These pants were reasonably breathable and featured double zippers, which could be unzipped to function as side vents; this is a brilliant feature and one which makes them highly versatile as a 3 layer shell pant. That said, expensive smartphones should not be trusted in a so-called waterproof pocket. We like side zips and vents on rain pants. The 50-denier 100% recycled nylon ripstop proved plenty durable during our testing period. With Patagonia's 3 layer update, comfort and mobility are drastically improved. Got feedback? and more. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. The North Face Venture 2 Half Zip - Women's, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Optimized for cycling, thoughtful features, durable, comfortable, Thicker fabric better for cooler temperatures, no vents, no pockets, An excellent choice for bike commuting in wet weather, Comfortable, soft, and supple, they are ideal for hiking in the rain, An excellent update to a longtime favorite for the price, A city savvy model that will fit over most pants layers, REI Elements waterproof breathable laminate. No problem, with the generous knee-high side zippers. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. These are not the most compact pants in this review, but the simple feature set ensures they are stuffable enough for most backcountry enthusiasts. With the update to 3 layer shell material, the Patagonia Torrentshell pants are burlier than ever. We could put these pants on over most footwear except bigger boots. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. No worries if you have the Patagonia Torrentshell ready to deploy! The burlier fabric is also a little stiffer, which keeps the pants from clinging to your leg or pants underneath when it is humid. If your measurements are in between those listed in the size chart, pick the next larger size. Hint: For the most accurate results, measure yourself in your undergarments. Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. Learn More, Review our Help & FAQs page Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. The new fabric has a soft-to-the-touch face fabric, which improves feel, and reduces clamminess. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Everything you need for shoe care. For a product you can feel good about purchasing, these pants are a good deal. Up to 50% Off Water Recreation, Camping Gear & More. These are now a bit thicker than the previous 2.5 layer iteration, but we think it was a wise change. The Patagonia Torrentshells are impressively light and compact for 3 layer rain pants! This won't help you get them on over mountaineering boots, but most other wet-weather footwear should be negotiable, making them fast to put on in inclement weather. The internal face fabric is now softer to the touch. These features would improve their versatility. Cleaners, protectors, laces, insoles If it doesn't fit, return it within 60 days, as long as it's unworn, unwashed and unaltered. Please note, swimwear, undergarments and clearance items with cent ending in .94 are FINAL SALE. No sponsored content. With the emergency venting, the slightly thicker material does not hinder the versatility of these pants. Let us know! They stuff into the left-hand pocket and have a clippable loop in case you want to clip them from something. The long side zippers rise to your knee, making them exceptionally easy to put on and take off over footwear. All trademarks property of their respective owners The pants have two zippered hand pockets and can stuff into the left-hand pocket, revealing a clippable loop. This was an intelligent move by Patagonia, and it makes them more comfortable and versatile. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site. We loved the dual purpose side zipper: For easy on/off, and for venting! This is a relatively high durability rating for fabric, and certainly on the higher end of this review. Given the added versatility of the 3 layer fabric and clever side zip and vent design, as well as overall ease of donning and comfort, we think these are likely worth it for year-round versatility. At 11 ounces for a size small, these pants are certainly lightweight enough for most backcountry use. In combination with one of our favorite side-zip/side-vent combinations, these pants are a great choice. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. How can we improve GearLab? The Torrentshell pants are a burly 3 layer shell pant, making them a reliable wet-weather companion. The stiffer materials also help prevent the pants from catching on shrubs and small trees, which we appreciate. We like the softer feel of the internal face fabric, as well as the more durable material. We would take these on the occasional summer mountaineering trip, but also find them to be a useful go-to for lower elevation adventures in wet climates. Returns & Exchanges. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Up to 50% Off Sandals, Athletic Footwear & More! We love the simplicity of the Patagonia Torrentshell pants: There is little to fail. We do not commonly use the stow pocket on our rain pants, but it can be good for protecting them in a duffel full of gear. Up to 50% Off Shorts, Tees, Swimwear & More! We did not find this feature to be helpful, but perhaps it can help protect the material of the pants from dirt and sharp objects while traveling. To check in-store availability, click the "Pickup In-Store" button and enter your postal code. Simple and unpretentious, Patagonia's trusted Torrentshell 3L Pants use 3-layer H2No Performance Standard technology for exceptional waterproof/breathable performance, all-day comfort and long-lasting waterproof durability. Curbside pickup orders take ~2 hours to fulfill. They are made of recycled nylon ripstop, and we were surprised, ultimately, to see such an affordable price tag from one of our favorite ethical outdoor apparel companies. The simple design of the pants also contributed to their durability, as well as the straight-leg, athletic fit, which keeps the material closer to your body when moving. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, Simple and lightweight, they are impressive in many regards, including their price tag. We analyzed over 30 models before purchasing the best 10 On the hunt for your first pair of rain pants? The H2NO material has been a mainstay of Patagonia's waterproof line for a long time and has held up in our tests. No ads. The cuffs are only minimally adjustable with a button closure system that can be snapped closed in two places. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. GearLab is reader-supported. The Patagonia Torrentshell pants are new and improved. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. The Patagonia Torrentshell rain pants are great when it's torrential. There is no shoelace catch or loops to tie a cord to hook under your shoes, so the cuffs stay low around your shoes. Donning the Patagonia Torrentshell pants in a hurry? Receive updates & online exclusive offers! View Returns Policy. The dual purposed side zippers worked well on these pants, unzipping to the knee to put them on, or unzipping from the knee to ventilate. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Inexpensive, recycled materials, lightweight, great zipper and vent design, Put on Over Hiking or Mountaineering Boots. Curbside Pickup is available at participating locations. Delivery & Shipping The side zippers and hand pockets have storm flaps instead of waterproof zippers which improves long term durability with little consequence to waterproofness, in our experience. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. The key: Zippers on either end allow you to vent from the knee. Storm brewing on the horizon? Side zippers to the knee make for easy on/of with the Torrentshell pants. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L pants are an impressive update from the old 2.5 layer version. The 3 layer design is much more inspiring for long term durability as well as broader versatility (like higher trips in the mountains).