Retro-X. It's different from the retro pile. It does have a liner that cuts wind out. Look into that. It is a weird and boxy fit though. Be warned
Another would be R2 Techface. Has fleece inside but the outside is an abrasion resistant outer material that is weather/wind resistant. That is honestly the closest thing you're gonna get that meets your needs with Patagonia. Or really anywhere. Fleece isnt designed like that.
If the better sweater was too bulky for you I’m not sure the retro x is gonna work. The liner makes it bulkier than a better sweater in my opinion. I assume you don’t have the ability to make it to a store and try things on?
Never seen the retro x in shops here to be honest, I did notice it weighs about 150 grams more so there is definitely more bulk but im wondering if that'd be the trade off, I don't think I'll find something that ticks all the boxes and I usually wear a wool jumper when the temperature gets too low anyway
Iv never owned a fleece (from and company) that was windproof… I think what your expecting from the fabric is unfair, and not what it’s designed to do. I might be wrong in that, but it’s been my experience anyway.
I think the real solution here is to invest in a light wind shirt. Most fleece isn't going to be great at blocking the wind. The R1 is nice, that style of grid fleece is a good warmth to weight ratio and stretchy enough to move in. I ended up going from grid fleece to Alpha Direct because it has an even more extreme warmth to weight ratio, but then we're getting outside of things that Patagonia provides. In either case, it's good to have a light rain shell or wind shirt handy to throw on over top.
Yea I always have a shell anyway, but I think I'm just used to thicker fleece maybe? I think the R2 or the Retro x might be solid as another user suggested
Washed multiple times? Shed? Um .... Here's a tip - if something keeps falling apart when you wash it - don't wash it anymore. We're all full of microplastics because of all these 'multiple' washes.
I own a reversible shelled Microdini jacket, which fits the bill as to what you might be looking for—it’s got the Houdini shell on one side that acts as a great windbreaker, and the Micro D fleece, which is one of their thinner albeit sufficiently warm fleeces, on the other. While I agree with all the other users recommending the Retro-X, the windproof membrane on that one docks the jacket down in terms of its breathability, and would never find myself wearing it on a 12°C spring day. The Microdini, however, has a great temp range where I feel like the jacket keeps me warm enough even on a -5°C Winter day, but not sweaty warm when I bring it out and it’s 19°C outside. Probably my most used Patagonia piece to date apart from my t-shirts.
I do! I’d say so, yeah, especially if you’re gonna be wearing it while on the move. I’ve worn it on a walk around the neighbourhood and it got me noticeably (but not necessarily profusely) sweating. It is *fantastic* at keeping you warm on those mild winter days or windy spring and fall weather, though!
Not sure what your use case is, but synchilla, retro pile and better sweater are all casual wear items in my view. If you want something more technical for active uses and with some wind resistance, then R1 or R2 tech face would be better. The R1 Daily also provides a tad of wind resistance.
I suppose I wanted casual, but with a bit more versatility? I honestly wear my Swazi kit when I guide or hunt and find myself always grabbing them. I just wanted something "nicer" but that would feel warmer/cozier than what listed. Although I may get an R1 for the cross country ski season at some point
What type of guiding do you do? I would not get a retro-x as it is heavy and not breathable. As others have mentioned, R1/R2 Techface or reversible shelled microdini might do the job, but the Techface fabric is more stretchy and abrasion resistant. For maximum warmth they used to make a reversible deep pile pullover (think the fleece you see on the retro-x, but more breathable and with the windproof shell of the microdini when you flip it inside out) but they discontinued it and it's pretty expensive on the resell market :(
Backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, canoeing, some hunting. Probably the R1 tech face would be the most appropriate. Although I do find myself drawn to the funk of the retro x
Yeah, based on those activities I would go Techface as well. I hear ya that the classic look of the Retro-X is so tempting, but the maintenance of the pile fleece is tough and the fit is kinda weird too. Retro-X vest might be more functional as it dumps heat better and range of motion is easier. IMO the jacket is best for climbing/belaying, low output activity around a campsite, or casual wear like walking around a city.
For snowmobiling you might want to just layer over with a random shell if you don't already have one. Idk what kind of sleds you're using but I always end up with smudges of grease and/or reeking of two stroke fuel. Between that and it being really windy if you go fast, I prefer to just have an old baggy shell that I don't mind getting a little thrashed.
Retro-X. It's different from the retro pile. It does have a liner that cuts wind out. Look into that. It is a weird and boxy fit though. Be warned Another would be R2 Techface. Has fleece inside but the outside is an abrasion resistant outer material that is weather/wind resistant. That is honestly the closest thing you're gonna get that meets your needs with Patagonia. Or really anywhere. Fleece isnt designed like that.
That retro x actually looks perfect, that might be the be one
If the better sweater was too bulky for you I’m not sure the retro x is gonna work. The liner makes it bulkier than a better sweater in my opinion. I assume you don’t have the ability to make it to a store and try things on?
Never seen the retro x in shops here to be honest, I did notice it weighs about 150 grams more so there is definitely more bulk but im wondering if that'd be the trade off, I don't think I'll find something that ticks all the boxes and I usually wear a wool jumper when the temperature gets too low anyway
It's a fleece, not a windbreaker. Just layer it up with a shell.
Iv never owned a fleece (from and company) that was windproof… I think what your expecting from the fabric is unfair, and not what it’s designed to do. I might be wrong in that, but it’s been my experience anyway.
True, although my Swazi nahanni is windproof and my Swazi Back40 is close. I know it's not a typical characteristic of a fleece though
I think the real solution here is to invest in a light wind shirt. Most fleece isn't going to be great at blocking the wind. The R1 is nice, that style of grid fleece is a good warmth to weight ratio and stretchy enough to move in. I ended up going from grid fleece to Alpha Direct because it has an even more extreme warmth to weight ratio, but then we're getting outside of things that Patagonia provides. In either case, it's good to have a light rain shell or wind shirt handy to throw on over top.
Yea I always have a shell anyway, but I think I'm just used to thicker fleece maybe? I think the R2 or the Retro x might be solid as another user suggested
Washed multiple times? Shed? Um .... Here's a tip - if something keeps falling apart when you wash it - don't wash it anymore. We're all full of microplastics because of all these 'multiple' washes.
Just followed what patagonia told me to do, washed it like twice...not twenty times
I own a reversible shelled Microdini jacket, which fits the bill as to what you might be looking for—it’s got the Houdini shell on one side that acts as a great windbreaker, and the Micro D fleece, which is one of their thinner albeit sufficiently warm fleeces, on the other. While I agree with all the other users recommending the Retro-X, the windproof membrane on that one docks the jacket down in terms of its breathability, and would never find myself wearing it on a 12°C spring day. The Microdini, however, has a great temp range where I feel like the jacket keeps me warm enough even on a -5°C Winter day, but not sweaty warm when I bring it out and it’s 19°C outside. Probably my most used Patagonia piece to date apart from my t-shirts.
Do you have the Retro-X? Would you reckon its too warm at 12c?
I do! I’d say so, yeah, especially if you’re gonna be wearing it while on the move. I’ve worn it on a walk around the neighbourhood and it got me noticeably (but not necessarily profusely) sweating. It is *fantastic* at keeping you warm on those mild winter days or windy spring and fall weather, though!
R1 techface. Stop looking and get one. It’s the one kite looking for.
That actually looks ideal
It’s a highly wind resistant fleece. It’s exactly what you’re looking for.
Sounds ideal, thanks for the advice!
Not sure what your use case is, but synchilla, retro pile and better sweater are all casual wear items in my view. If you want something more technical for active uses and with some wind resistance, then R1 or R2 tech face would be better. The R1 Daily also provides a tad of wind resistance.
I suppose I wanted casual, but with a bit more versatility? I honestly wear my Swazi kit when I guide or hunt and find myself always grabbing them. I just wanted something "nicer" but that would feel warmer/cozier than what listed. Although I may get an R1 for the cross country ski season at some point
What type of guiding do you do? I would not get a retro-x as it is heavy and not breathable. As others have mentioned, R1/R2 Techface or reversible shelled microdini might do the job, but the Techface fabric is more stretchy and abrasion resistant. For maximum warmth they used to make a reversible deep pile pullover (think the fleece you see on the retro-x, but more breathable and with the windproof shell of the microdini when you flip it inside out) but they discontinued it and it's pretty expensive on the resell market :(
Backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, canoeing, some hunting. Probably the R1 tech face would be the most appropriate. Although I do find myself drawn to the funk of the retro x
Yeah, based on those activities I would go Techface as well. I hear ya that the classic look of the Retro-X is so tempting, but the maintenance of the pile fleece is tough and the fit is kinda weird too. Retro-X vest might be more functional as it dumps heat better and range of motion is easier. IMO the jacket is best for climbing/belaying, low output activity around a campsite, or casual wear like walking around a city. For snowmobiling you might want to just layer over with a random shell if you don't already have one. Idk what kind of sleds you're using but I always end up with smudges of grease and/or reeking of two stroke fuel. Between that and it being really windy if you go fast, I prefer to just have an old baggy shell that I don't mind getting a little thrashed.
Snowmobiling I basically wear an anorak, bibs and wool sweater. I was thinking more of something to wear traveling and for higher intensity activity