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Patagonia Classic Retro-X Jacket

Men's Clothing > Jackets & VestsRated: ***** by 107 reviews. Also available for: Women, Boys, Girls, Toddler Girls, Kids

Mountain Gear

Winter warmth doesn't get any more classic than the fleecy Classic Retro X Jacket from Patagonia - or so you thought. You'll stay warm in a layer of thick pile fleece; but not-so-classical windblocking membrane sandwiched between the fleece and an interior, moisture-wicking mesh lining keeps you safe from cold, wintry breezes.

Features:

  • Constructed with 78% recycled polyester and recyclable through Patagonia's Common Threads Garment Recycling Program
  • Keep your credit card or keys in the vertical zippered Supplex chest pocket or the the zippered handwarmer pockets lined with moisture-wicking brushed polyester mesh
  • Move your arms easily in the Y-Joint sleeves that never bind as you bend and stretch
  • While the thick, fleecy outer layer warms you to the bone, the interior polyester mesh liner wicks moisture from your skin so that you're never left feeling cold and clammy
  • Wind doesn't bother you when you back up your defenses with a windproof and breathable membrane sandwiched between the exterior pile fleece and the interior mesh liner

USOutdoor.com

This jacket is for when your morning includes shoveling your driveway, chaining up the van and a quick drive to your favorite hill.

The Retro-X takes both the wind and chill out of windchill. Its windproof/breathable barrier comes sandwiched between cozy recycled-polyester pile and a Capilene® brushed-mesh composite lining. 100% recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program.

Features:

  • Breathable/windproof barrier sandwiched between cozy recycled polyester fleece on the outside and a moisture-wicking brushed polyester mesh lining
  • Common Threads Recycling ProgramU81 g (20.5 oz)
  • Imported.
  • Relaxed fitQ/4? Synchilla® polyester pile (78% recycled ) with brushed polyester mesh lining and a breathable/windproof barrier. slim: Supplex® nylon. 100% recyclable through the
  • Vertical zippered chest pocket
  • Y-joint™ sleeves
  • Zippered handwarmer pockets lined with a moisture-wicking brushed polyester mesh

TetonVillageSports.com

Coaxing your dog into your sleeping bag takes way more effort than slipping into a Retro-X. This thick 100% polyester (78% recycled) pelt hides a moisture-wicking, brushed-mesh lining and a windproof/breathable barrier that cuts cold faster than a tumbler of scotch. With Y-joint sleeves for mobility, a vertical zippered chest pocket and zippered handwarmer pockets. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program.

Features:

  • Breathable/windproof membrane sandwiched between recycled-polyester fleece outer and moisture-wicking brushed-polyester mesh lining
  • Made in Costa Rica.
  • Vertical zippered Supplex® chest pocket; zippered handwarmer pockets lined with moisture-wicking brushed-polyester meshQ00% polyester (78% recycled) ¼"-pile with a polyester brushed-mesh lining and a breathable/windproof barrier. Trim: 3.4-oz Supplex® 100% nylon. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling ProgramV21 g (21.9 oz)
  • Y-Joint™ sleeves

This description was also provided by: Patagonia, Paragon Sports


Massey's Outfitters

Our classic full-featured, eminently windproof fleece piece
Breathable/windproof membrane sandwiched between recycled-polyester fleece outer and moisture-wicking brushed-polyester mesh lining | Y-joint sleeves | Vertical zippered Supplex chest pocket; zippered handwarmer pockets lined with moisture-wicking brushed-polyester mesh
Coaxing your dog into your sleeping bag takes way more effort than slipping into a Retro-X. This thick polyester (78% recycled) pelt hides a moisture-wicking, brushed-mesh lining and a windproof/breathable barrier that cuts cold faster than a tumbler of scotch. With Y-joint sleeves for mobility, a vertical zippered chest pocket and zippered handwarmer pockets. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program.
100% polyester (78% recycled) pile with a polyester brushed mesh lining and a breathable/windproof barrier. Trim: 3.4-oz Supplex nylon. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program


Ramsey Outdoor

The Classic Retro-X Jacket is our classic full-featured, eminently windproof fleece piece. Coaxing your dog into your sleeping bag takes way more effort than slipping into a Retro-X. This thick 100% polyester (78% recycled) pelt hides a moisture-wicking, brushed-mesh lining and a windproof/breathable barrier that cuts cold faster than a tumbler of scotch. With Y-joint™ sleeves for mobility, a vertical zippered chest pocket and zippered handwarmer pockets. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program.

Features:

  • Breathable/windproof membrane sandwiched between recycled-polyester fleece outer and moisture-wicking brushed-polyester mesh lining.
  • Vertical zippered Supplex® chest pocket; zippered handwarmer pockets lined with moisture-wicking brushed-polyester mesh.Q00% polyester (78% recycled) pile with a polyester brushed mesh lining and a breathable/windproof barrier. Trim: 3.4-oz Supplex® nylon. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program.
  • Y-joint™ sleeves.

This description was also provided by: O2GearShop.com (Fall 2009)


Rock/Creek Outfitters

The Men's Classic Retro-X Jacket from Patagonia is Patagonia's classic full-featured, eminently windproof fleece piece. Coaxing your dog into your sleeping bag takes way more effort than slipping into a Patagonia Retro-X. This thick polyester (78% recycled) pelt hides a moisture-wicking, brushed-mesh lining and a windproof/breathable barrier that cuts cold faster than a tumbler of scotch. With Y-joint sleeves for mobility, a vertical zippered chest pocket and zippered handwarmer pockets.
Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program.

Features:

  • Breathable/windproof membrane sandwiched between recycled-polyester fleece outer and moisture-wicking brushed-polyester mesh lining
  • Made in Costa Rica.
  • Vertical zippered Supplex® chest pocket; zippered handwarmer pockets lined with moisture-wicking brushed-polyester mesh
  • Y-joint™ sleeves

Rocky Mountain Trail

Classic full-featured and eminently windproof fleece jacket Coaxing your dog into your sleeping bag takes way more effort than slipping into a Patagonia Men's Retro-X Jacket. This thick 100% polyester (78% recycled) pelt hides a moisture-wicking, brushed-mesh lining and a windproof/breathable barrier that cuts cold faster than a tumbler of scotch. With Y-joint™ sleeves for mobility, a vertical zippered chest pocket and zippered handwarmer pockets. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program.

Features:

  • Breathable/windproof membrane sandwiched between recycled-polyester fleece outer and moisture-wicking brushed-polyester mesh lining
  • Vertical zippered Supplex® chest pocket; zippered handwarmer pockets lined with moisture-wicking brushed-polyester mesh
  • Y-Joint™ sleeves

Altrec

The Retro's breathable/windproof P.E.F.® (performance-enhancing film) barrier sits comfortably between layers of thickly piled, environmentally-kosher PCR® Synchilla® fleece and a Capilene® brushed-mesh lining. Windflap behind full-front zip closure, zippered side and chest pockets.

Features:

  • Brushed Capilene mesh composite liner with P.E.F. barrier
  • Made in USA.
  • P.E.F. (performance enhancing film) barrier; Wind flap behind the main zipper
  • Supplex nylon on collar and pocketU81 g. (20.5 oz.)
  • Two zippered handwarmer pockets; Zip chest pocketQ/4" pile (75% PCR, post-consumer recycled/25% virgin polyester)
  • Ultrawarm retro pile
  • Y-Joint sleeves

PeterGlenn

The moisture-wicking, windproof, and breathable Patagonia Classic Retro-X jacket is packed with thoroughly modern features. Plush and warm, this jacket breathes easily and hides a windproof membrane. Y-joint sleeves mean you can move easily without the jacket riding up. And it's also made from recycled polyester. Good for you, good for the planet.

Features:

  • Breathable, windproof membrane sandwiched between a fleece outer and brushed mesh lining
  • One-quarter-inch pile fleece (78% recycled)
  • Regular fit
  • Supplex® chest pocket
  • Y-joint™ sleeves for easy movement
  • Zippered handwarmer pockets

Backcountry.com

The Patagonia Classic Retro-X Jacket is made for working under the hood of your truck or spending the night in a bivy. Patagonia made this jacket with a plush Synchilla Fozzie-the-Bear outer, a polyester mesh liner, and a windproof breathable membrane sandwiched in the middle. The Classic Retro-X Jacket packs a surprising amount of warmth for its light weight. The sooner you get this jacket, the sooner you'll be able to mat down the ¼-inch Synchilla for its real Classic look.


Oregon Mountain Community

The Patagonia Classic Retro-X Jacket takes both the wind and chill out of windchill. Its windproof/breathable barrier comes sandwiched between cozy recycled-polyester pile and a Capilene® brushed-mesh composite lining. 100% recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program.

Features:

  • Breathable/windproof barrier sandwiched between cozy recycled polyester fleece on the outside and a moisture-wicking brushed polyester mesh lining
  • Relaxed fit
  • Vertical zippered chest pocket
  • Y-joint™ sleeves
  • Zippered handwarmer pockets lined with a moisture-wicking brushed polyester mesh

REI

The Patagonia Retro-X jacket takes both the wind and the chill out of windchill.

  • It's windproof/breathable barrier comes sandwiched between cozy recycled polyester Synchilla® pile and a Capilene® brushed-mesh lining
  • Full-length zipper is backed by a storm flap
  • Stand-up collar protects your neck from cold breezes, and the Lycra® spandex binding at cuffs and hem seal in warmth
  • Zippered hand pockets are lined with a moisture-wicking brushed polyester mesh
  • Vertical zippered chest pocket


Appalachain Outdoors

The Classic Retro-X Jacket is Patagonia's classic full-featured, eminently windproof fleece piece.


Moosejaw

No description provided.

100% polyester (78% recycled) ¼"-pile with a polyester brushed-mesh lining and a breathable/windproof barrier. Trim:3.4-oz Supplex® 100% nylon. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program
Average weight:23 ounces
Avg. Weight:661 g (23.3 oz)
Back length:26 inches
Country of Origin:China
Fabric:78% recycled polyester / 22% polyester
Fabric Description:100% polyester (78% recycled) _" pile with a polyester brushed mesh lining and a breathable/windproof barrier. Trim: 3.4-oz Supplex® nylon. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program
Fit:Regular fit.
Fleece Weight:300
Gender:Men's
Ideal uses:Campfire Regalia, Foggy Days on the Coast, Farmers' Market, Cabin Work, Slacklining
Liner fabric:polyester
Material:[Shell] ¼-inch Synchilla polyester pile; [lining] brushed polyester mesh; [laminate] PEF windproof breathable barrier
Patagonia Product Number:23055
Pockets:2 Hand, 1 chest
Recommended Use:Casual
Technology:Patagonia recycles used soda bottles, unusable second quality fabrics and worn out garments into polyester fibers to produce many of their clothes
Trim:nylon
Warranty:Lifetime
Waterproof:No
Weight:621 g (21.9 oz)
Windproof:Yes

View other products from Patagonia classified in Men's Clothing > Jackets & Vests.

View all products from Patagonia.
View other products classified in Men's Clothing > Jackets & Vests.

Sometimes, we can't be sure that the product is the same across the stores that offer its, so you may find the same product listed more then once on GearBuyer.com, we these list highly similar products below.

Patagonia Classic Retro-XPatagonia Classic Retro-X$89.00 - $184.95
Patagonia Classic Retro-X VestPatagonia Classic Retro-X Vest$79.99 - $140.00

Sometimes brands make complementary products for the opposite gender that coordinate with this product, we also try to show these products below.

Patagonia Classic Retro-X JacketPatagonia Classic Retro-X Jacket - Kids$99.99 - $140.00
Patagonia Classic Retro-X JacketPatagonia Classic Retro-X Jacket - Boys$112.00 - $140.00
Patagonia Classic Retro-X JacketPatagonia Classic Retro-X Jacket - Women's$140.00 - $195.00
Patagonia Classic Retro-X JacketPatagonia Classic Retro-X Jacket - Toddler Girl's$139.95

These are products that have been indicated being comparable to this product:

Patagonia Down Sweater VestPatagonia Down Sweater Vest
Men's Clothing > Jackets & Vests
$104.95 - $150.00
Patagonia R4 JacketPatagonia R4 Jacket
Men's Clothing > Jackets & Vests
$184.95 - $250.00
Patagonia Synchilla Snap-TPatagonia Synchilla Snap-T
Men's Clothing > Jackets & Vests
$69.99 - $95.00
gold star GearBuyer.com Top 25 Product
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silver star GearBuyer.com Top 25 Category Product
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Option Availability:

Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.

ColorSize
Extra SmallSmallMediumLargeExtra LargeExtra Extra Large
Chili
Chili
119.99195.004 More...119.99184.906 More...119.99184.906 More...119.99184.906 More...119.99184.906 More...185.00195.00195.00
Gravel
Gravel
 128.95185.00128.95185.00119.99128.95119.99128.95195.00 
Grv
Grv
   169.95169.95 
Henna Brown
Henna Brown
195.00195.00119.99155.998 More...119.99155.997 More...119.99155.997 More...119.99155.998 More...195.00195.00
Natural / Mushroom Brown
Natural / Mushroom Brown
195.00119.99184.90195.00119.99194.95195.00119.99194.95195.00119.99184.90195.00119.99195.00
Natural W / Green
Natural W / Green
195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00
Natural w / Mushroom Brown
Natural w / Mushroom Brown
195.00195.00195.00194.95195.00195.00194.95195.00195.00194.95195.00195.00195.00195.00
Natural w/ Elm Green
Natural w/ Elm Green
  119.99195.00119.99195.00119.99195.00119.99195.00
Naturalw / Mrbrown
Naturalw / Mrbrown
 195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00
Natural
Natural
 195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00 
Natural W / Elm Green
Natural W / Elm Green
 195.00185.00195.00185.00195.00185.00195.00185.00195.00
Natural/ Mushroom Brown
Natural/ Mushroom Brown
 155.99195.00195.00155.99185.002 More...155.99185.002 More...155.99185.002 More...195.00
New White
New White
 99.99    
Nwm
Nwm
 169.95169.95 169.95 
Seagrass
Seagrass
 128.95  195.00 
Blue-Black
Blue-Black
 184.90184.90194.95184.90194.95184.90 
Blueblack
Blueblack
195.00119.99185.004 More...119.99185.005 More...119.99185.006 More...119.99185.005 More...185.00185.00195.00
Black
Black
119.99195.00195.0099.99119.994 More...99.99119.994 More...119.99155.993 More...99.99119.994 More...99.99184.90195.00
Feather Grey
Feather Grey
195.00155.99185.00195.00119.99155.997 More...119.99155.998 More...119.99155.997 More...185.00195.00
Black / Gravel
Black / Gravel
 195.00195.00194.95195.00194.95195.00 
Black w / Gravel
Black w / Gravel
195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00195.00
Black/ Gravel
Black/ Gravel
195.00185.00195.00185.00185.00195.00185.00185.00195.00185.00185.00195.00185.00185.00
Gravel (090) 195.00 195.00195.00 
Natural with Mushroom 194.95 194.95194.95 

Legend

  •     - Massey's Outfitters
  •     - USOutdoor.com
  •     - Ramsey Outdoor
  •     - REI
  •     - Mountain Gear
  •     - Backcountry.com
  •     - Oregon Mountain Community
  •     - TetonVillageSports.com
  •     - Altrec
  •     - O2GearShop.com (Fall 2009)
  •     - Patagonia
  •     - Paragon Sports
  •     - Moosejaw
  •     - Rocky Mountain Trail
  •     - PeterGlenn
  •     - Rock/Creek Outfitters
  •     - Appalachain Outdoors

Patagonia Classic Retro-X Jacket Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
*****77
****18
***6
**3
*3
To see how this product compares to others view Men's Jacket Reviews.

Positive Reviews:

Perfect, But Very Baggy Fit

Rating:*****
The only thing that held me back from buying one of these before was the price. Sorry, I'm cheap - I realize the jacket doesn't cost more than barely functioning fashion statements from other retailers, but still, I have a near heart attack if more than $100 flies out of my pocket for any single item. So I was very happy when this went on sale. However, I foolishly waited until I returned from vacation before trying to order my favored color (brown) online. Ouch! It was sold out (as frequently happens with Patagonia sales). Then low and behold, despite the miserable economy, I got a bonus. A NICE bonus. So after settling up my credit card bills, I hurried down to my nearest Patagonia store to check out my long-desired Retro jacket. Egads, it's even nicer than when I first fell in love with it! Originally, the Retro jacket had that "wild sheep with thistles in its fur" look that I kind of loved and kind of thought was too weird even for me. But NOW it has a well-groomed sheepishness to it, the furry look without the matting and thistles. No, you won't mistake it for a Synchilla with immaculately manicured plush fleece, all the same precise millimeters from the base, but no, you won't mistake the Retro jacket for a retro shagcarpet anymore either. It's wooly, but in a nice understated way, which is probably why YOU are looking at it now, and wondering if it's worth the dough. Yes, it is. Yes, it costs much more than "regular" fleece, but here's why: It's a highly technical wind-proof fleece that is actually quite rainproof (after you Nikwax it) with a great breathing, but windbreaking, thin, flexible (not stiff or crinkly) inner membrane. It's "no name, mystery" membrane outperforms some supposedly higher tech and definitely more expensive "name brand" membranes. Years ago the first "windproof" fleeces, including the Retro-X suffered from liners that emulated the hard shell rain jackets of that era in their ability to make you suffer and sweat. Then Paty got it fixed to the point where they breathed and were mostly still waterproof (waterproof by street standards not by test standards), but the liners were still a little stiff and thick. Now, you can buy this Retro in a casual fleece with Paty's "house" membrane that performs really, really well. In fact, I think it breathes better than their "technical" R4 windproof fleece, while only giving up a little in water impermeability. It keeps the wind out, which makes all the difference in the world, for fleece. At the same time, it doesn't feel like a steam bath and keeps water out. The best comparison is to the old Gore-Tex Activent. I use this for cold, rainy, miserable days in Northern California and for the snow at Tahoe. As soon as I got home, I washed mine in Nikwax Tech Wash to remove any possible manufacturing residues, then treated it with Nikwax Polar Proof which is environmentally and personally healthy, durable, and reasonably priced. This makes the water from rain mostly just bead up on the outside, and not get soaked up which is the case with untreated fleece. While the water wouldn't get through the inner membrane lining, I'd rather not have my fleece soaking up water like a sponge. By proofing it, a very simple and inexpensive step, it now works fine IN HEAVY DOWNPOURS without a rain shell over it. Yes it gets "wet," but it doesn't "wet out," I just shake the surface water out of it when entering a cafe, and enjoy the stairs of people who think I must have been suffering in the rain moments before, when actually I was as happy as Yogi Bear (who also has his fur on the outside with naturally water repellent oils to bead up the water). I think Buffalo gear or some such British company may have pioneered the concept of water repellent pile (shaggy fleece) for outdoor inclement weather use. But Paty is the only company that actually makes and sells it over here - albeit without the same marketing push. Paty ups the ante by adding an excellent built-in windproof, mostly water resistant membrane that allows us to wear nothing more than a tee shirt under and feel comfortable down to some pretty low rain temperatures. Having the windproof membrane greatly extends the temperature range of this piece, even if you aren't an advocate of using it for rain wear, as I am. For real winter - snow - use, this is GENEROUSLY cut to allow underlayers. Be warned, though, that this same GENEROUS cut is the one sore point of the jacket. You may well feel a little like Santa Claus when you put one on. You suddenly have a paunch that wasn't there before, as the jacket bunches at your waist. This is clearly a love it or leave Paty piece. There are enough people who love it, to have kept it in the Paty line for years and years and years, with incremental improvements. But it is definitely something you yourself have to look and try on. It is NOT a generic fleece piece. Finding it, finally, in black, was the icing on the cake for me personally.
NorCalHiker at Patagonia on 03/20/2009

Best Fleece Jacket

Rating:*****
Let me start off my review by saying that I have 5 Patagonia jackets and this jacket, including my Retro-X vest, are my favorite. Including the 2 Retro-X jackets, I have the Scythe jacket, the Synchilla Windzone jacket, and a polyfill parka. Fleece is useless if it doesn't block the wind. This ultra warm jacket offers both a warmth layer and a wind blocking layer. That wind blocking layer is key to keeping cold winds from blowing in. The pile on this jacket looks incredible. Reminds me of real shearling. I love the chest pocket also. It allows easy access for storing a wallet. Even though I give this jacket 5 stars, I want to note a few things for those that are nitpicky. The material on the inside collar of this jacket should be the smooth fleece instead of the shearling fleece. My vest has the smooth fleece, but I think the latest model vest has gone back to shearling fleece. The reason is because the smooth fleece holds up better, doesn't pill, and has a smoother feel on the neck. Even though this jacket is supposed to breathe, don't expect it to breathe and wick moisture like Gore-Tex. If you're wearing a t-shirt under this jacket during the winter and perform any physical activity, expect to get sweaty and a bit stuffy. Don't buy this jacket too large though. It's not meant to have multiple layers worn underneath it. Also, buying it too large will allow wind to blow under the elastic waist.
GoodLuckChuck at Patagonia on 09/03/2008

Works Hard

Rating:*****
I've owned Patagonia jackets for over ten years. From R2's under my snowboard gear to Retro Jackets under windbreakers on the foraging for adventure on the NW coast, they have done their job. This Retro-X is the first windproof Retro for me and it works great. Unless it is really coming down I no longer need a shell to block the wind. I love to drive with the window down and now I can even rest my arm on the window sill like summer. I get some funny looks at 60 MPH and 35 degrees. I just wave like what they really meant to say was, "Hi!" The warranty is the best in the business. I had an R2 arm seam give way and it was invisibly mended for free. My R4 has received so many compliments (Chili Red) I finally got it that folks were not putting me on, they genuinely liked the look. Both my wife and I wear R2's and sometimes R4's around the house as we keep the thermostat on low. We wash all our Patagonia gear together and hang it up to dry. I have some pieces that have been laundered 75 times. If I were to add anything to the design of the Retro-X it would be a draw cord around the bottom or waist. I know it is a lifestyle design and not a technical piece, but to me every piece ends up a technical piece. Good work again, Patagonia
Context at Patagonia on 03/13/2009

Proven Classic

Rating:*****
I now have 3 Retro X Jackets. I bought the first in Ushaia, Argentina about 7 years ago. This is an older style Retro X without the chest pocket and a slightly trimmer fit than the modern Retro X. I loved my first Retro X so much that I bought a second one. Just to spread the wear and tear. The new ones have a regular fit and feel a little bit bulky and stiff when new. Don't feel put off by that, they only get better with use and a few washings. IMO the Retro X looks better than anything the competition dishes out, don't forget this is the classic original. It will be your favorite feel good jacket, warm, windproof, super comfortable and tough as nails. Maybe expensive at full price but it will last forever as with most Patagonia products. Killer deal when on sale, go for that extra cool color. Even in summer I can look forward wearing it when it becomes colder and now I have 3 Retro X jackets to choose from...let the winter begin.
Jeroenman at Patagonia on 08/14/2009

Can now pass for longhorn sheep

Rating:*****
Since moving to the Pacific Northwest I've been on a quest for a light weight, really comfortable jacket that cuts the cold. This one was recommended by a colleague and friend who had it on his wish list for years. In addition to exceeding my expectations for warmth and comfort, it also makes me smile each time I wear it because of its nubby dense fleece texture. I love the small Napoleon pocket which is perfect for my car keys. And it's one of the few jackets I've bought that actually has sleeves long enough for my arms. My only regret is that the very hip black color shows lots of lint. But I've learned to fold the coat inside out when I'm not wearing it which cuts down on the dust bunnies it invariably collects. My colleague calls the coat whimsical and I'm inclined to agree. It's practical as well as fun to wear. Worth the cost for the entertainment value as well as the toasty warm fit.
CoachK at Patagonia on 04/07/2009

Almost Perfect Jacket

Rating:*****
I purchased this jacket to wear on days where it wasn't quite cold enough to wear my Nanuq which can get unbelievably warm if its not less than 25f or so outside. This jacket does exactly what it says it will. I have worn this in mid 30f weather with nothing but a polo tee on under it and been warm. If I wear something wool under it I've had it on in the mid 20's and been warm. It definitely cuts the wind. The collar is fairly snug when fully zipped which keeps the wind from going from the top down, and the pocket openings are large which allow you to easily tuck the sleeves into the pockets to prevent wind from going up the sleeves. The one problem that I've noticed is that on very gusty days, there is really no way to prevent wind from shooting up the waistline which can give you a good chill. Aside from that it's pretty much perfect.
gregd at Patagonia on 03/16/2009

Best jacket EVER!

Rating:*****
These jackets last forever and they are timeless. I have gone through 2 of these jackets in the past 10 years. I would have only needed one, but the arm of my first jacket caught on fire while I was carelessly tending to a campfire. They are extremely versatile. You can wear it on a typical fall day with a t-shirt and feel perfect. You can wear it on a below zero and blustery winter day with an added layer and still be cozy and warm. Virtually no wind gets through this sucker. It washes great and looks better as it ages. It may feel a bit stiff at first, but give it a week and it will relax and then in the fall and winter, you will NEVER want to take this jacket off. Buy it. It's a GREAT investment.
TheERach at Patagonia on 08/31/2008

So Many Compliments

Rating:*****
I bought a Retro-X about 3 years ago when I lived in Holland, MI and it has since gotten me through one Michigan winter and two Kansas City winters. I love this jacket and I get tons of compliments on it whenever I wear it. I bought the bright neon/lime green one and so everyone calls me "Kermit" or similar when I wear it, but who cares? It makes people smile and the color is great. Wears and washes wonderfully. I love how light it is, yet windproof and roomy enough to layer. With a Snap-T under it I could scale Everest (maybe!). Actually, writing this review reminds me that I need to send it in for repair... the mesh pocket tore a little when my keychain snagged it. Should be no problem at all to fix.
Chiro75 at Patagonia on 07/19/2009

"North Face Denali CONVERT."

Rating:*****
I love this jacket!! I am a 5'8, average-sized girl but didn't like the colors or design of the women's Retro-X so I got a small men's one and it fits perfectly. Fits a lot like my women's M North Face Denali. BUT, aside from the fit, not too much is similar between the two jackets - this Patagonia fleece is SO much warmer and WINDPROOF -- for reals, no joke. That was my 1 complaint about my Denali was that the wind swept right through it, even when not blowing too hard. No longer a problem- so surprising. So I'm still stylin, warmer and cozier, and I don't see 4305983754 people with the same exact jacket on when I walk down the block, LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!
Stephanie at Moosejaw on 11/08/2008

"I Have had several top of the line jackets but this is the tip top"

Rating:*****
I have had this jacket for about a week now, and i absolutely love it. I am an avid outdoorsman, cyclist, and climber. I have yet to use it biking, (its a bit bulky for that) but I do like it climbing, keeps the core toasty on the rock, and I slept two nights in this in about thirty degrees, I did have a down sleeping bag so that helped, but overall it has a supple feel, great weight, and the best part is its actual functionality, I can wear it around the city or out on bouldering trip with the boys. If you are debating whether to buy this jacket buy it. I had the monkey man last year and it matted up... BUY THIS JACKET.
Kyle at Moosejaw on 10/28/2009

Negative Reviews:

Unacceptable flaw

Rating:*
This jacket is almost terrific but it has an unacceptable flaw. The good: The jacket weight and wind resistance offer great utility and flexibility for Minnesota winters. The chest and handwarmer pockets are conveniently placed and generously sized. The materials are comfortable to the touch, both inside the jacket and on the outside. The bad: The seam running horizontally across the back of the jacket at shoulderblade height is bulky and rubs my back. I received one of these jackets and returned it, thinking that the seam was just a sample variation. This proved incorrect. A second sample was exactly the same. I am returning the second jacket with regret because could be a great jacket. I have countless other Patagonia pieces and this is the only one I recall with such an obvious and unacceptable problem.
wildflower at Patagonia on 11/01/2008

Classic fleece, hardly windproof

Rating:*
This jacket is an hommage to Patagonia's early days, I'll give you that, but a 2 mile bike ride to work in mine today in 25 degree Farenheit temps proved it is far from windproof. I am using my R4, which is in the shop for repairs at the moment, as my yardstick and it IS windproof. The Classic Retro-X is shaped like a chimney so it sucks cold air in from the bottom and leaks air all over worse than my 1911 Capitol Hill fixer-upper's windows and doors. I'm going to be layering up until I get my R4 back from being stitched up and then I will only wear my Retro-X for standing around looking like a sheep herder or a sheep -- mine's white:(
10thandKNE at Patagonia on 12/08/2008

A Classic, but...

Rating:**
When I first got this jacket nearly a decade ago I was excited by it. Now? Not so much. After years of regular use (and proper cleaning/care) the once ultra fuzzy fur is matted and pilled (esp. around the cuffs and elbows) in high wear areas (which started happening about 6-8 months after I bought it). And for a guy who usually runs warm, I found myself getting cold in this jacket during late fall and winter (it's actually warmer inside-out, though the inner lining isn't meant for outwear). Compared to other Patagonia classics (like the Snat-T -which I adore, and own more than a handful of) I don't see myself buying another one.
Anonymous at Patagonia on 10/30/2009

A Letdown..

Rating:**
This jacket has such great potential. It is super soft and warm. It looks really nice and all. It was made to be windproof, but they forgot the main impotant part, sealing out the wind with a drawstring. I bought this jacket and that very same day, it was extremely windy in Chicago. The wind blows right up this jacket. There is no drawstring at the base. I returned it the next day and bought the R4 instead. It does have the drawstring and windproof rating.. I really liked this jackets style and material... If Patagonia continues with this jacket, I highly reccomend they add the drawstring so it is really windproof.
chitown67 at Patagonia on 01/06/2009

WHY?!?!

Rating:*
If not for the overly generous cut, this might be one of the best fleeces out there. For anyone that is less than husky, this jacket will probably hang off you like a high-tech muumuu. Given the warmth this fleece offers, there isn't much need to allow for layering underneath. Please Patagonia, give us slender folks a chance to cash in on this great product and remove some of the excess material!
goericgo at Patagonia on 11/29/2008

Nice, but not a keeper

Rating:**
Wanted to love this jacket, but it was not as windproof as I had hoped and not as soft on the outside either. In the end, I returned it and bought a LW R4.
qrkn at Patagonia on 02/24/2009

Neutral Reviews:

Would be perfect if..

Rating:***
I've always wanted the retro-x, and just received mine recently. I finally got to use it on a very windy 20 degree morning. the fit is fantastic, collar is snug enough, wrist cuffs seal in the warmth nice. The added chest pocket is a must have . Thick , warm , good features, great fit, comfy...so why the 3 stars? NO DRAWCORD! I know the regular retro doesn't have a draw cord either. But this is a windproof piece, a drawcord is a must. I had my synch. snap-t underneath. And still wind crept under .. I had to keep folding holding it shut . Patagonia please , please add a drawcord. This would make prefect...
Snufalufagus at Patagonia on 12/12/2008

Warm, windproof, but pills!

Rating:***
This jacket is very warm. Also, as advertised, it is very windproof. However, it also pills very easily. When new, the fleece is very soft and very smooth. However, after wearing it for a short while, both as a jacket by itself and also as an insulating layer under an outer shell, the fleece tends to pill up very easily. I've kept good care of it, washed it per instructions, but nothing seems to help restore it to the way it looked and felt when new. I'm not sure it affects the performance, but it looks awful after just one year.
Gus1 at Patagonia on 11/18/2008

Love the jacket, but...

Rating:***
...there is one inherent flaw built into this garment, the back seam. The seam that goes across the back is very iritating, and essentially makes the jacket not wareable. It could just be the way this piece fit me specifically, but unfortunately I had to return mine.
COD33 at Patagonia on 10/23/2009

"don't know why only gravel was on sale."

Rating:***
Wish i could have been able to get the blue one at the same price.
Christopher at Moosejaw on 10/22/2009

Color is way swishy

Rating:***
Nice jacket but color is way swishy. Sure this isn't a gurrllls color? Yikes.
Jabba daHut at Altrec on 02/27/2002

no fleece lining, not soft inside. Looks warm enough though.

Rating:***
Jacket lacks inside finish. Can see though the jacket
Anonymous at Altrec on 07/28/2009