Patagonia R1 TechFace - the Perfect 4 Season Layer

I think I’ve found my all-time favorite layer - the Patagonia R1 TechFace Jacket. I’ve had it for a few months at this point, and it’s quickly become the layer I’ve reached for the most often this fall and winter. I predict I’ll keep using it just as much through the spring and summer.

Patagonia describes the R1 TechFace as:

Warm, stretchy and breathable like our Regulator® fleece, but with the added benefits of abrasion and weather resistance. This cool-weather crosslayer was designed for extended versatility in shifting mountain conditions. Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.

Patagonia R1 TechFace Pros:

• It’s stretchy and soft on the inside, while still being wind and water resistant, making it really comfortable. Patagonia says “Lightweight double-weave fabric is soft and warm next to skin but doesn’t trap heat; face is durable and treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish to shed moisture…Stretch fabric and design support a wide range of movement”

• It’s a slim-fitting layer, so you can wear it under things easily, like a raincoat or puffy. My husband has the men’s version and frequently wears his under his ski bibs or Carhartt overalls.

• It’s so versatile. Seriously, I have already worn for a bunch of activities in several different configurations. See below for my suggestions of ways to wear it.

Cons:

• There’s not much to dislike about this jacket, but I have a couple of small gripes. The sleeves are so slim fitting that it’s a little challenging to access my watch/GPS tracker while it’s on.

• I wish this jacket had a chest pocket. It’s got nice big side pockets, but I love a chest pocket for my phone.

How I Layer the Patagonia R1 TechFace

Winter:

• Shoeshoeing on a mild winter day: over a light baselayer like a Smartwool Merino 250 under the R1 TechFace.

• A long day of snowboarding that starts cold and warms up: a long tank top, a medium weight baselayer like the Patagonia Capilene Air, thin insulation layer like the North Face Ventrix, the R1 TechFace, and then a waterproof windshell like the REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Jacket.

Spring:

• Spring skiing on a warm and sunny day: wear the R1 TechFace over a heavy baselayer that zips, like the Smartwool Dacono Ski Full Zip Sweater.

• Gravel biking when the roads start to melt out: the R1 TechFace layered over a wicking t-shirt, like the REI Co-op Active Pursuits T-Shirt, which is an excellent deal, and frequently goes on sale.

Summer:

• Going camping at a high elevation with chilly mornings: throw on your R1 TechFace over your pajamas for your trips to the bathroom or while you’re making coffee.

• Climbing after work when the sun starts to go down: the soft, stretchy materials of the R1 TechFace is a comfortable layer to throw over a tank top like the prAna Becksa tank.

Fall:

• Mountain biking on a trail with a long climb up and a long descent: the R1 TechFace packs down fairly small, so it’s a great option to throw in your hydration pack for the climb and then put on over your lightweight jersey, like the Patagonia Short Sleeve Merino.

• Hiking on a sunny day that starts out cool and warms up: start out wearing the R1 TechFace over a sun hoody, like Patagonia Tropic Comfort Hoody.

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