Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review

Bottom Line

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L has long topped our list of the best rain jackets, and it keeps showing us why. Throughout our testing in Alaska’s temperate rainforest, we loved its strong weather resistance, ventilation, and durable design. We kept reaching for this shell on days when we knew the precipitation would be heavy.

The Torrentshell comes equipped with features that reveal Patagonia’s high attention to detail. Elastic cinches in the hood and around the waist help dial in the fit. While the arms felt a little long and boxy, the velcro cuffs cinch down to make a custom fit for a variety of bodies. The jacket’s three-layer construction provides superior weather protection while allowing great breathability. Aided by pit zips, the Torrentshell vents internal heat and breathes moisture out all while keeping you dry.

While the Torrentshell is not the lightest or most packable option on the market, its versatility and effective weather resistance make up for it.

Comfort & Mobility

At first, the fit felt bulky and cumbersome when wearing the Torrentshell out of the box. The jacket embodied that trademark stiffness of most hard shells on the market. However, the fabric broke in after wearing it on multiple hikes and became more flexible.

The body is easily drawn in and cinched thanks to two elastic bands with toggles on both sides of the hem. While some rain shells only come with one cinch, this double feature allows a snug fit for heavy rain and a custom fit. The hood was very comfortable, with a back cinch that securely held the hood around the face. The front of the hood adjustment required two hands to adequately cinch down, leaving us wishing for a single-hand accessible design.

The arms on this model sometimes felt a little long and boxy. While the velcro on the cuffs helped to cinch that in, the coat still retained some feelings of bagginess. Those with larger torsos will fit this jacket better than slender bodies. The roominess also provided space for layering and unrestricted mobility.

Weather Resistance

When the rain pours, the Torrentshell shines with its ability to keep you warm and dry. Its three-layer construction is top-of-the-line when it comes to blocking precipitation. This rain shell resisted wetting out much longer than the others we reviewed.

Although it does not have waterproof zippers, the flap over the main zipper provides enough coverage that water seeping in through the zipper is not an issue. During our testing, the shell’s shoulders and hood resisted heavy downpours and shed water away from the body. The hood comes with a stiffened brim that helps keep water off the face even without a brimmed hat underneath. The Torrentshell consistently delivers in inclement conditions, earning a permanent spot in our lineup for rainy days.

Ventilation

The Patagonia Torrentshell finds the balance between heavy weather protection and ventilation. While the three-layer construction breathes well on its own, this is further aided by two pit zips. In our testing, we felt these zips could be a few inches longer for increased ventilation and ease of access, but their ability to shed heat was impressive.

You will run warmer in this option than others we tested and therefore we recommend this model for moderate to low-output activities where retaining heat is important. The jacket wicked internal moisture out quickly, but body heat was retained for longer than expected. We’d suggest this shell for cooler weather where retaining extra heat is not a problem.

Durability

Another hallmark of the Torrentshell’s three-layer construction is it’s superb durability. We’ve taken this jacket out day after day and it continues to perform as if right out of the box. After combing it through the brush, against rocks, and multiple soakings, the Torrentshell still appears new and shows no signs of wear. For hikers who want one jacket to hold up for a long time, then the Torrentshell is the choice. Coming backed by Patagonia’s Ironclad Guarantee, you will be sure to use this jacket for many trips to come.

Weight

Where the Torrentshell excels in weather resistance, that performance comes at the sacrifice of weight. Far from the lightest jacket we tested, the Torrentshell comes in at almost a pound for a men’s medium.

While this extra weight means a sturdy and reliable design, it is not the most packable. It does pack down into a zippered pocket, but even then it’s larger than most others in our lineup. If you’re the gram-counting type, or on a trip where every ounce and inch matters, this might not be the best option. If prioritizing weather resistance and durability over weight is your goal, then the Torrentshell checks the boxes.

Should You Buy the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L?

If you’re planning to buy just one rain jacket to use for a long time, then the Torrentshell is the perfect choice. With superior weather resistance and durability, this model will last long and protect you on many adventures. While not the lightest or most packable jacket on the market, its versatility lends itself to a front or backcountry option. On trips where every ounce in your pack matters, this may not be the best fit for the job.  If you run warm, or plan to use it in warmer conditions or high-output activities, you may want to keep shopping. We continue to give the Torrentshell high marks across our testing metrics and look forward to many more trips with it in our packs.

What Other Rain Jackets Should You Consider?

Marmot Precip Eco Review: A justifiably priced shell for entry-level budgets, the Marmot Precip Eco is the perfect option for intermittent exposure to rain that is lightweight and packable.

REI Rainier Review: If an accessible price is your number one concern, then the REI Rainier can’t be beaten for value. It is one of our lower-priced options that still punches above its weight.

Arc’teryx Beta Review: If you love the weather resistance of the Patagonia Torrentshell, then the Arc’teryx Beta is the jacket for you. Offering unparalleled weather resistance, this rain-repellant promises protection in heavy precipitation.