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Fleece Jackets

Best Patagonia Fleece

Last updated: July 12, 2022 by Canberk Koksal


R1 Fleece Pullover Hoody

Read Review

R2 Techface Hoody

Read Review

Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover

Read Review

Performance Better Sweater Hoody

Read Review

Woolyester Fleece Pullover

Best use

Mid-high output activities.

Outer-layer for static use when it's cold, windy and/or rainy out in town.

Classic collegiate look, timeless.

Athletic leisure, aka "athleisure".

Considering other options, I wouldn't really recommend this one.

MSRP

159 USD

189 USD

119 USD

159 USD

139 USD

Cell

R1 Fleece Pullover Hoody

R2 Techface Hoody

Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover

Performance Better Sweater Hoody

Woolyester Fleece Pullover

Pros

Most breathable pick, great fit, thumb holes, comfortable, ultralight

DWR helps in damp areas, smooth inner surface, warm, comfortable, handsome

Extremely comfortable, warm, perfect for casual purposes, light

Perfect balance between Synchilla and R1 in this review


Cons

Colder than other picks

Easier to overheat

No hood, not breathable, fit might be too large for some

Hood might come too big for some


Cell

R1 Fleece Pullover Hoody

R2 Techface Hoody

Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover

Performance Better Sweater Hoody

Woolyester Fleece Pullover

Weight

312 g (11 oz)

485 g (17.1 oz)

405 g (14.3 oz)

473 g (16.7 oz)

434 g (15.3 oz)

DWR

No

Yes

No

No

No

Women's counterparts & alternatives

Women's R1 Full Zip Hoody

Women's R2 Techface Hoody

Women's Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover

Women's Performance Better Sweater Hoody

Women's Woolyester Fleece Pullover

  • Latest on the blog:
  • CLO Values Explained: Primaloft, Coreloft, Thermatek, Plumafill & More
  • West & South Iceland: I visited again, and here's the best itinerary
  • #A sidenote here: Patagonia.com's Web Specials discounts are GOOOLLLDDD. Highly recommend you to check it out before you buy. 

R1 Fleece Pullover Hoody. My top pick for active use. 

Recently, probably with the effect of warmer weather, I'm getting asked a lot about the best Patagonia fleece. 

Generally speaking, for most common uses, although I'd say this Arc'teryx fleece is the best fleece out there in the entire market, I'll limit the context of this post to Patagonia only. 

Now, first things first: A fleece is mostly used for either of these two reasons: 

  • Casual everyday wear, 
  • A mid-layer (or in some cases, outer-layer) to fine tune the warmth - breathability balance during outdoor adventures.
  • Related Data Set: Temperature ratings of Patagonia jackets
NameEst. Temp (F/C)ReviewPit venting?Stuffs into itself?Two way zipper?TypeActivityFitWeight
Arc'teryx Alpha (Men's - Women's)-18/-28ReviewNoYesYesDownClimbingRegular805 g / 1 lb 12.4 oz
Feathered Friends Khumbu-17/-27NoYesNoDownAll RoundRegular960 g / 2 lb 2 oz
Arc'teryx Ceres SV (Men's - Women's)-15/-26ReviewNoYesYesDownAll RoundRegular880 g / 1 lb 15 oz
Mountain Equipment K7 (Men's)-13/-25NoYesYesDownAll RoundRegular820 g / 1 lb 13 oz
Rab Positron Pro (Men's)-13/-25NoYesYesDownAll RoundRegular740 g / 1 lb 10 oz
Arc'teryx Therme SV (Men's)-11/-24ReviewNoNoYesParkaAround TownRegular1.072 kg / 2 lb 5.8 oz
Patagonia Grade VII (Men's)-11/-24NoNoYesDownAround TownRegular743 g / 1 lb 10.1 oz
Arc'teryx Firebee AR (Men's - Women's)-10/-23ReviewNoYesYesDownAll RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz
Mountain Equipment Exo (Men's)-10/-23NoYesYesDownAll RoundRegular770 g / 1 lb 11.2 oz
Arc'teryx Thorsen (Men's)-7/-22ReviewNoNoYesParkaAround TownRegular1.1 kg / 2 lb 5.4 oz
Patagonia Frozen Range (Men's - Women's)-6/-21ReviewNoNoNoParkaAround TownRegular1.253 kg / 2 lb 12.2 oz
Mountain Equipment Li. Ec. (Men's - Women's)-5/-20NoNoYesDownAll RoundRegular822 g / 1 lb 13 oz
Arc'teryx Patera Long (Women's)-2/-19NoNoYesParkaAround TownRegular1.1 kg / 2 lb 6.8 oz
Rab Neutrino Pro (Men's - Women's)-2/-19NoYesYesDownAll RoundRegular585 g / 1 lb 8.6 oz
Arc'teryx Dually Belay (Men's)0/-18ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticAround TownRegular705 g / 1 lb 9 oz
Arc'teryx Centrale (Women's)0/-18ReviewNoNoYesParkaAround TownRegular885 g / 1 lb 15.2 oz
Arc'teryx Camosun (Men's)0/-18ReviewNoNoNoParkaAround TownTrim960 g / 2 lb 1.9 oz
Arc'teryx Cerium SV (Men's)0/-18ReviewNoYesNoDownAll RoundRegular415 g / 14.6 oz
Arc'teryx Revet (Men's)2/-17NoNoYesParkaAround TownRegular755 g / 1 lb 10.6 oz
Arc'teryx Piedmont (Men's)3/-16NoYesYesParkaAround TownRegular515 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz
Arc'teryx Fission SV (Men's - Women's)3/-16ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticAll RoundRegular890 g / 1 lb 15.4 oz
Arc'teryx Alpha Lightweight (Men's)3/-16NoYesYesDownClimbingRegular540 g / 1 lb 3 oz
Outdoor Research Sup. Alp. (Men's - Women's)3/-16NoNoYesDownAll RoundRegular825 g / 1 lb 13.1 oz
Arc'teryx Alessa Long (Women's)3/-16NoNoNoParkaAround TownRegular1.015 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 (Men's - Women's)3/-16ReviewNoNoNoParkaAround TownRegular1.307 kg / 2 lb 14.1 oz
Arc'teryx Radsten Parka (Men's)3/-16NoNoNoParkaAround TownRegular745 g / 1 lb 10.3 oz
Rab Electron Pro (Men's - Women's)5/-15NoYesYesDownAll RoundRegular525 g / 1 lb 2.5 oz
Arc'teryx Therme Parka (Men's)5/-15ReviewNoNoYesParkaAround TownRegular991 g / 2 lb 3 oz
Arc'teryx Macai (Men's)5/-15ReviewYes, zipsNoNoDownSki/SnowboardRegular1 kg / 2 lb 4 oz
Arc'teryx Nuclei SV (Men's)5/-15ReviewNoYesYesSyntheticClimbingRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz
Patagonia DAS Parka (Men's)5/-15NoYesYesParkaAround TownRegular555 g / 1lb 3.6 oz
Arc'teryx Patera (Women's)5/-15ReviewNoNoYesParkaAround TownTrim867 g / 1 lb 14.6 oz
Black Diamond Access Down (Men's - Women's)7/-14NoYesYesDownAll RoundRegular442 g / 15.6 oz
Arc'teryx Kappa (Men's)7/-14ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticAll RoundRegular755 g / 1 lb 10.6 oz
Arc'teryx Prema Down Coat (Women's)7/-14NoNoYesParkaAround TownRegular794 g / 1 lb 12 oz
Arc'teryx Radsten Insulated (Men's)7/-14NoNoNoParkaAround TownRegular715 g / 1 lb 9.2 oz
Rab Microlight Alpine (Men's - Women's)7/-14NoYesNoDownAll RoundRegular466 g / 1 lb 0.5 oz
Arc'teryx Thorium (Men's - Women's)7/-14ReviewNoYesYesDownAll RoundRegular517 g / 1 lb 2.2 oz
Feathered Friends Eos8/-13NoYesNoDownAll RoundRegular306 g / 10.8 oz
Arc'teryx Thorium AR (Men's - Women's)8/-13ReviewNoYesNoDownAll RoundRegular490 g / 1 lb 1.3 oz
Patagonia Macro Puff (Men's - Women's)8/-13ReviewNoNoNoSyntheticAll RoundRegular435 g / 15.3 oz
Arc'teryx Macai LT (Men's)8/-13Yes, zipsNoNoDownSki/SnowboardRegular855 g / 1 lb 14.2 oz
Arc'teryx Seyla (Women's)8/-13NoNoYesParkaAround TownRegular507 g / 1 lb. 1.9 oz.
Patagonia Fitz Roy (Men's - Women's)8/-13NoYesNoDownAll RoundRegular632 g / 1lb 6.3 oz
Arc'teryx Koda (Men's)8/-13NoNoNoParkaAround TownRegular720 g / 1 lb 9.4 oz
Patagonia Vosque 3-in-1 (Women's)10/-12ReviewNoNoNoParkaAround TownRegular1.360 kg / 3 lb
Patagonia City Storm Down (Men's - Women's)12/-11NoYesNoParkaAll RoundRegular468 g / 16.5 oz
Patagonia Jackson Glacier (Men's - Women's)12/-11ReviewNoNoYesParkaAround TownRegular880 g / 1 lb 15 oz
Arc'teryx Sensa (Women's)14/-10NoNoYesParkaAround TownRelaxed785 g / 1 lb 11.7 oz
Patagonia Hi Loft Down (Men's - Women's)14/-10ReviewNoYesNoDownAll RoundRegular540 g / 1 lb 3 oz
REI Magma 850 Hoodie 2.0 (Men's - Women's)14/-10NoYesNoDownAll RoundRegular340 g / 13.75 oz
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated Coat (Women's)16/-9ReviewNoNoYesSyntheticAround TownRegular600 g / 1 lb 5.2 oz
Arc'teryx Atom AR (Men's - Women's)18/-8ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticAll RoundRegular475 g / 1 lb
Patagonia Downdrift (Men's - Women's)18/-8NoNoNoDownAround TownRegular1.014 kg / 2 lb 3.8 oz
Arc'teryx Magnus (Men's)19/-7NoNoNoParkaAround TownRegular690 g / 1 lb 8.3 oz
Arc'teryx Agrium (Men's - Women's)21/-6NoYesNoDownAll RoundRegular365 g / 12.9 oz
Patagonia AlpLight Down (Men's - Women's)21/-6NoYesNoDownAll RoundSlim270 g / 9.5 oz
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated (Men's - Women's)21/-6ReviewYes, zipsNoYesSyntheticAll RoundRegular680 g / 1 lb 8 oz
Patagonia Topley (Men's)23/-5NoNoYesDownAll RoundRegular1.133 kg / 2 lb 8 oz
Arc'teryx Alpha IS (Men's)23/-5NoYesYesSyntheticClimbingRegular610 g / 1 lb 5.5 oz
Rab Xenon 2.0 (Men's - Women's)23/-5NoYesYesSyntheticAll RoundRegular385 g / 13.6 oz
Patagonia Down Sweater (Men's - Women's)23/-5ReviewNoYesNoDownAll RoundRegular428 g / 15.1 oz
Arc'teryx Ralle Parka (Men's)25/-4NoNoYesParkaAround TownRegular735 g / 1 lb 9.9 oz
Patagonia Silent Down (Men's - Women's)26/-3ReviewNoNoNoDownAround TownRegular585 g / 1 lb 4.7 oz
Arc'teryx Therme Insulated (Men's)26/-3ReviewNoNoNoSyntheticAround TownRegular960 g / 2 lb 1.9 oz
Arc'teryx Cerium (Men's - Women's)26/-3NoYesNoDownAll RoundTrim335 g / 11.8 oz
Mountain Hardwear GW/2 (Men's - Women's)28/-2NoYesNoDownAll RoundTrim250 g / 8.8 oz
Arc'teryx Cerium LT (Men's - Women's)28/-2ReviewNoYesNoDownAll RoundTrim305 g / 10.8 oz
Arc'teryx Nuclei FL (Men's - Women's)32/0ReviewNoYesNoSyntheticClimbingTrim325 g / 11.5 oz
Patagonia DAS Light (Men's - Women's)34/1NoYesYesSyntheticClimbingRegular320 g / 11.3 oz
Patagonia Micro Puff (Men's - Women's)36/2ReviewNoYesNoSyntheticAll RoundTrim298 g / 10.5 oz
Patagonia Isthmus (Men's)36/2NoNoNoParkaAround TownRegular895 g / 1 lb 15.6 oz
Arc'teryx Proton LT (Men's - Women's)37/3ReviewNoNoNoSyntheticClimbingTrim375 g / 13.2 oz
Patagonia Nano Puff (Men's - Women's)37/3ReviewNoYesNoSyntheticAll RoundRegular363 g / 12.8 oz
Arc'teryx Norvan SL Ins. (Men's - Women's)39/4NoYesNoSyntheticRunningTrim270 g / 9.5 oz
Patagonia Nano Air (Men's - Women's)41/5ReviewNoNoNoSyntheticAll RoundTrim318 g / 11.2 oz
Arc'teryx Atom LT (Men's - Women's)43/6ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticAll RoundTrim375 g / 13.2 oz
Arc'teryx Cerium SL (Men's - Women's)43/6ReviewNoYesNoDownAll RoundTrim215 g / 7.6 oz
Arc'teryx Proton Hybrid (Men's - Women's)46/8ReviewNoNoNoSyntheticAll RoundTrim365 g / 12.9 oz
Arc'teryx Proton FL (Men's)48/9ReviewNoNoNoSyntheticClimbingTrim323 g / 11.4 oz
Arc'teryx Atom SL (Men's - Women's)52/11ReviewYes, meshNoNoSyntheticAll RoundTrim245 g / 8.6 oz
REI Stormhenge Hybrid (Men's - Women's)TestingYes, zipsNoNoDownAll RoundRegular900 g / 1 lb 15.75 oz
Arc'teryx Monitor Insulated (Women's)TestingNoNoYesParkaAround TownOversized645 g / 1 lb 6.8 oz
Arc'teryx Coelle (Women's)TestingNoNoYesParkaAround TownRegular460 g / 1 lb 0.2 oz


These are the approximate lowest temperatures you can wear each jacket without feeling uncomfortably cold, assuming: 

  • you only have a shirt under and no shell over,
  • during daily use (strolls, power walks etc at most - no high output activities), 
  • with just a little bit wind, 
  • and in dry weather. 

Read more about this chart here in my Insulated Outerwear Temperature Ratings Guide. Also my Best Patagonia Jackets post. 

If you think you run warmer or colder than the average person, then shift temperature ranges accordingly. 

Lastly - make sure to check out Patagonia.com Web Specials before you buy. 

Some fleeces lean toward the former and some to the latter. This is why it's impossible to give one-fleece-fits-all. Rather, it makes more sense to lay out best picks for each type of uses (which you'll see in the chart below). 

Now...

  • R1 has 5,
  • R2 has 6,
  • Synchilla has 6,
  • Better Sweater has 14 main configurations.

As you see in this Patagonia R1 vs R2 and Patagonia Synchilla vs Better Sweater posts of mine, I reviewed all of their configurations.

  • Latest on the blog:
  • CLO Values Explained: Primaloft, Coreloft, Thermatek, Plumafill & More
  • West & South Iceland: I visited again, and here's the best itinerary
  • #A sidenote here: Patagonia.com's Web Specials discounts are GOOOLLLDDD. Highly recommend you to check it out before you buy. 

Having said that, for this post, I picked out only one piece of each model (which are the best picks in my opinion), and put them together in this post. 

Some Notes 

  • When choosing best Patagonia fleece for you, make sure you keep in mind that only the R2 Techface Hoody in this review come with DWR coating. 
  • What is DWR by the way?

DWR is a coating. 

It's basically sprayed on to the surface of these jackets as a finish. It stands for Durable Water Repellent - which means that water will be repelled under wet conditions instead of soaking into the fabric. 

DWR also decreases dry time. 

It's a good thing these jackets are coated in DWR, but pay attention to the fact that DWR is a coating - meaning that it will wear off over time. 

Which is why you might want to invest in a DWR spray such as this one for after treatment. 

As you see, there's a strong correlation between FP x FW and temperature ratings, but not more than, say, 80%. I explained why this happens here in this post of mine. 

If you're planning to use your pick as an outer layer AND possibly under wet weather conditions every now and then... 

Then your only pick is R2 Techface Hoody, which is the perfect fleece for you. 

  • If you almost only care about casual use... and don't care about performance at all...

Then I probably wouldn't get R1 or R2 Techface, and instead get the Synchilla. Or Performance Better Sweater, at the very least, since it's positioned somewhere between Synchilla and R1 in Patagonia's fleece line-up. 

Lastly, if you're looking for an insulated jacket, then check out my warmth chart for all Patagonia and Arc'teryx insulated jackets. 

Filed Under: Fleece Jackets Tagged With: jackets, patagonia, Patagonia fleece jackets

Patagonia Synchilla vs Better Sweater

Last updated: July 30, 2022 by Canberk Koksal

Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Pullover.

There are more Synchilla and Better Sweater models thank you think out there.

Plus, some of them are available in men's or women's specific models only.

I contacted Patagonia Customer Service and shared the screenshots of my chat with them here in this post (scroll down to see it).

Let's start with laying them out here first.

Links are directed to the related products in Patagonia's own site.

  • Latest on the blog:
  • CLO Values Explained: Primaloft, Coreloft, Thermatek, Plumafill & More
  • West & South Iceland: I visited again, and here's the best itinerary
  • #A sidenote here: Patagonia.com's Web Specials discounts are GOOOLLLDDD. Highly recommend you to check it out before you buy. 
Synchilla:

  • Synchilla Classic Fleece Jacket [Men's - Women's]
  • Synchilla Lightweight Snap-T Fleece Pullover [Men's - Women's]
  • Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover [Men's]
  • Synchilla Classic Marsupial Pullover [Men's]

Better Sweater:

  • Better Sweater Jacket [Men's - Women's]
  • Better Sweater Hoody [Women's]
  • Better Sweater 1/4 Zip [Men's - Women's]
  • Better Sweater Rib Knit 1/4 Zip [Men's]
  • Better Sweater Fleece Henley Pullover [Men's]
  • Better Sweater Fleece Shirt Jacket [Men's]
  • Better Sweater Marsupial Pullover [Men's]
  • Performance Better Sweater Hoody [Men's - Women's]
  • Performance Better Sweater Jacket [Men's - Women's]
  • Performance Better Sweater 1/4 Zip [Men's]
  • Related Review

Check out my Best Patagonia Fleeces post which contains both Synchilla and Better Sweater. 

So how to choose? 

Honestly probably looks above all else. This Industrial Green color of Better Sweater is loved by many, including me, so that's what I'd personally prefer.

They're all pretty close in warmth, all durable pieces, and none offer substantial breathability for athletic use, except maybe the Performance for low-intensity use (or maybe moderate intensity use if you tend to run substantially colder than the average person).

  • Synchilla - classic collegiate look, timeless.
  • Better Sweater - family photo look, classically classy, can be dressed up or down.
  • Performance - Athletic leisure, aka "athleisure"

None of them are DWR coated.

  • What's DWR by the way?

DWR is a coating. It's basically sprayed on to the surface of these jackets as a finish. It stands for Durable Water Repellent - which means that water will be repelled under wet conditions instead of soaking into the fabric. DWR also decreases dry time.

It's a good thing these jackets are coated in DWR, but pay attention to the fact that DWR is a coating - meaning that it will wear off over time.

Which is why you might want to invest in one. See Patagonia's own recommendations here.


Here's what the rep told me:

Click on image to enlarge.

My full convo with Patagonia's awesome rep

James (24.12.2019 20:59:18): Hello! My name is James. How may I help you today?

Me (24.12.2019 21:00:14): Hi James, hope you're having a good day. I was wondering about the differences between the Synchilla and Better Sweater products, in terms of warmth, breathability, comfort, weather resistance and durability. Could you help me with that?

James (24.12.2019 21:00:31): Yeah of course!

James (24.12.2019 21:01:11): Sounds like you might have a somewhat specific idea of what you're looking for, can you rank those qualities you listed in order of importance?

Me (24.12.2019 21:01:46): Actually I'm gathering information for a quite a bit wide range of buyers

James (24.12.2019 21:02:44): Is there a general clientele you're buying for? Friends, family, employees?

Me (24.12.2019 21:03:06): Let's say a large group of friends 🙂

Me (24.12.2019 21:03:33): But all for possibly different types of purposes

James (24.12.2019 21:04:54): Hmm, alright. Let's see, I'll try to hit most of the points for each product here.

Me (24.12.2019 21:05:13): That'd be perfect!

James (24.12.2019 21:05:38): (To be transparent, I'm working with someone else simultaneously and want to be able to give you my full attention when responding, just in case there's a delay in my response)

Me (24.12.2019 21:06:01): Thank you James, sure, I totally understand

James (24.12.2019 21:08:07): Alright, so...

James (24.12.2019 21:11:32): Synchilla;

  • Fuzzier texture,
  • Warm but not 100% windproof, recommend getting the Lightweight over regular
  • Dense fleece, durability holds up well over time

Better Sweater;

  • Great professional look,
  • Flatter soft texture inside,
  • Windproof fabric is warm but,
  • Durability can be an issue if not cared for well.

Breathability not great in either of these for active pursuits, but there is a Performance version of the Better Sweater that has meshed jersey-like material in key areas and makes it versatile enough for low to moderate effort pursuits.

Me (24.12.2019 21:13:50): Wow, that's an amazing answer, thank you James 

James (24.12.2019 21:14:24): Yeah of course! That's why I wanted the time to type out a proper reply haha. 

Me (24.12.2019 21:14:25): What would you say about their intended uses? 

James (24.12.2019 21:15:08): Both are firmly in the category of casual pieces. Even the Performance Better Sweater is more casual than technical. 

James (24.12.2019 21:15:33): If you're looking for technical athletic pieces, tell me a little bit about what you're looking for and I can make some recommendations. 

Me (24.12.2019 21:16:41): So what would be your main focus when deciding between Synchilla, Better Sweater and Performance Better Sweater? I guess durability, breathability and looks? 

Me (24.12.2019 21:17:05): From what I understand they're comparable in terms of warmth and weather resistance capabilities 

James (24.12.2019 21:19:16): Honestly probably looks above all else. They're all pretty close in warmth, all durable pieces, and none offer substantial breathability for athletic use, except maybe the Performance for low-intensity use.

  • Synchilla - classic collegiate look, timeless.
  • Better Sweater - family photo look, classically classy, can be dressed up or down.
  • Performance - Athletic leisure, aka "athleisure" 

Me (24.12.2019 21:20:51): Perfect. That's all I needed. Thank you for the hand James! 

Me (24.12.2019 21:20:53): Have a great day! 

James (24.12.2019 21:21:09): You too, my pleasure to help! 

If you have a moment, I'd really appreciate it if you would take this quick survey: "link"

James (24.12.2019 21:21:13): And Happy Holidays~ 

Me (24.12.2019 21:21:27): Sure, I'll give the highest points. 

Me (24.12.2019 21:21:31): To you too! Happy holidays! 

Me (24.12.2019 21:21:32): Goodbye!

Filed Under: Fleece Jackets Tagged With: jackets, patagonia, Patagonia fleece jackets

Patagonia R1 vs R2 [Jacket, Pullover, Hoody, Techface]

Last updated: August 1, 2022 by Canberk Koksal

Beware: I'll limit the context of this post to fleeces (NOT going to be covering the suits, shorts or janes).

  • Related Review

Check out my Best Patagonia Fleeces post which contains both R1 and R2 fleeces. 

First of all, there seems to be a confusion between Patagonia's R1 and R2 models because there are SO many of them - 18 at total. I've contacted a Patagonia Rep about all this and laid out everything including the chat screenshots in this post.

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  • #A sidenote here: Patagonia.com's Web Specials discounts are GOOOLLLDDD. Highly recommend you to check it out before you buy. 
In summary, this R1 model is probably your best bet for high output activities because of its superior breathability at a fairly warm level. This R2 adaptation, on the other hand; is the warmest, most durable and most weather resistant; and hence is probably the best one for casual use for most of us when it's cold out in the town.

  • Before you buy either one of them...

Check out their rock solid used options at wornwear.patagonia.com: 

  • R1 at WornWear
  • R2 at WornWear

Although most models are available in both gender specific designs, some R1 models are available for men or women only. Let's lay them out first:

This is the most suitable design for high output activities, but I think this color makes it look pretty bad ahah. That's why this rather black color is really liked more by many - including me. For women, this one is probably the best alternative to this pullover.

Main R1 Models:

  • R1 Pullover [Men's - Women's]: MSRP 139 - 129 USD. 
  • R1 Techface Jacket [Men's - Women's]: MSRP 169 USD. 
  • R1 Techface Hoody [Men's - Women's]: MSRP 189 - 179 USD.
  • R1 Full Zip Hoody [Men's - Women's]

Gender Specific R1 Models:

  • R1 Pullover Hoody [Men's]: MSRP 159 USD. For high output activities, this well-balanced mid-layer is my top recommendation of all and also is the most popular. Not sure why Patagonia doesn't offer a Women's specific counterpart. R1 Full Zip Hoody [Women's] can be a good alternative to this.
  • R1 Techface Pullover [Men's]: MSRP 139 USD.
  • R1 Long-Sleeved Fitz Roy 1/4-Zip [Men's]
  • R1 Crew [Women's]: MSRP 99 USD.

R2 Models:

  • R2 Jacket [Men's - Women's]: MSRP 169 USD.
  • R2 Techface Jacket [Men's - Women's]: MSRP 169 USD.
  • R2 Techface Hoody [Men's - Women's]: MSRP 189 USD. My top outer-layer pick for static use when it's cold, windy and/or rainy out in town.

In summary:

  • Techface adaptations increase the warmth, durability and wind & water resistances by a good margin compared to the base models but also sacrifice breathability significantly.
  • R2 is warmer and less breathable than the R1. They offer very similar (same) durability and weather resistance capabilities.
  • Techface comes first: So, compared to a non-Techface R2, any Techface R1 is actually going to be warmer, more durable & weather resistant and less breathable.

You can apply this to all different comparisons such as:

  • R1 vs R1 Techface,
  • R2 vs R2 Techface,
  • R1 vs R2,
  • R1 Techface Hoody vs R1 Hoody...

etc... You get the picture.

#Sidenote: On top of R1 and R2, there were also R3 adaptations of all these before, but Patagonia discontinued them as of 2018.

Base Models vs Techface

In short, Techface adds to the durability and weather (wind AND water) resistance of the jacket a considerable amount. But it comes at a cost: You sacrifice equally significant amount of breathability and layering abilities.

First of all, unlike the base models, Techface does come with the DWR. 

  • What's DWR by the way?

DWR is a coating. It's basically sprayed on to the surface of these jackets as a finish. It stands for Durable Water Repellent - which means that water will be repelled under wet conditions instead of soaking into the fabric. DWR also decreases dry time.

It's a good thing Techface jackets are coated in DWR, but pay attention to the fact that DWR is a coating - meaning that it will wear off over time.

Which is why you might want to invest in a DWR spray such as the Grangers recommended by Patagonia themselves.

What I mean by layering ability is the baggier cut of Techface compared to the base models. Combine this fit difference with the performance differences mentioned a paragraph above, and you can figure that:

Very robust texture of Techface.

  1. The Techface is actually intended to work as more of an outer layer where you can under layer with other mid/base-layers more easily,
  2. Whereas the base models are intended to be used as true mid-layers which you can pair with shells and some insulated jackets over more easily.

But there's a caveat here.

If you're going to go down this route (layering) AND if you'll be performing high output activities with these jackets, then I'd recommend going for option #2 because, in most cases, you CAN compensate the lost weather and abrasion resistance with shells in option #2 but you CAN'T compensate the lost breathability (which is quite important for these active uses) in option #1.

If you'll be wearing the jacket mostly casually though, then the Techface is probably the better alternative for you.

R1 vs R2

R2 corresponds to 200 wt classic polartec fleece whereas R1 to 100 wt.

This notation is so widely accepted by now that it is actually even used by other companies - although the official rights are reserved by Patagonia.

Same goes for R3, R4, R5 and R6 models: They respectively correspond to 300, 400, 500 and 600 wt.

So what does this tell us? Here's what Jenn told me:

So...

Since R2 fleece is thicker and the construction is different, it'll be warmer. But it's equipped with a lesser amount of cross weave power grid technology for breathing (unlike R1's full grid coverage; it's only at the sides, under arms and wrists in R2), so R1 is more breathable.

She's right there: Neither R1 or R2 is wind or water proof (as I already explained before in this post).

An additional difference some of you might care about

Another important point is that the thumb holes are available in R1 Pullover Hoody [Men's] model only:

So... don't fall for the photo of another fleece!

Conclusion

This R2 Techface Hoody is probably the best option for casual use out in frigid weather.

There are A LOT of models out there. I'll lay out the two typical buyer profiles now:

  • "I'll be active wearing this fleece - so breathability is important but I wouldn't like to compromise any considerable amount of warmth either. Could you tell me which one would work the best as a mid-layer?"

I can pretty confidently recommend you this: Men's R1 Pullover Hoody - but Patagonia didn't release a women's counterpart for that. So if you're a woman, this one can be a pretty good alternative for you.

This R2 Techface Hoody is probably the best option for casual use out in frigid weather.

  • "I'll be using it casually, with very little to no activity, as an outer layer. Power walks at most. Warmth, weather resistance and durability are priority. What's my best shot?"

I can pretty confidently recommend you the R2 Techface Hoody [Men's - Women's].

If neither of these profiles is you, then read the entire article and try to figure out which adaptation can be the best for your own needs and desires.

Filed Under: Fleece Jackets Tagged With: jackets, patagonia, Patagonia fleece jackets

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Hey, what's up? Canberk here. I try to approach outdoor gear from a scientific point of view. Here's more about me.

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