Patagonia Fleeces
Every Patagonia fleece here is made from 100% recycled polyester. The trim fabrics use NetPlus recycled nylon from fishing nets recovered from coastal communities. Every piece is also produced in a Fair Trade Certified factory. You get a fleece that performs on the hill and holds up to genuine scrutiny on its supply chain.
The Better Sweater is Patagonia's best-selling fleece for a reason. The knit-look face fabric gives it the appearance of a wool jumper, but underneath it is recycled polyester that dries faster and handles moisture far better than real wool. It is heavier than a technical grid fleece, so it is not the best pick for fast-paced hillwalking. Where it excels is in versatility. One jacket covers the walk to work, the pub, and a day on the Downs without looking out of place anywhere.
If you are buying a Patagonia fleece specifically for hillwalking, backpacking, or climbing, the R1 range is where to look. The R1 Air Zip Neck uses a gridded fleece structure that creates air channels across the fabric, letting moisture vapour escape rapidly so you do not overheat on steep ascents. It is lighter and more packable than the Better Sweater and dries noticeably faster. The R1 Air Full-Zip Hoodie adds a balaclava-style hood and full-length zip for maximum venting and tucks neatly under a helmet. Pick that version if you need a mid-layer that handles big temperature swings in winter or early spring.
The Synchilla Snap-T is one of the most recognisable Patagonia fleece pullovers ever made. Patagonia introduced it in 1985 and the basic shape has barely changed: a four-snap nylon placket, stand-up collar, and kangaroo-style hand pocket. The Synchilla full-zip jacket and unisex Synchilla Anorak are also available in slightly heavier weights. The Synchilla range is warmer than the R1 Air but does not vent as well during hard effort. Think of it as the fleece for cooler evenings, casual walks, or steady-pace days.
The Retro Pile and Retro-X sit at the warm end of the range. Both use deep, high-pile shearling-style fleece that traps a large volume of still air close to your body. The Retro Pile Marsupial is the standout seller on this page, with a marsupial-style hand pocket, zippered chest pocket, and elastic binding at the cuffs and hem. The Classic Retro-X Jacket is the heaviest fleece in the range, adding a windproof membrane between the outer pile and the inner lining. If you run cold or need a Patagonia fleece that handles strong wind without a shell over the top, the Retro-X is the one to look at.
Browse the full range of Patagonia fleeces at Cotswold Outdoor and find the right layer for your next trip.
Patagonia fleeces are renowned for their warmth, durability, and sustainable materials. They feature innovative fabrics like Synchilla and Polartec, which provide excellent insulation and breathability. Many models use recycled polyester and are Fair Trade Certified, aligning with Patagonia’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Yes, Patagonia fleeces are ideal for layering. Lightweight options like the Micro-D fleece work well as mid-layers under shell jackets, while heavier models like the Retro Pile can be worn as outer layers in milder weather.
The R1 fleece is perfect for hiking due to its lightweight Polartec Power Grid fabric, which traps heat while remaining breathable. It fits snugly under a shell jacket and provides excellent moisture-wicking during active pursuits.
Synchilla is a double-sided fleece known for its pill resistance and softness, making it ideal for casual wear. Polartec fleece is lighter and more technical, offering superior moisture-wicking and thermal efficiency for active use.
Key features include a quarter-length zip for easy wear, zippered chest and handwarmer pockets, elastic binding on the collar and hem, and a modern boxy fit. It’s Fair Trade Certified sewn and made from bluesign® approved recycled materials.
Yes, it features a zippered chest pocket for small items and a marsupial-style handwarmer pocket for convenience. Both are lined with brushed mesh for added comfort.
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