No one likes to be unprepared, least of all when you’re halfway through a hike or in the middle of a camping trip. All too often we forget something or don’t invest in the right equipment and it comes back to bite us. This is definitely the case with waterproof jackets. It’s tempting to take your chances and purchase the first budget option you see in your local store, but we’re here to tell you to not take that chance!
Trying to find the right raincoat is really difficult because it can feel like there are just too many things to think about. The quality of the materials, how waterproof it really is, breathability, storage space – these are all important considerations.
This is where the Patagonia Torrentshell comes in. It is a waterproof, breathable jacket that comes at an affordable price without compromising on quality. Choosing the right jacket just got much easier thanks to this guide we’ve put together so that you can see all the specifications, pros, and cons of the Torrentshell.
Keep reading to find out more about why this rain jacket is the best you’ll find on the US market right now!
Patagonia Torrentshell jacket
Specification:
Product weight: 14.6 ounces | Waterproofing: 3L H2No Performance Standard | Number of pockets: 2 | Fabric and layer construction: 50-denier 100% recycled nylon face fabric, polycarbonate PU membrane, tricot backer
Performance:
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3l rain jacket performs excellently in comparison to its competitors. There’s no doubt that its the best value for money waterproof jacket you can buy, and it comes as no surprise that it is a firm favorite amongst wearers.
This jacket is suitable for virtually all environments: long-distance walks, camping trips, day hikes, you name it! Thanks to its excellent breathability and durability, you can rest assured that you’ll never have to worry about the efficacy of the Torrentshell. The Torrentshell 3l is the newest version of Patagonia’s incredibly popular line of Torrentshell jackets, and it is clear that the focus has been placed on achieving maximum performance in this latest edition. The waterproofing that Patagonia uses tends to perform better than alternatives, such as Gore-Tex.
One of the best aspects of this rain jacket is that it is lightweight and compact enough to be taken off, packed up, and thrown into your bag or attached to your harness for casual wear, but is also strong and weather-resistant enough to be used in adverse conditions, such as on a hike into the mountains. Coming in at well under $200, the Torrentshell 3l is truly one of a kind at such a low price. Don’t just take our word for it though, try it out for yourself and see its top performance in action!
In-depth look:
Patagonia has long been one of the leaders of outdoor brands when it comes to sustainability practices. When it comes to the Torrentshell jacket, they have made no exception. Not only is the face fabric made of recycled nylon, but all materials are bluesign-approved, meaning that they are safe for the environment, workers, and customers. The jacket is also Fair Trade Certified sewn, which further proves that Patagonia put real thought and consideration into the production of this jacket. All workers were fairly compensated and treated with appropriate work standards.
The Torrentshell 3l differs from its previous versions due to its 3-layer waterproof build, which means it contains its classic H2No waterproof membrane, a tricot liner, and a durable face-fabric. This lends to its strength, longevity, and high quality. There are not many 3-layer constructed rain jackets available, which is partly what sets Patagonia apart from other options.
- One of the best budget options on the market, coming in at under $200 but managing to not compromise on quality
- Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish ensures that it can be used in virtually all weather conditions and will protect you against rain and snow
- This product comes from one of the most reputable outdoor brands, Patagonia, well-known for producing waterproof, breathable, and durable jackets
- Excellent venting ensured through two large pit zips and an internal breathable membrane
- Some wearers carry a lot of items with them and require more than 2 pockets, but for the vast majority this shouldn’t be an issue
- This option is marginally heavier due to its premium quality materials, coming in at just above 14 ounces
Patagonia Torrentshell jacket Buyers Guide:
Water resistance
The Patagonia Torrentshell is an excellent barrier against all kinds of adverse weather conditions; rain and snow included. Thanks to the H2No performance standard waterproofing of the jacket, it is able to fend off wet weather without getting soaked through. It comes with a 50 denier exterior shell fabric which is also water-repellent and an internal breathable membrane. Whilst this does increase the weight of the jacket marginally, it drastically improves durability, water-resistance, and heat retention in cold weather.
Such excellent water resistance is unlikely to be found in such a low-priced jacket, which is what makes the Patagonia Torrent a real cut above the rest. The majority of competitors use a 2. 5-layer build and a waterproof technology such as Gore-Tex, whereas this jacket has a 3-layer construction, meaning it is more suited to adverse weather.
What’s more, this rain jacket features a large hood with an elastic cord and stiffened brim which can tighten around the face, therefore protecting you from the elements. Every element of the Patagonia has been designed with your comfort and ease of use in mind, and it shows.
Breathability and Venting
An important consideration to make before purchasing a rain jacket is to assess its breathability.
The Patagonia Torrentshell has been rated very highly for its venting abilities, with many users noting that there was a reduction in the clammy feeling that many other jackets are unable to get rid of. In order to help with the issue of excess moisture, this product comes with two 11-inch pit zips under each arm. The purpose of pit zips is to assist in both moisture management and heat.
Of course, there will be a limit to the amount of breathability that any rain jacket will provide, but the Patagonia Torrentshell certainly works as a better breather than other options. Its inclusion of zippers and pit zips allows for easy customization to regulate airflow, which is excellent given different people’s preferences when it comes to body heat.
This jacket is also equipped with an internal breathable membrane, which is how it manages to provide good airflow.
Comfort and Mobility
The Torrentshell is a practical and affordable jacket, but this does not mean that it has compromised on comfort. It features a fleece patch at the back of the collar which absorbs sweat and provides additional support to you when walking. The hood design is another element that has been tailored with your comfort and ease of use in kind, fitting easily around the user’s face.
In comparison to its competitors, this rain jacket offers an unrivaled level of comfort and mobility to its wearer. Even down to the materials used, the Torrentshell feels great against the skin and avoids a build-up of clamminess, which is a big issue with many other jackets on the market.
Hood Design
As previously mentioned, the hood design focuses on comfort and versatility. The adjustable hood on the Torrentshell 3l jacket comes with drawstring closures, which makes it suitable to many different wearers and allows the wearer to maintain a good level of peripheral vision.
To someone looking for a new rain jacket, a good-quality hood should be high up on the list of factors that you must consider before purchasing. You could find yourself soaked through if the hood is made of weak material or has not been designed to protect you against adverse weather conditions. To avoid this, look for an adjustable hood which also has features such as a front brim.
The Patagonia Torrentshell is one such example of a jacket with a large front brim, in order to keep the rain off your face or your glasses. Its oversized design makes it compatible with climbing or cycling helmets as well.
Pocket Design
For a potential buyer, pockets will be crucial to think about. If you plan on using your new rain jacket for hikes, long walks, or even camping, the chances are that you won’t be carrying a lot of bags with you. Therefore, having pockets that you can use to store things is a necessity.
The Torrentshell 3l jacket features two waterproof, breathable zippered handwarmer pockets. They have been noted by users for how comfortably placed they are, and how convenient they were to use. The pockets are sized generously, with ample space for hands and products, and have fabric flaps to keep out excess moisture. Furthermore, the entire jacket can be packed up into the left-hand pocket, which adds to the convenience and ease of use of the Patagonia.
Durability
As far as rain-jackets go, The Torrentshell is one of the most durable on the US market. When making your purchase, durability is perhaps the most important consideration that you’ll make. After all, if your jacket is only going to last a few wears then why buy it?
Patagonia is well-known for its high-quality construction, and the material it uses, a 50 denier ripstop 100% recycled nylon face, is thick and durable. It utilizes a 3-layer design, whereas the majority of its competitors opt for a 2 or 2. 5-layer build, which means it can better protect the internal membrane. In turn, this allows for better waterproofing and breathability than other rain jackets.
The unmatched durability has not, however, caused this jacket to be too heavy or awkward to use or carry. It remains a manageable weight and is an excellent option for those who embark on heavy hikes or go on trips that require a rain jacket often. In fact, we would recommend this product anyway as it is rare to find such a versatile and premium quality jacket at such an affordable price.
Weight
Weight is definitely something you should think about before you purchase a new jacket. If there is a possibility that you will be carrying your rain jacket a lot, or you will have lots of other gear with you, then it is necessary that you choose a lightweight and compact option. Not doing so could mean you end up with a lot of discomforts, as not only would your jacket be too heavy, but this can also lend it to being less breathable.
The Patagonia Torrentshell is not the most lightweight rain jacket out there, but for reference, it is much lighter still than many of its competitors who do not share its same high-end features. The reason why this jacket is not as lightweight as it could be is thanks to its excellent longevity and durability, so for the vast majority, this is a small price to pay.
The slight weight increase from models with a 2 or 2. 5-layer build is marginal and well worth it for the increase in quality. The jacket weighs in at approximately 14 ounces, which can still hardly be considered heavy, per se.
Storage
There are two main points to think about when it comes to storage: the amount that the jacket can hold, and how well the jacket can be stored away.
As we mentioned before, the Torrentshell has two waterproof, breathable zippered handwarmer pockets that sit just under the waist belt for easy access. These are the main storage facilities on the rain jacket, and they are spacious enough to hold a hat, gloves, phone, etc.
In terms of storing the jacket away, the Patagonia can be conveniently stuffed into its left-hand pocket and comes with a webbing clip-in loop so that it can be secured to your bag or harness. Compared to other rain jackets, this one is easy to pack away and can be excellently compressed so that your valuable gear storage space can be used for other things.
Conclusions
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3l jacket is an all-around excellent and value-for-money rain jacket. It features many additional elements that you would not be able to find in any other budget-friendly option, which makes it fantastic for its price range.
It is durable, breathable, comfortable, and suitable for virtually all conditions. What’s more, it can be easily stowed away either in your backpack or attached to your harness, making it very easy to use and compact. Its weather protection is second to none, thanks to its high-quality materials and thoughtful features such as the hood and storm flaps to fend off the rain.
You need no permission to explore when wearing the Torrentshell! Whether you’re a casual hiker or an avid trekker, it’s hard to find any flaws within the design or performance of such a reputable product.
FAQs:
Is Patagonia Torrentshell waterproof?
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3l jacket is indeed waterproof. Thanks to its waterproof technology and 3-layer build it provides resistance to virtually any adverse weather, including rain and snow. It also comes with additional features such as a front zipper and a wide front-brim on the hood to further prevent you from becoming cold or wet due to the weather.
What is a Torrentshell jacket?
The Torrentshell jackets are one of Patagonia’s most popular ranges of waterproof jackets. There have been many versions of them like the 2 and 2. 5-layer builds, and the 3-layer option is the latest to come on the market.
It has had a pretty big overhaul and has been redesigned to maximum comfort, durability, and breathability. Some of the trademark characteristics of a Torrentshell jacket include spacious pockets, 11-inch pit zips, DWR H2No Performance Standard waterproofing, and bluesign approved materials.
What are the best raincoats?
When it comes to raincoats, you can’t get much better than the Patagonia Torrentshell. The Torrentshell range is known for its quality and reliability and has always been one of the best waterproof jackets that money can buy.
Generally speaking, the best raincoats will have excellent water-resistance technology and be able to keep you dry and at a stable temperature no matter what the weather conditions are. They should have good venting properties, such as pit zips or breathable membranes, and be comfortable to wear, which means no overheating or awkwardly placed pockets or linings.