Extremely soft and comfortable to wear. The grid pattern seems to really work at trapping warmth inside while still letting moisture escape. Opening the two breast pockets allows for ventilation when too warm. Not very windproof, however. You need a shell if the wind is blowing. I would have preferred cuffs with elastic or velcro closures so I could cinch them tight. Very easy to zip-in and out of the Liquid Sky Jacket; good combination for cold/wet weather.

Customer Service

Typical excellent customer service - a Patagonia hallmark.

Similar Products Used:

Patagonia Synchilla Jacket, L.L. Bean Polartech Fleece Jacket, wool sweaters.

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I bought my R3 in the fall of 2000, it served me very well all thought the blustery KY winter. I can’t really add much more to the R3 than what has already been said, I just wanted to cast my vote in favor of it. Where else are you going to find a wind resistant fleece that is a good insulator as well for less than $150?

Customer Service

i bought my R3 from patagonia.com, it arrived in less than a week.

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I got this jacket to add to my patagonia superpluma shell it works fantastic in fact it is too warm in most conditions. All alons this fleece insulator is tosty warm down to conditions as cold as 0 to 5 degees F. and with some type of layer such as capilene or bergilene under it you can go even colder. It is super soft and has stayed that way through many washings. I have even stuffed it into its own pocket and used it as a pillow on my last mountain trip. Bottom line is it fits well stuffs small and keeps you super warm.

Customer Service

When buying my superpluma I also ordered a essential jacket for my wife somehow in ordering online a double order went in. 3 days later I got 4 coats it would have been nice if i hadnt been charged for the extra 2 but I was. One call to the company and they said I could bring them to the local store and they would credit me no questions asked and thats just what happened.

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WOW! After wearing this thing ceaselessly for almost 2 winters, it's time I sang its praises form on high! Extremely warm when you need it, but breathable and light enough to tote around on warmer days. Absolutley indispensable on dayhikes in cold weather, often I need little more than this jacket and a good long-sleeved t-shirt down to 30 degrees (assuming you're constantly moving). The softeness fades a bit after a while (what doesn't?) but almost all of it can be recouped with a washing. Zippers are great, mine snagged today for the first time in about 200 wearings. I have long arms, and the sleeves don't ride up when I'm reaching for something, a big plus in my book. One gripe, though- the pockets are mesh-lined on the inside, and I've found them to be a tad chilly on breezy days. This can easily be solved by donning a pair of gloves or zipping the pockets closed, but I wish they were lined w/ patagonia's great fleece on both sides. I completely agree with the reviewer who said to layer this with a cheap shell for all the weather protection you'll ever need in the conditions most of us face normally

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I must say that as a retailer i see alot of awesome equipment and i see alot of crap. And once again Patagonia produced another wonderful peice of technical outerwear. Though i will warn you this is not for the warm blooded, or for general wear in a cool climate, this is for the COLD. That or tourism ina cool climate when you are not moving around.

Customer Service

Patagonia is the best to work with, got a problem, they fix it as fast as possible.

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In cooler weather, I don't go anywhere without my R3 because it is such a versatile piece. It is light, moves with you, is warm, dries easily, and can be used in layers or by itself. Patagonia has found a perfect blend of comfort and function in the R3.

Customer Service

Friendly people

Similar Products Used:

Various TNF polartec and down insulation jackets.

I work part time at a local outdoor retailer, so I usually don't get too excited by new fleece products. The Patagonia R series did sort of make me gush the first time I laid a hand on them,however. I quickly had in my posession a R1 pullover and R3 jacket. The first thing I noticed about the R3 jacket was its densely woven fleece, much different than 300 weight or bi-polar. This dense insulation is just as warm as any "heavy" weight fleece. Its density also helps keep drafts out while the stategically placed stretch panels allow freedom of movement and ventilation. Leave the windstopper at home, take a light shell, layer properly and you've got one lightweight and warm system with Patagonia's R series

Customer Service

This company just rocks. Patagonia is just as dedicated to helping their customers as they are the environment. I have had nothing but pleasant and informative experiences with company representatives.

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I have used all kinds of fleece from different companies and the fleece all came from Malden Mills. The R series was also co-developed with Malden Mills and Patagonia. This latest generation of fleece from Malden Mills and Patagonia is absolutely the best anywhere. Any one who practices the " light is right" attitude would do well to buy this jacket, as well as the R1 and R2. These are the warmest tops for their weight, wick well and feel oh so good.