Patagonia R1 Air Full Zip Hoody

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May 2023

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Mark Watson

Mark is Wilderness’s gear editor and a dedicated storyteller, documenting his adventures in both words and photos.

By Mark Watson

Patagonia R1 Air Full Zip Hoody $279.99

Used by: Contributing gear editor Mark Watson

Used for: 10 months

Patagonia’s R1 fleece hoody is a modern classic that has been widely imitated. You’ll know the look: close-fitting stretchy Power Grid-style fleece, with a cosy hood. Some outdoors people I know own several (me too) because they’re so practical, functional and comfortable. This latest hoody adopts a new style of fleece – proprietary to Patagonia – and while being thicker than Power Grid fleece, it’s both better looking and harder wearing.

It’s 100 per cent recycled polyester with a hollow core yarn and zigzag texture that wicks moisture while being highly breathable and quick drying. The smooth contours of the hood fit comfortably under a helmet and the full zip makes it easy to cool off.

I wore my hoody all of last winter, walking, tramping and warming up at the bouldering wall, and it’s been through the wash a few times. Aside from some minor pilling, which is common with fleece, it’s still looking really good.

Verdict: A worthy update of a deservedly popular style of technical fleece.

About the author

Mark Watson

Wilderness gear editor Mark Watson divides his workdays between graphic design, writing and photography. His passion for tramping, climbing, cycling and storytelling has taken him all over Aotearoa and the world in search of great trails, perfect moves and epic light. He has published four books and his photographs have featured in numerous publications. Especially motivated by long distance travel, he has tramped Te Araroa and cycled from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego.