Gear Review

Patagonia Capilene Zip-Neck

1. soft and comfortable
2. odor suppression
3. zip-neck versatility
4. 7oz (men's medium)

If Patagonia makes it, it's probably good and more likely great. Patagonia consistently produces the softest, warmest, most user-friendly fleece on the planet.

This long-sleeve zip-t shirt can be worn as an inner layer, or as a stand-alone top for mountain activities. The long sleeves make for nice protection against the sun, and the zipper gives you an extra measure of climate control as compared to the crew top design.

Patagonia includes a host of unexpectedly brilliant features in all their clothing, and this top is no exception.

Seams are rolled off the shoulders to avoid interacting with pack straps.

The fit is contoured for more effective layering, and the fabric features a cool open weave that breathes well, but still provides outstanding insulation.

With intelligent features like these, you'd think everyone at the company loves the backcountry as much as we do.

I find the zip-neck feature absolutely essential in the backcountry. Zip up the neck, and the top's warmth skyrockets when a cold wind blows in, or when you're stopping to rest. Unzip the neck when you're climbing hard and starting to sweat to stay cool. This seemingly-simple feature lets you avoid taking off and putting on clothes repeatedly. Instead, you stay comfortable—and on the move.

The texture of Capilene fleece really has to be felt to be fully appreciated. It's every bit as good as you've heard. Patagonia has also addressed complaints that Capilene was vulnerable to odors when worn day after day without washing: the new Capilene is odor-resistant, so if don't still smell good on day 28 of your Everest expedition, it won't be your base layer's fault.

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