EMS Power Dry micro fleece vs Patagonia R1

Wait until after Thanksgiving, and I'll bet you can get it even cheaper. It does seem like a knockoff R1 and it does have a nice feel to it, but without actually having used either, I can't comment on the technical performance difference – if any.

I've never tried an R1, but I just bought one of these and am pretty happy with it. The hood adjustment is odd and I will be replacing it with a piece of paracord, but other than that it's super warm, breathable, and very cheap ($$$, not quality). They run large, so I sized down for a tighter fit. I'll be ordering at least 1 more, maybe a couple.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/terramar-geo-fleece-hoodie-base-layer-top-long-sleeve-for-men~p~3648t/?filterString=s~terramar%2F&colorFamily=01

Same stuff.

From the Patagonia R1 pullover product description at http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/mens-regulator-r1-fleece-pullover?p=40107-0-340 :

"Sunrise to sundown, from epic approaches to alpine traverses, the versatile R1® Pullover stretches, breathes, moves moisture and insulates. The high/low interior grid polyester fabric (Polartec Power Dry®) is breathable and compressible, yet still maintains durability and warmth."

I have EMS Power Stretch fleece that was much less than brands like Marmot. MEC in Canada has made some Power Dry garments that were great bargains. They have a Power Dry pullover hoodie that looks really good for $68CA: http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/MensClothing/Hoodies/PRD~5026-604/mec-t3-hoodie-mens.jsp

The US military ECWCS tops and bottoms are Power Dry and can be a great bargain. The differences are cut/style, warranty, quality of stitching and zippers, etc.

I picked up a very similar looking top from LLBean at a great price (bonus they have Tall sizes for same $). It hasn't been cold enough to try it out yet.

Men's Polartec Power Dry Base Layer, Quarter-Zip Expedition Weight http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/74197?feat=power%20dry-SR0&page=men-s-polartec-power-dry-base-layer-quarter-zip-expedition-weight&attrValue_0=Cayenne&productId=1096143

i use the mec R1 copy … the differences are minor vs the real patagucci one … but functionally theres no real difference except the price

many companies make a R1/Cap4 copy for much cheaper … the R1 copies have big waffle grid patterns, the Cap4 smaller grid patterns

they all work more or less the same … its all polartec powerdry …

like down jackets, softshells, rain jackets …. grid pattern fleeces are commoditized, and theres absolutely no reason to buy the $$$$ name brands except for the logo and perceived status

one thing i highly recommend is at least a half zip … if yr using when active the ability to vent makes a real difference

Agreed on half-zip. I actually don't like most full-zips since the zipper causes a deformation of fit in the belly when bending over (the zipper will bulge out 6-8"), which can get in the way.

> absolutely no reason to buy the $$$$ name brands except for the logo and perceived status

And warranty. It's the only reason why I buy Patagonia over other stuff (in certain situations).

ahhh .. but anything purchased at REI, MEC, EB, OR, Lands End, LL Bean, backcountry, etc, etc, etc …. has the same lifetime warranty ;)

I prefer Patagonia because they'll send it out for repair and give it back to you – or give you a new one if repair is ~impossible. If you get a new one, the old one gets recycled into a new garment. Less wasteful and more responsible than just simply returning something and getting a new shiny one.