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Patagonia Wetsuits
Patagonia wetsuits are very different from wetsuits from other manufacturers. Unlike conventional wetsuits that are rated 3/2 or 4/3 where the neoprene on the torso area is thicker and less flexible and the neoprene around the shoulders and arms is and more flexible, Patagonia 3/2 and 4/3 equivalents, the R2 and R3 respectively, are a uniform thickness throughout the wetsuit. Patagonia uses a more environmentally friendly limestone derived high-quality neoprene that is very stretch and flexible.
Another feature that makes Patagonia wetsuits unique is that their R2, R3, an R4 models are lined with chlorine free merino wool placed in a structured grid. The wool lining of the Patagonia wetsuits are unique to Patagonia and are not seen in other brands of wetsuits. The wool lining provides extra warmth to the wetsuit and allows the wetsuits to use less neoprene, further reducing the environmental impact of the wetsuit.
The combination of the high quality neoprene and the merino wool lining allow Patagonia wetsuits to achieve greater warmth with less thickness in their wetsuits.
Patagonia wetsuit models are as follows:
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R1
The R1 wetsuits are made of 2mm hiqh quality neoprene. The R1 wetsuits are not wool lined and come in a springsuit style, a vest, and a longsleeve top. The R1 line is made to keep you warm in waters ranging from 65-75F degrees.
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R2
The R2 line of wetsuits is made 2mm neoprene. The inside of the R2 suit is lined with chlorine-free merino wool in a patented grid pattern. The high quality neoprene is flexible and form fitting and the wool lining adds another dimension of insulation to keep you warm in the water. R2 wetsuits are available in both front zip and back zip full suit models. Spring suit and short sleeve full suit models are also available. The polyester laminate in the torso, seat and legs are made from recycled products further reducing the suits environmental impact. The seams on these wetsuits are triple glued blind stitched to prevent any water seepage. R2 suits are suits designed for water temperatures 55-65F.
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R3
The R3 line of wetsuits is made of a uniform 3mm high quality neoprene. The inside of the R2 suit is lined with chlorine-free merino wool in a patented grid pattern. R3 suits are available in front zip, back zip, hooded front zip models. As with the R2 line, the polyester laminate is made from recycled products and the seams are triple glued and blind stitched to prevent water seepage. R3 suits are designed to keep you warm in waters from 48-55F.
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R4
The R4 wetsuits are made with 5mm neoprene in the torso, 4mm neoprene in the arms and legs, and 3mm neoprene in the underarms, the gaskets and the hood. The R4 is lined with chlorine-free merino wool and comes in a front zip hooded model. As with Patagonia’s other suits, the seams are triple glued and blind stitched and the polyester laminate is made from recycled products.
A criticism of the Patagonia wetsuits is that they do not feature key pockets.
Patagonia also makes an assortment of hoods, gloves and booties of varying thicknesses to help keep you warmer in the cold water.
Because of the high quality of neoprene and other materials, Patagonia wetsuits are amongst the more expensive wetsuits on the market. Suggested retail price for R2 and R3 models range from $500-$525 for non-hooded models. The R4’s suggested price is $625. However the adage that you get what you pay for holds very true for Patagonia wetsuits. These wetsuits are amongst the best quality wetsuits that I have ever used.
What comes along with the price of the suit is Patagonia’s lifetime warranty on the wetsuits. I have a Patagonia wetsuit that I have used for 3 years and I have sent it in for warranty repair without any hassle whatsoever. I know people that have sent their Patagonia wetsuits in for warranty repair to be pleasantly surprised by a brand new wetsuit arriving in the mail for them. I have had cheaper wetsuits fall apart and become useless after two years of use so averaged over time, the higher price of the Patagonia wetsuit is actually not that expensive.
The Patagonia wetsuit is my all time favorite wetsuit. Please understand that like shoes, wetsuits tastes will vary from person to person, but I am here to give my endorsement of this excellent product. This site is in no way affiliated with Patagonia and this site does not receive any financial compensation from Patagonia for this endorsement.