The Men's R4 Hooded Front-Zip wetsuit is made for frigid water (38-48° F / 3-8° C) with 5mm neoprene (torso/back/legs), 4mm (sleeves & hood), 3mm (underarms) lined with chlorine-free merino wool.

Patagonia wetsuits use the highest quality neoprene. It has a 98% closed-cell ratio, which adds dead air space and with it, warmth. Our patented fabric construction incorporates a suit lining that blends merino wool with recycled polyester to trap more insulative dead-air space and quickly wick moisture away from your skin (U.S. Patent No. 7395553).

Patagonia patented Regulator wool technology is applied in the R4, R3 and R2 wetsuits, enhancing the performance of both wetsuit and rider. As a result, our R2 suits will keep the surfer warm in water ranging from 12 to 18 Celsius degrees, R3s when water temps range between 8 to 12 Celsius degrees and the new R4 allows uninhibited surfing in frigid water ranging from 3 to 8°C degrees.

The wetsuit seams are single-needle blind-stitched on the outside using nylon-bonded thread and triple glued for extra durability and strength, and crotch seams are internally taped. The use of highest quality neoprene coupled with the handmade construction of Patagonia wetsuits makes the lifetime of a Patagonia wetsuit much longer than average.

Patagonia's green credentials are not forgotten in the surf line either; chlorine free, merino wool is bonded to recycledpolyester in a grid pattern lining the wetsuit. Naturally warm even when wet and naturally odour resistant, the wool in grid formation holds a greater quantity of air helping to retain body heat and insulating better. This therefore allows Patagonia to use less material and create superior warmth at the same time. The chlorine free merino wool grid lining also wicks moisture away from the skin and has a vastly superior dry time.

The kneepads are made without PVC, a carcinogenic plastic used in many wetsuits, inherently making the Patagonia wetsuit better for environment, whilst increasing durability and flexibility.

Ordinary neoprene wetsuits have always been measured in millimetres. But there's more to Patagonia® suits than just neoprene and nylon. Our merino wool lining combined with high-density neoprene sets a whole new standard for performance and warmth. So we use an R-Rating standard that shows the appropriate suit for the waters you surf.

Sizes & Styles