Reviews You Can Rely On

Patagonia R3 Hi-Loft - Men's Review

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patagonia r3 hi-loft fleece jacket men review
Patagonia Men's R3 Hi-Loft Jacket
Credit: Patagonia.com
Price:  $179 List
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Manufacturer:   Patagonia
By Chris McNamara ⋅ Founder and Editor-in-Chief  ⋅  May 25, 2013

Our Verdict

The R3 Hi-Loft was replaced by the updated Patagonia R3 Jacket (new Fall 2013). We've left our original review intact in because the Hi-Loft will likely be on sale for a while. The difference between the two jackets is substantial: the new R3 is 2 oz. lighter and looks a lot better because it's all one color and all fleece (no differential pocket).
REASONS TO BUY
Ridiculously cozy and fuzzy
Stretch panels
Zipper chin guard
Build quality
Recycled
REASONS TO AVOID
Zipper wants to eat fuzz at bottom
Might look dingy after a while
Collects burrs/seed/fog/etc
Chest panel

Our Analysis and Test Results

Original and outdated R3 Hi-Loft review:

Likes


This is as cozy and huggable as fleeces get. One female reviewer, when she first saw the yellow one, couldn't help but call it "Big Bird." Stretch panels on the side keep the fit trim and avoid the baggy look without strangling you. The zipper chin guard is great if you've got a beard or a sensitive chin. As always, Patagonia's build and quality is second to none and they're great about recycling.

Dislikes


The fabric's appeal is also its downfall as the zipper keeps trying to take little bites out of the fuzz at the bottom. It's a small thing to manage, granted, but fatigued on a cold night in the dark when it gets stuck and the snow is going sideways? Small things matter. On that note, just as everybody remembers with their favorite stuffed animal, this fuzzy awesomeness might look dingy after getting loved to death. Finally, the long hair collects burrs and seeds like no other and the contrasting chest panels were not a favorite look.

Best Application


Take it cross-country skiing as a warm-up layer in dry, cold conditions. Use under a shell at the resort on frigid hoarfrost missions out of bounds. Cool-weather lounging is perfect, too.

Value


You're going to pay for the quality you get, no question about it, but their ironclad guarantee means you can buy with confidence. Pick up a few extra shifts, skip the morning latte for a while and you've made up the difference.

Chris McNamara