Patagonia Re-Tool Hybrid Fleece Pullover

The Patagonia Re-Tool Hybrid Fleece Pullover is warm, cozy, and technical enough for a range of outdoor activities and travel. Patagonia considers it a more casual layer, and it is on the boxy side, but I've worn mine in fall and winter hiking and walking, birdwatching, photographing nature, as a layer skiing, and even on a horseback ride. While it won't replace my more technical wool and fleece layers, it earns a spot as a great, everyday fleece and so gets a lot of use.

When I bought the Patagonia Re-Tool Hybrid Fleece Pullover in August 2024, Backcountry called it the Re-Tool X Nano Pullover; however, it's the same jacket (I compared materials). I've used mine regularly in the five months since—on a two-week trip to the Andes and Patagonia in Chile; hiking, walking, birdwatching, and more in Maine and a New Hampshire throughout fall and winter; and generally, around town and doing errands.

My one disappointment with this pullover came today, while writing this review, when I suspected Patagonia is discontinuing it. Hopefully they're working on a similar replacement.

Fit

The Re-Tool Hybrid Fleece Pullover's fit is relaxed and roomy, some would say boxy or overly large, but I think it's fine for a pullover versus a front-zip jacket. I got a medium, my standard Patagonia size, and find it comfy. However, if you want it more fitted and don't need to layer much underneath, I recommend trying it on in person and consider sizing down.

The pullover with PrimaLoft is only available in women's. There is also (for now) a women's Re-Tool Hybrid Fleece Jacket and a men's Re-Tool Hybrid Fleece Hoody. I wonder if Patagonia needs to narrow the Re-Tool Hybrid down to one version to keep it in the lineup.

Materials

The Re-Tool Hybrid Fleece Pullover is your standard midweight, warm, cozy, soft fleece, but with some extra mid-section warmth and more environmentally-conscious materials. It's made from a recycled polyester Re-Tool fleece (the upper half and arms) and recycled polyester ripstop insulated with 60-gram PrimaLoft Gold 100% post-consumer recycled polyester (the lower half). It's also made in a Fair Trade Certified factory. My medium weighs 404 grams (14.4 oz).

Features and Design

The design is standard:

• There's one zippered chest pocket where I store a key. I'd add a small key clip there for security.
• There's a dual kangaroo pouch for your hands and whatnot under the PrimaLoft. The pockets are roomy and separate. I've put my iPhone, gloves, and sunglasses in (and out of) them as needed. They don't zip closed (so I wouldn't leave a car key in there), but they feel reasonably secure and are a warm spot for hands or things you want to access quickly.
• The top has five snaps to open or close for temperature regulating.
• There's an adjustable bungee cord at the bottom hem to cinch it tighter, but despite this pullover's roomy fit, I don't think I've ever used it.

It's a basic fleece pullover design—and it works. Plus, I don't know what else you'd want from this fleece (except maybe a key clip or a hoody like the men's version).

Warmth and Layering

I consider this a three-season, midweight fleece. It can be outerwear in spring or fall, especially when sitting around, or works with more layers in winter, depending on your activity level. It's not made with windproof materials, but It's thick enough that some wind isn't an issue. I've worn it on windy beaches in New England and Chile in winter temps.

I've also used it as an outer layer in temperatures as low as the teens (F) while hiking or walking in winter (along with gloves, hat, other layers). With its boxier fit, I can wear it over a few base layers plus a thick hoodie sweatshirt with no constriction. Some don't like the roomy fit, but I think it's an asset since I can fit whatever I want underneath.

If I'm aiming to move quickly and/or uphill, this fleece would be overkill, and I'd layer differently. But when I'm going slower to stop and take photographs, to look for birds, or sitting around watching a ski comp in the sun, it's a better fit. 

Value

The Re-Tool Hybrid Fleece Pullover retails for $269, which is steep. However, I got lucky and bought mine for $107 on sale at Backcountry last year—and in the color I wanted (Lagoon Blue). At that price it was a great value. Now it's on sale everywhere it's being sold, presumably because Patagonia is discontinuing it. (Why, Patagonia?!)

I'm willing to pay extra for clothing made from recycled materials, plus this one is versatile for three-season use. Based on how many times I've used mine in the past five months I might even pay full price if I had to do it over again.

Also, our family has used the Patagonia repair service numerous times for zippers and other issues with older Patagonia apparel; so, you get a lifetime guarantee, even if an item is discontinued. (We go to the Freeport, Maine, store to see if they can fix something in-house, and if not, they send it to Nevada and eventually it gets shipped back to us. As long as you don't need a garment right away, it's a great service. Highly recommended and a reason to buy from Patagonia.)

Recommendation and Use

So, is the Re-Tool Hybrid Fleece just another fleece? Maybe. Did I really need another fleece? Probably not, though I didn't have a fleece or insulated pullover. Do I use it? Yes, multiple times a week. When I started this review, I wondered if I'd used the pullover enough to review it or if I had pictures of it in use. The proof was in all the pictures.

I really like this fleece for its everyday comfort and versatility. You can add or subtract layers and wear it on the trail or around town. Despite its bulk I'd take it when traveling to cool or cold climates since it's got a range of uses, plus it works for everyday use. I'll throw it on after a winter run till I get home to shower and will be warm and look somewhat pulled together.

I've never had a complaint or issue when wearing this hybrid pullover and it's quickly become a favorite. For a not overly technical piece, I seem to have taken it on a lot of outdoor adventures so far. I hope Patagonia keeps some version of the Re-Tool Hybrid around. 

 Some of My Re-Tool Hybrid's adventures:

Background

I've worn fleece jackets, pullovers, and tops of various weights for the past three or four decades while hiking, skiing, and otherwise spending time outdoors.