Patagonia Torrentshell Review

Patagonia Torrentshell Review

 

A feature rich versatile and durable jacket that will keep the budget minded runner or backpacker satisfied.

https://eu.patagonia.com/gb/en/product/mens-torrentshell-rain-jacket/83802.html 

 Pros:

• Waterproof and windproof
• Durable
• Excellent hood, especially with helmets
• Fairly lightweight

Cons:

• Small pocket zip pulls
• No chest pocket
• Average ventilation

Performance 

With Patagonia's propietary H2NO 2.5 layer fabric, made with 100% recycled nylon, it has kept me dry on multiday backpacking trips with torrential rain. The hood is well designed and implemented, possibly the best hood I have ever seen on a jacket. It fits over a helmet well and provides excellent peripheral vision with its two-way adjustability. It's brim is large and laminated, meaning the rain generally stays out your eyes without it covering your eyes.

It is fairly breathable, with the pit-zips helping somewhat. However in very humid conditions, or even on a brisk trail run, I had a slight problem with condensation which unfortunately made it uncomfortable to wear with short sleeves. 

The cut is generous, similar to other Patagonia products, which does allow air to flow through and the velcro cuffs can be loosened to further improve the ventilation. This also means it is easy to layer underneath in colder weather. With my slim build at 6'2", I purchased a medium and was able to wear baselayers, a fleece and a light down jacket without feeling restricted. 

Despite the Torrentshell's features, for the most part it has the minimum to complete the task at hand. The fleece lining on the neck don't really add much unless you're just wearing a T-Shirt. Overall the jacket is challenging to use wearing even light gloves, due to its small zip pulls on the pocket and hood adjusters. This is probably due to keep the weight down with Patagonia hoping to tap into the budget ultralight market, which at 343g is probably worth it. The pockets are fully waterproof which gives piece of mind to any items you may put in there will be ok. 

The jacket easily stuffs into it's left hand pocket, and there's a loop for securing it ot a backpack or harness. It does not compress that small compared to other jackets however, though it is small enough that I have no complaints taking it to school daily in my backpack.

Best Uses

This jacket is extremely versatile and works well in almost all conditions. Its performance is high enough for casual hiking and running, however it excels as an around-the-town jacket due it's stylish cut. 

Overall it is a rugged 2.5 layer jacket that will take whatever you can throw at it, whether you're a backpacker, runner, cyclist, climber or just taking it around town. It's water resistance is excellent, it breathes fairly well and it carries a functional and sleek hood. At £120 ($160) is also excellent value.