Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Pants Review

Bottom Line

A premium pant packed with features at a reasonable price? Yes, please! The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (men’s / women’s) is a consistent top choice for our team in our guide to the best rain pants. It delivers a durable fabric shell, proper waterproofing, and exceptional ventilation—all in the budget category.

Thanks to the thigh-high, zippered venting, the Torrentshell delivers jetstream-like airflow if you want it. The Torrentshell has long zippers that don’t care what size your foot is, so getting in and out without removing footwear is a win. The wider waist is appreciated, and the elastic ankle cuffs let you tighten up for a cozy fit.

The heavy, durable fabric means scraping through scrub brush or scrambling over a boulder field won’t tear or leave marks like some pants we have reviewed with thinner shells. The trade-off, of course, is weight and, in this case, some noise. These pants are loud and stiff when walking because of their heft, and packing them down takes a bit more space in your kit.

You don’t always get pockets in rain pants, but the Torrentshell provides two up front, mesh-lined and big enough for essentials like keys or lip balm. If you like durability at a reasonable price, the Torrentshells will get you there and keep you dry over several seasons of bushwhacking the backcountry.

How We Tested

Over several months in the Colorado front country and some low-angle days on the Great Western Trail, we subjected these pants to mud puddles, downpours, hose downs, and dry-time trials. We also tested water beading in the shower or with a hose up high to see how long it took to “wet out” or saturate the shell materials. 

Comfort & Mobility

The Torrentshell has a slightly relaxed fit for easy layering. The fabric is heavy and has a durable feel that is stiffer than others we tested. In clamoring up a Colorado boulder field, we made deliberate contact with rocks on the lower legs by scraping up against the surfaces as we hiked. The three-layer shell took a beating without tears or significant scratches, which is a reason to choose these pants when looking for longevity. 

We appreciated the relaxed fit, which gave us ample range of motion when climbing steeps. However, the heavier armor of the shell didn’t have a ton of stretch. The wide waistbelt is a plus, and the front features two mesh-lined pockets for easy-access storage. 

One of the big reasons we like the Torrentshell is its thigh-high zippers. You don’t need to remove your footwear to remove the pants; the zippers serve as vents if you heat up. The leg cuffs close up nicely with a quality pressure-snap button but don’t cinch tight with a clasp like some other offerings.

Weather Resistance

The taped seams and burly fabric kept us dry in heavy rainfall and prevented water infiltration. Patagonia applies a durable water repellent to the Torrentshell, which will last longer than competitors’ DWR applications, many of which dissipate after just a few outings.

With moderate hiking in the rain, the inside of the pants felt soft, remained breathable, and felt less damp in the seat than others, especially in warm, wet conditions. We hiked in soggy conditions, and as we increased our pace, breathability suffered internally. As temps dropped, internal moisture dissipation declined. This is expected with rain gear, and even still, protection on the Torretshells is close to bombproof. We won’t hesitate to recommend these pants as a faithful companion in your pack on dreary days.

Ventilation

The 3/4 leg zippers allow quick in and outs when the weather changes and serve as ventilation. With dual zippers on each leg, you can modulate the top zipper down to get some airflow when needed. Those same openings can also let in the rain- the hiker’s Catch 22.

Breathability is better in warmer weather with these pants. We had larger mountaineer boots that were a bit more work to get through the top part of the pants, but everyday footwear is not an issue. There are two zippered hand pockets in the front with storm flaps that also provide some moisture transfer.

Weight

At 11.8 Ounces for a men’s large, the Torrentshell is light enough for most applications, but those who prioritize weight savings will look elsewhere. These pants are easily incorporated into front-country hikes, biking, and other applications, making them a versatility hero. 

With three layers of fabric, ample zipper vents, and a copious DWR application, the Torrentshell may add a bit to your setup, but it pays off in durability. The coarse fabric will pack well enough for most hikers, whether out for the week or the day. 

The good news for those less concerned with weight is that you get fabulous water protection and reliability in pants that aren’t too far off from the high-end, lightweight competitors who want a bigger bite out of your wallet.

Durability

Patagonia has assembled three layers of protection to form an impressive, burly product. The outer shell comprises 50-denier recycled nylon, while the center has a waterproof, breathable membrane sandwiched by an ultralight knit backer against the skin. The DWR lining is earth-friendly and human-friendly (PFC-free), and the factory gives it a generous repellent coating. 

The heavier fabric is double-taped on the seams, and the stitching, buttons, and zippers all held up during our testing. If the Torrentshell doesn’t meet your expectations after a few seasons, though, Patagonia warrants the pants for life.

Should You Buy the Patagonia Torrentshell Rain Pants?

If low pack weight isn’t your top priority, the Torrentshells are an excellent option for many adventures. Their impressive durability and thicker fabric provide solid protection against brush and heavy rain, outperforming ultralight pants in rugged conditions. Plus, they’re far less prone to snagging, tearing, or showing wear and tear. 

These pants are great workhorses for camping, canoeing, or building an off-grid cabin in soggy weather. The Torrentshell is your friend in wet scenarios. We keep a pair in our car for the unexpected.

What Other Rain Pants Should You Consider?

When considering the Patagonia Torrentshell pants, some other top picks from our rain pants gear guide might appeal to you as well.

REI Rainier Review: The REI Rainiers have similar features and price, with a few bonuses. The zippered legs reach the hips, not just above the knee. They are less expensive, but expect the fabric to be less durable than the Torrentshell. The Rainiers are a perfect go-to for the hiker who wants to save money and grab a feature-forward pant. These pants won our budget buy award last season and are an excellent pick for the everyday enthusiast.

REI Trailmade Rain Pants Review: These are an excellent option for those on a budget. With a minimalist design and no front pockets, the Trailmade is best suited for fast-packing and day trips when clouds come calling.

Montbell Versalite Review: If you’re a fan of a streamlined clothing system, these pants are one of our top minimalist picks. They weigh a featherlight 3.2 ounces and pack into a compact stuff sack, making them an excellent grab-and-go shell for summer hiking and backpacking. They are not great for withstanding rough trails like slippery boulder fields or blow downs that will snag your pants.