Wanna look like a Navy Seal? We suggest donning the Patagonia R0 Hoody the next time you’re hanging in, on or by the water. Just make sure to do your crunches first.

Patagonia, based in Ventura California, is a company known to many. Their wide-ranging apparel and gear is well made, simply styled and often produced with ethically sourced materials and earth-friendly manufacturing processes.

Snapshot: Patagonia R0 Hoody

    1. Pros: Outstanding in-and-out-of-the-water sun and weather protection.
    2. Cons: Fit is super tight so do your crunches.
    3. Price: $75 Cdn
    4. Who Should Buy: Anyone spending the day out on the water and afraid of getting fried.
    5. Who Shouldn’t Buy: People who don’t like to play in the water or who don’t want to show off their curves.
    6. Helpful Hack: Apparently, the R0 Hoody works as a spring ski touring layer too.
    7. Author’s overall rating: 7.5/10

The Test

I’ve had the Patagonia R0 Hoody for about two months and I am still putting it through the wringer; no surfing but plenty of paddleboarding, fishing on Kootenay Lake, as well as a four-day kayak trip to Desolation Sound.

The Verdict

I don’t surf. I tried it once and I got thoroughly beaten. The R0 Hoody, with its “rash guard” properties, sounds like a surf-specific item – but it’s not. With its 50+ UPF fabric, the R0 is ideally suited for kayaking and paddleboarding. The sun these days is less and less our friend and any extended exposure time demands protection. I used to wear an old, cotton, button-down shirt to protect me from the rays but it’s a little floppy – especially when you take a dunk.

The R0’s tight fit is what makes it so practical. I often get a medium with Patagonia clothing but, in this case, I went for a large. I wonder how a medium would have fit? I’d say tiiiiight. The hoody’s body-clinging design means it’s easy to swim in and it doesn’t inhibit your movement in any way. It is also a minor motivator to drink slightly fewer IPAs and maintain your figure.

This video describes the Patagonia R0 Sun Tee, which is a short-sleeved version of the R0 Hoody minus the hood.

I got the black version because I’m not a fan of white or camo. Though it might seem otherwise, it’s easy to regulate your temperature – even if the hoody’s black. When it’s cooking out (as it has been this summer in the Kootenays) just boost off your board or swish your forearms in the water while kayaking. Voila. Instant cool down.

The R0 is also at home on the beach. On a recent lads’ fishing trip, I had it on the whole time. The fabric seems to hold water when wet in such a way that it keeps you cool. The R0 won’t protect you in the baking sun if you aren’t near water though. That’s why it works for surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking when you are in or on it.

Once you get over the fact that you look like a navy-seal/ pearl-diver cross, the R0’s benefits are compelling. The visor and hood can be deployed as needed and there’s a handy zip-up pocket on the back for a snack or water. There are even thumb loops and a “board short connector” that works great with the Stretch Planing Board Shorts shown in the photo below.

Patagonia R0 Hoody

The board short connector ensures your hoody doesn’t ride up exposing your six-pack abs.

The Deets

  • MSRP: $75 Cdn
  • 5.5-oz 85% recycled polyester/15% spandex with 4-way stretch
  • Antimicrobial finish and 50+ UPF sun protection
  • Flatlock seams and seamless underarms
  • Sun-blocking, 3-panel hood
  • Shielding brim and an adjustable drawcord around the face
  • Board short connector, thumb loops and key loop
  • Rear zip-closure pocket has a non-corroding, recyclable plastic zipper
  • Weight: 227 g (8 oz)
  • Colours: White, Grey Camo and Black
  • Sizes: XS – XXL