I bought my current exp. weight top at an outlet sale. I almost returned it because I didn't think I would use it. I use it almost every week. It is great as a insulation layer for hikes or, in conjuction with other layers, skiing. I like to wear it around town and to work (I am wearing it right now). I like to use it with the Velocity shell because it is lighter than a regular jacket and pretty warm. the high neck really helps keep the heat in. While it is easy to overheat with this top, don't underestimate its versatility. especially in conjuction with the midweight top and a shell. The only thing I don't like about this pullover is there is no pocket (although the only time I miss the pocket is when I am skiing, then I usually have a shell or a vest). If this wasn't so cheap, I think the Activist top would be a better, more versatile jacket or maybe the new R1.

Customer Service

Patagonia custumer service rocks.

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I have an Adidas jacket that is about the same weight but the collar doesn't go as high but it does have a breast pocket, which really makes a difference.

For me, This is the ultimate garment. I take it with me on every backcountry outing, no matter how hot or cold the conditions. Because it's capilene, it functions better at wicking and evaporating perspiration than any other fiber. So I cannot imagine a better fleece than this one. Even in hot weather I use this shirt. If I have to wear a shirt (because sometimes I don't feel like looking like a bare-chested neanderthal/redneck), the capilene wicks the perspiration away so quickly that I stay dry, even though I might be too warm for the conditions. I'll be hiking through a town, putting out gallons of sweat, but every bit of it evaporates away before I even notice it. An interesting side-effect of the fleece is that it allows air between my back and pack, so that even when my back is sweating profusely, it stays dry. More sweat would collect if I didn't wear the shirt!

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Patagonia Midweight Capilene Zip-T

The expedition weight fleece Zip-T is a really great top. It doubles perfectly as a layer, or just as a top itself. It looks great, the fleece is very comfortable, and it is breathable. Also, the material doesnt hold water. When flyfishing up in British Columbia my sleeves would often get soaked, and everything but my expedition weight Zip-T stayed wet.

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Patagonia lightweight top

Patagonia Capline is the king of underwear! This is another piece that comes along most of the time. In the warmer seasons, a windshirt and this fleece are plenty for sitting around camp, and in the winter it makes a glreat layer under the down while sitting around camp. I have a couple other similar pieces made by no-name companys and I have to admit the Patagonia really is alot more comfortable/functional, and worth the extra $!

Customer Service

A high quality company that stands behind its products

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Wickers and Campmor exp. weight. (just not as comfortable)

I love this one, both as a midlayer or even baselayer and when worn as outer layer. I have cycled, hiked and snowboarded in it and every time I'm surprised at how 'just right' the warmth is.

I'll probably buy a second one.

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None

If you like Patagonia's expedition weight undershirts--which I do very much, take a look at their el capilene pullover, which is classified as a kayaking piece, but it's of the same fabric (and also the same as Patagonia's el capilene jacket).

I thought this was a near perfect lightweight fleece for skiing until I recently got an R-2 flash pullover which is absolutely heavenly.

Anyway, the el cap pullover is like a v-neck sweater with a zipper going down to the chest seam. Without a collar, it doesn't get too constrictive up top when you're layering an undershirt, a heavier fleece, a parka, etc.

There's a mesh chest pocket which is handy for storing sun glasses, cigarettes, etc., and the back is cut longer to tuck into pants. The hem and cuffs are finished with lycra.

Warm for the weight, stretchy, quick drying, and oh so soft. Buy it.

Customer Service

Puts every one else to shame (quality of service and repairs, political and evironmental consciousness). TNF almost declared Chapter 11 this year, and Patagonia has lost money only in 1991. Obviously, good customer service doesn't have to come at the expense of profits.

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Kenyon, Marmot, Really old Patagonia Expedition Weight Polypro--it really pilled.

Patagonia’s capaline underwear is the greatest thermal underwear that I have ever tried. I originally purchased it to use while duck hunting in the Great Lakes. They have kept me warm while in a duck blind in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in November. I have also used the expedition weight as a layer under my ski shell for extra warmth on those days when I would have normally stayed home. I have even used the lightweight as an insulation layer under a spray-jacket while white water rafting in Northern Maine. I now have all weights and boxers that are capaline. I swear by them. It is the greatest investment that you can make. It will keep you warm and comfortable.

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None

I love the Zip-T type, great for ventilation, layering, wearing during sports, or as a normal shirt. I get them very big so the Zip-T neck isn't close to my neck. The womens version is sized way too small still!
I used to really love the old unisex Expedition weight from 1988 or so! It was tough and smooth on the outside and soft on the inside.
I bought a newer 1995 fleece and it fell apart, getting holes in it after 3 washings. Probably just that one, as many people are happy with the new version.

Customer Service

I have been buying Patagonia mens and womens products for 16 years, and have been happy with the merchandise overall.
But I do have big concerns! What upsets me most is the return policy and how they claim just send it back! I used to have no problem sending things back,say when the elastic from a pair of expedition weight underwear lost its zing in one winter or the elastic lost it in their Baggies shorts. They sent me a replacement back pronto or my money back. But recently, they won't take back things I buy. I bought about 8 silkweight capliene shirts in different colors. I only tried them on and didn't like some of the colors on me, so I washed them and returned them. They were in totally perfect condition! They then sent me back the shirts and said they would not refund my money. The next year, I bought a Patagonia R3 mens jacket and discovered a design problem with the pocket design,where the zipper caught on the inside pocket material, preventing the pocket from being unziped. I returned it and they wrote a nasty letter to me to say they prefer me not to do business with them anymore! Can you believe that?
The other complaint I have is that their womens sizes are too small! I need XL to even think about buying their tops! I end up buying unisex.

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Bought during 1987-1989: Expedition weight underwear: W's leggings, Zip-T's, Wallace 3 button L/S : Excellent and Tough!!! Navy color and Bright blue my favorite colors for women styles.

But: 1995 Expedition Weight Underwear Zip-T fell apart within 3 washings! Sent back, got refund no problem.

1997 Midweight Capliene underwear: W's XL Zip-T's :Excellent. Colors so-so for women.

1995-2001 Silkweight tanks, Long sleeve Crews, excellent, durabable, but colors so-so for women. Excellent.

W's Baggies shorts: light, easy drying, durable, elastic used to loose it too soon on a pair bought back in 1990.

Bought Stretch Midweight Capliene underwear, and still have them 6 years later in great condition! I love them! Warm,stretchy, comfortable to wear all the time, and durable!
But they don't make Stretch Midweight anymore that I can find! Isn't that always what happens!

This top is great to have as an emergency top when the weather gets a bit nippy. Feels good next to the skin (no irritable seams or rigid threads used like in other insulating tops). Excellent under a parka when skiing.

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North Face insulating underwear