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 has with a huge zippered chest pocket and two hip belt-compatible handwarmer pockets that are accessible when wearing a backpack or climbing harness. The interior is lined with R1 grid fleece, while the exterior is a calendared polyester and 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 mid-layer 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 has R1 grid fleece in the interior which is a polyester fleece fabric with checkerboard groves running through it to promote increased 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 interior is breathable grid fleece

The features I like the 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 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.

Closeup of the external calendared and wind-resistant weave

The rest of the jacket is well appointed. The hood, while helmet-compatible, has a high neck and rear volume adjuster so you can shrink it down 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 hood has a rear volume adjuster.

The R1 Techface Hoody runs quite large and has plenty of room inside to layer over another mid-layer garment. 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 desireable. 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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