Melenzana micro grid fleece vs Patagonia R1

Battle of the best. Which do you prefer?

I have both and they are different pieces. The R1 fits tighter and also has a texture that allows other layers to slide easily over it. I consider the R1 to be more of a baselayer than the melenzana. The melenzana is slightly warmer and undeniably "cozier." I'm currently wearing it and it's the softest thing I own. Also the hood is the smartest design I've seen. That said, I have worn the R1 actually climbing more often, and I've found it to be extremely durable, most likely more so than the melenzana.

When I ski, I like to wear the melenzana over the R1 and the combination of the two is hard to beat. I can't say I prefer one over the other in general as they each excel in slightly different areas.

Hoodie or no? The lack of a zip on the Melanzana micro grid hoodie is a dealbreaker for me since this fabric is basically meant as a next-to-skin layer.  That and I don’t live near Leadville to buy one.

I have owned both and got rid of the Melanzana. I agree with Foster's perspectives on the two. The Melanzana was super soft and cozy, and has an awesome hood design, but felt like a pajama piece to me. The fit was similar to your average cotton hoody, and I didn't find it to work well with a harness at all. The R1 is my most worn piece of clothing. I love it.

It really depends on what demograph you’re looking to impress.

Want hugs: Melly
Who doesn't want hugs?!

Tomily ma wrote: It really depends on what demograph you’re looking to impress.

lol tru

I recently got an R1 (hoody) after reading all the reviews here and f'ing love it. Wish I had gotten it years ago! Warm and comfy and held up to some jtree abuse fairly well, so far.

I finally caved on buying the R1. I dont think I have taken it off in over a month. Climbing, mnt biking, skiing, and sleeping in the desert. Works well. Definitely not the warmest but a good layer.