Patagonia R2 Jacket

Average weight:	14.8 ounces
Avg. Weight:	419 g (14.8 oz)
Back length:	28.5 inches
Country Of Origin:	China
Fabric:	98% polyester / 2% Spandex
Fabric Description:	R2¨ shell: 7.4-oz Polartec¨ Thermal Pro¨ 100% polyester (40% recycled) fleece. R1¨ panels: 6.5-oz Polartec Power Dry¨ 93% polyester (60% recycled)/7% spandex. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program
Fit:	This garment has a Slim Fit
Fleece Weight:	200
Gender:	Men's
Manufacturer Warranty:	Lifetime
Material:	R2 Fleece, R1 stretch panels
Patagonia Product Number:	25135
Pockets:	2 Hand, 1 chest
R2 Body:	7.4-oz Polartec® Thermal Pro® 100% polyester (40% recycled). R1 panels: 6.5-oz Polartec Power Dry® (93% polyester that's 60% recycled/7% spandex). Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program
Recommended Use:	Skiing, riding, cold-weather hiking, mountain biking, climbing
Waterproof:	No
Weight:	14.1oz (400g)
Windproof:	No

Also Makes A Great Travel
Rating:
This is one of Patagonia's best, and most enduring, designs in a fleece jacket. While it seems a little thin or even "flimsy" compared to its competition, the "high loft" of the special fleece formulation provides equal warmth with less bulk and weight. And it is not flimsy at all, it stands up to very hard use. The R2 is one of Patagonia's "technical" not "casual" pieces, aimed at mountaineers who are prepared to wear it under a rainproof shell when required. As a "technical" piece it is cut for the athletic, and is designed to fit close, not loose, so it can perform its sweat "wicking" function. If you are buying this for casual wear, be sure to try your regular size and one size up to decide which feels best for you. In my comments I said this runs small, but that is only half-true - it is "designed" to feel small, so it can work well, and if you are used to baggy, "Mr. Rogers" fleece pieces from the mall, it may initially feel too small, though it is not. Still, if you are buying for casual use, intend to wear it over anything thicker or bulkier than a tee shirt, or have put on weight around the middle, consider buying one size up. In terms of warmth, this "feels" like commercial 300 weight fleece, but looks "lighter" than 200 weight fleece and compresses smaller than 100 weight fleece. That's because the design of the fleece fibers allow high loft yet compress well, and because segments (the "sweat lines around waist, trunk, arms) are made of lighter R1 panels (comparable to Polartec Power Dry). In other words, the R2 is light (under 15 ounces), yet warm, and packs into a smaller space than most other fleeces. The full zipper makes it easy to regulate temperature compared to any type of pull-over. Finally, the R2 looks very smart. As an example of the intelligent, purpose-driven design of this jacket, the zipper is treated with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) but the fleece itself is not - the intent is to maximize the wicking ability of the fleece when worn next to skin or over a thin synthetic tee shirt, so the jacket can pull sweat off the skin when worn under a rain shell (the zipper is treated because hey, who needs a soaked, slow drying zipper). By contrast, Patagonia's casual fleece, the Synchilla, IS DWR treated so it can go out in the rain without sponging up water. Since I use my R2 for casual situations (travel) I went ahead and treated it with Nikwax's Polar Proof, available here at REI, which was an easy and cheap way to add a lot of water repellency (at the cost of losing the sweat wicking capability. If you are going to take this outdoors on a serious hiking adventure, stuff a thin unlined nylon or polyester "wind shirt" in your pack or in the jacket pocket to wear UNDER or OVER the R2, depending on the severity of any wind or rain. In most casual settings, a windbreaker is not required, this fleece is more than enough to take the chill off an evening. The only negative to this jacket is that it can be too darn warm sometimes...but that's where the zipper comes in, and the ability to stuff it in a small day pack with room left over. Patagonia has a lifetime warranty against defects. Patagonia products are renowned for holding up well. If you read on-line reviews, reviewers often refer to the years of service they have already gotten from the products and the years more they expect. Also pricey compared to some other brands, Patagonia backs up their products with exceptional design, exceptional workmanship, and an exceptional (and honored) warranty. Finally, I'd like to chime in on the "down vs. fleece" controversy. IMHO, nothing is easier to get back into action that a well designed fleece - wring it out to damp dry, put it on, and your body heat quickly dries it out. You can't do that with down or even with a synthetic filled jacked - besides the material itself (like down) providing a problem, a "shell-less" piece like the R2 is always easier to wring out than any "shelled" piece, like a down or synthetic jacket. And fleece, like wool, does not feel "cold" next to the skin while still damp.
NorCalHiker at REI on 02/02/2009
Top Notch
Rating:
I wear this on the trail and around town. It is nice on a cool night by itself and stellar under a jacket/shell on a cold day. Because it is so breathable it doesnt stand up to wind well on its own but not many lightweight fleeces do. Where this jacket shines is it's ability to keep you warm during little activity, and breathe during exertion. It is also incredibly easy to dry out if it gets wet. The zippers are WR coated so they never get soaked and the rest can be wringed out and worn shortly thereafter. Because it is so breathable any residual moisture will soon be evaporated by your own body heat. It is ideal for hiking/camping because it is so lightweight and compressable. There are only two things you should know before purchasing this fleece: 1) It is not as thick as a monkeyman or R4. This jacket does not hold up well on its own in freezing cold temps but does great as a layer under another jacket. If you're after something super warm spend the extra $100 or so and get an R4. Just keep in mind that the more substantial R4 weighs more and will not breathe as well. 2) Patagonia makes a very athletic fit. Because this jacket is intended to be worn under more layers it fits the body more accurately to avoid bulk and restrictions on movement. I am 6'1" 180lb and a large is perfect. It is however smaller than a north face large or mountain hardware large so keep this in mind. That is the only reason i marked that the fit "feels too small". It really isn't too small. In reality it fits the way a fleece should while most other brands design theirs with a more liberal fit.
ThruHkr at REI on 03/03/2009
excellent gear, excellent service!
Rating:
I purchased my Patagonia R2 in 2007. It is the most perfect mid-weight/light fleece I have ever worn. The compressibility along with its perfect fit makes it a must for any outdoor activity where the temperature drops between 50 degrees F and 30 degrees F. It dries fast and while wet still helps maintain body heat. However, this jacket does not "break wind” You should check out the wind shield jacket as a wind breaker and wear it over your R2. Personally, I have my R2 dry-cleaned, but I believe it’s washable. Speaking of the dry-cleaners, there was an incident which occurred at the dry-cleaners that increased my love and loyalty to Patagonia as a company. The jacket was cleaned, but the bottom of the zipper was torn off and the actual zipper pull mechanism was missing. The dry-cleaners refused to pay for the jacket but offered to fix it. I said no, I don't need a cheap zipper on my favorite fleece. So, I sent it to Patagonia. 4 weeks later (the repairs were on backorder) I received my jacket back. Lo and behold, it was a brand new R2 fleece. I called and asked what happened and the very kind customer service representative stated the zipper was not able to be replaced so they went ahead and just sent me a brand new jacket...for free! I kindly said thank you and reminded the rep. that Patagonia's company and products are second to none! Thank you Patagonia for your products and service and please continue to make the "R" fleece line!
offgridisfreedom at Patagonia on 01/04/2010
Understand the product before buying
Rating:
I love this mid-weight layering fleece - it's my favorite fleece that I own, and I own many. I find that I can hike in a thin baselayer and this fleece from temperatures in 40s and 50s. Above that and you'll likely find it too warm while hiking. I see too many reviews of this product that say "didn't like it - not windproof". Well, it's not a windproof jacket, and in fact it's been purposefully designed to be virtually transparent to wind. Why? Because it's just about the most breathable fleece you can buy! The wicking ability is partly the fabric and partly the slim fit, as close contact to your base-layer will encourage better transfer of moisture. So, this fleece will work well for you if you're doing high output activity in cooler conditions, but not if you're sitting at basecamp in a breeze without a shell on top of the fleece. It's mostly just a mid-layer, but works well alone if it's not breezy. If you want a windproof piece, then do you self a favor and buy the windproof fleece as this will result in you receiving what it is that you actually want. Check out the Lightweight-R4 for a thinner windproof, or the regular R4 for a thicker one. The LWR4 is about as thick as the R2, and the regular R4 is about as thick as the R3, which is another NON windproof fleece. For Patagonia gear, check out their website as they have much more information on the products than Backcountry does....
nwbackpacker at Backcountry.com on 09/08/2009
My Favorite Fleece
Rating:
Understand what this product is, and you'll be very happy. Buy it to replace your North Face Denali and you'll think it sucks. This jacket is not windproof, but this is intentional. Any wind resistance inevitably restricts how breathable a jacket is and Patagonia have made a jacket that will transfer water vapor from your body with minimal resistance. Don't be fooled by "waterproof/breathable" Goretex or eVent. They are only "breathable" when you compare them to rubber that doesn't breathe at all. This fleece is good as a mid-layer over a base layer that suits the conditions you're in. If it's windy or particularly cold, add on a shell to boost the warmth and provide wind/rain protection. This fleece will do its job and transfer all the moisture (vapor) outwards to the jacket, which may or may not do a good job of transferring it to the environment. Either way, the fleece (and you) stay as dry as is possible. A note on the fit. It's slim fitting because it's a technical piece. It's not supposed to be baggy because a form fitting fleece is better at transferring moisture outwards and at keeping you warmer for the weight of the garment. It's not supposed to go over a lot of layers - just a base layer of reasonable thickness.
nwbackpacker at REI on 09/09/2009
Incredibly comfortable, technical fleece.
Rating:
I have recently been turned onto Patagonia gear, and I must confess it lives up to the hype. This particular fleece is absurdly comfortable and lightweight, utilizing variable length fibers that mimics 'fur' for maximum warmth. The weight to warmth ratio is fantastic, quickly replacing my TNF Denali fleece. With a BC.com Merino Crew underneath, I could wear it down to the mid 20s. With a shell of sorts, you could certainly meander about in temperatures near zero. however, like the Denali, it is not windproof. Hence, if there is wind or precipitation of sorts, a shell is necessary. The R1 interior material is very comfortably against the skin, and stretches very well. The pockets are conveniently snag-free due to the use of supplex around the zippers. At roughly 15 oz, the R2 is very packable and relatively lightweight. Honestly if you want only one midlayer, for most of you, this is would be it. But for frigid regions, a Polartec Windpro fleece would be better suited (like the Patagonia R3 or Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Tech Jacket). I have only two gripes: first, is the lack of internal pocket (just one for an iPod wouldn't hurt!) Secondly, the material, like all fleece, attracts pet hair. This could be a problem for some, which would make a softshell jacket a feasible alternative.
Babak Sakaki at Backcountry.com on 02/17/2009
R U Going to try the R2? The answer should be yes.
Rating:
I had a Mt. Hardware Monkey Man fleece that was warm but uncomfortable so I returned it for the R2. While the R2 is not as warm, it is a overall better fleece. The R2 is more durable, looks great and is welcome on the slopes as well as casual dinners, and it fits great. It has great side pockets that are very roomy and a double as vents when open. It has a great breast pocket that I put my phone and keys in and it keeps them warm, accessable, and protected. The R2 has provided confort on 28 degree 10 hour days of teaching with my Backcountry Shift softshell and on sunny 40 degree spring days I have really enjoyed this jacket with my Arcteryx Sidewinder Jacket. When the temps climb I just break open the pit zips and open the pockets on the R2 and I have direct venting. I bet the R3 will more closely resemble the warth of the Monkey man and I plan to try it next year for the 20 degree days. I don't get touched as much as I did with the Monkey but the look is still fuzzy and is more civilized. I find Myself wearing this fleece everyday and can see it as a useful item until temps are above 70 degrees.
msnafu at Backcountry.com Outlet on 03/24/2008
R2 jacket
Rating:
After watching my wife wear her R2 every day for two years (well, at least it seemed like it), I finally decided to buy one for myself. First of all, the fit it outstanding. Tall skinny guys like me generally have to settle for something with sleeves that are short or something that wears like a tent. This jacket (size medium) fits as if it were tailored, and the sleeves are perfect. Don't know how it works for short-armed folk, but for me it's perfect. Because of the close fit, i can layer it under anything - rain shell, down jacket, even a suit jacket! Secondly, the breathability is excellent. Not the thing if you're looking for warmth and a windbreaker in one, but that's not what the R2 is for. See above re: layering. I spent a while deciding if i actually wanted to buy another fleece. I'd pretty much given up on the material for backpacking - too stuffy, too bulky. With this jacket, fleece goes back in the pack. My only problem is that I'm sure I'm going to wear it too much. And I love color - good for outdoor (though in hunting season, one looks alarmingly like a deer), and a nice camel color to wear under sport jacket instead of an overcoat.
drat at Patagonia on 12/12/2008
R2 + Shell = Warm + Dry
Rating:
This is my cold weather midlayer of choice, usually below the Ascensionist Jacket. It replaces ALL of my fleece for cold weather technical sports. R2 fabric is a work of inspired engineering. Dense, but light. Breathable, but warm. After trying R1 and R2, my fleece is just leisure wear. I wear this over Cap 3 and under a shell and I am warm on the chilliest NH winter day. The fabric is dense (giving wind protection) and really comfortable against the skin. Fleece dries fast, but it absorbs moisture. The R2 fabric seems to make moisture disappear. I don't know where it goes, but it doesn't stay with me. R2 is warmer, lighter, drier, and more windpoof than fleece. A huge improvment! The trim cut of this jacket is super for me. If I have to extra layer, the fabric ajusts to my body. I can even wear it over a Cap 3 top AND an R1 pullover. No downsides ...except it is pricey. I am looking forward to next winter when I can put it on again.
Chazzz at Patagonia on 04/01/2009
excellent
Rating:
Awesome piece of equipment. Take heed of what everyone else has said about sizing. This is definitely cut athletically. Im 5'9 140lb and my measurements fit exactly within the Small range as denoted in the size chart, therefore its a steller fit. The chest measurement is wide enough that I can cross my arms across my 37" chest without restriction, yet it still sharply tapers at the waist so that it fits snug for my skinny 29" waist. If I had any form of a gut whatsover, I would def need the medium. So read the size chart and make sure you're within range for a comfy fit. For layering, I would order true size, but if you wanted this piece for casual wear (which its not meant for considering that its 0% windproof) I would size up. Only thing I dont like about it is the stiff fabric used to line the edges of the zippers. Its necessary otherwise the stitiching for the zippers would pull out of the fleece material...but man its stiff stuff.
konrad chen at Backcountry.com Outlet on 12/14/2009

Show all positive reviews...

Fire	Henna Brown	Continental Blue	Blk
Forge	Forge Grey	Pirate Blue	Real Red
Hen 686	Meditation Green	Black

	Patagonia R2 Vest	$87.50 - $125.00
	Patagonia R3 Jacket	$139.99 - $200.00
	Patagonia R1 Jacket	$150.00
	Patagonia R4 Jacket	$174.99 - $250.00

	Patagonia R2 Jacket - Women's	$82.50 - $175.00
	Patagonia R2 Vest - Women's	$79.99 - $125.00
	Patagonia R3 Jacket - Women's	$119.99 - $200.00
	Patagonia R4 Jacket - Women's	$147.50 - $250.00

	Oakley Across The Heart Fleece Jacket Men's Clothing > Jackets & Vests	$45.47
	Marmot Oracle Jacket Men's Clothing > Jackets & Vests	$107.25 - $165.00
	Patagonia R1 Pullover Men's Clothing > Jackets & Vests	$87.50 - $125.00
	Marmot Torrid Jacket Men's Clothing > Jackets & Vests	$79.90 - $160.00

Altrec

Features:

Altrec Outlet

Features:

TetonVillageSports.com

Paragon Sports

Features:

ProLite Gear

Features:

Patagonia

Features:

Massey's Outfitters

Oregon Mountain Community

Features:

Mountain Gear

Features:

Zappos.com (2009)

Rock/Creek Outfitters (Fall 2009)

Features:

O2GearShop.com (Fall 2009)

Features:

REI

Backcountry.com Outlet

Appalachain Outdoors

Patagonia R2 Jacket Reviews Summary:

Positive Reviews:

Also Makes A Great Travel

Top Notch

excellent gear, excellent service!

Understand the product before buying

My Favorite Fleece

Incredibly comfortable, technical fleece.

R U Going to try the R2? The answer should be yes.

R2 jacket

R2 + Shell = Warm + Dry

excellent

Negative Reviews:

Size Cut Does Not = Medium

Ordering Fit

Neutral Reviews:

Great Insulation Layer

So-so

Nice lightweight jacket

Decent Jacket

be a liitle careful