Gear Review
Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket - Men's
great budget rain jacket
By Ben Reff
Ranked #226 - Men's Rain Jackets
June 14, 2010
This jacket offers a nice balance between waterproof performance and cost. This is obviously not the burliest of shells, but for hiking or bicycling in the rain, and for carrying around when the skies look dark and dreary, the lightweight Torrentshell is more than up to the task. As you might imagine, it's pretty devoid of features, which is fine for the most part. But I do wish Patagonia had included some kind of cinch for the hood adjustment system. You really need to have the hood tightened down to shield your face when it's pouring, and without cinches the only way to do that is by tying the little adjuster strings together under your chin. That's a little annoying, especially if you're already outside and you find yourself in a sudden downpour. Plus, the material does feel a little clammy next to your skin when it's cool out... but if it's actually cold out, there's no reason you shouldn't be wearing long sleeves under a rain shell, anyway.
But all in all, this is a nice little 3-season jacket for its intended purpose... to stuff in your backpack or day bag if there's a chance of rain while you're out and about, or to wear on your daily commute. I wouldn't use it as a winter hard shell, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't do a pretty good job of it in a pinch. I took this jacket on a mid-August hike on one of Colorado's Fourteeners. When an unexpected hail storm moved in on us, the Torrentshell, layered over a mid-weight fleece, kept me dry and relatively comfortable as temps plummeted from the 50s to the 20s with blasting winds and freezing precipitation. While everyone else on the mountain retreated to the trailhead, I was able to weather the storm and continue on to the summit after the hail cleared off. Not too shabby for a "just-in-case" rain shell.
Runs true to size, with a slight athletic cut.
[Addendum] As has been pointed out, this jacket actually does have (well-hidden) hood cinches! Rejoice, good people!
View Details: Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket - Men's
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- nylon ripstop
- Fabric Waterproof Rating:
- not specified
- Fabric Breathability Rating:
- not specified
- Fit:
- regular
- Pockets:
- (external) 2 front
- Seams:
- fully taped
- Venting:
- underarm zips
- Hood:
- yes, rollaway
- Weight:
- 13.7 oz
- Recommended Use:
- backpacking, hiking, travel
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- lifetime
Change me.
2 Comments Last Reply: July 30, 2010 By: meg3357668
You just have to dig a little deeper! I was so frustrated by this problem as well when I first wore my Torrentshell out in the rain. I also thought I had to tie the adjuster strings together which seemed so ridiculous. After a more in-depth look it turned out there ARE adjuster cinches on the jacket. They are at the base of the hood underneath a covered flap. Look a little more closely and it will solve all your problems!
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes
I just bought the Torrentshell. When I tried on that jacket and the Rain Shadow, I was surprised by those hood adjusters. Seemed a little ridiculous that they can't sized. Pull them and then what? I figure I'll attach some spring adjusters like they have at the waist or bottom of most jackets (but smaller) and they won't even be noticeable. You can pick them up at REI or whatever camping store. I've used them before when I wanted to tighten some strings without tying knots in them, like on a stuff sack.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes