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

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

There's perpetually confusion (or at least curiosity) between Patagonia's R1 and R2 fleece jackets because there are SO many of them - 18 in total at our last count. I've contacted a Patagonia Rep about all this and laid out everything, including the chat screenshots in this post.

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 when it's cold. 

Our YouTube video shows the most current Patagonia R1 Thermal fleece.

Although most Patagonia R1 and R2 fleece models are available in men's and women's gender-specific designs, some R1 models are available for only men or only women. Let's take a look at all of them:

Main R1 models:

• R1 Pullover [Men's - Women's]: MSRP $139 - $129
• R1 TechFace Jacket [Men's - Women's]: MSRP $169
• R1 TechFace Hoody [Men's - Women's]: MSRP $189 - $179
• R1 Daily Jacket [Men's - Women's]: $149

Here's how Patagonia compares the R1 Pullover Hoody, R1 Daily Jacket, R1 TechFace Hoody, and R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody to one another: https://patagonia.com/compare

Gender-specific R1 models:

• R1 Pullover Hoody [Men's]: MSRP $159. For high-output activities, this well-balanced midlayer is our top recommendation and is also the most popular. We're not sure why Patagonia doesn't offer a women's-specific counterpart. The R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody [Women's] is a good alternative.
• R1 TechFace Pullover [Men's]: MSRP $139
• R1 Long-Sleeved Fitz Roy 1/4-Zip [Men's]
• R1 Crew [Women's]: MSRP $99

R2 Models:

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

In summary:

• TechFace adaptations increase the warmth, durability, and wind and water resistance by a good margin compared to the base models, but that comes with a significant sacrifice in breathability.
• R2 is warmer and less breathable than R1. They offer very similar (if not the 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, more 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

You get the picture.

On top of R1 and R2, there were also R3 adaptations of all these, but Patagonia discontinued them in 2018.

Base Models vs TechFace

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

Unlike the R1 and R2 base models, TechFace does come with DWR. 

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:

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.

• Fit

Canberk is 5'11" and 165 pounds, with an athletic build. Size Medium fits him perfectly across almost all brands and product lines. 

• Arc'teryx's 2024 men's fit revision

Here's what Arc'teryx says about its most recent fit revision: 

Source: https://arcteryx.com/us/en/help/sizing/mens/tops/new

Not all jackets come with the revised fit - only the ones with following statement: 

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 equates 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, underarms 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 R1 vs R2 difference some of you might care about

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

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

Conclusion

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

• "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.

• "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 priorities. What's my best option?"

I can pretty confidently recommend 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 is best for your own needs and desires.