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

The Patagonia R1 is a legendary lightweight, highly breathable technical fleece designed for optimal performance as a midlayer. In contrast, the Patagonia R2 Techface jacket is a more robust, weather-resistant layer with a durable outer fabric and water-repellent finish, built to handle abrasion and light precipitation on its own.

This guide breaks down the core differences in materials, warmth, and ideal uses to help you pick the right tech fleece for your adventures with Patagonia.

Patagonia R1 Techface Jacket

The Patagonia R1 is a pure-bred performance fleece, famous in climbing and ski touring communities for its exceptional breathability. Its Polartec Power Grid fabric is engineered to dump heat and moisture during high-output activity, making it a go-to piece for layering in demanding conditions where staying dry from the inside out is critical.

• What it is: A lightweight, packable technical fleece designed primarily as a high-performance midlayer for active use.
• Key features: Polartec® Power Grid® fabric with a gridded interior for superior warmth, breathability, and moisture-wicking, minimalist design.
• Price: Around $179
• Materials/Construction: Made from 100% recycled polyester fleece that is Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
• Sizing/Fit: A trim, athletic fit that hugs the body to facilitate moisture transport and easy layering under a shell. Most users find it true to size.
• Pros: Extremely breathable and quick-drying. Lightweight and highly compressible, making it easy to pack. Excellent stretch for unrestricted movement. Versatile as a midlayer for almost any outdoor sport.
• Cons: Offers minimal wind and water resistance. Less durable than the R2 Techface when exposed to rock or sharp gear. It is not as warm as a standalone jacket.

This fleece is perfect for climbers, skiers, runners, and hikers who need a highly breathable and efficient midlayer for fast-and-light adventures.

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Patagonia R2 Techface Jacket

The Patagonia R2 Techface transforms the concept of a fleece into a versatile piece that can function as both a warm midlayer and a durable outer layer. Its key advantage is the "Techface" - a durable, smooth-faced fabric with a PFC-free DWR finish that enhances its weather resistance, allowing it to shed light rain, snow, and cut down on wind far better than a standard fleece.

• What it is: A warm, durable, and weather-resistant fleece that functions as a midlayer or standalone jacket in moderate conditions.
• Key features: Durable double-weave face fabric with a PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent) finish. High-loft interior fleece for warmth. Technical features like zippered chest and handwarmer pockets.
• Price: Around $229
• Materials/Construction: Recycled polyester fleece with a reinforced exterior layer. Also Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
• Sizing/Fit: An athletic fit similar to the R1, but the more structured fabric may feel slightly less stretchy. Still fits well under a harness or shell.
• Pros: Highly durable and abrasion-resistant. Offers good wind and water resistance for a fleece. Warmer than the R1. Excellent pocket configuration. Versatile enough to be worn alone in a variety of conditions.
• Cons: Less breathable than the R1 during intense activity. Heavier and less packable. Higher price point.

Ideal for alpine climbers, backcountry skiers, and adventurers who need a single, tough layer that performs well in variable weather without requiring a shell at all times.

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Patagonia R1 vs. R2 Techface Comparison

Weather Resistance & Durability

This is the most significant difference between the two jackets. The R1 is built with a soft Polartec Power Grid fabric. While it excels at moving moisture, it offers virtually no protection from wind and will soak through quickly in the rain. Its exposed fleece fabric is also more susceptible to pilling and abrasion from backpack straps or rock.

The R2 Techface, on the other hand, is specifically designed to handle the elements. Its hard-faced exterior with impressive durability resists snags from branches and abrasion from climbing gear easily. Its PFC-free DWR finish causes light rain and snow to bead up and roll off, while its denser weave provides decent wind resistance. While not waterproof, it can be confidently worn as an outer layer in light precipitation and windy ridgelines.

Warmth & Breathability

The two jackets represent a classic trade-off between warmth and breathability. The R1 is the undisputed champion of breathability. Its gridded fleece interior creates air channels that pull moisture off your skin and let body heat escape during intense exertion, helping prevent the clammy feeling of sweat build-up.

The R2 Techface is considerably warmer. The high-loft fleece interior traps more heat, and the wind-resistant Techface fabric prevents that warmth from being stripped away by the wind. However, this same construction makes it less breathable. For stop-and-go activities like belaying in the cold or skiing on a windy day, the R2 provides more consistent warmth. For something like uphill skinning or trail running, the R1's breathability is far superior.

Price & Value

The R1 jacket typically retails for around $179, while the R2 Techface sits at about $229. The R1 provides excellent value as a specialized, high-performance midlayer that will last for years within a layering system. It's a foundational piece for many outdoor kits.

The R2 Techface commands a higher price, but its value comes from its versatility. It can replace both a traditional fleece and a lightweight softshell jacket for many activities, offering a 2-in-1 solution. If your adventures frequently involve scraping up against rock or exposure to variable weather, the added cost is easily justified by its increased durability and protection.

Versatility & Best Use

The R1 is a master of one thing: being an exceptional midlayer. It's designed to be worn under a shell and works perfectly for hiking, touring, climbing, and running in any season. It is less suited as a standalone piece unless conditions are calm, mild, and dry.

The R2 Techface offers a much broader range of uses. It serves as a warm midlayer on frigid days but truly excels as a standalone jacket for shoulder season hikes, alpine rock climbing, and backcountry ski tours in fair but cool conditions. Its ability to comfortably handle wind and light precip makes it a far more versatile go-to for daily use in places with unpredictable weather.

Which One Should You Choose?

While both are excellent pieces of technical apparel, they are engineered for different demands and conditions.

Choose the R1 Techface if:

• You prioritize maximum breathability for high-output activities like running or ski touring.
• You need a lightweight, packable midlayer to fit into a comprehensive layering system.
• You will almost always be wearing a hardshell or windbreaker over it in bad weather.
• You want a super comfortable and versatile fleece for both active and casual use in mild weather.

Choose the R2 Techface if:

• You need a single jacket that’s both a warm midlayer and a durable outer layer.
• Your activities involve abrasion, such as rock climbing or mountaineering.
• You frequently encounter wind, light rain, or wet snow and prefer not to wear a shell.
• You need more warmth and protection than a traditional fleece can offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between the R1 and R2 Techface?

The main difference is durability and weather resistance. The R1 is a highly breathable, soft fleece midlayer designed for layering. The R2 Techface adds a durable, weather-resistant outer fabric with a DWR finish, making it function more like a softshell jacket that can be worn on its own in harsh conditions.

Which is warmer, the R1 or R2 Techface?

The R2 Techface is significantly warmer. Its higher-loft fleece insulation and wind-resistant outer fabric trap heat more effectively than the lighter, more breathable grid fleece of the R1.

Is the R2 Techface waterproof?

No, it is not waterproof, but it is highly water-resistant. The DWR (durable water repellent) finish will cause light rain and snow to bead up and roll off. It will eventually soak through in a sustained downpour, so a hardshell is still needed for heavy rain.

Can I wear the R1 as a standalone jacket?

Yes, but only in mild, calm, and dry conditions. It has no wind or water resistance, so it works best as a cozy layer for around town or when you're sure there's no precipitation in the forecast.

How do these fit compared to Patagonia's Better Sweater?

Both the R1 and R2 Techface feature a much more technical, slim, athletic fit compared to the relaxed, casual fit of the Better Sweater. They are designed to fit close to the body for performance and layering.

Are they true to size?

Yes, both jackets generally fit true to size for a trim, athletic fit. If you prefer a more relaxed fit or plan on layering bulky items underneath, you might consider sizing up.

Which jacket is better for skiing?

It depends. For high-output backcountry touring where you're generating a lot of heat on the uphill, the R1's breathability under a shell is ideal. For lift-serviced resort skiing or on colder, windier days, the R2 Techface provides more warmth and wind protection as a midlayer.

What does "Techface" mean?

“Techface” refers to Patagonia’s technology of bonding a durable, weather-resistant outer face fabric to a soft fleece interior. This gives the garment the comfort of fleece with the significantly improved durability and weather-shedding capabilities of a softshell.