Patagonia Midweight Capilene Men's Zip-T

Review Date
April 22, 2002

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 3 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Chris 55(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from New Orleans

Price Paid:  $43.00 at Pacific NW Outfitter

Summary:
its a great top, i use it primarily for early morning runs in chilly weather. i usually will wear it a week in a row(atleast) slipping it on for my 45min. run then just cast it aside when im done.

it keeps me warm when im stretching/getting warmed up and wicks well once ive started.

the pros for me: doesnt stretch out(when worn daily with exercise and sweat). as of yet hasnt pilled at all. i also havent noticed odor retention at all, most likely because although i sweat profusely in it, it has about 22hrs to air out between vast majority of wearings.

my only complaint is that it could use a tighter turtle neck as well as better craftsmanship in top of neck, its all uneven and in my opinion shoddy-looking.

if your wondering whether to spend $48 on an undershirt keep in mind that this undrshirt is as close to bombproof as undershirts get. it also is very stylish and goes well with jeans/khakis,(mine are dark colors), and it would serve double duty as great clubbing/dancing gear in colder climates because of non-restrictive warmth and superior wicking abilities. remember that most technical gear looks quite ghastly off the trail, not so with most of patagonia.


BIGGEST PROBLEM WITH THIS PIECE -- it is Hecho en Mexico. i was quite taken back by this. i expect this from north face and other heartless, godless corporations, but patagonia??? all my other patagonia pieces are made in usa so what up with this? theyre all into organic cotton and buffalo shiite over pesticides and a thousand other noble cause i support as well, but why are they taking advantage of nafta and selling out the American worker. not to mention the underpaid, overworked, amphetamine fed, bathroom break deprived Mexican workers. i hope this is an anomoly and not a trend or a change in policy.

in their trippy catalouges they encourage us to write letters to every tomas, ricardo and geraldo out there - its time we start writing letters to patagonia.

Customer Service:
cant say...

Similar Products Used:
LW Tops
MW Bottoms
R4 Jacket
etc...

Review Date
November 7, 2000

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Hunter(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Pinehurst,NC,28374

Price Paid:  $45.00 at Local Outdoor Supplier

Summary:
This is a very good base layer for all things athletic. I would not recommend this to keep you warm by any means and especially in the wind. The little holes in the fabric help with breatheability but they hold no defense against wind.

If you are considering a colder climate, buy the expedition weight fleece and wear a three-layer jacket. The midweight does however work well with the "clothing systems" that patagonia promotes.

Also consider the MH ZeO2, or the EMS base Layer

Customer Service:
None, there has been no problems with any of the three shirt as of two years of extreme abuse.

Similar Products Used:
MH ZeO2 (four of them) and EMS Bergelene(two of them)

Review Date
June 17, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Chris(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Arroyo Seco, NM

Summary:
This has to be the most versatile top/base layer out there. It rules for extended high altitude trips, choose it in a light color and it makes the best base layer for Summer mountaineering/backpacking, etc. it wicks moisture very well, dries quickly after you've taken your pack off, has the advantage of the zip neck for changing levels of exertion/temperature range... I take two of them with me on trips and never have to think about what to put on in the morning. Of late I used the zip-t with the new Patagonia R-1 pullover, it was "love" at high elevations and chilly morning/evenings around camp. Patagonia's really gotten their act together and set the standard for "light and fast", this stuff really works! Five stars!

Customer Service:
I've gone into detail before... It's Patagonia - OK?

Similar Products Used:
Marmot driclime, which I still like very much for it's better tailoring. (for my tall, slender physique)

Review Date
February 20, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: islander(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Vancouver,BC, Canada

Summary:
This is a great base layer top that really does wick moisture well. Also it doesn't skink as bad as other synthetics once it gets sweaty. The quality is first rate. The stitching is holding up nicely after many many uses and the seams are well-finished.

Review Date
February 8, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Saul Jimenez(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Palo Alto, CA

Summary:
I really like this weight. It is very versatile. It is a little bit expensive but it lasts forever! I use this for biking, running, skiing,rafting/kayaking and sometimes as a light insulation layer on warm days. Can't say enough ggod things about it.

Customer Service:
Patagonia customer service rocks!

Similar Products Used:
I have the lightweight and expedition weight tops but I think this is the most versatile.