", 165 lb. frame, this "regular" Pataguchi fit is not what I am looking for. My arms a sorta muscular from woodworking and some core training, but the medium bags out and doesn't look good, and wouldn't layer well as there is too much fabric in the arms. Sent it back.

Well, I guess Patagonia designs the "regular fit" for the typical overweight American, if you have an athletic build, unless you're a linebacker, this jacket is cut too big. I'm 6'0", 165 lbs., tried a medium, and want something more form fitting, yet still warm. This is'nt it. I am a woodworker, so my arms are a bit muscular, but the sleeves are huge. Not good for under a shell... Didn't look great either.