Although the comfort of this jacket is unparalleled--due mainly to its uncanny ability to fit like a second skin on any body type--its wind protection is deplorable. To pay over one hundrd dollars for a fleece which offers little protection from the elements of late fall and early spring, to speak nothing of winter, may seem ridiculous. But if you havemoney to burn...

Customer Service

Great customer service.

Similar Products Used:

Mountain Hardwear, Lowe Alpine

A great piece. Cut trimmer through the torso (more along the lines of the Arc'Teryx fleece jackets, though not quite as trim) than the older Synchilla jackets; makes it great for layering. It's as warm as BiPolar 200 weight (assuming there is no wind) but much more compressible. No pitzips, but I don't think they are needed. Jacket is a definite improvement over my recently parted-with 12 year old Retro Pile Jacket (BTW,these can bring amazing prices on eBay if you're inclined to sell an old one).

On the downside, wind resistance is minimal. Take a lightweight shell with you if you anticipate anything more than a mild breeze. Price is high in the Patagonia tradition. I found mine on sale at 1/3 off and my value rating is based on that price.

Customer Service

Their customer service department was good the one time I've had occasion to use it.

Similar Products Used:

Marmot, Mt. Hardwear, Patagonia, North Face fleece as well as some no-name cheapies.

Belive it or not I picked this jacket up at a going out of business sale for forty bucks. I wasn't even in the market for a new fleece but, the price couldn't be beat. Anyway, at first glance the R2 is both lighter and thinner than traditional patagonia fleece and it's got more of a "furry" feeling. There are patches of strech fleece on the sides and on the elbows for increased flexibility. It's a good thing because this jacket fits tighter than most of the larges in patagonia's lineup. I'm a tall skinny guy and extra larges fit me in right in length but, I feel like I'm swimming in it. This jacket fits like a glove. It's actually just as warm as regular fleece but, lighter and more compressible. The R2 does a horrible job at shielding the wind but, makes up for it in warmth to weight ratio, compressibilty and fit. I'd give it five trees for overall performance (it's the best fleece jacket available in my opinon) but, three trees for value ($120, retail is far to much to pay for a fleece jacket).

Customer Service

I've never dealt with Patagonia customer service.

Similar Products Used:

I've tried various fleece jackets from REI, Patagonia and Marmot.

I like to do a bit of mountaineering and skiing mainly in New Zealand and occasionally in Europe.
The new regulator fleece is a huge advancement through lightweight, extreme warmth, technology.
I like this mainly because it is not as thick as
Conventional fleece. Colour range of Patagonia
products is another great advantage for the fashion conscious. The price is the only apparent
disadvantage of this unique jacket.

It obviously would not be good value for a day walker but is perfect for activities from overnight walkers to ice climbers.

Customer Service

I have had to use the patagonia garantee but it seems to mesure up to most other manafacturers garantees. i would not purchase a mountaineering product if it did not come with a lifetime perfomance garantee.

Similar Products Used:

Mountain Design(Australia) Storm Windstopper.

The Regulator fleece line has relegated all of my other fleece pieces to the closet. It breathes great and it traps a great deal of heat to keep you warm. It packs smaller and weighs less than comparable jackets as well. One drawback: because the fleece breathes so well it is not windproof at all. But thats what Windstopper or Activent are for.

Similar Products Used:

Bipolar Polartec keeps you just as warm but is heavier and does not pack down nearly as small.

I've worn the R2 as a first layer and midlayer, awesome performance. It dries quicker than other fleece and weighs next to nothing. I love the flap that keeps the zipper off my adam's apple. The stretch panels are showing some wear after three months of use.
Great piece for on the go, constant movement.

Customer Service

Great service and repair, even got a thank you note for having an eight year old jacket repaired.

This product is awesome as an insulating layer. It packs up to nothing compared with other fleece. In addition, it's cut is much more athletic allowing more freedom of movement.

This is an amazing jacket. It is the lightest, warmest mid-layer fleece I have ever worn, with excellent breathability and drying time. Everything Patagonia writes about it in their catalog is true, and the only drawback I have found is without a wind breaking layer, this fleece struggles in any type of breeze.

Customer Service

Patagonia is an excellent company. I have returned items several times and never had any problems.

Similar Products Used:

Campmor, TNF