Why Every Explorer Needs a Technical Fleece Like This One

Lachie’s got the lowdown on perhaps the most versatile piece of clothing in any Explorer’s wardrobe, the Patagonia R1 Air.

Have you ever gone to greet the day, but there’s a chill in the air and you’re just not feeling bold enough to start cold? 

So you entrap your flannel-sheet-generated warmth inside a perfectly good shell, only to have that wondrous microclimate boil over into a torrential downpour of self-inflicted swampiness a few minutes into your run or ride.

I have, multiple times. Fast forward to the present day and this PB-encrusted boy is still figuring the layering stuff out, but in this case, I’ve found a happy medium. A Goldilocks jacket for such occasions. 

I call it (as the rest of the world does): ‘fleece’ *angelic choir chimes*. But when it comes to fleece there are endless options out there – let me steer you towards a particularly good one from Patagonia.

Lachie’s our fleece correspondent and resident cutie

First Up: R1 Technology

The R1 Air sits within Patagonia’s R (Regulator) lineup of garments. The original R1 came into being more than 25 years ago and has a serious – SERIOUS – reputation, so much so they made a music video: Ode to the R1. 

R for really, really, really, ridiculously, regulated temperature

The R1 Air is the newest addition to this lineup and boasts the greatest temperature regulation yet. At its heart is a bunch of lofty, hollow-core yarns that are masters of trapping warmth and deliciously-paired with fast-drying capabilities. 

The R1 Air is as light as, ahh you get it

The zigzag pattern helps increase and direct airflow over the body of the garment to keep you at a comfortable temperature, and increases its packability.

Quick Feature Breakdown:

• Soft and breathable jacquard fleece body
• Off-centre stitching on the shoulders: This is particularly handy to avoid rubbing when carrying a loaded pack
• Three zippered pockets: The zippered pockets are on each side above the hips, and one is on the chest. They’re all lined, creating a smooth user experience, especially for those with rough cuticles. The chest pocket will only fit the more compact phones on the market (like my Pixel 8a), but this will most likely be used to store keys, cards, or some extra sugar.

We love a handy chest pocket

• Two internal dump pockets: On the inside, they’ve created ‘dump’ pockets out of the lining for even more storage if needed
• Full-zip and hood: The specific version I chose has a full-zip because I often want to be able to offload the accumulation of heat waves from within. I also opted for a hood – mainly for that extra layer of ‘get-out-of-bed’ insurance during crisp, bluebird mornings where the sun is out but the wind still has a nasty edge to it.
• Slim fit: The overall fit of the jacket is described as ‘slim’ on the website. If you have particularly built shoulders and a broad chest, you might want to consider sizing up; otherwise, stick to your usual sizing

Internal dump pockets are great when you’re caught out with a bit too much stuff

The R1 Air is Incredibly Versatile

The R1 Air provides the perfect blend of breathability and warmth during the shoulder seasons and into winter for those taking part in rapid activities that aren’t overly stop-start. For folks in places that are blessed to get snow, it also works great as a mid-layer paired with a shell like the PowSlayer Jacket.

Crucially, as with all fleece, the R1 Air has no intention of blocking the wind for you. So if you’ll be in conditions below 10°C and the wind is biting, or you know you’re in for some stationary time, then perhaps the R1 Techface would be the better option.

Whether you’re wearing it with a shell or on its own, the R1 Air will be a staple of your winter wardrobe

Choose Your Fighter

There are a bunch of different configurations to choose from when picking your R1 Air. I went with the full-zip hoodie because I wanted the capacity to boost the cosiness through winter. However, there’s a non-hooded, half-zip, crew, and vest option across both the men’s and women’s range – there’s something for everyone.

Lachie’s a hoodie guy, look how far it zips up!

Sustainability Credentials

Okay, my values-driven pals, let us duck-dive into the details of this lil’ number. The body of the R1 Air is made of 100% recycled polyester jacquard fleece. This is the main differentiator from the original R1 (which uses Polartec) and why it has greater breathability.

This recycled goodness also happens to be bluesign® approved fabric (soon to be called bluepass) which, in a nutshell, guarantees it meets rigorous environmental standards as well as ensuring the people working with these materials are doing so in a safe environment. So, as expected, these jackets are all made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.

Our gear impacts the world we live in, let’s minimise that

Patagonia’s resume when it comes to sustainability really needs no introduction. But with all the noise out there it’s worth a little refresh to remind yourself just how hard they’re pushing. Go and check out one or two of their huge menu of short and long-form films and perhaps even have a gander at their impact report. They are one of, if not the most, off-their-head, radical makers of products out there – period. 

Time to Get Fleeced?

After all that, if you’re still on the fence, then I’ll leave you with the reviews of the R1 Air on Patagonia’s website as your final nudge to get you out of decision paralysis when you’re looking for that next mid layer:

• ‘GOAT Fleece’
• ‘People will want to hug you’
• ‘It’s like magic’
• ‘Mid-layer, Max Slayer’

I rest my case. See you out there pals!

Photos by @ella_garbett

Catchya! Gotta go run at goldilocks temp