Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket Review
A long-term review of this popular rain shell after four years of regular use
May 4, 2025
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Our Verdict
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L hits that perfect combination of performance, durability, value, and style.
I've been using the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L rain jacket for over four years now, through thru hikes, bikepacking trips, backpacking trips, day hikes, snowshoeing, and daily urban use in the Pacific Northwest. After putting it through everything from light drizzles to full-on downpours, we think this is one of the best value rain jackets on the market today. The upgrade to a 3-layer construction from the previous 2.5-layer version significantly improves the jacket's durability and comfort against the skin while maintaining a reasonable weight.
While it's not the lightest, most breathable, or most feature-rich shell available, it strikes an excellent balance of performance, durability, and price that's hard to beat. The Torrentshell excels as a reliable daily driver that can handle everything from weekend adventures to thru hikes without complaint. It's also the top pick in our Lightweight Rain Jackets guide.
Compare prices of the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
Men's
Women's
Specs
Materials: 100% H2No® Performance Standard 3-layer waterproof/breathable fabric
Waterproof rating: H2No® Performance Standard (Patagonia's proprietary waterproof technology)
Weight: 12.4 oz / 352 g (women's medium)
Pit zips: Yes
Pockets: Two hand pockets with storm flaps
Hood: Two-way adjustable with laminated visor
Hem adjustment: Yes, drawcord
Cuff adjustment: Hook-and-loop closures
Packable: Yes, stuffs into its own pocket with carabiner clip-in loop
Sustainability: Made with recycled materials, Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
MSRP: $179
Comparison tables
Men’s
| MEN'S RAIN JACKET | WEIGHT (OZ) | WATERPROOF MEMBRANE | WATERPROOF RATING | PIT ZIPS | POCKETS | SIZES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patagonia Torrentshell 3L | 14.1 | H2No 3L | 20,000mm | Yes | 2 | XS-XXXL |
| Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket | 13.9 | 3-layer GORE-TEX | 28,000 mm | Yes | 3 | S-XXL |
| Black Diamond Fineline Stretch | 11.3 | 2.5L BD.dry | 10,000mm | Yes | 2 | XS-XXXL |
| Ultimate Direction Ultra Jacket | 6.6 | 2.5 Layer Proprietary waterproofing | 30,000mm | Vents | 1 | S-XL |
| Outdoor Research Helium | 7.0 | Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5L | 15,000mm | No | 1 | S-XXXL |
Women’s
| WOMEN'S RAIN JACKET | WEIGHT (OZ) | WATERPROOF MEMBRANE | WATERPROOF RATING* | PIT ZIPS | POCKETS | SIZES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patagonia Torrentshell 3L | 12.5 | H2No 3L | 20,000 mm | Yes | 2 | XS-XXL |
| Arc'teryx Beta SL Jacket | 9.5 | Gore-Tex Paclite Plus | 28,000 mm | No | 3 | XXS-XXL |
| Black Diamond Fineline Stretch | 9.5 | BD.dry 2.5 L | 10,000 mm | No | 2 | XS-XXL |
| Ultimate Direction Ultra Jacket | 5.8 | 2.5 Layer Proprietary waterproofing | 30,000mm | Vents | 1 | S-XL |
| Outdoor Research Helium | 7.0 | Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse 2.5L | 15,000 mm | No | 1 | XS-4X |
What we liked
Excellent waterproofing that holds up well over time with proper care
Three-layer construction significantly improves durability and next-to-skin comfort
Pit zips allow for decent ventilation during high-output activities
Well-designed hood with good coverage and adjustability
Recycled materials and Fair Trade Certified™ construction
Solid durability with reinforced high-wear areas
Reasonable price point for a 3-layer waterproof jacket
No PFAS in the DWR finish
Microfleece-lined neck adds next-to-skin comfort
What could be better
Somewhat bulky when packed compared to ultralight options
Limited breathability during sustained high-exertion activities
Slightly crinkly fabric is noisier than some competitors
Basic feature set – no chest pocket or two-way main zipper
Hood adjustment cords can whip your face in high winds
Could use more reflective details for safety in low visibility conditions
Materials and construction
Improvements in the lastest Torrentshell version include dual zippers on the pit zips.
The Torrentshell 3L uses Patagonia's H2No® Performance Standard waterproof/breathable barrier sandwiched between a 100% recycled nylon ripstop face fabric, a polyurethane membrane, and a tricot backer. The upgrade from 2.5 layers to a full 3-layer construction is what really sets this version apart from its predecessors.
The "3-layer" designation means there's an outer face fabric, a middle waterproof/breathable membrane, and an inner protective lining – all bonded together as a single fabric. This construction generally offers better durability and comfort than 2.5-layer jackets (which use a printed or sprayed-on inner protection instead of a full fabric layer) and is typically found in much more expensive shells.
The DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating on the face fabric has proven remarkably resilient with regular care. After four years of use, I've only needed to reapply DWR once to maintain optimal performance. Best of all – the DWR is made without PFAS (why it matters).
Fit and sizing
Pocket placement was also improved with the latest Torrentshell version. In the older version (green), the pocket were higher up on the torso, which made it more difficult to access the pockets with a backpack on.
The Torrentshell has a regular fit – not too athletic but not overly baggy either. There's enough room for a midweight fleece or light puffy underneath without feeling constrained, but it doesn't feel like I'm wearing a sail when I'm just in a base layer. I bought my usual Patagonia size, and it fit perfectly.
The jacket sits at hip length, providing good coverage without restricting movement. Most importantly, it doesn't bunch up beneath the hip belt of my backpack. The sleeves are long enough that they don't ride up when I'm reaching overhead, and the adjustable cuffs seal nicely around gloves or bare wrists.
The hood can be rolled down and stowed with a cord and hook. The hood moves well with your head and maintains good visibility thanks to the laminated visor. When it's really windy, tightening it keeps the hood from blowing off.
Weather protection
Weather protection is where the Torrentshell truly shines. I've worn this jacket through hours-long downpours in the Cascades and stayed completely dry underneath. The DWR treatment causes water to bead up and roll off efficiently, and even when the face fabric eventually wets out during sustained heavy rain, the waterproof membrane continues to do its job admirably.
The storm flap behind the main zipper prevents any leakage through the front, and the adjustable hood, hem, and cuffs allow you to batten down the hatches when conditions deteriorate. The hood's laminated visor actually works – directing water away from your face instead of straight into it.
During a particularly nasty three-day backpacking trip along the Olympic coast with near-constant rain and wind, the Torrentshell kept me dry and protected from gusts up to 40 mph. For a jacket at this price point, the weather protection is exceptional.
Breathability
Let's be honest – breathability is the Achilles' heel of most waterproof jackets, and the Torrentshell is no exception. While it performs adequately for moderate activities, it can feel like a sauna during high-output efforts like steep uphill hiking with a heavy pack.
The pit zips help considerably with ventilation, and I find myself using them frequently. Opening the hand pockets (which are mesh-lined) can also provide some additional airflow. Still, if you're planning on aerobic activities in wet conditions, you'll likely find yourself getting damp from the inside even as the jacket keeps external moisture at bay.
This isn't a criticism unique to the Torrentshell – it's the reality of the breathability/waterproofness tradeoff that all rain gear faces. Only jackets costing two or three times as much offer meaningfully better breathability.
Features and functionality
The Torrentshell takes a relatively minimalist approach to features, focusing on the essentials rather than bells and whistles to keep the weight down (which I appreciate). The two hand pockets sit high enough to remain accessible while wearing a backpack hipbelt, though they aren't quite as high as dedicated climbing jackets.
The hood adjustments are effective, with two front pulls and one rear adjustment to dial in fit. The laminated visor maintains its shape well in wind and rain. The cuffs use simple hook-and-loop closures that are easy to operate with gloves on, and the drawcord hem adjustment helps seal out drafts.
One of my favorite features is the stuff pocket – the jacket packs into its own hand pocket, creating a compact package with a carabiner clip-in loop. This makes it easy to attach to a pack or harness when not in use.
Packability
Testing the Patagonia Torrentshell (left) and MontBell Torrent Flier (right) on the Blue Mountains Trail.
At 12.4 ounces, the Torrentshell isn't ultralight by today's standards, but it's still reasonably packable. When stuffed into its pocket, it forms a package roughly the size of a large grapefruit – certainly small enough to justify bringing along "just in case" on day hikes or travels.
The 3-layer construction does make it slightly bulkier than some lighter options, but the tradeoff in durability and comfort is worth it for all but the most weight-conscious users. Thru-hikers and ultralight backpackers might prefer something lighter, but for most outdoor enthusiasts, the Torrentshell strikes a good balance.
Durability
After four years of regular use – including about 95 days of thru hiking, backpacking, bikepacking, countless day hikes, and daily wear during rainy urban commutes – my Torrentshell shows remarkably little wear. There are a few scuffs on the shoulders from backpack straps and one small scratch near a cuff from a bushwhacking section on the Blue Mountains Trail, but no tears, delamination, or failure of waterproofing.
The 3-layer construction really shows its value here, proving much more durable than the 2.5-layer rain jackets I've used previously. The zippers continue to operate smoothly, and all the adjustments work as they should. This jacket is clearly built to last through years of regular use.
Sustainability
Patagonia has long been at the forefront of sustainable outdoor gear, and the Torrentshell continues this tradition. The face fabric is made from 100% recycled nylon, and the jacket is certified to the Fair Trade standard, ensuring ethical manufacturing practices. The DWR coating does not contain PFAS.
The durability factor also contributes to sustainability – a jacket that lasts for many years keeps more material out of landfills. Additionally, Patagonia's Worn Wear program allows you to trade in used gear for credit toward new purchases, encouraging recycling at end of life.
Price and value
At $179 MSRP, the Torrentshell 3L represents exceptional value in the rain jacket market. Most 3-layer waterproof jackets cost significantly more, often $250-400+. While there are cheaper rain jackets available, they typically use 2-layer or 2.5-layer construction that won't match the Torrentshell's durability or comfort.
Given its performance, versatility, and durability, I consider the Torrentshell one of the best values in outdoor gear today. It's a jacket that can serve as your primary rain shell for everything from urban commuting to backcountry adventures without breaking the bank.
Where to buy
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is widely available from outdoor retailers:
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Backcountry
Pros: Frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
Patagonia
Pros: You can sometimes find more options when purchasing directly from the retailer. Sometimes, purchasing directly from the retailer can make it easier if you need to make a warranty return, such as if there is a defect.
Other rain jackets to consider
If the Torrentshell doesn't seem like the right fit for your needs, here are some alternatives worth considering:
For ultralight backpacking:
Outdoor Research Helium Rain Jacket (men’s and women’s) — Significantly lighter at 7 oz, but less durable and less comfortable next-to-skin.
For maximum breathability:
Arc'teryx Beta LT (men’s and women’s) — Much more breathable with Gore-Tex, but more than twice the price. Read my in-depth review of the Beta LT here.
For maximum comfort:
The Black Diamond Fineline Stretch (men’s and women’s) — Stretchy fabric makes this jacket incredibly comfortable.
For budget option:
Why you should trust us / About the author
Naomi Hudetz is co-founder and director of analytics and digital innovation and leads business strategy and revenue operations for Treeline Review. She brings decades of private sector experience in project management, budget and pricing projection, and long-term business vision, strategy, and goals.
Naomi left her corporate career to pursue her passion for the outdoors. She received the Triple Crown award for hiking for completing the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails and has hiked numerous other distance routes including the Great Divide Trail across the Canadian Rockies (twice), Grand Enchantment Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, the Arizona Trail, (most of) the Idaho Centennial Trail, the first known thru-hike of the Blue Mountains Trail, and the Oregon Desert Trail. She recently bikepacked the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.
She previously served as Treasurer of the American Long Distance Hiking Association-West, and is currently on the board of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. She’s based in White Salmon, Washington.
