The Patagonia R1 Ultralight Hoodie is a comfortable fleece hoodie with a well-fitting hood, a deep half-zip for superior venting, two zippered chest pockets, and a long torso that stays tucked under a backpack hip belt or climbing harness. It's surprisingly lightweight with a smooth, abrasion-resistant outer face. While it's clearly designed for climbers, it also makes a great shoulder-season or winter fleece hoodie for hiking when you need increased wind resistance, venting, and easily accessible storage.

• Gender: Men's (Women's available)
• Hood: Under-helmet fit
• Pockets: Two Napoleon pockets on chest
• Thumb loops: No
• Weight: 10.4 oz in a men's large
• Fit: True to size
• Materials: 4.6-oz 100% recycled polyester flat-faced double knit

The Patagonia R1 Ultralight Hoodie is an abrasion-resistant fleece hoodie you can wear as an outer layer or mid-layer under a rain jacket. It has a smooth, matte exterior (“flat face”) that won't get ripped up on a rock wall or snagged by vegetation, and an insulating, brushed interior for extra comfort and warmth.  While the fabric is great, this hoodie's features will make you reach for it time and again.

The Hoodie has two front zippered Napoleon pockets that you can access while wearing a harness or hipbelt

At the front are two zippered Napoleon pockets, large enough to fit a smartphone and handy for storing items you need to reference often, like a map, compass, or snacks. Pockets like this are gold for climbing or winter hiking because you can access them while wearing a harness or backpack hipbelt.

It has a deep center zipper for venting excess warmth and a human-sized hood meant to be worn under a climbing helmet, so it'll keep your ears warm.

The torso is extended so it won't ride up under a climbing harness, and it also works well under a backpack hipbelt.

The R1 Ultralight Hoodie has an abrasion-resistant exterior weave.

I can't help but contrast this hoodie with one made with the porous weave of Polartec Alpha Direct. While the R1 Ultralight Hoodie is less breathable because it's not as gauzy, it's much more abrasion-resistant, which is a plus for climbing or scrambling. You can also add zippered chest pockets to the R1 fleece because the fabric has so much more body than Polartec Alpha Direct.

Recommendation

The Patagonia R1 Ultralight Hoodie is a versatile choice for climbers, hikers, and anyone who wants a lightweight fleece with added durability and practical features. Its abrasion-resistant outer face handles rock and vegetation better than more delicate breathable fleeces, while the brushed interior provides warmth and comfort. The deep half-zip, under-helmet hood, extended torso, and spacious chest pockets make it especially useful for active outings in winter weather. Although it is less breathable than Polartec Alpha Direct, its stronger fabric, better wind resistance, and better storage make it a more practical cold-weather outer layer.

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