Patagonia R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody Review

The Patagonia R1 lineup has earned legendary status in the outdoor world, renowned for its versatile mid-layers and fleece garments that have been a staple since the 1990s. Many athletes proudly claim their adventures were “Done in R1,” a testament to the lineup’s reliability.

Initially designed as a lightweight, breathable fleece for climbers and alpinists, the R1’s ability to balance warmth and moisture management quickly made it popular across various outdoor activities including hiking. Over the years, it has expanded to include various styles — such as hoodies, pullovers, and full-zip jackets — further catering to the diverse needs of outdoor enthusiasts and athletes.

Recently, I had the pleasure of testing out a new offering to the Patagonia R1 lineup — the Thermal Full-Zip Hoody — and have shared some thoughts below.

Patagonia R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody At-a-Glance

MSRP: $219
Weight: 15.3 oz Men’s / 12.5 oz Women’s
Use: Alpine / Hike / Everyday

Women’s R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody here.

Circumstances of Review

I used the R1 thermal hoody as my go-to mid-and-outer layer for late-fall adventures in Maine. With the varying temperatures and unpredictable weather, the testing conditions were perfect. 

R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody Features

Durable, Breathable: The outer fabric is smooth but also stiff enough to block light precipitation and some wind (though not as good as any traditional wind layer). Inside,  a soft microgrid-fleece lining keeps you warm and helps wick moisture from your skin.

Under-Helmet Hood: The hood on this layer is meant to be worn underneath a helmet, so it’s tighter than a traditional jacket hood. However, the material is stretchy and low-profile enough to not add a lot of additional bulk.

Pocket Features: There are two zippered chest pockets on the front of the jacket, which have nice, long zipper pulls to make them easy to open or close even while wearing gloves. A big improvement on these pockets versus other R1 garments is that they are actually large enough to fit a phone!

Thumb Holes: Thumb holes on the sleeves of mid-layers are a huge asset on those days when gloves are not quite needed (or you forget them!). The sleeves are long enough that you can use the thumbholes even when reaching overhead.

R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody Pros

Fit & Layerability: While marketed primarily as an outer layer, the Hoody’s slim fit and technical design make it an excellent option for layering under a shell, especially in colder or wetter conditions. The streamlined cut allows it to function as a thicker base layer, providing some extra warmth and breathability without feeling too bulky. The slim fit around the waist is particularly well-suited for wearing a climbing harness or backpack hip belt, minimizing any bunching due to excess fabric.

Comfort & Durability: Wearing this jacket feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy blanket. The microgrid fleece lining is soft and comfortable against the skin, without any scratchiness. Unlike some of Patagonia’s other R1 variations, such as the R1 Air Hoody, this model features a durable outer fabric instead of a fuzzy, fleecy surface. The smooth exterior not only increases durability but also makes it less prone to snagging on rocks, branches, or other rough surfaces while outdoors. 

Sustainability: Patagonia has continually refined its lineup with sustainable practices, incorporating recycled materials and Fair Trade Certified sewing, staying true to the brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Though this is not specific to the Thermal Hoody, it’s worth mentioning since they are a standout in the industry.

R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody Cons

Not for casual wear: This isn’t so much of a criticism of the jacket, but rather a heads-up: the R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody isn’t designed for casual wear, like running errands or going out to dinner. It’s a technical piece built with a specific purpose in mind, and its tailored features and snug fit make it ideal for outdoor activities rather than everyday use.

In a casual setting, it might feel out of place and not as comfortable, given its close-fitting cut and performance-focused design. It shines best when used as intended — out on the trail and on the rock. 

Limited Warmth for Static Use: While this hoody is excellent during active pursuits, its warmth may fall short in very cold conditions when you’re stationary. It’s designed for high-output activities on the move, and those looking for a warmer outer layer for extended periods of inactivity might find it lacking, especially in freezing temperatures. That being said, using it as a mid-layer underneath a shell or puffy jacket would be a different story.  

Final Thoughts

The Patagonia R1 lineup has consistently impressed, and the introduction of the Thermal Full-Zip Hoody is no exception. While I wouldn’t choose to wear this for casual outings due to its close-fitting design and technical features, it excels as a standalone outer layer in cool conditions and serves as an excellent mid-layer when temperatures drop. With Patagonia’s renowned reputation for quality and durability, I anticipate that this hoody will provide reliable performance for many years to come.

Shop the Men’s Patagonia R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody

Shop the Women’s Patagonia R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody

Comparable Thermal Hoodies

Arc’teryx Gamma Hoody (Men’s / Women’s) 

• MSRP: $300
• Weight: 19 oz

Outdoor Research Ferrosi Hoodie (Men’s / Women’s)

• MSRP: $150
• Weight: 13.6 oz

Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody (Men’s / Women’s)

• MSRP: $140
• Weight: 8 oz

The Patagonia R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody was donated for the purpose of review.