Stu our equipment buyer was loaned this technical mid-layer from Patagonia to try out on a recent trip to the Lake District – Find out below how he got on.
The R1 air Product line up from Patagonia is available as a Full zip hood, zip neck and crew. Typical of Patagonia’s green credentials the fabric is 100% recycled polyester and Fair Trade Certified. The product is designed as a technical lightweight mid-layer, offering plenty of stretch, great breathability and superior warmth for its weight. Well that’s what they say it does but does it?


I have had the crew neck to try for winter and have been impressed with how versatile it is, it works amazingly in a technical layering system work winter walking, but also looks great chipping around in a pair of jeans, especially in the Oar Tan colour way.

The fabric has a unique zig-zag pattern on the outside, which helps to cut down on weight, but more importantly, creates large channels which can trap warm air next to you when worn under a shell, and when worn alone, or with a shell vented, allow for the rapid expulsion of heat and moisture. This clever fabric meant that my temperature was very easy to regulate and I found it warmer than a Microgrid fleece, but just as breathable – great for me, as often I feel the cold.
I have been able to wear this for multiple winter walks over a base layer and as my 1st midlayer. Depending on the temperature, it combined really well with multiple different layers. I never really needed to take it off, and barely noticed I was wearing it – always a sign something is doing its job well!


Feature-wise – you get a single chest pocket, perfect for something like a lip balm or car key, it’s a nice rip-stop fabric and I found it useful. It also has a re-enforced cuff and hem in the same fabric.

In conclusion, I think that the R1 air is a really good option if you want a versatile high-performing fleece. As a crew, it looks great both on and off the Hill.