Patagonia R1 Fleece Vest

Review by Kate Agathon

The updated Patagonia R1 Fleece Vest is the most versatile piece of technical gear that I will use during this particular time of year.

From spring skiing to shoulder season cycling, the Patagonia R1 Fleece Vest is a wardrobe staple.

This does the job in keeping my core warm in situations where my other vests (a heavier sweater knit vest and a down vest) are not appropriate due to their materials and intended use.

My interest in the vest came from the realization about how often I was wearing my Patagonia R1 Fleece Pullover: walking the dogs, at home, cycling, nordic skiing, and working in the warehouse.

I loved the weight, stretch and warmth the pullover provided and knew that the vest would be ideal.

Look and Fit

I found the slim fit Patagonia R1 Fleece Vest runs true to size.

I wore it over t-shirts, baselayers, and cycling jerseys and it paired well with all clothing combinations.

The length was good and provided enough coverage- even while cycling and nordic skiing. Despite the slim fit, I didn’t feel confined and it didn’t emphasize my middle-aged love handles.

The Patagonia R1 Fleece Vest’s low profile shoulder seams and low bulk hem make it easy for layering. I could wear an outer layer on top and I didn’t even notice I was wearing a midlayer.

Features and Performance

The Patagonia R1 Fleece Vest is definitely a technical piece.

Constructed from hybridized Polartec® Power Grid® fabric and Capilene® Thermal Weight baselayer fabric, the minimalist stretchy vest provides a surprising amount of warmth for a decidedly un-bulky item.

The Patagonia R1 Fleece features a zippered chest pocket with breathable mesh pocket bag to stash chapstick and other small items, and a center front zipper garage underneath the chin for added comfort. Finally, it has HeiQ® Pure odor control to reduce any lingering odors.

Ideal for start-stop, cardio activities such as cycling or nordic skiing, the Patagonia R1 Fleece Vest traps warmth with its Polartec® Power Grid® fabric and provides great mobility thanks to its stretch.

With its phenomenal wicking properties, I didn’t feel like a sweaty, wet mess at the end of the day- even while wearing a small hydration pack.

Finally, I liked how packable it is, so I can have it on hand just in case.

Overall Impressions

The “R” in the R1 name stands for “regulate”.

The Patagonia R1 Fleece Vest definitely regulated, by controlling my sweat and heat, and keeping my core warm without overheating.

This is the minimalist vest that I use for high mobility activities where I find myself starting and stopping a lot (i.e. working in a warehouse or cycling) and I want to stay warm without getting sweaty. I do wish it had hand pockets, but it is minimalist by design.

I especially like this all-arounder vest for its stretch and non-bulk design, and have already worn it more than my other vests because of its technical design features and overall construction.

I live in a small mountain town, and I have found that this vest is absolutely perfect for shoulder season and spring.

Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory, the Patagonia R1 Fleece Vest is available in three colors (Black, Graze Green, and Solstice Purple) and seven sizes (XXS to XXL).

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbabies, Sansa and Benjen.

 

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing.

Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers. She and her fiancé, Paul, live in Summit County with their dogs, Benjen and Sansa.

Kate earned a BA in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving two terms on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.

The Dr. of Stoke has been part of the Engearment team since 2016.