Patagonia R1 vs. Nano Air: Tested and reviewed [2026]

The Patagonia R1 is a high-performance fleece midlayer known for its warmth, moisture-wicking properties, and durability, making it an excellent all-around piece for layering. The Patagonia Nano Air, on the other hand, is an active insulation jacket designed for high-output activities, offering exceptional breathability and stretch that allows you to wear it without overheating during intense exertion.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide between these two iconic pieces from Patagonia for your next adventure.

Patagonia R1

The Patagonia R1 line represents the gold standard in technical fleece for outdoor enthusiasts. Designed as a versatile midlayer, the R1 excels at providing warmth without bulk, managing moisture during activity, and standing up to years of use. It's a reliable workhorse for climbers, hikers, and skiers who need a simple, effective layer that performs consistently in a range of conditions.

• What it is: A performance fleece jacket made from Polartec Power Grid, designed for providing lightweight warmth and wicking moisture during moderate activities.
• Key features: Polartec Power Grid fleece offers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, superior moisture-wicking, and durability. The design is minimalist and built for layering.
• Price: Around $150 to $200, depending on the model (e.g., pullover, full-zip hoody).
• Materials/Construction: Made with recycled polyester in a gridded fleece pattern that traps heat while promoting breathability.
• Sizing/Fit: A comfortable, standard fit that works well over a base layer and under an outer shell. Most people find it fits true to size.
• Pros: Highly durable and long-lasting, great value for the price, extremely versatile for both technical and casual use, and excellent at wicking sweat away from the body.
• Cons: Offers no wind or water resistance, can become too warm during high-output aerobic activity, and has a more functional, less modern aesthetic than the Nano Air.

This fleece is perfect for those seeking a durable, all-purpose midlayer for moderate activities like hiking, resort skiing, and everyday cold-weather wear.

Shop this product: patagonia.com/product/mens-r1-air-full-zip-hoody

Patagonia Nano Air

The Patagonia Nano Air is an innovative active insulation piece engineered for intense, stop-and-go activities. It solves the problem of needing to constantly add or remove layers by providing warmth, stretch, and unprecedented breathability all in one jacket. It's a perfect outer or midlayer for activities like ski touring, climbing, and trail running where you generate a lot of heat but still need insulation.

• What it is: A lightweight, stretchy insulated jacket with a water-repellent finish, designed to regulate temperature during high-exertion activities.
• Key features: FullRange synthetic insulation provides warmth while remaining incredibly breathable. The stretchy shell fabric allows for full range of motion, and a DWR finish repels light moisture.
• Price: Around $250 to $300.
• Materials/Construction: Built with a combination of recycled polyester and a nylon shell, with quilted FullRange insulation.
• Sizing/Fit: An athletic, form-fitting cut designed for mobility. It fits true to size, but those who prefer a roomier fit or plan to layer heavily may want to size up.
• Pros: Exceptional breathability prevents overheating, fantastic stretch and comfort, provides light resistance to wind and water, functions as an outer layer in mild conditions.
• Cons: Higher price point, the lighter shell fabric is less durable against scrapes and abrasion than a fleece, not as warm as a traditional puffy jacket when static.

It's the ultimate choice for athletes who need a single, adaptive layer for demanding pursuits like climbing, trail running, and backcountry skiing.

Shop this product: patagonia.com/product/mens-nano-air-jacket

Patagonia R1 vs. Nano Air Comparison

Insulation & Breathability

This is the most significant difference between the two jackets. The Patagonia R1 is a traditional fleece. Its Polartec Power Grid fabric is excellent at wicking sweat and providing warmth when you're moving at a steady pace, but it can quickly feel too hot during intense aerobic sessions. It’s warm for its weight, but its ability to release heat is limited compared to the Nano Air.

The Patagonia Nano Air is purpose-built for high-output scenarios. Its FullRange insulation provides warmth but is also extremely air-permeable, allowing excess heat and moisture to escape with ease. This means you can keep the jacket on during a strenuous climb without getting clammy or overheated. It strikes a unique balance between insulation and breathability that the R1's fleece design can't match.

Weather Resistance & Durability

The R1 fleece offers virtually no protection against wind or rain. It's meant to be worn as part of a layering system, with a weatherproof shell jacket worn over it in bad conditions. However, the Polartec fleece material is highly durable and resistant to pilling and abrasion, making it a reliable piece for everyday wear and rugged use.

The Nano Air has a lightweight shell with a DWR (durable water-repellent) finish, giving it a notable advantage in variable weather. It can shed light snow and drizzle and blocks wind far better than the R1. While its technical fabrics are built for performance, the lighter shell is more susceptible to snags and tears from sharp rocks or branches compared to the more robust face of the R1 fleece.

Fit & Layering System

The R1 fits like a classic midlayer - it has a slightly looser, more comfortable cut that easily layers over a base layer. Its simple fleece construction sits smoothly under a shell without bunching up, making it an uncomplicated and effective part of any layering system.

The Nano Air features a more athletic, "slim" fit that's designed to move with your body. The integrated stretch helps maintain this close-to-body fit without restricting movement. It can be worn over a base layer and also fits well under a shell, but its light weather resistance allows it to function as a standalone outer layer more often than the R1.

Price & Value

At around $150-$200, the R1 offers exceptional value. It's a highly versatile and long-lasting piece of gear that justifies its cost through years of reliable performance across a huge variety of situations. For most outdoor enthusiasts, it represents a smart, functional investment.

The Nano Air, priced between $250 and $300, is a more specialized and premium item. Its higher cost reflects the advanced material technology that delivers its unique breathability and stretch. For athletes engaged in high-output sports, this cost provides a clear value in performance and comfort that can't be found in standard fleece.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both jackets are top performers, but they are designed for fundamentally different uses.

Choose the Patagonia R1 if:

• You need a versatile and reliable fleece for everyday wear, hiking, or as a midlayer for resort skiing.
• Your activities are generally at a moderate intensity level.
• Durability and long-term value are your primary concerns.
• You want a simple, effective piece that works perfectly in a standard layering system.

Choose the Patagonia Nano Air if:

• You participate in high-output activities like ski touring, climbing, or fast hiking.
• You constantly find yourself overheating and needing to adjust layers.
• Maximum breathability and stretch for unrestricted movement are essential.
• You need a jacket that offers light weather resistance while letting you dump heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the R1 and Nano Air?

The key difference is the insulation concept. The R1 is a traditional fleece midlayer focused on trapping warmth and wicking sweat. The Nano Air is an "active insulation" jacket prized for its breathability, allowing you to wear it during intense exercise without overheating.

Can you wear the Nano Air as a standalone jacket?

Yes, absolutely. Thanks to its DWR finish and light wind resistance, the Nano Air works well as a standalone jacket in cool, mild conditions with light precipitation. The R1 is not recommended as an outer layer unless it is calm and dry.

Which is better for skiing?

For resort skiing, where you have periods of rest on the lift, the R1 under a shell is often a great choice. For backcountry skiing or ski touring, where you generate a lot of heat on the uphill, the Nano Air's breathability is far superior.

Are the Nano Air and R1 jackets true to size?

Generally, yes. The R1 has a more standard, relaxed fit. The Nano Air has an athletic, slim fit. If you're between sizes or want to layer more underneath the Nano Air, consider sizing up.

Which jacket is warmer?

When you are not moving, a traditional fleece like the R1 may feel slightly warmer for its weight because it's designed to trap heat. However, the Nano Air's insulating properties are designed to work during aerobic activity, providing warmth that adapts to your output level.

Is the Nano Air worth the extra money?

If your primary activities are high-output and you struggle with layering, the Nano Air is absolutely worth it. The technology makes a big difference in comfort. If you need a versatile fleece for general outdoor use, the R1 provides better value.

Which one is more versatile?

The R1 is arguably more versatile for the average person. Its durability and classic design make it suitable for a wider range of activities, from technical mountain pursuits to casual city wear. The Nano Air is exceptionally versatile for its intended technical use, but is less of an everyday piece.

How do you wash the R1 and Nano Air?

Both should be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. For the Nano Air, it's best to use a performance wash like Nikwax Tech Wash and tumble dry on low to help reactivate the DWR finish. Avoid fabric softeners with both garments.