Patagonia Re-Tool Hoody Review

When it comes to super warm fleece options, Patagonia has you covered. The Re-Tool fleece comes in a jacket, pullover, and hoody version for Fall 2011. I have been testing out the Re-Tool Hoody for the past month or so and am happy to say that this is more than your old-school fleece jacket. For starter’s, the Re-Tool reminds me of my first Synchilla with its’ tw0-tone styling: accent color piping is featured along along the lower hem-sleeves-and hood, while a tad more color is featured over the snap chest pocket.

The Re-Tool is not all about styling, it performs like you would expect a Patagonia product to. For starters, the hoody features extra-long fleece fibers (not as long as the R3), composed of Polartec® Thermal Pro® that are in a tight weave to provide extra warmth over its’ counterparts. The outer-weave looks great after the few washings I have put it through and has not pilled up like other fleece jackets that I have owned. The inside is super soft, think almost R3ish, and makes you want to wear the top as your first layer!

The Hoody, as it name suggests, features a low profile hood that adds to the warmth factor by keeping your head covered. The neck of the Re-Tool Hoody features 4 hidden snaps to seal out the elements, without causing the feeling of being constricted or suffocated. Snapping the first 3, even with the hood down, helped keep my core heat in and prevented cold air from entering. The Re-Tool Hoody also features a kangaroo pocket which is a nice bonus when standing around the campfire!

As for sizing, Patagonia states that this piece is a slim fit, which I agree with.  I ordered a size small, which is what the size chart told me to order, and I felt  that the body was roomy enough for wearing a baselayer and/or mid-layer underneath without being too constricting. If you like to have more room, order a size up. I like garments to be more slim so that I can put a shell or extra layer over the top without turning into a Michelin woman! My super long arms were no match, however, for this fleece, and that is something I am ok with. The fleece hits at the hips and keeps my mid-section well covered. If you do need some sizing help, the Customer Service folks over at Patagonia are available via chat and/or you can post your question under the garment specs.

If you are on the fence about whether to order a new Re-Tool Hoody or opt for perhaps the R3, shoot me a comment and I can compare and contrast a bit more for you. Last year, I reviewed the R3…while I loved the piece at first, I ended up having a few problems with it in the end. I feel that the Re-Tool Hoody is a simpler piece that can serve as just the right amount of insulation for a fall day or a winter day of adventure when paired under a shell. Hope this helps! For more information visit patagonia.com