The original R1 fleece has become something of a classic outdoor piece but with the addition of the R1 TechFace Hoody, Patagonia have raised the game and created a more technical layer that will appeal to hikers, climbers, alpinists, runners, skiers and bikers alike.
A multi-purpose mid/outer layer, the R1 TechFace Hoody functions much like a durable, weather resistant fleece, making it an ideal cold weather mid-layer and/or outer layer on warm days in the mountains.
Like fleece, the R1 TechFace Hoody feels warm, stretchy, lightweight and breathable but it comes with the crucial added benefit of being more durable and weather resistant.
We tested the R1 TechFace on a range of vertical missions including a chilly early spring hillwalk, a ski touring adventure and an afternoon's interseason cragging and found it performed perfectly across the board.
The 92% polyester (69% of which is recycled), 8% elastane double weave fabric makes for a stretchy, lightweight and breathable jacket that maximises freedom and efficiency of movement in the mountains, it also feels warm and cosy next to your skin.
The articulated cut offers unrestricted movement and comes with the added benefit of a warm derriere which is always a plus! If things get chilly, you can get a snug fit by adjusting the hem and hood or hiding from the wind in the high collar.
We got caught in a couple of showers but didn't have to stop to put on a waterproof jacket thanks to the DWR which did a great job of shedding precipitation. The helmet compatible hood offers great protection from the rain as the water runs straight off the peak and not into your face.
We liked the snug, 'snag-resistant' cuffs as they reduce the chances of getting the jacket caught on branches and rocks. The low profile stretchy fabric also enables you to easily push the cuffs up your forearm when temperatures or heart rates start to rise.
All in all, if you're looking for a technical layering piece that works all year round and across a variety of activities, the R1 TechFace Hoody is a fine place to start.
