Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket review: Excellent waterproofing without the premium price
Patagonia's affordable shell delivers outstanding weather protection and versatility, with only a few minor compromises
Patagonia's Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket proves that excellent waterproof protection doesn't have to cost a fortune. Its robust construction, thoughtful features and versatile fit make it a superb all-rounder for hiking and everyday wear. It's not the quietest or most breathable shell, but at this price, it's hard to fault.
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3-layer waterproofing
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Excellent value for money
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Pit zips, and adjustable hood, cuffs and hem
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Makes quite a lot of noise (which is understandable for a 3L fabric)
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Hood could be a bit bigger
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Patagonia’s Torrentshell is one of those waterproof jackets that seem to be everywhere, and for a good reason. It’s an excellent value-for-money 3-layer shell that works for everything from hiking to commuting. While it could be quieter and more breathable, the Torrentshell is undeniably one of the best options for people who need reliable waterproof protection in changing weather conditions.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket review
Price and availability
The Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket is available now for both women and men in a bunch of colours at Patagonia UK, Patagonia US, Patagonia EU and Patagonia AU for £180 / $189 / €200 / AU$270. In the US, you can also buy it used directly from Patagonia. Men’s sizes range from XS to 3XL, while women’s from XS to XXL.
Specs and build quality
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L uses three-layer H2No construction with a 50-denier recycled nylon ripstop face fabric, a waterproof polyurethane membrane and a tricot backer. The fabric also features a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish, with no intentionally added PFAS.
At 382g (men’s medium), it's reasonably lightweight, though not quite ultralight. The regular fit leaves room for a fleece jacket or a jumper underneath. Some reviews say it’s a bit too loose, but I found the fit just right.
Key features include a two-way adjustable hood with a laminated visor, microfleece-lined neck, adjustable cuffs and hem, two handwarmer pockets and underarm ventilation zips.
The jacket packs into its left pocket, and Patagonia's Fair Trade Certified manufacturing adds to its appeal.
Performance
I had the Torrentshell for a couple of months, but as luck would have it, a mild late summer/early autumn kept me from really putting the shell through its paces. I’ve managed to get some quality time in the books recently, though, now that the weather has turned.
I haven’t tried the jacket in an absolute downpour, but my water-repellent tests showed nice beading on the 3-layer fabric. I wasn’t blown away by the Patagonia Storm Racer Jacket's performance a couple of years ago, but the Torrentshell seems to repel water just fine.
Like all PFAS-free jackets, the Patagonia jacket needs regular maintenance to perform at its best. Once the fabric gets saturated with oils (from your skin), it’ll compromise the material’s ability to repel water and let moisture and heat out.
Washing the jacket and following Patagonia's drying instructions can help restore the effectiveness of its DWR finish. The company has long led the way in educating people about new, more sustainable tech, and it still seems to be.
I appreciate the hood’s visor; it does help keep rain out of your face. That said, I wish the hood was a bit more generous. I keep harping on about it, but I really like Arc’teryx’s StormHood construction – something similar would have been nice here, too.
The pit zips are a nice addition. It makes the jacket a bit heavier, but I prefer thicker, 3-layer waterproof jackets with pit zips for better ventilation. On its website, Patagonia says that the waterproof and breathable “H2No Performance Standard 3-layer shell provides the highest levels of comfort and performance.”
There is no such thing as a 100% breathable and 100% waterproof shell, and the Torrentshell is more waterproof than breathable, if that makes sense. It’s by no means stuffy, but the pit zips help keep the temperature under control inside the Torrentshell.
Verdict
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket is one of the best options for those who don’t necessarily need a full-blown mountain shell. Its affordable price point, 3-layer construction, adjustability, and packability make it a strong contender for the best value-for-money waterproof jacket.
It’s a bit noisy, and the hood could be bigger (or maybe my head could be smaller), but otherwise the Torrentshell is a superb jacket for changing weather conditions. I would keep my eyes peeled for offers, as any discount would make it a must-buy.
Also consider
The Montbell Thunder Pass is a quieter, commuter-friendly alternative to Patagonia’s Torrentshell. Its lighter weight and lower price make it an excellent choice for urban adventures and occasional hikes.
Mountain Equipment’s Makalu Jacket is designed for serious hiking and mountain adventures. Its robust GORE-TEX construction, helmet-compatible hood and mountain-focused features make it better suited to challenging conditions (albeit at a higher price).
