Packable hike jacket that lives up to its name
When lots of jackets claim to be waterproof, what they really mean is 'waterproof so long as the rain is more like heavy drizzle and it doesn't go on for more than 15 minutes'. Not so the Torrentshell from Patagonia. The clue is in the name, and the proof is in the 3-layer fabric that meets Patagonia’s demanding H2No™ performance standard. It's a fairly simple design, with the focus firmly on long-lasting function and durability rather than a million bells and whistles. The snag-free central zip has dual storm flaps, the hem and cuffs can both be tightened, and the two-way adjustable hood rolls away when you're not using it. Breathable fabric and pit zips ensure you'll stay ventilated on changeable days. Best of all, the Torrentshell is surprisingly packable. Stuff it down into its own left handwarmer pocket and you're good to go.
- Fabrics, membrane and durable water-repellent (DWR) finish are made without harmful PFCs/PFAs
- Two-way adjustable hood with laminated visor
- Hood rolls down and stows with a simple cord and hook mechanism
- Snag-free centre-front zip with external and internal storm flaps
- Two handwarmer pockets
- Venting pit zips with welted exterior storm flaps
- Jacket stuffs into the left handwarmer pocket with a carabiner clip-in loop
- Hook-and loop cuff closures
- Drawcord adjustable hem
- Regular fit
- Made in Vietnam in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory
- Weighs 352g
- H2No™ Performance Standard shell made without perfluorinated chemicals (fabrics, membrane and finishes made without PFCs/PFAS)
- 3-layer, 3.5-oz 50-denier ECONYL® 100% recycled nylon ripstop face, a polycarbonate PU membrane with 13% biobased content, a tricot backer and a DWR finish
- Microfleece-lined neck for comfort
| Alpha Size | Numeric Size | Chest* | Waist | Hip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | 00 | 79 cm | 62 cm | 86 cm |
| 0 | 81 cm | 65 cm | 89 cm | |
| XS | 2 | 84 cm | 67 cm | 91 cm |
| 4 | 86 cm | 70 cm | 94 cm | |
| S | 6 | 89 cm | 72 cm | 97 cm |
| 8 | 91 cm | 75 cm | 99 cm | |
| M | 10 | 94 cm | 77 cm | 102 cm |
| 12 | 98 cm | 81 cm | 105 cm | |
| L | 14 | 102 cm | 85 cm | 109 cm |
| 16 | 107 cm | 90 cm | 114 cm | |
| XL | 18 | 112 cm | 95 cm | 119 cm |
| 20 | 117 cm | 100 cm | 124 cm | |
| XXL | 22 | 122 cm | 105 cm | 130 cm |
*Chest is usually the best size predictor. However, if your hip measurement is larger, consider buying the size indicated for your hips.
- Recycled Materials: this garment is made from 100% recycled materials
- Environmental Initiatives: Through their membership with 1% for the Planet, Patagonia donate 1% of every sale to carefully chosen social and environmental causes
Patagonia is the brand that other gear companies want to be when they grow up. In 2022, the company's founder, Yvon Chouinard, famously gave the company to the planet. It’s now jointly controlled by a charitable trust and a not-for-profit dedicated to fighting the climate crisis, and all post-operating profits go to environmental causes.
But in some ways that’s the tip of the (melting) iceberg. For nearly half a century, Patagonia has been an experiment in responsible business. From the farms that grow their cotton to the factories that make their goods and everything in-between, they’ve tried incredibly hard to set the gold standard in terms of ethics, transparency and social responsibility. Not only that, but their gear is made to last – to take hard use and repairs, and to maintain its performance through thick and thin.
All of which is even more extraordinary when you consider that Yvon Chouinard started out blacksmithing climbing gear for his mates in his parents' backyard, using a forge and anvil that he bought from a junkyard.
At WildBounds we don’t usually tend to go for the big-name brands, but this was one we simply couldn’t resist. Quite apart from their amazing ethical and environmental credentials, they just make great gear. We’ve used it and loved it for years, and you will too.
