Amazing shirts, but Gecko Green attracts bees
I love these shirts! Super soft -- warm, but not stifling. I'm 6'2", slim build, about 175 lbs, and I wear size medium -- a somewhat loose, but very comfortable fit for me. The small size was more form-fitting, but the torso and especially the sleeves were too short for me to wear the shirt on its own. If you are my size and will wear these only as a baselayer under other clothes, you might consider a small. The ONLY problem is that the bright "Light Gecko Green" shirt (my favorite color) attracts bees and wasps like you wouldn't believe -- they just don't quit! I know that bright colors attract pollenating insects, but this is unreal. I've been stung twice by overzealous yellow jackets already while wearing this bright shirt (the first stings I've gotten since I was a small child -- it's not me that's antagonizing them). But the color is SOOO good that I just can't stop wearing them. This is obviously not a reflection on the quality of the product (which is excellent), and I hope Patagonia keeps making bright colors because I LOVE them, but it is something to be aware of. My bright green shirts have been relegated to strictly indoor or winter use only -- when there are no bugs around to harass me.
Size Extra Small exists!
As a man 167cm tall, this latest version of the Capiline 3 actually has the worst problem yet with the sleeves of size Small being too long and flopping over my hands at all times. The good news is, Patagonia actually manufactures a size Extra Small! You can't buy it in stores in the US, there is no such thing as a men's extra small in the US, it's evidently primarily for sale elsewhere in the world, but you can order it on the web site. This is literally the only "Extra Small" item of clothing intended for men I've ever seen and it fits very well, probably the best fitting shirt I've ever had. It really is "slim fit" and not "baggy fit" with a proper size actually available!
great stuff
As consumate outdoorsman, I spend more time out of the house than in. Fall is my favorite time of the year and that means layering. Capilene in my opinion is the best baselayer a person can have next to perhaps genuine silk, but it's warmer and I think it lasts longer - a lot longer. I have plenty of capilene thats held up to a decade of abuse. Whether I be fishing my favorite spring creek or spending a day with my setters, my capilene is always with me. Capilene wicks well, so it's warm when its wet and warm when its cold. I especially like to layer it under my waders or waterproof jacket. That combination means I'm dry and toasty. I really would be miserable without it.
I have only been disappointed once with anything P
These items are great in all weights. As to this specific one I have not worn it as it is still too warm for it. I usually take an XL but because these are form fitting I ordered the XXL and now that I have tried it on it certainly was the right thing for me to do. The fit is fine, nice and loose the way I like it. I have no doubt it will equal the performance of my #1 weight which was well worth the price paid for it. I would like a logo or the name Pategonia on it because when I pay Pategonia prices I want people to know it. Thank you.
Excellent
This shirt is my go to shirt for everything outdoors. I live in the Pacific Northwest, so wet and cold are the norm. I run and bike, rain or shine, with this shirt and maybe a synthetic t-shirt underneath in total comfort. It's held up to plenty of high speed snags while on the mountain bike and a couple of low speed crashes. I've worn it, around the Paradise area on Mt. Rainer, as a base layer and alone while snow shoeing with great results. It's kept me warm while dripping wet and dries very quickly. I'm very happy with this extremely versatile garment.
Capilene 3 Beats Wool
I started wearing Capilene over 20 years ago and have added a number of wool pieces to my outdoor mix in the last few years too. I just purchased the new Cap 3 Crew and I have to say I prefer it to my lightweight wool (i.e. 200 weight from that New Zealand company or Merino 3). The new design has a smooth outer face like wool, but the slight brushed interior makes it warmer. Cap 3 is the single best all-purpose base layer there is....period! Layering mid to heavy wool over this works great or the newly re-designed R2 for unbeatable warmth.
Strange Fit. Great Product
The new fabric for Capilene 3 is great. It is soft, light, and warm. This is a huge improvement over older versions of Capilene 3. I generally fit very well into Patagonia products, but this one doesn't fit as well as usual. The length and sleeve length are great, but there is a lot of extra fabric in the armpit area. This doesn't affect the look of the garment if your arms are down, but it can look a little funny with your arms out or up. This would get 5 stars except for the extra fabric in the armpit area.
Excellent winter running shirt
For running at below freezing temps, I love the Cap 3 crew. On still mornings my torso remains warm on runs in the mid-20Fs. Excellent wicking and drying make it all right for brief encounters with flurries. It is not wind-resistant. Under a 4oz wind jacket I find this layer too warm for long runs at temps above 20F. Single exterior logo on the chest, non-removable. I purchased mine in winter 2011-2012. At 6', 160lbs, the medium top is comfortably loose but not baggy; slim folks would probably not characterize these as having a slim fit.
best baselayers out there
I have an alpha green Cap 3 shirt and this thing is almost perfect. I use it for everything from sleeping to skiing. It regulates temperature really well and wicks moisture away wicked fast. I can also wear it for two or three day's straight without any significant smells. One thing which is really nitpicky is that I like the location of the seams on my Cap 2 shirt (2007 or 2008) better. In my opinion it allows better range of motion of the arms. I'm 5'9 145 lbs and the small fits perfect.
Quality Product
My experience with Patagonia products continues to be one of satisfaction in knowing that I get quality performance products for outdoors, recreational and leisure wear use. Wicking abilities are excellent. Quick drying features superb. Breathability of products for layering, outstanding. Feel of products very good. Only 100 percent Merino wool products are softer and better than Patagonia, but these usually come at a higher price, but offer no better performance and quality as I noted above; only a softer feel.