User Review: Patagonia Classic Retro-X Vest

Patagonia Classic Retro-X Vest
Above: The current Classic Retro-X Vest, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed May 13, 2009 by Confutatus

Rating:
Price Paid: $45

Great vest. Looks and is very comfy. Can wear as casual vest around town but works fantastic for hiking. I wore this vest as my primary hiking layer (over nylon shirt) for my hike up to the Everest basecamp. Wore pretty much the whole way up, alone up to maybe 4000m.

Definitely windproof. Seems a little stiff straight out of the package, but loosens up wonderfully with some use, but still maintains windproof capabilities.

Only issues - this is more designed for casual use, around camp and not as high-tech mountaineering layer. Meaning, the entire cut is a little more generous than Patagonia's technical gear, so for technical use I would have gotten a Med instead of the Large I did. It only means that the arm-holes are a bit loose and can let air in and out more easily than I would like and there is no drawstring along the bottom, which also is loose. I suspect, however, that I would have given this vest 5 stars if I had a medium.

Overall, excellent construction, durable, cozy, windproof. Just be aware of the generous cut when ordering and you will be amazingly pleased.

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