Patagonia R1 Air Jacket review: Lightweight fleece built for warmth and performance

Patagonia’s fleeces are legendary, and have been for the last 45 years. The brand offers a range of them, some better suited for fast-paced pursuits than others. The R1 is one of Patagonia’s more technical garments, with a closer fit that makes it ideal as a lightweight midlayer for mountaineering or other high-output activities.

Until recently, there wasn’t a full-zip, fleece jacket version of the R1 fleece, but the Patagonia R1 Air Jacket changed that. With its familiar zig-zag design and improved fit, it’s one of the best midlayers I’ve tested, not just this year, but overall.

And it’s not just me who thinks that the Patagonia R1 Air Jacket is a good addition to the R1 line. The product currently has 19 reviews on the brand’s website, with an overall rating of 4.8/5. Many people mention the same thing I thought when I first learned the jacket was finally available, namely that it’s great that there is a full-zip version without a hood.

Zip it good

There is nothing wrong with the R1 hoodie, but the hood part can be in the way for people who don’t do high-altitude activities. I prefer to pack a hooded down jacket instead of a hooded fleece jacket when I’m in a situation where I need some warmth around my head, and I certainly don’t like doubling up on the hoods if not absolutely necessary.

Other versions of the R1 include the Patagonia R1 Air Fleece Crew, which I tested nearly two years ago. It’s an excellent – and extremely lightweight – midlayer, but because it lacks zips and has a tailored fit, it’s not the easiest to get out of when you’re warm.

The R1 Air Jacket’s full-length zip solves this problem beautifully. Sure, adding a long zip will make the garment heavier, and it’s also true that zips are notorious for breaking first, but they also allow for greater temperature control and comfort. Plus, the zip makes it easy to get in and out of the fleece, a lot easier than having to pull it over your head.

Warmth without the bulk

One thing I appreciate about the R1 Air Jacket is that it’s thick enough to keep you warm but not too bulky to prevent you from using it as a layer. I love my Finisterre Orsik Fleece, but I don’t have many waterproof shells to wear over it. I never had this issue with the Patagonia fleece.

Better still, I often wore it without an outer layer when there was no chance of rain, as it offers some wind resistance and plenty of warmth in temperatures around 10-15°C (~ 50–59°F).

There is a zippered breast pocket, though I always found the pockets on R1 fleeces a bit thin. It will hold a phone, keys, or a small map, but it always makes me feel like the material could rip at any point (I must add, it has never happened before). You also get two zippered hand pockets, which feel more substantial than the one on the front.

Plastic fantastic

At £130/ $150, it’s one of the more affordable Patagonia garments, and in my opinion, it’s worth the price. It’s worth noting that fleeces are made from plastic – in this case, 100% recycled polyester jacquard fleece – and washing them releases microplastics into the environment.

Patagonia’s stance is that investing in durable, long-lasting gear helps minimise waste and overall impact. That obviously won’t stop little particles of (recycled) plastic from washing into literally everything. I do agree with the brand, though, in the sense that if you buy a fleece, get one that needs little washing and will last for a long time, that will reduce microplastic pollution the most.

Built to last, made to care

I like the R1 Air Jacket. It’s lightweight, exceptionally well-made, and comes from a company that cares about the planet and its supply chain. It’s thin enough not to hinder movement but thick enough to provide insulation. It works perfectly for hiking/walking, but also for being cosy around the house. Patagonia knows how to make fleeces, that’s for sure.

The R1 Air Jacket is available now at Patagonia US,Patagonia UK, Patagonia AU and Patagonia EU for the recommended price of £130/ $150/ €140/ AU$249.99.