Fleece jackets...

[lamontagne]

I'm looking to add a nice fleece jacket to my closet this year and get rid of the el cheapo that wore out in 3 months last year.

My criteria is a high loft fleece, quality construction, and a roomy/stretchy fit. I am 6 foot tall, 225lbs, and a 48in chest. (yea I know, I need to lose some weight :Wow1

Front runners right now are Patagonia R3 and Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man.

I will be using this for daily wear in Arizona winters and backpacking/camping trips.

Does anyone here have any real world experience with these jackets?

I hear good reviews about the R3 and the Money Man, but some have complained the Monkey sheds and clumps easily.

 

[bmonday]

I have a Mountain Hardwear jacket, but it's the Windstopper Tech, not the Monkey Man.

Keep in mind that wind completely violates normal fleece. Blows right through. If you care about that kind of thing, get a windproof fleece, like the WindStopper.

That said, I've had my Windstopper fleece for several years now, and it's held up brilliantly. It's the only jacket in my closet that goes on every trip with me, rain or shine.

 

[lamontagne]

I already have an Arc'teryx Beta AR soft shell and an REI Taku shell. Both of which are very effective at blocking wind. I want a fleece as a mid layer and something to wear on calm days. Mostly I want something thats light and can be compressed in a backpack.

 

[washington taco]

I have switched all my new gear to Arc'teryx! I have owned many different brands and found them to be my favorite. I use their fleece in combination with a hard shell for skiing and love the brand, great construction, fit and durability. I skied alot of trees last year in search of fresh powder and have'nt had a tear or blowout of any seams like some other brands I've had.

 

[Chris85xlt]

i first got the North face Denali but didnt like it at all. It fit me funny around the shoulders and felt puffy (size was correct). i ended up returning it and got the Mountain Hardwear jacket Windstopper Tech. Ive been happy with it ever since. i got it on sale from Mountaingear.com for $100

 

[xcmountain80]

Try Arc Teryx, I have there fleece sweater (2) and have had them for going on 6 years. While not a fleece jacket they are nice, MH does produce a nice product and I would opt for wind stopper in it.

Aaron

 

[timmy!!!!!!!]

Mtn. Hardwear windstopper tech. I have had mine for 7 years and it is still kicking strong.

 

[Fireman78]

You have to ask yourself... "What am i going to be doing in my fleece jacket?" If it's more then just chillin' and campin'.. consider one of these. http://www.massif.com/nomex_clothing/elements_jacket.php

 

[spressomon]

I have the first gen R3 in a pull-over. It is the warmest of all the fleece/syn pile sweaters and/or jackets I own. It has been more durable than the regular Patagonia/NF/Marmot fleece (doesn't pill and even after dozens and dozens of washings still has plenty of spring in the fabric and fiber loft). But it has to be darn cold...or I need to be fairly inactive...to wear it: Its that warm!

 

[lamontagne]

I have the first gen R3 in a pull-over. It is the warmest of all the fleece/syn pile sweaters and/or jackets I own. It has been more durable than the regular Patagonia/NF/Marmot fleece (doesn't pill and even after dozens and dozens of washings still has plenty of spring in the fabric and fiber loft). But it has to be darn cold...or I need to be fairly inactive...to wear it: Its that warm!

How is the fit? Would it be roomy enough for a "stocky" guy as myself?

My normal comfort level is warm. I walked outside a few mornings ago and I got a chill....it was 78 degrees!

 

[spressomon]

How is the fit? Would it be roomy enough for a "stocky" guy as myself?

My normal comfort level is warm. I walked outside a few mornings ago and I got a chill....it was 78 degrees!

I'm 5'10" and 200 and the large fits perfectly (not tight and not baggy).

 

[washington taco]

Check out a web site called www.steepandcheap.com they have killer deals one at a time until gone. They price there stuff at aleast 50% off. I have purchased numeruos things from them. Great service fast shipping and easy returns.

 

[the_g_man]

TAD Gear

Check out TAD Gear (www.tadgear.com) for some awesome outdoor wear. Pricey, but well worth it... if you NEED performance clothing. Reviews and comments are plentiful on the internet, too (see militarymorons site, to start with.) You won't be disappointed.

 

[Van_Homan]

Check out TAD Gear (www.tadgear.com) for some awesome outdoor wear. Pricey, but well worth it... if you NEED performance clothing. Reviews and comments are plentiful on the internet, too (see militarymorons site, to start with.) You won't be disappointed.

Great source for gear

Thanks for the info

 

[lamontagne]

Well I finally took the plunge and ordered a Patagonia R3 in XL. I got in the mail a few days later, tried it on, and promptly put it back in the box. It was HUGE! I'm kind of a bigger guy, and I was wearing that thing like I had a blanket around me. So it was sent back for a refund.

I was in Manzanita Outdoors this last weekend (BTW, Awesome Earthroamer in the parking lot!) browsing around and I tried on the Patagonia R4 Lightweight in XL and it fit like a glove. Go figure.