R1 Thermal Full-Zip Hoody

Positioned well above the classic R1 and R1 Air in thermal output, this piece is engineered for sub-freezing movement where traditional midlayers fail to cut the wind or shed light precipitation. It is tailored for winter alpinists, ice climbers, and backcountry skiers who want an active layer rugged enough to wear outside a shell during high-output ascents, eliminating the constant cycle of shedding and adding layers on the trail.

The build relies on a durable, smooth-faced exterior backed by a lofty micro-grid fleece interior. That tight outer weave cuts moderate gusts and resists abrasion from rock, ice gear, and pack straps, while the internal grid structure traps significant warmth in its open channels and quickly pulls sweat off base layers. The full-zip cut makes dumping excess heat straightforward, while the fitted, under-helmet hood seals out drafts around the neck and chin without impeding peripheral vision.

The main compromise is versatility across seasons. This is distinctly a winter-weight garment that is too warm and heavy for shoulder-season hiking or aerobic efforts above freezing. It also packs down larger than minimalist grid fleeces. Still, for sustained output in harsh, dry cold, it bridges the gap between fleece and softshell more effectively than most hybrid midlayers on the market.