As for the pockets there are just two handwarmer ones here, one of which doubles as a stuff sack for the jacket. If you’re wearing a climbing harness or a backpack with a hip belt you can’t really access these, which is a bit of a drawback. This wouldn’t have been too much of a problem if there was another pocket you could use on the chest but there isn’t one. This was a problem I highlighted with the previous iteration and Patagonia haven’t changed this on the new model.

The main zip doesn’t have any fancy waterproof coating but you do get the protection of internal and external storm flaps which both do their job well. The lack of any high-spec waterproof zips is arguably one of the reasons why Patagonia have been able to keep the Torrentshell’s pricing at a reasonable level. From my personal point of view, I don’t mind the approach Patagonia have I find that waterproof zippers can’t always be 100% relied upon and I haven’t had any issues with the duel stormflap method Patagonia have deployed.

Performance

I’ve used this for big days out in the hills and also for just day-to-day wear (a lot of dog walks) and it hasn’t let me down. The waterproof construction is good; it’s certainly very protective. The breathability is OK; it’s not anything to write home about, but you can get plenty of airflow going around if you open up those pit zips.

It’s not the lightest of jackets, but that’s not to say it’s heavy either. 400g, for me, is tolerable for a three-layer shell. I wouldn’t want to take it on any ultralight missions – on a fastpack for instance – but I’ve been more than happy carrying it on backpacking trips.

What is the Fit Like?

I’m 5 foot 10 and often wear a size Medium but I’ve progressed to a size L these days. This isn’t because I’ve put on weight but because I’ve started to prefer a looser and more relaxed fit than a trim one. I find it makes layering easier, there’s more fabric to stay under a hipbelt and it provides more coverage on the backside. In relation to this then, if you find yourself sometimes between sizes, or you prefer a looser fit, you might want to go a size up here. I haven’t regretted it. This and my chunky Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T fleece are very handy pairing together.

How it Compares…

Some of the options from Alpkit, including the Alpkit Sigma jacket, are very similar to this. The same can be said for the Highlander Munro Jacket. Where Patagonia has the edge over them, however, is in sustainability. Rab’s Downpour Mountain jacket also compares in terms of its stats and performance – that’s a touch more expensive. If you want something a bit more durable and higher-specced, it’s worth looking into the Patagonia Granite Crest. That’s a proper mountain shell designed for demanding adventures and high-alpine pursuits.

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L: Verdict

After years of experience with the Patagonia Torrentshell, to this day it remains as a shell I’d recommend to any who wants reliable 3-layer protection without a huge price tag. OK, it lacks some of the technical details that some shells have (those at much higher prices), like a moldable peak, chest pocket, a zip that’s PU-coated and two-way and pockets that can be accessed when you’re wearing a harness or hipbelt, but overall it gets the main and most important things right.

There are, of course, also the sustainability and ethical credentials here too. For instance, it comes from a Fair Trade Certified factory, it’s PFAS-free and uses a 100 recycled fabric and, from my experience, it’s robust and built to last.

Where to Buy

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L

Our editor’s verdict: “A functional jacket that serves as a good all-rounder – and at a reasonable price for a 3L shell.”

 

★★★★☆

Check men's price at Patagonia
Check women's price at Patagonia