R1 vs R1 Air Fabric Composition & Attributes
Since both models are constructed in roughly the same chassis, the major differences in performance and best-use-cases come from fabric composition and corresponding performance attributes. And in a sense, R1 and R1 Air are opposites. The R1 has a flat face exterior with a grid fleece interior. The R1 Air has a lightly fuzzy flat face interior with a grid fleece exterior. The benefits of the flat faced exterior are improved durability and wind resistance. The benefits of putting the bulk of the grid fleece on the exterior are improved breathability and dry time. And though it sounds weird, wearing either garment inside out creates a mimic effect of the other.
R1 vs R1 Air Grid Fleece
While both R1 & R1 Air are grid fleeces, the R1 Air’s jacquard knit has more surface area of empty valleys in between the fleece ridges, a significant contributor to its superior breathability and the namesake “air.” Because the grid of the R1 Original is encased in an exterior flat-faced knit, it receives a natural degree of wind resistance that R1 Air does not. The bulk of R1 Air’s fleece material is on the outside of the primary knit structure, which means the valleys are unprotected from wind and do not hold dead air to create a heat buffer. This is why R1 performs worse at insulating in the wind, but better in terms of breathability.
Spandex & Stretch & Dry Time
Simply put, the original R1 is more stretchy because it is comprised of 7% Spandex. This added stretch is good for activities like climbing, which involve large reaches and contortion of one’s torso. Big upward reaches in the R1 Original are less likely to tug the garment up your body and/or pull it out of a harness tuck, but rather, stretch with you as you move. Because of the loose knit polyester, R1 Air has natural mechanical stretch, but not as much as R1 original. A downside to adding Spandex is that it absorbs more water and increases dry time. The combination of increased breathability, no flat faced exterior, and lack of spandex means R1 Air will dry out notably faster than R1 Original. That being said, R1 original is still a quick dry garment compared to average and not lacking in this regard. It’s just that R1 Air is exceptional.
R1 vs R1 Air Durability
R1 Original is more durable because it has a flat faced exterior compared to the R1 Air’s fuzzy fleece exterior. The flat face is less likely to snag or scrape on sharp/abrasive surfaces. The fuzzy exterior of the R1 Air is more likely to stick to small twigs and pine needles, and pulling them off, or rubbing on abrasive surfaces, usually drags a few strands of fuzz with it. Over time, this will degrade the lofted zig zags and damage the garment.
Moisture Wicking
Both fabrics are great at moisture wicking. The full on grid fleece interior of the R1 pulls moisture off skin and to the surface, as does the brushed-like fuzzy interior face of the R1 Air. While both are great at moisture wicking, the types of warm/sweaty environs and activities when moisture wicking is prioritized lead us to recommend the R1 Air. If you want moisture wicking, you probably also want breathability.
R1 Air Hollow Core Yarn
At a nearly microscopic level, R1 Air is constructed with hollow core yarn. Inside each strand of polyester is a tiny amount of air space. Dead air creates an insulative buffer, and adds to the overall warmth-giving properties of the jacket, while increasing cozy fleece volume and decreasing garment weight. This boosts performance with little-to-no downside. You may have heard of Octa yarn, which is a name brand competitor using the same technology as Patagonia R1 Air, though it is not always designed in a zig zag jacquard grid fleece.
Chest Pocket
The R1 Original has a much better zippered chest pocket than R1 Air. It is larger, definitely large enough to store any phone. It is also mesh lined, and feels sturdy. The R1 Air zippered chest pocket is perhaps its worst design feature. It is too small to store much of anything, and feel flimsy like the stitching could rip out. Pocket winner: R1 Original.
HeiQ Pure Odor Control
This is a silver-based anti-microbial treatment that prevents bacteria and other smellies from thriving on the threads of the garment. It’s not going to be the difference between smelly and fresh if you sweat in it for days on end. But it makes a small difference and is purely upside, other than a bit of additional cost. Notably, the R1 Original has HeiQ treatment, and R1 Air does not.
Fit & Aesthetics
Both of these fleeces have a slim/trim fit on the torso and look sporty. The zig-zag aesthetic of the R1 Air might be off-putting to some and attractive to others, where as the original R1 is more universal.
Compare R1 and R1 Air to more options in our guide to the best lightweight fleece jackets for backpacking, or to an ultralight Alpha Direct Hoodie.
