Reader Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5

With all the talk of this item, I can't believe that there are no reviews of this item. This is arguably the best base, or light mid layer for high aerobic winter sports. Made from PowerDry grid, it wicks moisture very well. When combined with a good shell it insulates well for a light fleece. When air flow is permitted (unzip your windshell) it vents heat quickly. The hoody fits well and enable easy on/off which is helpful when trying to stay warm / avoid overheating. Has thumb loops to keep the sleeve where they belong.

When I am active, The R1 Hoody plus windshell or softshell is all I need down to around 0-10F depending how hard I am working. Love it.

A bit of history. The original R1 Hoody was produced for just one year, I think it was in the mid 1990s... my memory is a bit fuzzy. It was a cult hit among climbers and guides I met, but not popular enough for Patagonia to keep selling it. I watched a lot of people search high and low for this item went their wore out. There was almost a black market between some of my friends because a couple picked up several when the realized how much they liked the piece. Much rejoying when Patagonia brought this back.

Edited by verber on 01/07/2011 17:38:57 MST.

Rating: 5 / 5

I agree with Mark. Even though I have the 2010 version of the hoody I am still totally sold on it. The thumb loops were a bit weird to get used to at first but now I love them. No more cold spots or drafts when you put on gloves over them. Awesome temperature regulation with the 2/3 length zip front, roll up arms, and hoody. Well articulated, this garment is well-suited to climbing and skiing. I like the extra length at the bottom to go under my harness and so it won't ride up leaving cold spots when I reach high. The hood fits nice and comfy under a helmet and doesn't limit field of vision at all. The material is soft, wicks well, and dries reasonably fast given its thickness. All around this one is a winner!

Rating: 5 / 5

I've been the proud owner of this piece for maybe 6 weeks or so. I'm planning on using it on my PCT thru this year.

Weight is going to be of the essence, but there were some items I had told myself I would be able to go heavier with. Fortunately, this one wasn't one of them, as it turns out. 312 grams of versatile equipment.

I've been having a hard time not just wearing this around casually. It's VERY comfortable, and I have worn it with a Capilene 2 t-shirt underneath it and also as a stand-alone top. Next to skin is soft, despite the waffle-shaped pattern (designed to catch & trap warm air). The fit is not loose and baggy, and the sleeves can be pushed up but it's again, not a loose fit in the forearm either. Definitely not uncomfortable by any means, though. The whole piece fits closer to the body (if you buy it true to your size.).

The hood is pretty cool. It is close-fitting, does not flop around in the wind, restrict your peripheral, or feel unnatural. The zipper tracks up to the side, not directly up the front of your face, so you don't have to feel that seam across your nose/lips, which the hood piece in front covers. It essentially leaves all but your nose, and eyes and cheeks covered. Really nice. The hood is thin enough that I can fit my beanie (which fits snugly to begin with) over the hood, and I have a quick, easy hood/balaclava-type feel. Very effective and practical.

The thumb loops in the hands are excellent. I haven't had to use them in real-time yet, but I have toyed with them while wearing gloves and mittens, and they are a nice feature. Keeps your sleeves from riding up while wearing gloves. Whether you wear gauntlet-style or shorter cuffed gloves, it's just as effective with both.

The bottom of the garment, around your waist, is thinner to accommodate either a climbing harness or, in my case, a backpack belt. I've worn it under my heavy monster Gregory Baltoro 70, and it felt great.

Fabric stays comfortable even after a decent sweat, doesn't get clammy.

Bottom line, I'm extremely glad I found this hoody. Just looking at my clothing set-up for the PCT, it looks like it will be not only the most versatile piece of equipment I have, but my most used. If that's the case, I may be buying a new one come October when I get back...but then again, it might hold up better than I think. I'll come back and add to this review after the PCT. I'll be giving a review on my YouTube channel as well (thruhike4freedom)

Dug
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