Patagonia Classic Retro-X Fleece Jacket

Let's let some pictures do the talking:

The 'Retro-X' boasts a thick 100% polyester (50% recycled) bonded sherpa fleece exterior, managing to block the chill, withstand the work, and still feel soft to the touch.

The "T" stitch from the front is mirrored on the backside.

Fit is not snug (by choice). Think of it as a high-tech cozy cardigan.

Convenient vertical-zipped chest pocket made of nylon with DWR (durable water-repellant) finish. Way bigger than Napolean's. 

L: Zippered handwarmers lined with brushed polyester mesh interior. R: The lining consists of an air permeable, moisture-wicking 100% polyester (50% recycled) warp knit mesh with Polygiene® permanent odour control.

• Windproof membrane bonded between a 100% polyester (50% recycled) ¼"-pile sherpa fleece exterior and a moisture-wicking 100% polyester (50% recycled) highly air-permeable warp knit mesh with Polygiene® permanent odor control interior
• Full-zip jacket with internal wind flap
• Y-Joint sleeves provide better mobility through the shoulders and arms
• Vertical zippered chest pocket made of nylon
• Zippered handwarmers lined with brushed polyester mesh
• Wind flap: 3.4-oz 100% nylon plain weave with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. Mesh liner is bluesign® approved

I’ve had the ‘Retro-X’ Fleece Jacket since the beginning of this past summer. I brought it up to Northern B.C where I was tree-planting for three months. The days were hot, and the nights equally cold. The fleece quickly became my go-to at sundown. It didn’t seem to cling to the smell of campfire too much, and could easily shrug off grass, dirt, and dog hair after an impromptu wrestling session. The weather outside of Prince George was extremely unpredictable. Hail storms and sunshine hit the ‘land’ back to back throughout many work days. I wore the fleece a couple times during these flash storms and it performed surprisingly well. It allowed for more range of motion than my rain jacket, while still effectively repelling rain and hail. Some pit zips would have been nice as working in it got quite hot, but I can’t imagine the jacket was designed for what I was dragging it into. It would dry off quick enough to throw on in the truck on the way home and keep any cool-sweat chills at bay. The summer definitely put the jacket’s ruggedness to the test. Zippers, stitching, and mesh all seem firmly intact.
 
I’m back in ‘Raincouver’ now and still wear the fleece all the time. It has an understated ‘retro’ look to it that is a nice change from some of the flashier gear options out there. I’ve found it puts up with the drizzle most days, allowing me to dodge the hassle of finding a warmer layer to wear underneath my rain jacket. The ‘Retro-X’ fleece is clearly at home in this climate. It feels like it will outlast most of my other gear. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a warm staple that can be both worn in more bush-like and urban settings. I've begun to take it into snowy climes with winter now upon us. 'still a winner.