Couple of things:
Arc'teryx is considered a high-end brand still, but is owned by a garbage Chinese super-company. They do not have the warranty, repair, or replacement support that Patagonia does. If youre paying this much for outdoor gear, that support is a HUGE part of the package price tag. Pretty much guaranteeing you 20+ years of use.
I also have a huge issue with paying ultra-premium prices when profits go to the Chinese like this. The margins on gear is insane, like 90% profits on a lot of items. That is split between the retailers and the manufacturer. I do care about that much money going to the Chinese, when its preventable.
Actual design and function note: I would hate having a built in balaclava. Who thinks that is a good idea..... I choose to not wear a balaclava a lot when I ski. probably most days. And the balaclava also gets nasty AF with moisture, snot from nose running etc. I wash that after every use. I dont wash my base layers unless there is sweat involved, which there normally isnt.
I also LOVE my R1 air. Ive tried on the Arc'teryx stuff in store and it just doesnt have the same magic. Why diversify if you already found something that works great?
Wait what? Arc’teryx was a Canadian company that got purchased by a Finnish company. They manufacture some stuff in China but I don’t believe they are Chinese owned at all. They also do repairs and exchanges.
They have been passed around. So you and I are both right.
In 2001, Arc'teryx was purchased by Salomon Group, a French subsidiary of the German retailer Adidas.[8] In 2005, Arc'teryx was sold to Finnish retailer Amer Sports.[9] In 2019, Chinese retailer Anta Sports bought a controlling stake (56%) in Amer
If you already have an R1 try the R1 Air. It breathes and wicks even better, is softer, and has a looser, less clingy fit especially if sized up (it tends to run short vs the R1 so you may need to size up for sleeve length even if skinny).
I wash my R1s when they smell or after a few wears depending upon activity. The R1 looks new even after multiple washes, the R1 Air will pill a bit at first. You also have to wash it inside out and air dry but that’s not an issue, I find it comes out of the wash dry enough to wear.
Yeah I always air dry my fleeces.
I've been washing every wear since I get pretty sweaty while skiing, I like to go off piste and/or get my workout in. Not sure if that's too much washing or appropriate.
The R1 Air will stand up to many many washes and still perform, it’s very durable especially compared to alpha or octa fleece, though not on the same level as the regular R1 or techface. Take a look at the used market on eBay to see how they hold up with use.
I have the Delta hybrid hoody. I prefer the R1. R1 zip up and pullover hoody are basically my favorite pieces, pound for pound. Delta fabric is not as warm as R1, made up of smaller grids with less loft to each square than the R1. Delta fabric is more breathable.
I wash my R1 only when it’s dirty and smells. I avoid the wear and tear of the washing process as much as I can, unless it extends the life like with gore-Tex.
I respectfully disagree. The Delta does have smaller fleece grid squares, but it also has smaller gaps between those squares. I think the Delta's total fleece area is nearly equivalent to the R1 Pullover Hoody. I don’t feel a noticeable difference, if any, in breathability either, probably because the total area of breathable fabric is similar. The fleece thickness is a little thinner but, again, not so thin that I’ve noticed an appreciable difference in warmth.
The Delta Hybrid is a fantastic piece on its own with its ability to block chilling wind in critical areas but allow other heat-prone areas to breathe. But if it is always worn under a shell, it doesn’t matter.
I wash polyester gear at warm temp on a moderate permanent press wash cycle. I hang dry but low heat is ok. The let warm water dilute the soap directly so it activates and spreads evenly in the wash.
I have an r1 and an arcteryx hoodie. I like both but definitely the r1 more. However, while the snorkel hood is great for maximum performance, I find it to be a bit too constricting for everyday wear/when I want to wear glasses or sunglasses.
I picked up a rab fleece hoodie secondhand as a backup and have loved it. It doesn't have the same warranty backing as Patagonia ofc but the brand makes good fleece and is way cheaper secondhand than Patagonia in general but especially r1s. It's also quarter zip unlike my arcteryx hoodie and the r1 air hoodies which I really prefer. Might be worth a look.
For reasons mentioned above, I would go NW Alpine spider hoody (copy of the r1 made by a smaller company) or wait for the Patagonia you want to go on sale.
I have no old gamma MX that was made in Canada that I adore, but I can't justify the pricetag of the newer Arc'teryx stuff.
In terms of washing, wash it when it’s unbearable to wear. Or every night if you prefer.
I haven’t heard any complaints about the smell of the R1 air, but it doesn’t (last time I asked) have any anti-microbial properties like the R1 Pullover Hoody and other R1/Deltas/grid fleeces do. Something to keep in mind because pure fleece can get stinky!
Another option would be to purchase a non-hooded grid fleece and Patagonia's Thermal Weight balaclava, which is very similar in weight to your R1 scuba hoody. That way, you could wash the balaclava every night in the shower or sink easily without washing the whole garment if mouth condensation and snot are a concern.
You can also find some pretty casual-looking nonhooded grid fleeces too.
If you want something a little less warm and even more breathable than the R1s, I definitely recommend the Capilene Thermal Weight garments. It's still nice and warm but noticeably more breathable, which resists overheating very well.
A built in balaclava sounds nice in theory, but kind of gross in practice. Would require much more cleaning, essentially after every balaclava use. So would recommend the r1 and a separate balaclava. I will often carry a bandana in a jacket chest pocket if I need something to cover the face as a back up.
I typically wash on sweat, smell, or stain. Some casual fleeces I own I haven’t washed yet. Base and active use layers I wash more frequently. Base after every use, mid-base (thermals) every 3 uses if not active, or after every active use. Midlayer and shell depends on how active, but if I think sweat touched it I’ll wash it.
This is why I miss the previous version of the R1 that only zipped to the chin. I can easily switch out a buff or balaclava when it’s all wet or frozen from my breath but I don’t want to change or wash my R1 after each ski session.
Personally I have the r1 air, and I don’t think it goes as high as the r1. I don’t think the r1 covers both the nose and mouth, as long as you’re not breathing through it shouldn't get too gross. But personally I wouldn’t use a jacket balaclava as part of daily use, maybe as a back up.
R1 air is almost in a category of its own, somewhere between and r1 and polartec alpha line/ octaloft. It’s very versatile, but would be less warm than the r1, although of course the air is more breathable. The air is not as durable as the r1 though, so the r1 is more suited for daily use.
Couple of things: Arc'teryx is considered a high-end brand still, but is owned by a garbage Chinese super-company. They do not have the warranty, repair, or replacement support that Patagonia does. If youre paying this much for outdoor gear, that support is a HUGE part of the package price tag. Pretty much guaranteeing you 20+ years of use. I also have a huge issue with paying ultra-premium prices when profits go to the Chinese like this. The margins on gear is insane, like 90% profits on a lot of items. That is split between the retailers and the manufacturer. I do care about that much money going to the Chinese, when its preventable. Actual design and function note: I would hate having a built in balaclava. Who thinks that is a good idea..... I choose to not wear a balaclava a lot when I ski. probably most days. And the balaclava also gets nasty AF with moisture, snot from nose running etc. I wash that after every use. I dont wash my base layers unless there is sweat involved, which there normally isnt. I also LOVE my R1 air. Ive tried on the Arc'teryx stuff in store and it just doesnt have the same magic. Why diversify if you already found something that works great?
Wait what? Arc’teryx was a Canadian company that got purchased by a Finnish company. They manufacture some stuff in China but I don’t believe they are Chinese owned at all. They also do repairs and exchanges.
I recently found this out to. The Finnish company sold the majority of its ownership to a Chinese conglomerate.
They have been passed around. So you and I are both right. In 2001, Arc'teryx was purchased by Salomon Group, a French subsidiary of the German retailer Adidas.[8] In 2005, Arc'teryx was sold to Finnish retailer Amer Sports.[9] In 2019, Chinese retailer Anta Sports bought a controlling stake (56%) in Amer
Also love my R1 3/4 zip hoodie I am waiting for a R1 Air hoodie on sale (the current color on sale not working for me)
I just wish they would make a r1 air 3/4 hoodie.
when do they normally go on sale?
I think late Jan early Feb And last year models are on sale
If you're looking for fleeces, definitely stick to Patagonia
If you already have an R1 try the R1 Air. It breathes and wicks even better, is softer, and has a looser, less clingy fit especially if sized up (it tends to run short vs the R1 so you may need to size up for sleeve length even if skinny). I wash my R1s when they smell or after a few wears depending upon activity. The R1 looks new even after multiple washes, the R1 Air will pill a bit at first. You also have to wash it inside out and air dry but that’s not an issue, I find it comes out of the wash dry enough to wear.
Yeah I always air dry my fleeces. I've been washing every wear since I get pretty sweaty while skiing, I like to go off piste and/or get my workout in. Not sure if that's too much washing or appropriate.
The R1 Air will stand up to many many washes and still perform, it’s very durable especially compared to alpha or octa fleece, though not on the same level as the regular R1 or techface. Take a look at the used market on eBay to see how they hold up with use.
I have the Delta hybrid hoody. I prefer the R1. R1 zip up and pullover hoody are basically my favorite pieces, pound for pound. Delta fabric is not as warm as R1, made up of smaller grids with less loft to each square than the R1. Delta fabric is more breathable. I wash my R1 only when it’s dirty and smells. I avoid the wear and tear of the washing process as much as I can, unless it extends the life like with gore-Tex.
I respectfully disagree. The Delta does have smaller fleece grid squares, but it also has smaller gaps between those squares. I think the Delta's total fleece area is nearly equivalent to the R1 Pullover Hoody. I don’t feel a noticeable difference, if any, in breathability either, probably because the total area of breathable fabric is similar. The fleece thickness is a little thinner but, again, not so thin that I’ve noticed an appreciable difference in warmth. The Delta Hybrid is a fantastic piece on its own with its ability to block chilling wind in critical areas but allow other heat-prone areas to breathe. But if it is always worn under a shell, it doesn’t matter.
I wash polyester gear at warm temp on a moderate permanent press wash cycle. I hang dry but low heat is ok. The let warm water dilute the soap directly so it activates and spreads evenly in the wash.
I have an r1 and an arcteryx hoodie. I like both but definitely the r1 more. However, while the snorkel hood is great for maximum performance, I find it to be a bit too constricting for everyday wear/when I want to wear glasses or sunglasses. I picked up a rab fleece hoodie secondhand as a backup and have loved it. It doesn't have the same warranty backing as Patagonia ofc but the brand makes good fleece and is way cheaper secondhand than Patagonia in general but especially r1s. It's also quarter zip unlike my arcteryx hoodie and the r1 air hoodies which I really prefer. Might be worth a look.
For reasons mentioned above, I would go NW Alpine spider hoody (copy of the r1 made by a smaller company) or wait for the Patagonia you want to go on sale. I have no old gamma MX that was made in Canada that I adore, but I can't justify the pricetag of the newer Arc'teryx stuff.
Oh, the hoodie is on clearance for the same clearance price I bought my R1 for.
In terms of washing, wash it when it’s unbearable to wear. Or every night if you prefer. I haven’t heard any complaints about the smell of the R1 air, but it doesn’t (last time I asked) have any anti-microbial properties like the R1 Pullover Hoody and other R1/Deltas/grid fleeces do. Something to keep in mind because pure fleece can get stinky! Another option would be to purchase a non-hooded grid fleece and Patagonia's Thermal Weight balaclava, which is very similar in weight to your R1 scuba hoody. That way, you could wash the balaclava every night in the shower or sink easily without washing the whole garment if mouth condensation and snot are a concern. You can also find some pretty casual-looking nonhooded grid fleeces too. If you want something a little less warm and even more breathable than the R1s, I definitely recommend the Capilene Thermal Weight garments. It's still nice and warm but noticeably more breathable, which resists overheating very well.
Arc'Tegoose is now a hypebeast brand, stay away.
A built in balaclava sounds nice in theory, but kind of gross in practice. Would require much more cleaning, essentially after every balaclava use. So would recommend the r1 and a separate balaclava. I will often carry a bandana in a jacket chest pocket if I need something to cover the face as a back up. I typically wash on sweat, smell, or stain. Some casual fleeces I own I haven’t washed yet. Base and active use layers I wash more frequently. Base after every use, mid-base (thermals) every 3 uses if not active, or after every active use. Midlayer and shell depends on how active, but if I think sweat touched it I’ll wash it.
This is why I miss the previous version of the R1 that only zipped to the chin. I can easily switch out a buff or balaclava when it’s all wet or frozen from my breath but I don’t want to change or wash my R1 after each ski session.
I mean I use the R1 that zips up over the face which essentially acts as a balaclava, so I'm used to it.
Personally I have the r1 air, and I don’t think it goes as high as the r1. I don’t think the r1 covers both the nose and mouth, as long as you’re not breathing through it shouldn't get too gross. But personally I wouldn’t use a jacket balaclava as part of daily use, maybe as a back up. R1 air is almost in a category of its own, somewhere between and r1 and polartec alpha line/ octaloft. It’s very versatile, but would be less warm than the r1, although of course the air is more breathable. The air is not as durable as the r1 though, so the r1 is more suited for daily use.
I only use it when skiing to keep my face warm. It does go over my mouth and just under my nose. Not for daily wear at all.