There has been an unusual amount of rain in Southern California the last few weeks, so I’ve had plenty of opportunity to put my new Patagonia Torrentshell jacket to the test. The Torrentshell is a waterproof, highly breathable hard shell outerlayer that is ideal for rainy, wet hiking conditions.
I was intending to go snowshoeing last weekend, but it ended up being a hike with friends in the rain! I put on my Seattle Sombrero and my new Patagonia Torrentshell Jacket, and headed up to Icehouse Canyon, a picturesque creek side trail near Mt. Baldy in Southern California.
The day started out misty, but by mid-day, the rain was coming down in torrents. The waterproof technology in the Patagonia Torrentshell is impressive. I hate the clammy feeling of my skin after wearing a regular hard shell jacket in the rain. Patagonia developed what they called h2no technology – making their jackets breathable yet waterproof. I experienced that first hand last weekend!
Features:
- h2no Waterproof Breathable fabric. This is the best part about this jacket – the technology kept me dry in the rain without that clammy feeling from sweaty skin in jackets that don’t breath.
- Sizeable hood. The hood of this jacket has a nice brim. I prefer wearing a separate hat, but if you like to have just a hood, this one has a nice brim to help keep your face dry in the rain.
- Soft microfleece lining on the neck. Most quality jackets have this nowadays, and it is definitely nice to have a soft bit of fleece against my neck, not rough nylon.
- Velcro closures at cuffs. Since the sleeves of Patagonia tops and jackets tend to be on the long side, for those of us with shorter arms we can simply use the velcro to adjust the cuff sizing, keeping out the elements and making the sleeves fit!
Specs:
- Sizes: XS-XL. Huge range of color options too. I find that Patagonia runs big, and the arms of all their tops run long, so I order a size smaller than normal when I buy Patagonia.
- Price: $129. This is fairly reasonable for a rain jacket like this, and a good value for Patagonia.
Overall, a great quality jacket that will keep hikers dry in the rain! Happy trails!
