Patagonia Torrentshell 3L

The value benchmark most people should buy — a durable, comfortable 3-layer H2No shell with sealed seams, pit zips, a stowable hood, and Patagonia's repair program, at a quarter of the Arc'teryx price. Covers hiking, travel, and everyday rain.

The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is the rain jacket most people should buy. Its 3-layer H2No membrane with fully sealed seams delivers genuinely reliable waterproofing and respectable breathability at roughly a quarter of the Arc'teryx price, and the 3-layer build is the key — more durable and comfortable against the skin than cheap 2 or 2.5-layer shells, so it feels less like a plastic bag and lasts through regular use. It adds a stowable adjustable hood, pit zips, a layer-friendly cut, recycled Fair Trade construction, and Patagonia's excellent repair program, and packs into its own pocket. It's a touch heavier and breathes slightly less than the Arc'teryx under hard exertion, but for hiking, travel, commuting, and everyday rain, it's the benchmark to buy unless you have a reason to spend more or less.

▶ Video review

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L - Short Reviews with Seth