Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Pants Evaluation

Backside Line

A premium pant full of options at an affordable worth? Sure, please! The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (males’s / ladies’s) is a constant best choice for our staff in our information to the very best rain pants. It delivers a sturdy material shell, correct waterproofing, and distinctive air flow—all within the finances class.

Because of the thigh-high, zippered venting, the Torrentshell delivers jetstream-like airflow if you would like it. The Torrentshell has lengthy zippers that don’t care what measurement your foot is, so getting out and in with out eradicating footwear is a win. The broader waist is appreciated, and the elastic ankle cuffs allow you to tighten up for a comfy match.

The heavy, sturdy material means scraping via scrub brush or scrambling over a boulder area received’t tear or go away marks like some pants we now have reviewed with thinner shells. The trade-off, after all, is weight and, on this case, some noise. These pants are loud and stiff when strolling due to their heft, and packing them down takes a bit extra space in your package.

You don’t all the time get pockets in rain pants, however the Torrentshell gives two up entrance, mesh-lined and sufficiently big for necessities like keys or lip balm. If you happen to like sturdiness at an affordable worth, the Torrentshells will get you there and maintain you dry over a number of seasons of bushwhacking the backcountry.

How We Examined

Over a number of months within the Colorado entrance nation and a few low-angle days on the Nice Western Path, we subjected these pants to mud puddles, downpours, hose downs, and dry-time trials. We additionally examined water beading within the bathe or with a hose up excessive to see how lengthy it took to “moist out” or saturate the shell supplies. 

Consolation & Mobility

The Torrentshell has a barely relaxed match for straightforward layering. The material is heavy and has a sturdy really feel that’s stiffer than others we examined. In clamoring up a Colorado boulder area, we made deliberate contact with rocks on the decrease legs by scraping up towards the surfaces as we hiked. The three-layer shell took a beating with out tears or important scratches, which is a motive to decide on these pants when searching for longevity. 

We appreciated the relaxed match, which gave us ample vary of movement when climbing steeps. Nonetheless, the heavier armor of the shell didn’t have a ton of stretch. The large waistbelt is a plus, and the entrance options two mesh-lined pockets for easy-access storage. 

One of many large causes we just like the Torrentshell is its thigh-high zippers. You don’t have to take away your footwear to take away the pants; the zippers function vents in case you warmth up. The leg cuffs shut up properly with a high quality pressure-snap button however don’t cinch tight with a clasp like another choices.

Climate Resistance

The taped seams and burly material stored us dry in heavy rainfall and prevented water infiltration. Patagonia applies a sturdy water repellent to the Torrentshell, which can last more than opponents’ DWR functions, lots of which dissipate after just some outings.

With average climbing within the rain, the within of the pants felt tender, remained breathable, and felt much less damp within the seat than others, particularly in heat, moist situations. We hiked in soggy situations, and as we elevated our tempo, breathability suffered internally. As temps dropped, inside moisture dissipation declined. That is anticipated with rain gear, and even nonetheless, safety on the Torretshells is near bombproof. We received’t hesitate to advocate these pants as a trustworthy companion in your pack on dreary days.

Air flow

The three/4 leg zippers enable fast in and outs when the climate adjustments and function air flow. With twin zippers on every leg, you possibly can modulate the highest zipper right down to get some airflow when wanted. Those self same openings also can let within the rain- the hiker’s Catch 22.

Breathability is healthier in hotter climate with these pants. We had bigger mountaineer boots that have been a bit extra work to get via the highest a part of the pants, however on a regular basis footwear will not be a difficulty. There are two zippered hand pockets within the entrance with storm flaps that additionally present some moisture switch.

Weight

At 11.8 Ounces for a males’s massive, the Torrentshell is mild sufficient for many functions, however those that prioritize weight financial savings will look elsewhere. These pants are simply integrated into front-country hikes, biking, and different functions, making them a versatility hero. 

With three layers of cloth, ample zipper vents, and a copious DWR utility, the Torrentshell might add a bit to your setup, but it surely pays off in sturdiness. The coarse material will pack nicely sufficient for many hikers, whether or not out for the week or the day. 

The excellent news for these much less involved with weight is that you just get fabulous water safety and reliability in pants that aren’t too far off from the high-end, light-weight opponents who need a greater chunk out of your pockets.

Sturdiness

Patagonia has assembled three layers of safety to type a formidable, burly product. The outer shell includes 50-denier recycled nylon, whereas the middle has a water-resistant, breathable membrane sandwiched by an ultralight knit backer towards the pores and skin. The DWR lining is earth-friendly and human-friendly (PFC-free), and the manufacturing unit offers it a beneficiant repellent coating. 

The heavier material is double-taped on the seams, and the stitching, buttons, and zippers all held up throughout our testing. If the Torrentshell doesn’t meet your expectations after a number of seasons, although, Patagonia warrants the pants for all times.

Ought to You Purchase the Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Pants?

If low pack weight isn’t your prime precedence, the Torrentshells are a superb choice for a lot of adventures. Their spectacular sturdiness and thicker material present strong safety towards brush and heavy rain, outperforming ultralight pants in rugged situations. Plus, they’re far much less susceptible to snagging, tearing, or exhibiting put on and tear. 

These pants are nice workhorses for tenting, canoeing, or constructing an off-grid cabin in soggy climate. The Torrentshell is your pal in moist eventualities. We maintain a pair in our automotive for the surprising.

What Different Rain Pants Ought to You Contemplate?

When contemplating the Patagonia Torrentshell pants, another prime picks from our rain pants gear information would possibly attraction to you as nicely.

REI Rainier Evaluation: The REI Rainiers have related options and worth, with a number of bonuses. The zippered legs attain the hips, not simply above the knee. They’re inexpensive, however count on the material to be much less sturdy than the Torrentshell. The Rainiers are an ideal go-to for the hiker who desires to save cash and seize a feature-forward pant. These pants received our finances purchase award final season and are a superb decide for the on a regular basis fanatic.

REI Trailmade Rain Pants Evaluation: These are a superb choice for these on a finances. With a minimalist design and no entrance pockets, the Trailmade is greatest fitted to fast-packing and day journeys when clouds come calling.

Montbell Versalite Evaluation: If you happen to’re a fan of a streamlined clothes system, these pants are considered one of our prime minimalist picks. They weigh a featherlight 3.2 ounces and pack right into a compact stuff sack, making them a superb grab-and-go shell for summer season climbing and backpacking. They aren’t nice for withstanding tough trails like slippery boulder fields or blow downs that can snag your pants.