This is an amazing jacket. I ride a bike to school in the mornings and purchased this to keep warm during the winter. Lately it has been around 10 degrees and I can wear this jacket with a single layer (just a shirt) underneath and I am completely comfortable. The wind lock is wonderful as well. If the temperature is above 30 I start to get warm and have to open the vent pockets. Lightweight and form fitting, this thing is really amazing and I plan on purchasing a new one. Do not mind having sent $225 at all. Best winter purchase you can make, you will not regret purchasing this jacket.

Like most things that try to "do it all" this jacket does nothing perfectly. I really dig it, but it seems like it's trying to bridge too many clothing gaps. It's warm, compressible, windproof and versitile. On the other hand, the cut is off (I'm 6'2" and the sleeves on the large are WAY too short. Plus, the hem likes to ride up when I raise my arms over my head). Luckly the fabric is stretchy, so it moves with me in most situations. It's definitely pricey and I would recommend finding one on Ebay or on sale at a shop. The pockets are big and can hold a water bottle if need be.

Customer Service

Amazing. The best Warranty and Customer Service I've dealt with. Patagonia definitely sets the standard for customer service

Similar Products Used:

None

The looks- sharp, eye-catching, just like most everything Patagonia makes. I have the Fall '01 black w/purple interior. Simply majestic. The details- exacting construction, seams are secure, zippers funciton smoothly, draw cord is tight-easy to work, pockets are roomy but flimsy, elastic at cuffs is snug but comfy, Polartec fabric is smooth to the touch, cozy. The function- although it is a heavier fleece, two layers of fleece combined, it still transfers moisture well but obviously not as quickly as your base layer or standard fleece. This jacket is warm, pointy-tail, stubby horns and pitch fork warm! You can't wear it in 40+ degree weather. The main stated purpose of this jacket is to stop wind and it does that completely- I've been in cold 30-40 mph gust and never shivered. The grumbles- If you buy directly from Patagonia it's pricey- $215.00 and shipping. Ouch! For such a pricey jacket you'd think it would have a wind-flap behind the front zipper to block the cold air that not only comes into the interior of the jacket but causes the pockets to be drafty as well. The fix- buy on eBay. Some people may be put off buying used clothing from strangers but if it's not tighty-whities then it's not a big deal. Wash what you buy and relish the thought of all the dough you saved. Besides, it we want to be enviromentally friendly, buy something that no one is going to use any more, help clean up their space while helping to control the needy fleece coat population in the world. Besides, if you shop smart and stay patient, you can get the deal of a life time just like I did, buying this stellar jacket in NEW condiditon (the factory inspector sticker was still in the pocket) for FIFTY BUCKS!

Customer Service

Haven't needed them.

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Transition Shirt- Mountain Hardwear R4 Vest- Patagonia Synchilla Windproof Jacket- Patagonia

I bought the Patagonia R4 becuase I wanted a wind proof fleece that was leave me feeling like I was wearing just a normal fleece (naturally a wind proof fleece will not breath as well.) I was not disapointed. The pockets act as great chest vents. The jacket fits my body like a glove. And continues to fit well when I am reaching for a difficult hold. This is due to the fact that the jacket streches. It is very warm, and comfotable. The only question that I would have for the people who designed it is. Why is their no windflap under the zipper? This is probably the only flaw of the jacket, and it is minimal. There is a chin flap which is really soft and comfy, but why no the length of the jacket. All around a great jacket.

Customer Service

Great, the people at Patagonia are always ausome.

Similar Products Used:

The North Face (could be better, gone to comercial when it comes to tehcnical clothing)

I had been looking for a fleece jacket that could serve many applications. I heard and read only rave reviews about Patagonia regulator fleece, but when I saw only one review for the R4, I thougt that maybe this was the dud of the group. But then as I was thumbing through old Patagonia catalogues I realized that the R4 wasnt released till Fall of this year. So when I came across it at such a great price in my size and preferred color I decided to take a chance. So far I love the fleece, but be fore warned it is VERY form fitting. I can only comfortably wear a MW base layer and maybe a thin tshirt under it. Ofcourse its form fitting quality make it ideal for climbing and that combined with its lack of bulk(its very thin fleece) make it ideal for shouldering a pack as well. Style is also very high on my list as well. I cannot reconcile paying high end technical gear prices if they dont blend in easlily with my day to day wardrobe. The R4 gets high marks in this category, especially when purchased in solid black. Its a perfect traveling jacket thats equally at home in airports, respectable dining establishments and embassies as it is on the trail or in the backcountry. I came across an equally amazing deal on a Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Tech for only $160, but ultimately chose the R4 because of the style considerations. In my opinion the MHWT fleece fell off the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. Relating to 1st reviewer: I havent had any problems with zippers at all, the mesh pockets dont seem too flimsy to me, although after a few seasons they do seem to be what would wear out first. The collar isnt loose on mine(size M), but it is quite thin, just like rest of jacket, but this makes it perfect for layering it under my Aleutian vest which has thick everything. Bit of Trivia - I have a TNF mountain light shell and while the nuptse pockets dont even begin to flow together, the R4s huge pockets line up perfectly, and I do mean perfectly(Note they are both size Medium) All in all a very nice fleece, will post another review when Ive used it in more extreme/varied conditions. P.S. Value rating is for price I paid, regular price at most every dealer is $200.

Customer Service

No experience.

Similar Products Used:

Lowe Alpine Aleutian Vest(great fleece, very warm, very soft. Patagonia capilene base layers - great products.

Wow! Very light, blocks the wind, warm as toast. It''s even very rain resistant. What else can I say? Under a laminate shell in 25 deg F weather with a long-sleeved cotton t-shirt, it''s very warm, almost to the point of overkill. (I''m looking at some Regulator shells now.) And when I get overheated and sweaty, the R4 gets a bit damp, but dries in a jiffy. The pocket zips and chest pocket vent very well. Ok, here are some gripes: the hand warmer zippers tend to catch, but not regularly, and the collar (XL) is a bit loose (drafty). And the "swiss-cheese" material used for the pockets is the same as the liner, so it appears flimsy and my eventually wear through. Anyway, I''ll be wearing my R4 for a long time... The price was 20% off from $199

Customer Service

Haven''t used yet, but I hear they''re superb.