Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Pant Review

Throughout our testing process, the Torrentshell provided dependable protection, a useful set of features, and a comfortable fit that struck an ideal balance between mobility and a streamlined fit. While the Torrentshell isn't the lightest option on the market, it uses Patagonia's tried-and-true three-layer H2No technology, paired with a durable ripstop face fabric. The Torrentshell is a great choice for a variety of rainy activities.

Water Resistance

The Torrentshell kept us dry through both our lab and field testing. They did an excellent job of keeping water where you want it, on the outside.

Patagonia uses 3L H2No performance shell fabric in the Torrentshell's construction. Waterproofing is accomplished through the use of a DWR finish that omits internationally added PFAS, and a polyurethane membrane that uses “13% biobased content”. Patagonia is known for its commitment to material and supply chain sustainability, and the Torrentshell pants are constructed with this ethos in mind. We found this DWR coating to work super well.

Our testing team found that the Torrentshells offered dependable waterproofing. Water beaded consistently, though some moisture was sticking to the surface after five minutes of spray in our hose test. However, this didn't penetrate through to the inside, and the pants kept us completely dry. While there are more waterproof options out there for those who feel they need the utmost in protection from the elements, the Torrentshell will absolutely keep you dry on rainy hikes, bike commutes, and other such adventures.

Comfort and mobility

The Torrentshell is cut with enough room to layer over softshell or lightweight down pants, without feeling overly baggy. Similar to other pants we tested (with much higher price tags), the Torrentshell uses articulated knees to provide natural bend where you need it most. The shell material offers little in the way of stretch, relying instead on the cut and articulation to map to your body.

Patagonia offers the Torrentshell in multiple inseam lengths, so you can size them to fit and avoid excess fabric bunching at the cuffs. While it lacks the elasticated ankle found in some other rain pants, it does include a second snap-closure button that tapers the cuff down. We prefer elastic drawcord cuff adjustments, but the snap closure is very functional, robust, and easy to operate with gloves on.

Our testers appreciated the shell's tricot backer. The backing material felt comfortable next to skin when worn with shorts, slid on easily over layers, and absorbed a small amount of moisture. The backer did a nice job of providing comfort without adding much in the way of insulation.

Breathability

The Torrentshell's three-layer H2No shell is fairly average in terms of breathability. The relatively lightweight materials used, three-layer construction, and lengthy side zips helped keep us cool during hikes and uphill circuits.

Although the tricot backer helped to wick away moisture, it wasn't enough to keep the shell from sticking during sustained high exertion. Still, the backer helped limit that dreaded “trash bag” feeling that you get when exercising in a shell in the mild, humid conditions found in places like the Pacific Northwest.

Weight

At 11.3 ounces, the Torrentshell is fairly run-of-the-mill in the weight department. It's neither light nor heavy. If weight is a top concern for you, there are other pants that we would recommend first. But the Torrentshell's added weight does grant you more usability features (such as pockets and long side zips) and improves their durability. While they are a few ounces heavier than other pants, their packed size is still quite small.

While 11.3 ounces might seem heavy compared to other pants in our review, our lead tester found that the Torrentshell was light enough to throw in a day pack during a trip to Chamonix just in case. When the weather deteriorated back in town, it was easy to pop the pants on over trail runners and stay completely dry. For rambling around town in the rain, the two side pockets add a lot in the way of convenience.

Durability

Over the course of our testing, the Torrentshells held up well to the demands typically placed on rain pants. They managed rough handling over wet rocks, overgrown trails, and international travel with ease.

The three-layer, 50-denier nylon ripstop face fabric shrugged off snags and punched well above its weight in our lab testing, barely showing any damage after being dragged over 20 feet of concrete under a light dumbbell. The Torrentshell pants are built to last many seasons and are backed up by Patagonia's legendary warranty support.

Should You Buy the Patagonia Torrentshell?

If you're looking for a generalist pair of rain pants, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option. While some options are lighter, more durable, or better designed for climbing, the Torrentshell does everything more than well enough, and won't hurt as bad at the cash register. If you want a single pair of rain pants that can handle rainy commutes, soggy hikes, snow days, and even the occasional summer mountaineering outing, these pants are the ticket.

What Other Rain Pants Should You Consider?

If you want the absolute lightest pants that can still be trusted to keep you dry, the Outdoor Research Helium Pant is our top pick. Its scant weight (under six ounces) and minuscule packed size make it an easy emergency layer for moving fast in the mountains. The Arc'teryx Beta Pant is our recommendation if you're looking for a technical, mountain-specific hardshell. Its articulated fit, burly construction, and harness compatibility make it worth the jump in price for those planning on spending lots of time in the alpine with sharp objects on their feet and hands.