Best Budget 3L Rain Jacket

Very seldom do you find a 3L jacket like the Torrentshell 3L. It moves well, breathes well, and of course, sheds water extremely well. Made of 50-denier nylon, the shell seems bombproof and ready for any adventure. The fit can get a little boxy, but there are cinches to dial in the fit while on the move. The pit zips are massive to help dump heat, however, the hood is too small for a helmet. For $150, it is easy to argue that the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is an excellent rain jacket, and that’s why it made the cut as our Best Budget 3L Rain Jacket.

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See Our Best Rain Jacket Review 2021 Article HERE!

Like speaking about an old friend, Patagonia always seems to do things right. From their environmental stewardship—such as Fair Trade Certified™ sewing, bluesign® approval, and the use of recycled materials—to telling consumers not to buy new jackets from them, Patagonia has set the standard for running a “green” business. This practice has translated into their clothing, as everything is made to such a high standard that it will last you year after year while avoiding the landfill. The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L does just that. It really is a solid rain jacket that will stand up to the elements without impacting your wallet, making it our Best Budget 3L Rain Jacket of 2021.

Weather-Proofing

Consumers will appreciate that Patagonia has made shopping simpler with the descriptive name of their jacket. The Torrentshell 3L is indeed a 3-layer jacket that uses Patagonia’s own H2No waterproofing. The DWR coating on the outside of the jacket is stellar and holds up better than most of the other jackets in this price range. The beading seems to continue forever. The 3L design has also improved the jacket’s breathability compared to previous versions of the Torrentshell, reducing the clammy feeling that can become an issue in 2- or 2.5-layer jackets.

Weight and Durability

At 14oz (397g), the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L is one of the heavier jackets in our review. However, this added weight is due to a thicker, more durable material. The entire shell is made of 100% recycled 50-denier ripstop nylon. The 50D nylon gives it more durability than other jackets in this category without too significant a weight penalty. The 3L design protects the waterproof membrane better than 2.5L jackets and helps outdoor enthusiasts who are tough on their gear. Certainly one of the more durable jackets on the market with the thicker face fabric and 3L design, the Torrentshell is seemingly unstoppable.

Features

Massive 11-inch pit zips run underneath the arms of the wearer. The entire jacket will also pack down into its own left pocket, which comes with a double-sided zipper pull and a webbing loop so it can be secured to a harness or pack. The two hand pockets are waterproof but will sit beneath a hip belt when wearing a backpack.

The hood has been well designed and features drawstring closures to perfect the fit. It would be too small to fit over a biking or climbing helmet, so it would have to be worn underneath those items. The laminated brim is sturdy and will keep rain from falling directly onto your face.

The Bottom Line

At a price tag of $150, this value-packed rain jacket is a great option for those who expect a lot out of their gear. The Torrentshell is a high-performance jacket that is capable of lasting the test of time, and it’s available in 12 colors, so it’s easy to pair your Torrentshell with any outfit. The H2No waterproofing will stand up to just about any rain-style you may encounter, and the large pit zips will keep you from overheating. The pockets are too low to be used with hip belts, and the hood is too small for a helmet. That said, if you don’t necessarily care about those things, this is a perfect 3L jacket. Patagonia has nailed it again with the balance between durability and price, creating the Best Budget 3L Rain Jacket of 2021.

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