This post may contain affiliate links.

Patagonia R1 Pullover Zip Fleece Review

For spring hiking this year, I’ve added a Patagonia R1 pullover fleece layer to my wicking system to give me a bit more warmth under a technical shell and to replace a synthetic vest that I’ve been using for the past few years. The problem with the vest is that it didn’t wick moisture away from my back when I’m carrying a backpack.

I chose the R1 Pullover because of my experience using the the Patagonia R1 Hooded Fleece, a warmer version of the R1 pullover that comes with a hood. It’s proven to be an ideal mid layer when sandwiched between a technical shell and a wicking base layer like a Patagonia Capilene 1 long sleeve jersey.

Patagonia R1 Pullover

The Patagonia R1 Wicking Action

Like its hooded cousin, the R1 Pullover has the same embossed grid pattern on the inside side of the fleece. This enables a more uniform wicking action because each part of the grid that touches your base layer is independent of the others around it. In turn, the weave around each embossed square is very porous, so much so that you can see through it when you hold it up to the light.

When moisture is pulled into an embossed square, it is quickly vented to the porous weave layer, moving moisture to your breathable shell where it can be vented out without cooling your skin. In essence, you can think of the R1 embossed weave as an osmosis pump for wicking moisture up to your exterior layers. Plus it works really well.

In testing the R1 Pullover over the past few weeks, in a variety of conditions, it performs just as well as its hooded variant. I really have to hand it to Patagonia: their mid-layers are incredibly effective and remain my favorites.

The R1 Pullover in an XL weighs 12.0 oz.

Disclosure: The author owns this product and purchased it using their own funds.

SectionHiker is reader-supported. We only make money if you purchase a product through our affiliate links. Help us continue to test and write unsponsored and independent gear reviews, beginner FAQs, and free hiking guides.

6 comments

  1. MZ -- 44 th parallel

    Have you looked at Melanzana? Regards.

  2. Interesting – they both get their fabric from Malden Mills. Nice little small town company. Do you have their stuff?

  3. MZ -- 44 th parallel

    I have the micro grid hoodie. It fits and functions as advertised.

  4. I bought one on sale a couple of months ago. They run a little small for me; I don't like clothes to be form-fitting. Whereas in most clothes I wear a large, I needed an extra large with the R1 pullover. The sleeves are a bit too long but I can live with that. It is amazingly warm and has become my go-to light fleece layer for most outdoor activities.

    Someday when my microfleece cardigan wears out, I'll buy an R1 full-zip jacket for work and around the house.

  5. I am curious why the pullover rather than just using the hoody year round. From Patagonia's website it seems like the primary fabric is the same for the pullover and the hoody. Other than the hoody having a hood and thumb loops, what differences have you found?

    –Mark

  6. That's a great question. The reason was originally weight. I was trying to get my gear weight below 11 lbs for Scotland. But I've since that I need microspikes for the peaks and my pack weight is creeping back up from ultralight to lightweight. There's also the issue of insulation. I can wear the hoody in cold weather but I need something with a little less neck insulation for warmer weather above 25-30 degrees F. Finally, there the issue of work clothes! I needed more casual sweaters for work. I can get away with the wearing the pullover, but the hoody is a bit over the top, even for a software company.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Solve *