I have the el capilene pullover, which is classified as a kayaking piece, but it's of the same fabric (and also the same as Patagonia's expedition weight underwear).

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 is also a chest pocket which is handy for keeping sun glasses, cigarettes, etc., and the back is cut longer to tuck into pants.

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

Customer Service

There's no one better.

Similar Products Used:

Most every fleece in every weight made since 1978.

This is an excellent jacket. It is extremely light and thin, but it retains warmth and allows breathability better than most thicker fleece jackets. I wore this jacket over a sweater in freezing temperatures and never got cold. It's a little pricey, but well worth every penny. After a year and a half, it is starting to wear thin on the shoulders because of constantly wearing a backpack. If you are planning on wearing this jacket whenever you backpack, you should consider a North Face Denali or something with padded shoulders.

Similar Products Used:

Patagonia Synchilla Fleece
REI Polartech 200 Fleece Jacket

An excellent piece of gear for layering!
Cosy and packable. Can be washed maaany times
without loosing function or looks

I love Patagonia. In fact, this is probably the only of their garments that I have not been completely happy with. It is made well, holds up better than any other fleece piece I own (no pilling) and fits well. The problem really lies in my expectations for it. It is really not too warm. I keep thinking that, because it's so soft and comfortable when I put it on indoors, that it will keep me warm under my gore-tex shell outdoors. It doesn't. It is a moderate weather piece. Now if I could only remember that...

Customer Service

Patyagonia is flawless in the cust service dept.

Similar Products Used:

Columbia, Marmot. (patagonia is better)