This is an excellent jacket. I enter this review because of the initial review which disfavors the coat. I have have several fleeces, most by North Face. The Patagonia retro is a great jacket. I have used it on many 14er's here in Colorado. It interiro mesh does provide som e modicum of wind protection, but is not anything like a shell or Windstopper. For me, this looser fit and long sleeves make this a "homey" technical peice-it layer great, and is extraorinarily warm under a shell-as observed, often too warm. Its great for climbing because it is eay to vent, zippers do not snag or bunch (like my overpriced technical Nroth Face coats-which have thier place as well) is easily as warm as the bipolar 300 fleece. The pokcets are easy to use. And in camp it feels more like a nice heavy wool sweater-looser, warm, non confining. the cuffs are boiund to reduce wear. I too never regret having paid full price for this peice. It is great for backpacking, climbing, and looks great with jeans in the city as well. best quality. very simple design, long sleeves, high collar, durable. Not that techno look, but a great and useful item. nuff said.

Customer Service

Patagonia is an honorable company. I had a vry old pbackpack from a company which Patagonia acquired. It blew out badly at the shoulders after years of hard use carryin climbing iron and law schools books(heavier still!!) they replaced the pack, no problems and with grace and a desire to retain a customer. Good folks.

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I am only writing this as a response to the previous post. This "jacket" is a insulation layer and in this capacity it is one of the best. I have used it in conjunction with Gore-Tex jackets in very cold temperatures and have found it to be extremely warm. In fact its warmth is often too great and needs to be vented. This is where not having the wind-stopper is a great benefit. This is a technical piece which is a great layer when used with a capaline shirts and Gore-Tex shells. It breaths well and wicks moister away from the body making it an ideal insulation layer for heavy activities.

It is expensive but it is one of the only items I have which I paid full price for. I have never regretted that decision.

I don't feel like this jacket is worth the $165 price tag. The fit is boxy and uncomfortable. The inside liner does not promote good layering, as it is creats lots of friction. Above all of this, the jacket is not warm at all. Even though it is lacking a windproof barrier, I would have expected more warmth and some wind bocking. For the money, spend the extra $30 and buy the retro-x, which includes the windproof membrain and a better fit..

Customer Service

Patagonia's customer service is great.

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I just recently purchased the Arc'Teryx Gamma SV jacket. It is made from the Powershield fabric, which is slightly water resistant/stretchy/and warm. This jacket is great, especially for areobic activities.