Patagonia R1 vs. R2: Tested and reviewed [2026]

The Patagonia R1 and R2 fleeces are both iconic mid-layers, but they serve two very different purposes. The R1's Polartec Power Grid fabric is engineered for maximum breathability during high-output activities like climbing and ski touring, prioritizing moisture management over pure insulation. In contrast, the R2's plush Polartec Thermal Pro fleece is built for warmth, making it the better choice for static cold-weather activities or for those who run cold.

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which legendary Patagonia fleece is right for your adventures.

Patagonia R1 Fleece

The Patagonia R1 is a technical fleece that puts breathability first. Designed for fast-and-light pursuits, its gridded interior fabric efficiently wicks moisture away while providing just enough warmth, preventing you from overheating when you're working hard in cool conditions.

• What it is: A lightweight, highly breathable technical fleece designed as an active mid-layer for high-exertion activities.
• Key features: Polartec Power Grid fabric with a unique grid pattern that optimizes warmth and breathability, slim athletic fit for easy layering, Polygiene permanent odor control.
• Price: Around $149 USD for a full-zip jacket.
• Materials/Construction: Lightweight and highly durable Polartec Power Grid fleece, almost always made with a high percentage of recycled polyester.
• Sizing/Fit: A slim, athletic fit designed to hug the body closely to effectively wick sweat. It is true to size for a next-to-skin layering piece, but consider sizing up if you want a looser fit.
• Pros: Exceptional breathability, excellent stretch and freedom of movement, very light and packable, quick-drying fabric is great for multi-day trips.
• Cons: Provides minimal warmth when you're not moving, offers little wind resistance, slim fit might be too snug for some users or for layering over thicker base layers.

This fleece is perfectly suited for high-output activities where heat and moisture management are more critical than insulation.

Shop this product: patagonia.com/shop/mens-r1-fleece

Patagonia R2 Fleece

The Patagonia R2 is the workhorse insulator of the family. Its high-loft Polartec Thermal Pro fleece provides serious warmth for its weight, trapping heat effectively to keep you comfortable during less intense activities in colder weather or during stop-and-go moments like belaying.

• What it is: A versatile and highly insulating fleece intended as a very warm mid-layer for cold conditions or as a standalone jacket in cool, dry weather.
• Key features: Polartec Thermal Pro fleece provides an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, a soft and plush interior for comfort, and a more durable construction.
• Price: Approximately $179 USD for the full-zip model.
• Materials/Construction: Soft, high-loft Polartec Thermal Pro fleece - made with recycled materials - that feels cozy against the skin while being highly durable.
• Sizing/Fit: A more regular, classic fit compared to the R1. This allows for comfortable layering over base layers without feeling restrictive. Fits true to size for a standard fleece.
• Pros: Excellent warmth for its weight, incredibly comfortable and plush fabric, durable build, versatile enough for technical use and casual wear.
• Cons: Less breathable than the R1 (can feel clammy during intense exertion), slightly heavier and bulkier, not wind or water-resistant.

This is the go-to choice for staying warm during colder hikes, ski resort days, climbing in the shade, or simply enjoying a chilly evening at camp.

Shop this product: patagonia.com/shop/mens-r2-fleece

Patagonia R1 vs. R2 Comparison

Warmth & Breathability

This is the most critical difference between the two fleeces. The Patagonia R1 is not objectively warm - its purpose is to keep you comfortable while you move. The Polartec Power Grid channels an incredible amount of air, dumping heat and drying quickly. You’ll feel a breeze right through it, which is exactly why it's a favorite for backcountry skiers and alpinists.

The Patagonia R2 prioritizes trapping heat. Its dense, high-loft fibers create insulating air pockets that keep you significantly warmer, both while moving and standing still. It's the far superior choice for staying warm, but that warmth comes at the cost of breathability. If you start a strenuous ascent wearing the R2, you're likely to overheat quickly.

Fit & Feel

The R1 features a slim, athletic fit. It's designed to sit close to your body to effectively pull moisture from your skin or base layer. It feels light, stretchy, and unrestrictive, disappearing under a harness or shell jacket. Some people may even size up for a more relaxed fit for casual wear.

The R2 has a regular fit that feels much more like a traditional jacket. The plush interior is noticeably soft and cozy against the skin. This more relaxed cut makes it comfortable for daily wear and allows for easy layering over a base layer and even a light micro-fleece in very cold situations.

Best Use Cases

Choosing between them is a matter of matching the fleece to your activity. The R1 excels in high-output scenarios: backcountry skiing/splitboarding, trail running in cold weather, ice and alpine climbing, and fast-paced hiking. It's a layer you put on and leave on while you're working hard.

The R2 shines when warmth is the priority over aggressive venting. It's ideal for resort skiing, cold-weather hiking, belaying at a chilly climbing crag, and as your go-to jacket for camping or relaxing on a cold day. It’s also a common favorite for everyday wear in chilly climates due to its comfort and classic look.

Price & Value

Sitting at around $149, the R1 is priced as a piece of premium technical equipment. Its value lies in its specialized performance for highly active users. The R2 costs about $30 more, around $179, which is a fair price for the extra material, warmth, and versatility as both casual and technical wear. For most people who engage in a wide range of outdoor activities, the R2 may feel like a better value because its warmth is more broadly useful, while specialized athletes will find the R1’s particular feature set invaluable.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both are exceptional fleeces, but getting the right one depends entirely on your needs.

Choose the Patagonia R1 if:

• Your primary concern is breathability and managing sweat during intense activity.
• You are a climber, backcountry tourer, or trail runner looking for a functional layering piece.
• You need a fleece that is extremely lightweight and packable for multi-day trips.
• You prefer a slim, athletic fit that layers cleanly under a climbing harness or shell jacket.

Choose the Patagonia R2 if:

• You prioritize warmth and comfort over technical ventilation.
• You need an insulating mid-layer for cold-weather hiking, resort skiing, or a cozy camp jacket.
• You plan to use your fleece for both outdoor pursuits and as a everyday cold-weather jacket.
• You prefer a more relaxed fit and the feeling of a plush, high-loft fleece.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Patagonia R1 and R2?

The main difference is breathability versus warmth. The R1 is designed for regulating temperature and wicking moisture during high-output activity, while the R2 is designed to provide high-loft insulation and cozy warmth for colder, less intense activities.

Which is warmer, the R1 or R2?

The R2 is significantly warmer. Its Polartec Thermal Pro fleece is thicker and loftier, designed to trap air and provide insulation. The R1 provides only minimal warmth and is intended to be worn while you are generating your own heat.

Can I wear the R1 or R2 as a standalone jacket?

Yes, but in different conditions. The R2 makes a great standalone jacket on cool, dry, and calm days. The R1 offers almost no protection from wind, so it functions best as a standalone piece during intense activity in windless, cool weather.

How do the R1 and R2 fit?

The R1 has a slim, athletic fit that is snug to the body for efficient layering and moisture-wicking. The R2 has a more classic, regular fit, leaving more room for layers underneath and providing a more comfortable, casual look.

Are the Patagonia R1 and R2 true to size?

Yes, both generally run true to size, but their intended fits are different. Buy your regular size in the R1 for a technical, close-fitting layer, and your regular size in the R2 for a standard-fitting fleece.

Which is better for skiing?

It depends on the type of skiing. The R1 is the undeniable choice for backcountry ski touring, where you are generating massive amounts of heat on the ascent. For cold days at a ski resort, the R2 is superior, providing key insulation while riding chairlifts.

Which is a better value?

Value depends on your needs. For highly active users, the technical performance of the R1 is worth every penny. For the average outdoor enthusiast who needs a warm, versatile fleece for hiking, camping, and daily life, the R2 provides more warmth and comfort for a modest increase in price, often making it the better all-around value.

How should I care for my Patagonia fleece?

Both can be machine washed in cold water with similar colors and tumble-dried on a low setting. Avoid using fabric softeners as they can clog the fibers and reduce the fleece's moisture-wicking performance.

Are the R1 and R2 made with recycled materials?

Yes. Patagonia is committed to sustainability, and both the R1 and R2 lines widely use recycled polyester in their fabrics, as well as Fair Trade Certified sewing practices.

Which one is more packable?

The Patagonia R1 is lighter and far more packable. Its gridded fleece construction is less dense, allowing it to compress to a smaller size in a backpack compared to the bulkier high-loft fleece of the R2.