Patagonia Men's R1 Yulex Regulator 3/2.5mm Back-Zip Wetsuit – Black

The Patagonia Men's R1 Yulex Regulator Back-Zip Wetsuit is a high-performance, neoprene-free 3mm/2.5mm surfing wetsuit designed for warmth, flexibility and comfortable paddling in milder water temperatures. Combining Yulex natural rubber, recycled linings and the convenience of a traditional back-zip entry, the R1 is a versatile full-length steamer for New Zealand surf conditions.

Patagonia recommends the R1 for water temperatures of approximately 16–18°C, making it particularly well suited to spring, autumn and cooler summer sessions when you need a full wetsuit without the additional thickness of a colder-water R2.

Neoprene-Free Yulex Natural Rubber

At the heart of the R1 is Patagonia's Yulex natural-rubber construction, providing an alternative to conventional neoprene while retaining the stretch and performance required for surfing.

The wetsuit is made from 85% Yulex natural rubber and 15% synthetic rubber by polymer content, with the natural rubber sourced from FSC®-certified sources.

For surfers specifically looking for a neoprene-free wetsuit, Yulex is one of the R1's most important points of difference.

3mm / 2.5mm Performance

Patagonia uses 3mm material through the torso and thighs for additional core warmth, while the arms and legs use 2.5mm material to improve flexibility and freedom of movement.

This combination gives the R1 a useful balance between thermal protection and paddling performance. It's warm enough for cooler sessions while remaining lighter and more flexible than a thicker cold-water steamer.

Warm, Stretchy & Fast-Drying

The torso and thighs feature a fast-drying thermal lining made from 51% recycled nylon, 44% recycled polyester and 5% recycled spandex, designed to provide warmth while retaining flexibility.

Through the arms and legs, Patagonia uses a high-stretch 100% recycled nylon lining, helping maintain freedom of movement through paddling and surfing.

The exterior is 83% recycled nylon and 17% recycled spandex, with the linings laminated using water-based, solvent-free AquaA® glue.

Convenient Back-Zip Entry

The back-zip entry makes the R1 straightforward to get in and out of, making it a great option for surfers who prefer the simplicity and convenience of a traditional back-zip wetsuit.

Patagonia uses a replaceable, corrosion-proof Riri® zipper, designed to provide an effective seal while also extending the potential lifespan of the wetsuit. There's also an easy-access internal key loop for secure storage while you're in the water.

Flexible & Durable

The R1 uses Supratex kneepads and cuffs designed to provide durability while remaining flexible and sitting snug against the body without restricting movement.

Patagonia has also revised the seam placement on this generation, with its design and repair teams working together to improve entry, stretch, comfort and longevity while reducing potential leakage points.

Features

• Men's full-length surfing wetsuit
• Patagonia R1 Yulex Regulator
• 3mm torso and thighs
• 2.5mm arms and legs
• Recommended for approximately 16–18°C water
• Neoprene-free construction
• 85% Yulex natural rubber / 15% synthetic rubber
• FSC®-certified natural rubber
• Fast-drying thermal torso and thigh lining
• High-stretch recycled nylon arm and leg lining
• Back-zip entry
• Replaceable corrosion-proof Riri® zipper
• Supratex kneepads and cuffs
• Internal key loop
• AquaA® water-based, solvent-free glue
• Formfitting construction
• Black colourway
• Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory

Perfect For

• Approximately 16–18°C water
• New Zealand spring and autumn surfing
• Cooler summer surf sessions
• Surfers wanting a neoprene-free wetsuit
• Surfers looking for Yulex natural rubber
• Surfers who prefer easy back-zip entry
• Performance and recreational surfing
• Anyone wanting a lighter alternative to a thicker cold-water wetsuit

Why You'll Love It

The Patagonia R1 Yulex Regulator Back-Zip occupies a really useful position in a wetsuit quiver. Its 3mm core and 2.5mm arms and legs provide additional warmth where it's needed while retaining flexibility through paddling and surfing.

The back zip also makes this version particularly appealing to surfers who value easy entry. Patagonia hasn't simply fitted a conventional zip: the corrosion-proof Riri® zipper is replaceable, supporting a longer usable life for the wetsuit.

Most importantly, the Yulex natural-rubber construction gives the R1 a clear point of difference from conventional petroleum-based neoprene wetsuits. Combined with recycled linings, fast-drying thermal material, Supratex reinforcement and Patagonia's focus on repairability, it's a premium 3/2.5mm wetsuit for New Zealand surfers looking for warmth, flexibility and durability.