I have a CRV Gen 1 5sp MT, the later updated higher compression engine version and 1st pulls like a beast whereas reverse which has nearly the same ratio is pathetic, barely usable in difficult situations without lots of help from the clutch. The upgraded CRV version also has an upgraded reverse ratio, I'd hate to know how bad the original reverse is.

I really notice this issue offroad, 1st will pull me out of nearly anything without breaking a sweat but reverse needs the clutch slipping virtually all the way to get anywhere. With 1st I can pull off at a nice slow pace and carry on at that pace, reverse needs plenty gas and clutch from pull off and won't drive smoothly at a slow pace once it gets going, typically just wants to stall all the time... which necessitates adding some clutch slippage to keep things smooth.

Is it just me/bad technique or is the gen 1 CRV renowned for the weak reverse?

Here are the CRV MT Gear Ratios
1st: 3.500
2nd: 1.956
3rd: 1.344
4th: 1.071
5th: 0.812
Final Drive: 4.562
Reverse: 3.000 (97-98 models), 3.461 (99-01 models)