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Excellent airflow and streamlined warmth for high-output days in cool conditions. A technical fleece vest built for movement.
Patagonia says:
The R1® Air Vest is a lightweight, highly breathable and quick-drying technical fleece core-warmer for cool conditions. Perfect for boosting warmth without restricting the shoulders and arms, and built with 100% recycled polyester fabric for comfort on the move. Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory.
Our Verdict
The R1 Air Vest prioritises breathability without compromising warmth where it matters. At 208g (UK12), it’s light and low-bulk with a close athletic fit that layers cleanly under a shell. The textured fleece uses hollow-core yarns in a zigzag-knit pattern, setting it apart from traditional grid fleece by enhancing airflow, speeding moisture transfer and reducing drying time. It’s warm enough for early starts and ventilates well as intensity picks up. Stretch and cut are well-judged, with revised shaping through the torso and hem offering more freedom than past designs. The fabric feels soft and comfortable next to the skin, but shows signs of pilling sooner than heavier grid fleeces. There are two low-profile hand pockets and a chest zip, all minimal and pack-friendly. For fast-paced use in cool, dry air, especially where breathability is essential, this vest performs efficiently. It’s less suited to static warmth or rough wear but fills a clear gap in a fast-and-light layering system.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
(Unfortunately, we are unable to ship Patagonia products outside of the European Area (defined as the European Economic Area plus Switzerland and the UK)
Features
- 100% recycled polyester jacquard fleece with hollow-core yarns wicks moisture, dries fast and is highly breathable for cool-weather activities
- Zigzag-knit pattern increases airflow and minimizes bulk for breathable, compressible performance
- Breathable full-zip vest with a slim fit is built for a full range of motion
- Off-shoulder seams sit comfortably under pack straps
- One zippered left-chest pocket stashes small items; two front pockets with minimal zippers for reduced bulk
- Quick-drying woven binding at the back hem and armholes for added stretch and improved fit
- Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory, which means the people who made this product earned a premium for their labor
Specifications
- UK8/XSmall Weighs: 190g
- UK10/Small Weighs: 199g
- UK12/Medium Weighs: 208g
- UK14/Large Weighs: 232g
Material & Construction
- 5.7-oz 100% recycled polyester jacquard fleece with hollow-core yarns.
- Fabric is certified as bluesign® approved.
- Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory
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