Patagonia R1 Techface Fleece Hoody Review
The Patagonia R1 Techface Fleece Hoody is a lightweight full-zip fleece hoody that’s great for active use in cool weather. In addition to being wind-resistant, it features a large zippered chest pocket and two hip-belt-compatible handwarmer pockets, both accessible when wearing a backpack or climbing harness. The interior is lined with R1 grid fleece, while the exterior is a calendared polyester-elastane fabric that is stretchy, snow-shedding, and durable. If you’re looking for a lightweight fleece that can serve double duty as an insulating midlayer or a wind-resistant outer layer, the Patagonia R1 Techface Fleece Hoody has your number.
- Material: Polyester, Elastane
- Type: Grid fleece hoody
- Weight: Men’s L (17.1 oz / 485g)
- Warmth: Outer layer or Midlayer
- Gender: Men’s
- Pockets: 3 total (1 zippered chest, 2 side zippered)
- Cuffs: Elasticated
- Hood: Rear volume adjustable (over helmet)
- Fit: Roomy
- Hem Adjustment: Yes
The Patagonia R1 Techface Fleece Hoody is a cross between an insulating grid fleece jacket and an outer wind-resistant softshell. Configured as a full-zip jacket, it features R1 grid fleece on the interior, a polyester fabric with checkerboard grooves that increase breathability (see Grid Fleece: Pros and Cons). The thing that likens this fleece to a softshell jacket is its calendared polyester and elastane exterior which is smooth and sheds wind and blowing snow.
The features I like best on this jacket are the external pockets. There’s a large front chest pocket on the left side that can swallow a smartphone or a map, while the two zippered hand warmer pockets remain accessible when wearing a backpack hip belt. That’s pretty rare but extremely useful in cold weather for storing snacks close to your body so they don’t freeze.
The rest of the jacket is well-appointed. While helmet-compatible, the hood has a high neck and rear volume adjuster so you can shrink it to human proportions. It also has a stiffened front bill which is good to cut down on glare. The hem is cinchable to prevent drafts from chilling you from below, and the cuffs are elasticated and can be pulled up your arms to vent heat.
The R1 Techface Hoody runs quite large and has plenty of room to layer over another mid-layer. I like to wear it over a vest in cold weather for added warmth and to take advantage of the hoody’s wind resistance. That’s not the role I expected this garment to play when I bought it, but it works quite well in that capacity. If you prefer an even warmer version, check out the Patagonia R2 Techface Fleece Hoody.
Recommendation
The Patagonia R1 Techface Fleece Hoody is a great grid fleece that can be used as an insulating mid-layer or a wind-resistant outer layer for activities like winter hiking, snowshoeing, or peakbagging when warmth and wind resistance are desirable. The combination of R1 grid fleece and the techface softshell exterior also provides enhanced mobility with far less bulk compared to wearing two separate layers.
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I love this jacket and it is my go-to. i will say, I have never been able to get it comfortably over a helmet (biking or skiing).
Works with my climbing helmet – Black Diamond half dome – but I can see how it might not work with the monstrous helmets used in those other sports. Good comment – thanks!
I really like the versatility of this jacket, actually have three in different versions and colors. Mainly for wearing around town but if I have a mesh layer underneath it’s a great combo for colder temp winter backpacking.
I love this piece. Works on its own for shoulder season. Works as a mid layer. Works with a puffy vest for chilly starts. Sheds wind and light precip. But it is breathable, stands up to rocks and branches, and takes a beating. In fact, I wore it today snowshoeing at 13k with full sun and 25 mph winds. It kept my ball cap from blowing off. But too heavy for summer, imo.
One of my most used jackets, definitely a favourite.
From walking the dog, a outside training session in the late Fall, early Spring to hanging around at night at an outside gathering.
I use it sometimes as windshirt/ soft shell combo.
Over a Puffy coat or vest or even a regular R1as mentioned above it’s good to go.
Definitely tough, I have the first version and beat on it, still in great shape.
Good all around master of none type garment.
The pockets are indeed great and the hood fits over my old bike helmet, maybe I should upgrade the helmet?