When asked what Patagonia's masterpieces are, the R1 series is sure to come up in the lineup
The R1 series is introducing a new series called the "R1 Thermal" for the fall/winter of 2024. I had the opportunity to try out the R1 Thermal Full Zip Hoody, so I'll give you a review
When it comes to autumn and winter mountaineering or other winter activities in harsher environments, the warmth and breathability of a mid-layer are key to enjoying the extreme cold without stress! The R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody was a very satisfying mid-layer!
table of contents
Patagonia R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody Key Features
The "R1 Thermal" series is the model with the best heat retention among the current R1 series
The full-zip hoody is made from technical fleece, perfect for extreme cold weather. The highly stretchable Technostretch fleece allows for freedom of movement without feeling restrictive. The snug-fitting hood feels comfortable under a helmet, and the balaclava-style hood covers your face. The zipper garage reduces the discomfort of the zipper pressing against your face
The interior features a microgrid construction that maximizes warmth while allowing for breathability, preventing overheating while on the move
The full-zip construction makes it easy to put on and take off while on the move, and the longer length makes it less likely to roll up while you're on the move
Two pockets are provided on both sides of the chest, perfect for storing small items you want to keep warm. The abdominal pocket has been eliminated, and the stomach area has a streamlined design, assuming that a harness will be worn
Equipped with thumb holes, previously only available on the R1 Pullover, this jacket keeps the backs of your hands warm even when gloves aren't needed
Favorite points
- Excellent heat retention
- Microgrid structure for excellent sweat ventilation
- Full zip construction for easy on and off
- Quick-drying, even when wet
- Thumb holes keep out the cold and keep the back of your hands warm
- Balaclava-style hood
Points of concern
- Chest pocket with a zipper that is difficult to open and close
- The higher the insulation, the heavier it becomes
Main specifications and evaluation
| Item Name | R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody |
|---|---|
|
weight |
Medium size: 400g (measured value) |
| color | Raptor Brown, Smolder Blue, Seabird Gray, Black |
| size | XS, S, M, L, XL |
| Women's model | Ants |
| material | 6.5-oz 91% recycled polyester/9% polyurethane flat-face technostretch fleece |
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| Heat retention | ★★★★★ |
| Resistant to stuffiness | ★★★★☆ |
| Breathable | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ease of movement | ★★★★☆ |
| quick drying | ★★★★★ |
| durability | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ |
| Practicality in winter mountains | ★★★★★ |
Detailed Review
I've used the R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody several times, including on Mt. Akadake (2,899m above sea level) in the Yatsugatake Mountains in early winter, and in Okuchichibu. I tested it with a thin short-sleeved T-shirt as the first layer, so that it would be in contact with my bare skin
Excellent heat retention
As stated on the official website, the R1 Thermal series is the most heat-retaining of Patagonia's R1 series
The fabric doesn't feel particularly thick, but when you wear it you can really feel how well it keeps you warm
When I wore it on Mt. Akadake in the Yatsugatake Mountains in early winter, the temperature when I started walking was about minus 5°C. Once I reached the ridge, the temperature was about minus 10°C with occasional winds
My layering consisted of a first layer (short-sleeved T-shirt), an R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody, and a hard shell, which was enough for the duration of my activities
Fine lattice microgrid structure
The secret to its superior heat retention is its microgrid structure, which increases the surface area that comes into contact with the skin and traps dead air in the grid, providing exceptional warmth
When deciding on layers for outdoor activities, it is important to consider how many layers you need to cover the anticipated environment
Layering can be broadly divided into underlayers, mid-layers, and outer layers, but depending on the environment, two or even three mid-layers may be used. Layering is simpler when you wear fewer layers, but it's also true that it's harder to deal with thickness and cold because you have fewer layers to take on and off (it's a deep subject)
The R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody is a simple layering piece, perfect for those who want to get the most out of their gear with minimal clothing
Its high heat retention makes it suitable as a mid-layer while on the move, and the outer fabric of the R1 Thermal Full Zip Hoody is highly durable and can repel light winds, so in light winds I was able to move around comfortably wearing just the R1 Thermal Full Zip Hoody without having to wear a shell jacket
Microgrid structure for excellent sweat ventilation
The microgrid structure, which provides outstanding heat retention, has even more potential
Because it has such high heat retention, I was concerned that it would not allow sweat to escape easily, but it was better than I expected at wicking sweat away while I was active, and I didn't overheat easily
Even in cold temperatures, you'll sweat while active, but the R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody absorbs sweat and releases it through the grid grooves, providing an excellent balance of warmth and moisture-wicking properties in low-temperature environments. It's the perfect mid-layer for mountain climbing or backcountry skiing and snowboarding
I was a little concerned about breathability due to the surface fabric and the fine microgrid structure, but I didn't feel stuffy. The R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody is designed for use in extremely cold, high-altitude conditions, so I don't think it's suitable for use in hotter environments or when breathability is a priority
Depending on how you use it, it can be quite useful even for low mountain hikes
The R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody is a technical fleece designed for high-altitude activities in extremely cold conditions. Its heat retention has been enhanced to withstand extremely cold conditions, but the author was concerned about its use in low-altitude areas
I was curious about it, so I tried using it properly even on low mountains
The test was conducted in temperatures between -3°C and 10°C. As the temperature rose, it became too hot to wear outdoors, but by unzipping it, it was fine to wear it while moving around
Because of its high heat retention, the R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody provides just the right amount of warmth when starting to walk or after a break. Even in situations where I would normally wear a down jacket during breaks, I was able to get by by simply wearing a shell over the R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody (if there's no wind, the R1 Thermal alone is fine)
The best thing about the R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody was the outer material. It's a fairly sturdy fabric, so you can move around without getting cold in a light wind. Even on low mountains, the wind can blow strongly on open ridges and crests. In those situations, a shell jacket would be useful, but with the R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody, I was able to move around without it, saving me the trouble of having to put on a shell
The R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody is not only great for extreme cold alpine conditions, but can also be used in lower mountain areas in winter, depending on how you use it
Full zip construction for easy on and off
The R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody's full-zip construction makes it easy to put on and take off while on the move. I often wear half-zip or pullover mid-layers because of their weight, but my hat and helmet tend to slip off every time I take them on and off
It's stressful to have to adjust your hat every time you take off or put on your gear... Full-zip gear doesn't affect your head when you put it on or take it off, so the full-zip structure is convenient from a practical standpoint
What's more, the zipper on the R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody has a smooth slider, making it easy to open and close! The ease with which a zipper opens and closes may seem like a minor detail, but when you actually use it, it's surprisingly directly related to how easy it is to wear, so a smooth slider is important
Since it is a full zip, you can release heat by opening it, making it easy to regulate your body temperature while on the move
The chest pocket zipper is difficult to open and close, which is a concern
The pockets located close to the body are convenient for storing batteries or smartphones that you don't want to get cold. The R1 Thermal Full Zip Hoody has pockets on both chests, but the zippers on these chest pockets are difficult to open
The main zipper is extremely easy to open and close, but the zipper on the chest pocket is stiff, and because the fabric is very stretchy, you have to hold it down with one hand to close it. Once you get used to it, you'll be able to open and close it with one hand while holding the fabric down with your fingers, but it was a bit of a concern
Quick-drying, even when wet
The use of synthetic fabrics that dry quickly is also a factor in their quick-drying properties, but here too the microgrid structure comes into play: air enters the grid, accelerating drying, so even wet fabrics dry in a short amount of time
The steep climb, a mix of rock and snow, was a tough area. With crampons on, I was even more careful than usual with my movements. My body was sweating more than usual due to the careful movements and continued tension, and by the time I got back to a safe place, I was soaked. I could feel how wet my sweat was when I touched it, but after about 15 to 20 minutes of wearing it, I no longer felt wet, and I was able to experience how quick-drying it was
Thumb holes keep out the cold and keep the back of your hands warm
Personally, the first thing that caught my eye when I saw the R1 Thermal Full Zip Hoody was the thumbholes
The R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody now features thumbholes, which were previously only available on the R1 Pullover (I love thumbholes)
The thumbholes allow the sleeves to cover the back of your hands even when you remove your gloves, keeping you warm, and when you wear gloves they prevent your skin from being exposed, keeping out the cold
In the winter mountains, it's important to prevent your skin from being exposed, so clothing with thumb holes is very useful
Balaclava-style hood
The R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody's hood is a balaclava design that keeps your face warm when zipped all the way up
The fact that it is integrated into your clothing is extremely convenient; you can put the hood on to keep warm when it's cold, or take it off quickly when it's hot; you can also unzip it to keep your head and ears warm while leaving your face exposed, giving you a wide range of options for regulating your body temperature
It fits tightly, so you may feel a slight tightness when moving, but the highly stretchable fabric means it's not stressful, and it's convenient because you don't have to carry a separate balaclava
Summary: With the R1 Thermal, you can solve your mid-layer problems on extremely cold mountains!
There are many things you want from a winter mid-layer, such as heat retention, sweat-wicking, breathability, and quick-drying properties, so finding the best piece can be quite difficult
The tricky part is deciding which R1 series to use. We've introduced the R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody this time, but depending on what you're looking for, the other R1 series products have their own appeal. For example, if you're looking for versatility and all-around use, choose the R1; if you're active and prioritize sweat-wicking, choose the R1 Air; if you need durability for activities on sharp rock faces or rocky ridges, choose the R1 Tech Face; and if you're in extremely cold environments or less active, choose the R1 Thermal. Each product has its own strengths, so you can use them accordingly
The R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody introduced here is a mid-layer that is highly insulating, wicks away sweat, and dries quickly, making it ideal for activities in harsh environments! The thumb holes and hood that can be used as a balaclava are also great features!
Head out into the frigid winter mountains in the R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody!
Disclosure: The author was provided with the product for this review and has maintained complete independence in accordance with our editorial policy
Please consider a paid membership to support the website while enjoying exclusive articles and events!
Yosuke
A person who travels around with just one backpack, with the motto of "as light as possible" without causing inconvenience
From spring to autumn, I go fishing in mountain streams in pursuit of char deep in the mountains. I hike the mountains in search of spectacular views that cannot be seen from the ground. I camp to relax by a bonfire. I snowboard to experience the feeling of floating in the silvery white mountains
A freelance writer with over 20 years of outdoor experience who enjoys the outdoors in his own way all year round. Based on his experience writing articles for over a dozen outdoor web publications, he will share his own experiences and the best tools he has used
Related reading
