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.