Patagonia Torrentshell: Review + Recommendations

Whether you’re planning a hike or just looking for a solid waterproof jacket to keep you dry on your trips around town, the Patagonia Torrentshell will keep you dry without compromising style or lightweight durability.

The Patagonia Torrentshell rain jacket is compact enough to hang on your backpack or toss into your bike pannier. It’s always on-the-ready when the heavens open.

This top-rated rain jacket boasts Patagonia’s patented H2No technology that shrugs off water, leaving you dry and warm beneath. It also comes in a variety of styles & colours that’ll have you spoiled for choice when adding to your travel gear arsenal.

Looking for a jacket that’s reliable and looks good too? Find out all you need to know with this complete Patagonia Torrentshell review & guide…

Features & benefits

Water repellent

At the heart of the Patagonia Torrentshell’s water repellency is their patented H2No membrane. It does a fantastic job of repelling water without sacrificing either breathability or aesthetics.

Updating the original 2.5-layer design, the jacket now features a 3-layer construction, including an a thick 50-denier recycled nylon shell that covers its breathable polycarbonate PU membrane.

SEE ALSO: Top-Rated Men’s Waterproof Jackets

The shell is treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that causes moisture to ball together and slide off the fabric so it never becomes uncomfortably saturated.

Like on most rain jackets, the DWR coating on Patagonia Torrentshell will wear off as a result of exposure to the elements or friction from pack straps.

You’ll have to reapply the coating from time to time to restore its effectiveness.

SEE ALSO: Top-Rated Women’s Waterproof Jackets

The thicker outer shell does add to the weight of the jacket, but it’s durable and won’t rip or snag. It also offers some heat retention values for wearing in slightly colder climes.

Within the Patagonia Torrentshell, you’ll also find with a thin-printed fabric layer that helps protect the membrane from dirt and dust.

Deep pockets & standout hood

The Patagonia Torrentshell hood is large and able to fully cover a helmet or hat. If you’re into climbing, this rain jacket is for you.

The jacket’s design provides good coverage and protection against the elements. This is the standout element of the Patagonia Torrentshell.

The hood includes a toggle that’s attached to two pull cords. It makes for a quick & easy adjustment of the front, ensuring a snug fit around the face to keep the elements out—even when the weather is a little rough.

The hood also has a laminated visor to keep the rain off your face. You can tuck it away when you’re not using it. A cord at the back of the hood allows you to adjust the visor.

The jacket has two nice size side pockets to keep your hands snug. The pockets are watertight when zipped. You can use them to keep your valuables dry, too.

For some, the omission of a breast pocket on the Patagonia Torrentshell may be an issue.

The side pockets are big enough for your personal goods. If you like to keep your hands warm, however, sharing the pockets with your car keys and cell phone may be a problem.

Lightweight & portable

This lightweight rain jacket wraps into itself and will fit into either pocket.

The left pocket also has a clip-in carabiner to attach your jacket to your backpack or bag for easy access.

Zips

The zips are DWR-treated so they’ll keep things dry when it’s wet out there.

They also feature welt exteriors, each having interior storm flaps. The fold-over zippers ensure that the coils stay dry. There’s also a wind-resistant inner that traps heat.

The jacket also features pit zips that extend from mid-chest to your armpit, allowing you to vent even when it’s raining.

The pit zips are quite big but the placement and design ensure that you’ll stay dry even in heavy rain.

Durable & comfortable style

The Patagonia Torrentshell offers a fairly standard fit.

If you plan to wear a bulky jersey or fleece jacket beneath it you may want to size up.

The body of the jacket is longer than most, so it offers extra protection around the hip and butt area. This means that you can sit down without getting your butt wet.

The jacket offers good coverage without obstructing movement. The cuffs have hook and loop closures that work well to keep your arms warm and dry in cool weather.

The Velcro allows for personalized adjustment and a comfortable fit.  There is a pull coil at the base of the jacket to keep the wind out. The collar is fleece-lined

On the downside, the breathability of this jacket isn’t the best and if you plan a long day time hike you may find yourself getting rather warm.

This rain jacket comes in a wide range of colour combinations to suit your personal taste.   It carries a lifetime warranty.

Who it’s for and who it’s NOT for

If you’re planning a hike in a warm and humid environment, this rain jacket is probably not the best choice for you; there are other more breathable & lightweight alternatives available on the market.

The Patagonia Torrentshell will keep you dry and warm but on long hikes in warm conditions, you’re likely to overheat.

On the other hand, the Patagonia Torrentshell is ideal for tossing into your bag for everyday rain showers.

It’s also a great companion for hiking and mountaineering. It won’t rip or snag. It also offers some heat control, so it’s particularly useful in cooler conditions.

If you’re off on a hike up the mountains or heading for the ski slopes you’ll love hauling along your Patagonia Torrentshell.

Final Recommendations

The Patagonia Torrentshell rain jacket is warm & durable. It’s a good choice for hiking or skiing in cooler environments where breathability is not so big a deal.

You might find the Torrentshell a tad heavier than some of the ultra-lightweight jackets on the market. But it’s also a lot more durable and will withstand some of the rougher terrains.

This jacket is relatively inexpensive and it offers many of the features that you would expect on a more expensive jacket, making it good value for money.

It’s available in both men’s and women’s sizes, and comes in a number of different styles, include a City Jacket, Pullover, Poncho, and Parka.