Sustainable Heritage Layers: PATAGONIA Retro X Fleece

[@verykeen2please]

Had my karrimor fleece so long it was actually a proper company and made in the UK I have largely moved away and into wool, (just dont wash it!!! if it pongs, just hang it on the line) Glad to see you have gone recycled and this will keep you toasty warm and you can make friends with Shaun haha - good review again, keep em coming

[@brycecrousore1985]

The best days are the ones you check in with KZbin and there's a new Devon Reviewer video! Thank you.

[@DevonReviewer]

Thanks Bryce

[@3bwinn]

I just purchased this fleece. Thank you for your review as it’s made me confident about my choice.

[@thanasisfergadis6055]

How much did you get it for?

[@grayandbleu]

so excited youre posting again!! my fav youtuber for sure :)

[@DevonReviewer]

Thanks!

[@Pearceptive]

I have the retro pile fleece in Black from them and its an essential part of my wardrobe. the only issue i have is the cuffs have started to come away from the pile material. its a belter though!

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

I bought my first fleece tops (and trousers) back in the mid 1980s (Mountain Equipment) and a large amount of Patagonia clothing that I started buying in the late 1980s. I have had an embarrassingly large number of fleeces since then from many brands, including half a dozen "windproof" fleeces. I currently own about 20 Patagonia garments ranging from trousers, to gloves to down jackets, capilene base layers and synthetic insulated jackets and have owned a fair number of their conventional fleeces over the years. One of my favourite companies. However, I think windproof fleeces are a bad idea from experience of using them The reason is that this Retro X, like most windproof fleeces is effectively the equivalent of having a waterproof membrane (Goretex etc. ) in between the fleece layers , which in practical terms is not very breathable (even the best waterproof membranes pass about 30% of water vapour if you're working hard). While this is not terrible if used as an outer layer it is not great and I'm sure you wouldn't want to wear a proper waterproof on a dry, windy day, particularly if you're quite active. Also having the fluffy, most air trapping, part of the jacket, on the outer side of the garment where heat can be blown away, means these garments are not particularly warm when it is really cold. Particularly as there is this membrane barrier between you and the insulation. And using it as a midlayer with another layer over the top is going to make things much worse in regards to breathability. Whereas with a conventional fleece you get the most insulating part next to the body and if windy you can choose to put a windproof (and thus more breathable) layer over the top. or if it is wet a less breathable waterproof layer, and any trapped moisture vapour will end up on the outer of the fleece rather than against your inner garments. Apologies for the long post but I wanted to explain why these windproof fleeces have a limited amount of cases where they work well. Basically they are good if the weather is not too cold, it is dry and windy and you are not too active. Otherwise there are better solutions and one of the most useful for active situations is a simple, lightweight and relatively cheap, synthetic windproof top as used by runners etc. which can go over a baselayer or a fleece and will be much more breathable than this.

[@DevonReviewer]

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts! This is the first time I have had a windproof fleece, my previous experiences (20 or so years ago) were simple conventional fleeces. First impressions are that the Retro X is very warm but as you say if not breathable this may limit its use... I will report back!

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

@@DevonReviewer I know it is not nice when someone says that they don't think your shiny new thing is a good idea so thanks for keeping an open mind. To be fair I have known a couple of people who got on well with their windproof fleeces so it may depend on the individual. I do though think that a separate fleece and windproof layer over the top is more versatile (and cheaper) and you can use the windproof with different weights of fleece like a microfleece, midweight or heavy weight fleece depending on weather conditions. Standard fleece is relatively cheap nowadays and available from dozens of manufacturers and still amongst the best fabrics for outdoor use despite outdoor brands very much promoting expensive alternatives in order to maintain sales.

[@capngeo2002]

I can see your points if you use it in moderate weather. I am around Chicago, The Windy City, Winters and an eco-guide in Denali NP, AK. When you really use things as designed it's different than a fashion statement.

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

@@capngeo2002 If I was in a Chicago winter I'd be using something like my Patagonia Infurno jacket (which IMHO is the best garment Patagonia have ever produced and a copy of Buffalo garments), rather than this. That has moisture wicking pile against the skin and a weather resistant (but not waterproof) shell over the pile. It is significantly warmer and more breathable than any windproof fleece, and the pile against the skin is the most effective material for wicking moisture away and creating a comfortable micro climate. The fundamental problem with windproof fleece jackets like this is that they are not very breathable and that is just as much of a problem in cold environments as it is in mild (at least until you get down to needing vapour barriers where preserving body warmth trumps everything else). You need the loftiest part of the fleece against the skin and the windproof barrier on the outside so that maximum warm air is trapped and any condensation ends up far away from the skin. This garment achieves none of these things. You may find this works for you but I think there are far more effective solutions.

[@capngeo2002]

@@UnknownUser-rb9pd Knew you would.

[@vasileiosevangelopoulos8600]

can anyone give suggestions for sizing?

[@robertz2809]

I have this in the camo version from a couple of years back. It’s a bit heavier of a piece than most similar fleece and it’s probably less breathable so more appropriate for colder weather. It would be great if they produced a similar fleece but in a lighter version for more moderate temperatures.

[@DevonReviewer]

They do produce the "Retro Pile" fleece which does not have the windproof mesh, it also doesnt have the contrast chest pocket which I found aesthetically pleasing.

[@redesignedlife777]

Wished that wind membrane was softer

[@devinhurt7698]

Personally own this the complaints that I have are : the sticky film the inside of the jacket has it goes away after washing, it pillis easy, I wish it had more fleece kinda looks like they cheaped out/ it looks like its balding, and I wish the lining was more breathable it traps moisture/it gets way too hot and sweaty. So it kinda a winter jacket

[@DevonReviewer]

First impressions are that it is very warm, tried on the Retro Pile fleece; it doesnt have the lining and is more breathable, but I liked the styling of the X more, I will let you know my long term thoughts after come wear!

[@kieron8051]

and how did you get on with it, a year later? just purchased online..... Gone up to £210 now. Thanks@@DevonReviewer

[@alexmitchell5339]

I usually get the Uniqlo versions of these as they're so close to the Patagonia original, but after seeing this I'll likely pick one up. The quality seems a lot better than I originally thought. On a denim side note - I recently had a holiday back in the UK and picked up some Fullcount jeans at Son of Stag in London...what an amazing shop! I know you usually order online from Denimio but have you ever been there for a look around? Love your videos!

[@DevonReviewer]

Thanks for watching... I often check out the Son of Stag webstore, yet to use them but some great stuff! Will try to visit when next passing London.. Rivet & Hide are also great!

[@kenny_finesse240]

I’ve had this jacket and it’s one of my favorites it’s not just a black Patagonia but it’s not a statement piece. I’m just wondering how to wash it? Lol

[@redesignedlife777]

Wash cold and tumble dry LOW

[@ArchdukeTea]

What do u wear under the jacket?

[@loucksm1rpg]

How are the origin boots holding up? Worth a buy?

[@Wattuptrey]

What bold striped shirt are you wearing? Thanks!

[@DevonReviewer]

Its from Bronson Mfg, theres a review on the channel from a year or so ago!

[@Wattuptrey]

@@DevonReviewer awesome thanks!

[@josephbrotherton6814]

I'm 6ft2, about 94KGs, would you reckon a L or XL?

[@monkeysbum999]

Apparently ,the pit to pit of large is 24 inches.

[@kilokal5978]

very helpful

[@jjskn93]

Nearly 200 odd for something that's half recycled? Not very encouraging. Could get something out of wool for less.

[@DevonReviewer]

I am a bit confused as to why you think recycled material is a bad thing or lower value?

[@jjskn93]

@@DevonReviewer my apologies. Perhaps I'm thinking into it too much. I realize that for the fibers to be recycled, someone would need to be paid for the process, but someone must have thrown them out to begin with (provided that's how Patagonia got the material). In that respect, the numbers just seem off to me. I don't think anything recycled is lesser material. I'm all for it, but it all seems off to me, especially when you stack cotton and synthetic fibers against something like wool, which is renewable, better at insulation (even when wet), dries quickly, longer lasting and is flame retardant. But then we'd still end up with the old fibers for landfill. Anyway, the point I was trying to make was that the value of the garment seems overly expensive. It's still nice tho.

[@dark_gravity_edc]

I don't know if it's true or not. I saw somewhere, can't remember video or article, that the founder of Patagonia got the idea for fleece from the toilet seat covers used at the time. Very funny if true.