Patagonia R3 Hi-Loft - Men's Review

Likes
This is as cozy and huggable as fleeces get. One female reviewer, when she first saw the yellow one, couldn't help but call it "Big Bird." Stretch panels on the side keep the fit trim and avoid the baggy look without strangling you. The zipper chin guard is great if you've got a beard or a sensitive chin. As always, Patagonia's build and quality is second to none and they're great about recycling.

A big part of Patagonia is the history, manufacturing process, and philosophy behind their gear that is told in Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard. Highly recommended reading.

Dislikes
The fabric's appeal is also its downfall as the zipper keeps trying to take little bites out of the fuzz at the bottom. It's a small thing to manage, granted, but fatigued on a cold night in the dark when it gets stuck and the snow is going sideways? Small things matter. On that note, just as everybody remembers with their favorite stuffed animal, this fuzzy awesomeness might look dingy after getting loved to death. Finally, the long hair collects burrs and seeds like no other and the contrasting chest panels were not a favorite look.

Best Application
Take it cross-country skiing as a warm-up layer in dry, cold conditions. Use under a shell at the resort on frigid hoarfrost missions out of bounds. Cool-weather lounging is perfect, too.

Value
You're going to pay for the quality you get, no question about it, but their ironclad guarantee means you can buy with confidence. Pick up a few extra shifts, skip the morning latte for a while and you've made up the difference.

Other Versions
Patagonia R2 Jacket - Men's and the Patagonia R4 Jacket - Men's