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Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka Review

Great versatility and style in a protective winter jacket
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Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka Review
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Price:  $699 List
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Manufacturer:   Patagonia
By Jason Wanlass ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Feb 28, 2024
81
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 16
  • Warmth - 30% 7.0
  • Weather Resistance - 25% 8.0
  • Comfort - 25% 9.0
  • Versatility and Style - 10% 9.0
  • Construction Quality - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka is a modular winter jacket with great styling and weather protection. It is comprised of a down sweater jacket that zips into a waterproof shell, allowing the user to wear the components in three configurations. On chilly fall and spring days, the down sweater provides stylish warmth. The shell makes a great raincoat on rainy days in the shoulder seasons. Use both layers together to create a solid and protective cold-weather jacket in the winter. Other jackets are warmer, and the modular system is less comfortable than single-piece options on the market, but out of all the jackets on the market, none provides the same versatility and value of the Tres 3-in-1. See how it stacks up against the rest of our lineup in our review of the best men's winter jackets.
REASONS TO BUY
Extremely versatile
Warm
Waterproof
Long
Stylish
Comfortable
Adapts to multiple seasons
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Hood lacks insulation
Less abrasive-resistant fabrics
Editor's Note: This review was updated on February 28, 2024, after testing the most current version.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Our Most Versatile Option
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Winter Jacket for Men
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Top Pick Award
Best for Active Winter Recreation
Best Buy Award
Best for Tight Budgets
Price $699 List
$699.00 at Backcountry
$499.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$229.73 at REI
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$375.00 at Backcountry
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$69 List
$62.10 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line A versatile and stylish jacket with good weather resistanceA cold weather parka that can meet nearly any winter climate head-onWith long-lasting down insulation, cozy construction, and a value price, the Fordham is a competitive all-around contenderThis warm down parka is great for cold winter climates, in the city or in the hillsAn affordable jacket that performs well enough and offers a surprising array of features
Rating Categories Patagonia Tres 3-in... Fjallraven Nuuk Parka Marmot Fordham Rab Neutrino Pro Wantdo Waterproof Snow
Warmth (30%)
7.0
9.0
7.5
7.0
5.0
Weather Resistance (25%)
8.0
8.0
7.5
6.0
7.0
Comfort (25%)
9.0
8.0
8.0
9.0
6.5
Versatility and Style (10%)
9.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
6.5
Construction Quality (10%)
8.0
9.5
8.0
5.0
6.0
Specs Patagonia Tres 3-in... Fjallraven Nuuk Parka Marmot Fordham Rab Neutrino Pro Wantdo Waterproof Snow
Shell Fabric H2No performance: 2-layer, 100% recycled polyester herringbone Polyamide NanoPro (100% post-consumer recycled polyester) Pertex Quantum 100% polyester
Insulation and Fill Power 700-fill down 100% recycled polyester 700-fill down treated with Down Defender 800-fill goose down with Nikwax fluorocarbon-free hydrophobic finish Synthetic
Measured Interior Temperature 76.3 °F 80.2 °F 78.6 °F 74.2 °F 72.6 °F
Fill Weight Not specified 250 grams/ sq meter Not specified 212 grams Not specified
Removable Hood Yes No Yes No Yes
Hood Adjustments 2 side drawcords, 1 rear drawcord 2 side drawcords, 1 rear velcro tab 2 side drawcords 2 side drawcords, 1 rear velcro tab 2 side drawcords
Pockets 6 (Exterior Jacket: 1 zippered chest, 2 top-entry zippered waist with flap, Interior Jacket: 2 zippered waist, 1 zippered interior media pocket 2 zippered breast pockets; 2 buttoned breast pockets; 2 top-loading bellow pockets; 2 fleece-lined handwarmer pockets; 1 media pocket on sleeve, 2 internal zippered chest pockets, 2 internal button-closure stash pockets, 2 internal mesh stash drop-in pockets. 2 zippered handwarmer, 2 flap waist, 1 zippered internal media 2 zippered waist, 1 internal media 2 zippered waist, 1 zippered chest, 1 zippered interior media
Weight 3.41 lb (2XL) 4.64 lb (2XL) 3.24 lb (2XL) 1.38 lb (L) 3.29 lb (2XL)
2-Way Front Zipper Yes - on outer jacket only Yes No Yes No
Weather Resistant Features Full-length design, H2No Performance Standard waterproof membrane, cinchable hood and hem, adjustable cuffs Faux fur lined hood, cinchable hood and waist, adjustable cuffs, heavy exterior shell, rugged front zipper flap, water-resistant shell, Integrating hood flaps, cinchable hood and hem, adjustable fleece lined cuffs, rugged front zipper flap, water-resistant shell, Cinchable hood and hem, adjustable cuffs Water-resistant shell, cinchable hood and hem, adjustable straps, spandex interiior cuffs, powder skirt
Available Sizes XS - 3XL XS - 3XL S - 2XL XS - 2XL S - 3XL
Social or Environmental Certifications Produced in a Made in a Fair Trade certified factory, 100% reclaimed and recycled duck and goose down, shell and lining of outer and inner jacket are 100% recycled polyester Shell, lining, and filling made from 100% recycled polyester Shell is 100% post-consumer recycled polyester Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified down and feathers, fluorocarbon-free hydrophobic finish None specified

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Tres is highly versatile, thanks to its modular construction. It also boasts powerful weather resistance and great styling.

Performance Comparison


patagonia tres 3-in-1 parka - looking out over the annual christmas market in helsinki, finland...
Looking out over the annual Christmas market in Helsinki, Finland. This jacket kept us dry and warm during our December visit to this chilly part of the world.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Warmth


The trade-off for its stylish and contoured fit is less insulation. The Tres 3-in-1 is certainly warm enough for most winter use, but its removable down sweater layer does lack the insulation density of bulkier parkas. This decreases this jacket's ability to keep you toasty in the most frigid temps, but its overall warmth score is very competitive when directly compared to the other jackets we studied.


We put the Tres 3-in-1 to the test as we spent a few cold, dark weeks in mid-December touring Helsinki, Finland, and Stockholm, Sweden. We even traveled to the northernmost reaches of Swedish Lapland, where daytime temps barely eked above 0°F. Overall, we were impressed with this jacket's ability to keep us warm and dry as we spent the majority of our sun-less days outside. These results were backed up by our temp tests, where we used a Bluetooth thermometer to record the temps inside our Tres 3-in-1 .



We conducted this test twice: Once in the wilds of northern Sweden, where the temperature was 5°F (max internal reading 73.2°F); and back at home, where the outside temp was 18°F (max internal reading 76.3°F). In the end, the Tres 3-in-1 registered above-average internal temps compared to the other jackets we tested.

We chose the most northern part of Sweden's Lapland to conduct some of our warmth tests.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

The zip-out liner provides the main insulation in the form of 700-fill recycled duck and goose down. Although the outer trench-style shell of the Tres 3-in-1 is not heavily insulated, it does consist of a two-layer polyester system which includes a waterproof membrane that is sandwiched between a heavy herringbone outer shell and thinner polyester liner. During our testing, we often wore just the outer trench but combined it with a scarf and sweater. This combination is perfect for a more formal night out when temps are hovering around freezing. When the trench and inner down puffy were combined, we felt comfortable walking in temps in the low teens. Our favorite feature of the down zip-out is its cinchable waist, which can be easily tightened to trap warm air around the upper body more effectively.

Showing off our cinchable waist in Stockhom, Sweden's old town.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

The adjustable hood is not helmet compatible, but is large enough to easily accommodate even the thickest of beanies. In fact, we suggest finding an additional layer for your noggin if you plan to wear this jacket in colder temps for extensive periods of time, since the hood is not insulated.

Demonstrating how easy it is to slip the hood over a thick wool beanie -- while simultaneously noticing a large moose nearby.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Often overlooked, adjustable cuffs are a simple but very effective warmth feature on any winter jacket. The ability to clamp a coat's sleeves firmly around the wrists helps the arms and shoulders maintain a more constant temperature, especially during wind and rain. This jacket's cuff system is dual-layered. The inner down has its own elastic cuffs. These are complemented by an adjustable strap on the outer shell.

Adjustable cuffs are an essential part of efficiently trapping in body heat on a cold Helsinki winter afternoon.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Weather Resistance


The Tres 3-in-1 features Patagonia's proprietary waterproof, breathable membrane called H2No. The jacket effectively blocks all moisture from rain, snow, and sleet. Its length, style, and protection puts it almost on par with a traditional rain jacket.


During our homemade rainstorms, we found Patagonia's DWR treatment to be effective, but not perfect, at preventing liquid from soaking the shell's outer layer of fabric. After nearly 3 minutes of continuous soaking, we did see the layer fail in random areas; however, the H2No membrane was superb in protecting the jacket's interior from moisture. An additional benefit is this jacket's trench coat length, which adds extended protection from rain and wind to the waist, bum, and upper thighs.

Yet another trip into the shower as we test our 11th jacket for the day -- wondering why we agreed to this job.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

We also tested our Tres 3-in-1 in winter windstorms with wind speeds ranging from 20-25 mph. We were impressed by the outer shell's ability to block cold gusts, thanks to its extra length and H2No membrane. Additionally, this jacket's adjustable cuffs, cinchable hood, and full-length zipper storm flap effectively keep the Tres 3-in-1 battened down. However, during our testing period, we did notice wind occasionally creeping in through the collar.

The longer length of this jacket offers greater protection from chilly wind. Unfortunately, we had to stand for more than five minutes in the icy wind to make this conclusion. You're welcome.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Although large enough to accommodate a thick beanie, we do feel the hood of the Tres 3-in-1 should offer a little more real estate. In general, it performs adequately for most conditions, but when combined with a beanie, there isn't enough fabric to allow the hood to cover the head completely. We feel this could be solved by a deeper hood or larger retractable bill.

Cruising through old town Stockholm, Sweden during a light snow storm. As you can see, the hood can accommodate a large beanie, but the bill of the hood doesn't extend much past brow. We think it should be able to extend a little farther.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Comfort


The newest design of the Tres 3-in-1 is noticeably roomier than its original slim-fitting model. This, along with comfy fabrics and a contoured cut, earned this jacket top scores for comfort. In fact, it just might be the most comfortable coat in our lineup.


Despite its layers, we felt the Tres 3-in-1 was very comfortable. It doesn't wear as well as an Italian suit, but its soft polyester shell kind of looks the part, and it is very pliable and accommodating. Even when fully layered, we found it easy to sit, twist, bend, or squat, even with a few extra base layers.

Squatting, twisting, bending, or reaching: This jacket offers...
Squatting, twisting, bending, or reaching: This jacket offers excellent freedom of movement. We think it's the most comfortable jacket of the whole bunch.
Late for the game. Zipped or unzipped, we liked this jacket's...
Late for the game. Zipped or unzipped, we liked this jacket's ability to move with our body when we walked or ran.
The ability to move in a natural way is a key component in determining its comfort. During months of testing, we often wore this jacket all day without feeling constricted in any way.

While roaming the cold streets of Helsinki and Stockholm, we often wore our Tres 3-in-1 for 6 to 8 hours a day. Whether hopping a bus or train, meandering through a Christmas market, or ducking in and out of souvenir shops or museums, we always felt comfortable. The high collar is inviting, the waist is contoured but roomy, there's space through the shoulders and chest, the pits don't grab, and there's plenty of room in the sleeves. Hands down, our favorite feature was the herringbone outer shell. It's soft, classy, and hangs great.

patagonia tres 3-in-1 parka - it's almost noon in helsinki. the sun is barely on the horizon and...
It's almost noon in Helsinki. The sun is barely on the horizon and it's much, much colder than it looks. But, we thought this was a great way to show the length and comfort of the sleeves. Even when stretched out, they cover the wrists -- and they don't grab under the armpits.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

All comfort reveling aside, We did not like that the Tres 3-in-1 lacks exterior side-entry pockets to warm and rest our hands while walking. The existing pockets are excellent for storing items, but horrible for stowing the hands. Their top-down entry is not ergonomic, and the wrists are forced to ride against the zipper closures, which are quite abrasive. Likewise, since the pockets open from the top, anything inside them is exposed to precipitation whenever they are being used to warm the hands. Even after two months of wearing our Tres 3-in-1, we still found ourselves routinely searching for phantom side pockets.

We're just gonna throw it out there: the front pockets are great for storage, but they're horrible as hand warmers. We're also highly annoyed that there aren't any side-entry pockets at all.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Versatility and Style


We like the style of the Tres 3-in-1. It is decidedly urban, with long, straight lines and angular accents. It's also the most versatile jacket in our lineup, earning it top scores in this metric.


Two side zippers, along with a few interior snaps, hold the interior down layer in place. Separating the layers is simple. Just unsnap and unzip, and you instantly have two completely independent jackets — each with its own unique style and function.

Just a few snaps and zips and you have a whole new jacket with an entirely different vibe.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

The classic Patagonia label is prominently displayed across the chest, which some testers liked and some didn't. Other than the label, the jacket is elegantly designed and looks high-end. More importantly, we love that it is a legitimate three-season garment. From fall to spring, this jacket offers a perfect layer for close to nine months out of the year. And, in some northern climates, the external shell could even serve as a grab-and-go covering during a cool summertime rainstorm. The thing we like the most is this jacket's overall vibe. The Tres 3-in-1 is rugged and functional, but also tailored and stylish.

Sporting only the down layer as we check the departure listing in...
Sporting only the down layer as we check the departure listing in Tallinn, Estonia.
Wearing just the shell to the game, movie, or to dinner is a great...
Wearing just the shell to the game, movie, or to dinner is a great option. It can be layered with a sweater to keep you warm enough on the walk from the car. The best thing is it doesn't take up a lot of space when seating is tight and there's no option to hang your coat.
When all layers are locked in, this jacket provides serious warmth...
When all layers are locked in, this jacket provides serious warmth for adventures that require more serious protection form the elements.
When compared against the other jackets in our lineup, this one is the most versatile.

The exterior shell hangs like a tailored trench-style coat, but its herringbone pattern gives it a slight business suit polish. While far from haute couture fashion, the Tres 3-in-1 can be combined with a scarf or sweater for a semi-casual dinner date, a trip to the cinema, or a night out at the game.

We liked that we could dress it up with a scarf, sweater, or even a shirt and tie. The shell's herringbone pattern hangs well and is just classy enough to wear around the city.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Although we certainly had our issues with the exterior pockets, we do like their storage versatility. They are excellent for storing larger items that you want to keep secure. Each pocket has a sturdy zipper closure and an extra large storm flap that clicks into place with metal snaps. Although not completely protected from pickpockets, we found these pockets to be a great storage option when visiting events with large groups of people.

Zipping up our valuables in two of the most secure pockets on this jacket.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Construction Quality


The Tres 3-in-1 features durable, tight seams and burly outer shell fabric. The polyester exterior of the down sweater is less durable, but this component will be tucked safely inside the shell layer in many cases.


We tested the zippers, snaps, and drawstrings. We also used the sharp end of a paper clip to test the resilience of this jacket's shell and liner and discovered the Tres 3-in-1's swanky fabrics are more prone to snags and scratches. We then examined the stitching, finding that the majority of this jacket's seams are held by 12 stitches per linear inch — an excellent ratio. A few areas on the interior puffy had 10, but the overall majority showed 12. This translates to stronger seams that are less likely to unravel, tear, or fail in some other way. It's also a good indication of Patagonia's overall attention to detail. They could have easily cut corners in this area, since stitching patterns are mostly overlooked by the consumer.

Testing construction quality and counting stitches per inch with a paperclip. The fabric snags a bit, but with 12 stitches per inch, the stitching is less likely to fail over time.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Should You Buy the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka?


Uniquely designed in the field of winter jackets, the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 offers excellent versatility, good warmth and weather protection, and classic urban styling for an upper-tier price. It's a little short on warmth when compared to bigger parkas, but it certainly is no slouch when it comes to overall protection. It packs a massive punch when it comes to adapting to climates, seasons, social settings, and temperature. If you want a jacket that has a little more swag and offers a ton of versatility, this jacket is your new best friend. It accommodates most body types and can be worn in recreational, occupational, and casual settings.

Taking it to the streets. We spent hours walking Helsinki City on this very cold December day. Besides regular street clothes, our only additional layer was a wool beanie. We started feeling our first chill at sunset; however, we were warm and comfortable for the majority of the day.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

What Other Winter Jackets Should You Consider?


A 3-in-1 design makes the Tres an inherently good investment, as this jacket will be much more versatile than any other winter jacket. It can be used as a winter parka, a shoulder season sweater, and a raincoat. If you like its multifaceted function but don't need its warmth, take a look at the The North Face Thermoball Eco Triclimate or the Outdoor Research Foray 3-in-1 Parka. Both offer a more lightweight 3-in-1 design. If you already have a jacket for all these scenarios, and you want a true winter parka, then you may want to look at the The North Face McMurdo Down Parka.

patagonia tres 3-in-1 parka - enjoying the nighttime view of the bay in stockholm, sweden.
Enjoying the nighttime view of the bay in Stockholm, Sweden.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Jason Wanlass