OutdoorGearLab

For the last six years, the Patagonia R1 has continued to hold the top spot in our review for its unrivaled performance, quality, and style. This is the hoody you'll see being donned by guides, outdoor experts, and recreationists alike. It is fashionable enough to be worn casually to work and technical enough for body-smearing slot canyons and cool days at the crag. Soft on the skin, the outer layer is made of durable fabrics that'll layer easily under other layers. As a classic for long trips, it doesn't retain smells even after being unwashed for a week or so &#40;trust us, we've tried it&#41;, and its thin, fitted design is stretchy with excellent mobility. The colors are gush-worthy with a versatility that is hard to beat. After many years, this is the fleece we reach for most for outdoor missions: a day hike, climbing at the crag, or a multi-day backpacking trip.
This hoody is awesome, but there are a few mentionable caveats. While the fabric offers some water resistance and will stave off a mist, it won't keep you dry in light rain. That said, having a good rain shell on hand can fix that problem. Other than that, we believe this is a staple piece that should reside in every adventurer's closet and comes highly recommended.

Best for Most

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Patagonia R1 Fleece Full-Zip Hoody Review | Pack Hacker

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Patagonia R1 Hoody - Our Premium Pick for the Ultralight Backpacker, Wilderness Backpacker, and Day Hiker

Review: Patagonia Women's R1 Fleece Hoody - FeedTheHabit.com

Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Fleece Hoodie Review

The Gordon Lyons ¼ Zip is another relatively affordable fleece offered by The North Face. This model is both a thicker and warmer option than the TKA Glacier ¼ Zip. The inside of the jacket is brushed, meaning it has a fuzzy texture, making the interior much softer to the touch than the outer layer, despite being made from the same material. The thick material made this fleece one of the warmest of any of the jackets in our testing group. With an athletic fit bordering on the slim side, it offers a good blend of outdoorsy and street style, making it appropriate for everything from weekend camping trips to wearing out for drinks. 
The thickness of the material does compromise some range of motion, and our testers noted that they felt some tightness in the shoulders. The biggest drawback to this fleece is the pronounced seams running down both sides of the arms. The seams are thick, a little scratchy, and fairly noticeable when bending your arms. Given the fit, weight, and lack of give in the material, it can feel awkward to layer over or underneath this jacket. This budget fleece jacket is stylish, warm, and ideal for someone looking for a midweight option that is warm enough to use as a standalone piece.

Budget Pick

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Best Budget Fleece Jacket of 2022

Patagonia's R1 series topped the list of fleeces. Emulated by many, the grid fleece technology has become a staple in active cold-weather layering systems. Patagonia improved their line with the Patagonia R1 Air Full Zip Hoody. Built from a proprietary "hollow core" fabric from 100% recycled polyester, this piece brings a new level of comfort to performance fleece wear. The material looks and feels more cozy than technical, but it performs with the best. Whether heading to the crag or the coffee shop, our testers always grab this jacket first. The low weight and warmth make it ideal for high-intensity activities like cold-weather climbing and hiking. The highly breathable "zig-zagged" pattern helps shed moisture and keeps you from becoming sweaty and shivering. 
In previous reviews, we tested the R1 Air Crew and loved it. In this review, we tested the hooded version and found it even better, thanks to the pockets and well-fitted hood. While this fleece is more wind-resistant than the original R1, it's still lightweight, so prepare accordingly if for poor weather. This highly comfortable and warm layer is ideal for anyone looking to upgrade their performance fleece wear. 
Read more: Patagonia R1 Air Full Zip Hoody review

Patagonia discontinued our previous favorite R1 fleece, but their R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is a new favorite. Despite being thinner than the average fleece, this lightweight layer is soft and snuggly, warm, yet still breathable. The material's alternating breathable/insulating channels provide amazing thermoregulation, keeping you warm but also ventilating when you're exerting yourself. We love the fit, and the stretchy fabric has great mobility. It's soft and feels great against bare skin.
Not everyone loves the look of the Patagonia R1 Air. Some of our testers thought it looked a bit worn and ragged. We also experienced pilling after the first washing, although this didn't affect performance at all. Overall, though, this is a great and versatile layer with incredible thermoregulation, great for moving fast on the trail or ski track.
Read more: Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody - Women's review

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