Review: Patagonia R1 TechFace Hoody
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Patagonia’s latest iteration of their popular R1 hoody uses TechFace fabric, a double-woven textile that yields a one-piece layer—versus different materials/layers bonded together, as is common with many hardshells. The result is a warm, moisture-wicking fleece you can use as a midlayer or outer (the piece has a DWR coating). The R1 TechFace Hoody comes with deep side pockets, an internal chest pocket, a helmet-compatible hood with visor, elastic cuffs, and an adjustable hem you can tweak from inside the pockets. Our tall, lanky men’s tester loved the fit and shape: “Exceptionally comfortable,” he said. “I wouldn’t hesitate to wear this on my bare skin all day.” Our women’s tester noted a super-stretchy, low-profile fit—“slim through the waist and tailored with seams in the back.” Our men’s tester found the fit to be great when donning a hardshell or puffy over the jacket, and appreciated the tapered elastic sleeve cuffs, which did not ride up while climbing. However, he found the hood to be heavy and noted some flopping when running or hiking against the wind, though this problem diminishes with the hood up. Meanwhile, our women’s tester found the jacket to be great in light drizzle and a beast against Sinks Canyon’s wind and abrasive rock.
