Patagonia R3 Hi-Loft Hoody Review
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I have been testing out Patagonia’s newly designed R3® Hi-Loft Hoody in the ever fashionable purple hue. The R3 Hi-Loft Hoody has quickly become a personal and family favorite. I say this because we now refer to the purple R3 as “Grimace”. For instance, one might say, “the weather may turn a bit chilly, why don’t you bring along Grimace just in case?” For those of you that don’t remember, Grimace is/was a partner in crime with the cookie monster (see photo below).
Ok, now to the real review. The R3 Hi-Loft Hoody incorporates two different fabrics from Polartec. The body of this fleece is comprised of high-loft Polartec® Thermal Pro® polyester; the high-loft has longer-thicker pieces of fabric that creates a cozy teddy bear fleece feel. The yarn however, remains true to what R3’s are known for, warm layering that is highly compressible, offers incredible moisture wicking capabilites, and now is a tad more fashionable. I have been wearing this piece under my shell on cool mountain evenings above tree line and have been very thankful for the plush feel throughout, including at high sensitivity areas such as the collar, cuffs, hem, and the hood.
The R3 Hi-Loft Hoody is designed for high intensity pursuits and has Polartec® Power Stretch® fleece stretch panels under the arms. This saves some weight, improves breathability in key areas, and decreases the bulkily feel when layered with other items. The hoody has a regular fit, per Patagonia; I usually fall between a small and a medium when it comes to Patagonia shells and felt that the medium was the best size for me (5’9” and 137 lbs.). The sleeves and lower hem were perfect length for me, which can sometimes be a problem with other fleeces.
The R3 Hi-Loft Hoody incorporates recycled polyester throughout the garment and can be recycled at the end of its’ life through Patagonia’s Common Threads Recycling Program. I have had this fleece for about 3 months now and have had no problems with durability thus far and don’t see myself recycling this jacket in the next few years.
Despite use in moderate temps, ranging from 30-40 degrees, I am interested in seeing how the R3 Hi-Loft Hoody performs as an under layer while hitting the ski slopes in frigid temps. An update will be posted as the temps start to dip. Thus far, I have gotten nothing put positive comments about my purple R3 Hi-Loft Hoody aka Grimace, and look forward to a cozy fall with “him” keeping me warm and fashionable. For more information on the R3 Hi-Loft Hoody and other Patagonia products, visit www.patagonia.com or www.backcountry.com/patagonia.
Features of the Patagonia R3 Hi-Loft Hoody
- Extremely warm and superlight high-loft directional knit provides maximum warmth-to-weight ratio, wicks moisture and speeds dry time
- Polartec® Power Stretch® fleece stretch panels provide improved fit and enhanced durability in high-wear areas
- Microfleece-lined collar, cuffs and hem enhance comfort
- Drawcord hem helps reduce heat loss and trap warmth close to the body
- Pockets: two zippered handwarmer pockets and internal zippered chest pocket provide quick access
- Shoulder yoke offset for comfort with pack straps
- Body: 7.4-oz Polartec® Thermal Pro® 98% polyester (70% recycled)/2% spandex. Side panels: 6.6-oz Polartec Power Stretch® 88% polyester (60% recycled)/12% spandex. Pockets: 4.9-oz 95% polyester/5% spandex. Recyclable through the Common Threads Recycling Program
- 411 g (14.5 oz)
- Made in Colombia
