Patagucci R3 v. R4 v. Intermediary

[Rontele]

Anyone have one? Have a gift card to Patagonia and deciding between the R3, the R4 and Intermediary Jacket

Jacket would be primarily for city use, but potential for mid layer for skiing.

Thoughts are appreciated.

[verbier61]

I use my old R3 as mid layer for skiing since (I guess....) 2003. Everytime for any reason I have to use something else as a mid-layer, wherever an R2 (too light) a polartec millet (frequently too hot) or a merino (quickly becoming humid), I miss the R3.

it's a very personal issue, though....

[Tye 1on]

Maybe look at this one in the web specials for $90. Think about the stone or blue in color please, since it will likely end up on gear swap...

[Rontele]

funny, D. I am not hurting for tech layers.

[NorthernSpotted...]

Anyone have one? Have a gift card to Patagonia and deciding between the R3, the R4 and Intermediary Jacket

Jacket would be primarily for city use, but potential for mid layer for skiing.

Thoughts are appreciated.

I wouldn't wear an R4 as a midlayer skiing. The windproof membrane would turn that thing into a sweat factory unless it was really cold. I'm sort of a freak, though. I don't wear more than an R1 unless it's below 0 deg. F.

That said, since your main concern seems to be city use (to enhance your business-hippy street cred maybe?), the windproof nature of the R4 makes it more practical and versatile than the R3.

As for the Intermediary Jacket, I've found that while a lot of Paty's technical clothing moves to the street rather nicely, it doesn't work out as well in the other direction. That jacket definitely seems more casually oriented and I doubt you'd want to use it as a midlayer.

[fatback]

I have been using the R4 as a mid layer for skiing for a couple of seasons now. It is quite warm and I only use it on really cold days. Works great as a mid layer and is very warm for use around town as well.

[Rontele]

That said, since your main concern seems to be city use (to enhance your business-hippy street cred maybe?)

I hate hippies, but your analysis is spot-on. I don't always need to wear my wool overcoat to the office and I guess I am looking for something a bit more casual...

[Particle]

For me the R3 and R4 would be too warm for a mid layer skiing, unless it's ridiculously cold (below 0F). I wore my R1 as a midlayer this weekend, 2 degrees and nuking winds, perfectly comfortable. For street/office either will work great.

[pappag]

Agreed on the R4 for sub/near zero temps. With a shell, it was fairly warm with temps below zero and a wind chill of -40F. Felt that it was too warm to wear as a midlayer once temperatures got above 10F. Perfect on it's own in the spring when above 35F.

[Hugh Conway]

Whichever costs more fits you better and shouts the "Outdoorsy Business Douchebag" look you want

[Rontele]

Agreed on the R4 for sub/near zero temps. With a shell, it was fairly warm with temps below zero and a wind chill of -40F. Felt that it was too warm to wear as a midlayer once temperatures got above 10F. Perfect on it's own in the spring when above 35F.

I found the fit to be boxy (which is the last thing I needed)

Leaning towards the intermediary because that way I can fulfill the Hugh Conway douchebag looking role...

[Hugh Conway]

Leaning towards the intermediary because that way I can fulfill the Hugh Conway douchebag looking role...

Take notes:

Hugh rocked the Retro-X and now rocks the MicroPuff. Of all of them mentioned in this thread the Micropuff is the only one mildly suitable for skiing

[Rontele]

Take notes:

Hugh rocked the Retro-X and now rocks the MicroPuff. Of all of them mentioned in this thread the Micropuff is the only one mildly suitable for skiing

i wear a micropuff vest skiing.

[Hugh Conway]

i wear a micropuff vest skiing.

vests are for wearing with chaps

[hutash]

If it helps you decide, i just bought an R3 from the Patagucci website for half price (look under web specials, men's jackets)

It is a great midlayer, but not as good as an around town jacket due to less wind proofing.

[azrael201]

how does the Retro-X stack up with the R4 LW or normal R4?

I know R4 has Windbloc but i'm not sure what Retro-X has?

I just want a fleece jacket for casual use.

maybe i should make a new thread

[pappag]

I just want a fleece jacket for casual use.

maybe i should make a new thread

I would look into the Marmot Reactor for that. Not bulky at all, but it does the job and will work as a great mid layer.

[azrael201]

Reactor is just a simple fleece. i need wind protection. i just wanted a comparison for retro-x and R4

[Hugh Conway]

You want wind protection? Buy a shell

[PearlJam09]

Retro X is more casual wear. No bottom elastic cinch, rougher inside. Windproof, but I wouldn't use it on the hill. Get an R4 or a Lightweight R4.

[JoeStrummer]

I took the day off to get some chores done, which apparently includes posting in my very first "which jacket" thread.

I have a Retro X and an R4. The R4 makes me look lumpy (well, lumpier) but is warmer and definitely more wind-resistant. I bought it because it was wicked cheap and rarely wear it; the Retro X is about the only thing I wear around town when it gets below 40 or so.

As Hugh says, the Micropuff is the only piece I find actually suitable for skiing but for skulking around town I choose the Retro X.