Gear Review: Patagonia R1 Full-Zip Jacket
This lightweight fleece jacket has been a long-time tester favorite.
[fleece]
Among the mountain of fleece we tested last winter, this lightweight jacket rose to the top. A tester favorite for almost a decade, Patagonia’s quick-drying, moisture-moving Regulator fleeces (a proprietary version of Polartec Power Dry) got an update this fall: Deeper channels on the interior grid enhance breathability, better trap warm air, and reduce bulk. That extends this jacket’s comfort range even more, says one New England tester who wore it snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and around town last winter.
“The smooth exterior glides under other layers for great mobility, the full zipper adds ventilation, and the high collar protects my neck.” Kudos: Regulator fleece wears like iron, thanks to the bicomponent knit, which places more durable yarn on the outside. $139; 10 oz.; m’s XS-XXL, w’s XS-XL; patagonia.com