REASONS TO BUY
Slightly more durable and wind resistant than competitors
REASONS TO AVOID
Less breathable
Shorter in length
No thumb catches on sleeves (reduces warmth)
No offset zipper at chin (slightly less comfortable)
Patagonia Piton Hybrid Hoody - Men's Review
Credit: Patagonia
RELATED: Best Fleece Jackets for Men of 2024
Our Verdict
The Piton Hybrid Hoody is a good quality fleece that attempts to perform well as an outer layer. The jacket is moderately successful at this goal due to its targeted use of Polartec WindPro fabric, which is more durable and more wind resistant than the company's R1 fabric. But the jacket falls short when compared to the Patagonia R1 Hoody and the Arc'teryx Fortrez.
The Men's version of the Piton Hybrid is far different than the [omen's version; women get the added benefits of handwarmer pockets and WindPro fleece down the entire front torso. If you like these features, consider checking out the non-hooded men's version of this jacket, which has zippered hand pockets and WindPro fleece panels that extend down the whole torso.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Performance Comparison
This model only features WindPro fabric halfway down the torso and it lacks hand pockets. Meanwhile, the women's version offers more wind protection and the huge added benefit of hand pockets.
Credit: Max Neale
Comfort & Coziness
Though not uncomfortable, the Piton Hybrid is far from the stretchy and free-flowing Patagonia R1 Hoody. The most notable differences between the two jackets are the length, sleeves, and hood design. The R1 Hoody is longer, which allows you to tuck the jacket into your pants; its sleeves are longer, too, and they have thumb catches to keep them in place underneath your gloves; and the R1 Hoody's hood covers more of your face in a ninja-like balaclava style that's warmer and more comfortable.
Warmth
Without wind, the Piton Hybrid is roughly as warm as the R1 Hoody. With wind, it may be slightly warmer, depending on the type of activity you're doing. However, the R1 Hoody's extra length and improved hood design offset the Piton Hybrid's slightly greater wind resistance in the vast majority of mobile activities.
Breathability
This is not as breathable as Patagonia's other fleeces. Fleeces are best for use as a midlayer and should, ideally, provide as much insulation and breathability as possible. The R1 and R2 are more successful in this respect.
Patagonia Piton Hybrid. Note the WindPro fleece bits (the lighter black material in the chest and top of hood) that are more wind and water resistant than the primary material.
Credit: Max Neale
Wind & Water Resistance
The tighter woven face fabric on the Polartec Power Stretch parts combined with the WindPro bits make this slightly more wind- and water-resistant than many other competitors. Although this has its advantages in certain circumstances, the WindPro fleece doesn't extend all the way down the torso like the Women's Piton Hybrid does — a notable drawback that reduces weather resistance.
Layering Ability & Ease of Movement
This is best as a midlayer and its trim fit is small enough that you can wear an athletic-fitting shell on top. Ease of movement is good, but not as amazing as the R1 Hoody.
Style & Fit
This piece is relatively fitted, but still has a decidedly technical look about it.
Best Applications
The Pitron Hybrid excels in alpine rock climbing, as it offers abrasion resistant that is much appreciated, alongside decent wind protection. We appreciated these features, as it's a step up from some models. Unfortunately, we expected more from this model.
—
Chris McNamara and Max Neale
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