Bottom Line
The Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T (men’s / women’s) is an incredibly comfortable pullover with an iconic style that’s remained unchanged since the 1980s. It’s made with quality, double-sided, lightweight, and durable fleece. Plus, it has super comfy spandex-trimmed wrist cuffs and hem to trap heat and help it hold its shape.
The slightly oversized fit and funky, unique colorways give the Synchilla a retro look. The design and material make it extra cozy and warm – which is why it’s become our go-to for relaxing and nights around the campfire. This fleece costs more than others that made it on our list of the best fleeces, but because Patagonia clothing lasts for a long time(and offers repairs), it feels like a fair price.
From October all the way through the winter, we find ourselves wearing the Synchilla almost daily. For our testing, we took this on everything from hikes in the high country of Colorado with early snow on the ground to fishing trips on fall rivers that involved jumping across streams and bushwhacking through brush. Aside from picking up some burrs and thorns, the fleece kept us warm and comfy. While this fleece performs great on the trail and around town, we even like to wear it inside as a lounge layer.
Quick Specs
Patagonia Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T
Comfortable, Lightweight, & Durable Fleece
CleverHiker Rating: 72.5
Price: $149
Measured Weight: 13.2 oz.(Men’s M)
Fleece Weight: Lightweight
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Great value
- Inclusive sizng
Cons
- A bit bulky for backcountry use
- Loose fit can be a bit tricky to layer
Warmth
Warmth is the outstanding feature of the Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T. Like a fuzzy security blanket that you can wear all day, we love how instantly cozy this layer makes us feel.
We tested this hiking along the Poudre River in northern Colorado on several cold fall days. Day hikes in this fleece in cool weather are ideal. It kept us warm and comfortable. We also love wearing it around town from fall through the winter. This versatile fleece works well in many conditions and we wear it on 60-degree days down to 30-degree days.
Like most fleece layers, it is not the most breathable, so you don’t want to wear it on strenuous hikes. But for casual outings around town or walking along snow-covered trails high in the Rocky Mountains, the Synchilla keeps the wintery nip at bay.
Comfort
Its soft, 100% recycled polyester is velvety smooth. We basically live in the fleece as soon as the leaves start turning in Colorado. From watching football on the couch to fly fishing high alpine lakes, this fleece is equally comfortable in all circumstances.
The hip-length design is intended to pair with a hip belt or a harness. However, it tended to ride up on our backs while wearing a pack with a hip belt. Because it is a heavier-weight fleece, layering it can be a bit uncomfortable if the outer layer is fitted. Adding a vest worked well, but a full jacket can feel restrictive.
Durability
The Synchilla is well-built, thick, and durable. But it does have its limits, like rough trails. In our testing, we took it off the trail and found that thorns, branches, and burrs tended to get stuck in the soft material. Taking it on and off revealed some pilling of the material. In researching the fleece, some users say this will last a lifetime, while others indicate it showed significant shedding. However, wearing this for daily or casual use will not deteriorate the jacket and should last a long time.
Weight
At just over 13 ounces, the Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T is right in the middle of the road for weight. It is still light enough to wear on the trail, but packing it into a pack or bag takes up more space than a lightweight puffer would. For that reason, we don’t bring it backpacking, but we do leave it in the car to change into once we get back to our car.
Features
The main feature is a left chest patch pocket. This flap pocket has a snap closure and is more of a nod to the original style of the synchilla design. We used the pocket to store an iPhone in testing but did not find it practical or comfortable. There are no hand pockets on the Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T, which is something we would like to see more than a chest pocket. The fleece also has four snaps on the front placket, and undoing all of these provides limited airflow.
Inversely, buttoning them all up puts the soft, warm collar on your neck. There are Y-joint sleeves, which make it easy to move in. We scrambled over rocks and boulders in this fleece and didn’t feel restricted. There is also spandex trim on the cuffs and hem, which help keep cold air out and are quite comfortable on the wrists.
Should You Buy The Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover?
If you are looking for a stylish fleece that performs like a sweater and will work in a variety of conditions and environments, then the Synchilla Snap-T is for you. It is perfect for fall and some warmer winter days. It is a good lifestyle fleece, which works for someone looking for a non-technical versatile fleece that looks good, but does not have a ton of features.
It will not work for someone looking for a good multi-day or backpacking fleece because it doesn’t pack down well.
What Other Fleeces Should You Consider?
Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Review: Like the Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T, the Cotopaxi Teca is a warm and soft fleece that you can wear all fall and winter. From day hikes to backyard campfires, the Teca will work well. It has more pockets and a zipper, adding a few more features.
North Face Denali Fleece Review: The North Face Denali has a similar look and feel to the Synchilla Snap-T. The Denali is also a very soft and bulky fleece. However, it will have a full zipper as opposed to buttons.
