Patagonia R1 Hoody Question

It's not really either 100 or 200, it's Polartec Power Dry which comes in several weights, the R1 is 6.8 oz/yard (w/ a little 5.4 oz/yard thrown in), the Cap 4 hoody is also Power Dry, in 3.8 oz/yard material

the Cap 4 weighs similar to comparable 100 wt pieces (8.9 in Large), the R1 similar in weight to 200 wt pieces (12.8 in Large)

I find the R1 too warm for "summer" use, I think the Cap 4 would be a better choice for what you're looking for

btw, i just picked up a Terramar hoodie that feels an awful lot like R1. Fits me better and cost a fraction.

Do you have the model name on the terramar and did you see a deal somewhere like at Sierra trading post?

i got this for $35, but they don't have the men's at STP:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/terramar-grid-fleece-hoodie-zip-front-for-women~p~3648m/?filterString=s~grid-fleece%2F&colorFamily=04

I can vouch for the cap 4 EW hoody. In size XS (a little to short in the arms) mine weighs something like 6.8 ounces. I find it an awesome piece, both for sleeping in and moving in. Provides incredible moisture transfer and is really warm for the weight. I've read my same basic post all over this site, but it really is awesome.

The R1 is really warm. I can only use it on very cold winter days. I never wore anything warmer than capilene 3 in the Sierra. Even then, I usually only wore it for the first 30 minutes of hiking in the morning.

http://www.campmor.com/terramar-ecolator-3-full-zip-fleece-hoodie-men-39-s.shtml

Patagonia got back to me and they say the R1 is "100 weight fleece." This seems to contradict what everyone is saying about it being too warm. Thought I trust you guys more than I trust them. I'll take a look at the Cap4 but it looks like the fit may be too slim.

I was reading Andrea Shukura's (sp?) core 13 and I liked his ideas about a lightweight fleece to wear in the AM, when it cools off during the day, or on summit bids. I'm looking for something to fit that bill as my Arcteryx Fortrez is too warm.

If you want to wear a fleece while hiking, it needs to be pretty thin. That's where the base layer and windshirt combo works. The strength R1 is that it wicks and breathes, and Cap4 is a lighter version– the fabric is thinner and has larger spacing. I do think of Cap4 as a "super base layer" and it wicks better when it has skin contact and so the slimmer fit is the idea. There are some closeups of Cap4 at http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=97804 .

Both R1 and Cap4 benefit with the addition of a wind or rain shell when it is cold/windy (or any fleece for that matter). Power Stretch is another synthetic to consider. Deciding whether you want a base layer or mid-layer garment will outline your choices too.

Wearing R1/Cap4 with a shell is close the warmth of the thinner 60g insulated jackets like a Nano Puff. The insulated jackets don't breathe well and aren't as versatile, lacking the breathability to hike in and not very warm when at rest/camp.

Consider vests as well. They keep your core warm while reducing bulk and weight.

R1 and Cap4 are Polartec Power Dry fabrics and there are more variations. REI, Cabela and others offer lighter versions like the one at http://www.rei.com/product/876659/rei-midweight-polartec-power-dry-long-underwear-half-zip-top-mens#tab-description. They are more base-layer oriented and not in the hoodie form.

One of the main reasons you see the Cap 4 line ( or anything with power dry high efficiency) mentioned so much is its HUGE comfort range. You can wear it during a deep freeze under a wind/rain shell as Dale mentions and be super warm on the move, and then can turn around snd wear it alone up into the 60's F and still be comfortable. And this has everything to do with the grid. You can read a lot about it on this site. I really believe it to be a "miracle" fabric. But anyway, I'm heading to the mountains in a couple hours. Good luck on your search!