Patagonian Triolet Review (2023)

OPatagonian Trioletit's a protective and durable hard shell jacket that is priced well below the best competitors, yet offers nearly the same protection and performance as more expensive models, making it an excellent value. The outer fabric is stiff and durable, and the Gore-Tex membrane protects against water and wind. There are plenty of pockets for all your storage needs, while the adjustable hood, hem and cuffs let you customize your fit. The downside is that the jacket is heavy, which makes it unsuitable for light and fast alpine climbs. Also, the fit is on the loose, square side of the spectrum. Still, this jacket is suitable for a wide variety of winter activities, from resort skiing to backcountry touring, ice and mixed climbing, or even just being worn around town in bad weather. our reviewbest hardshell jacketsshows how it compares to competing products.

Editor's Note: We've retested this jacket and added it back to our review list on Jan 11, 2023.

OTripleit is heavier and less sophisticated than the best jackets, but it offers high-quality weather protection and great features, making it a suitable replacement for much more expensive jackets.

performance comparison

weather protection

OPatagonian TrioletIt is a waterproof and windproof machine for winter. It easily repels liquid water, snow and wind thanks to its thick outer fabric, waterproof Gore-Tex membrane and waterproof chest pocket and main zips. It features a long hem with an elasticated drawcord to help seal the coat underneath and three drawcords on the hood.

Patagonia's DWR is excellent and draws water away from the outer fabric. One of our testers used the methodTripleevery winter for six years and I have never had a problem with its ability to withstand the winter. This jacket is as waterproof as possible. The only feature thatTripledoes not match the much more expensive Gore-Tex Pro wrappers. It is located in the waist pocket and underarm ventilation zippers, which are not waterproof. Instead, there's a fabric flap to keep out water.

Libra

OPatagonian Trioletit weighs 19.8 ounces (560 grams), which is pretty heavy for a modern hardshell jacket. This is likely due to the heavy 75 denier fibers used in the outer face fabric. The shell's three-ply laminate inner lining is also thicker than that of Gore-Tex Pro jackets, adding weight.

From our long experience with this jacket, the thick outer material makes the garment last a long time. It easily defends against sharp objects such as sticks and branches, and can withstand impacts where a thinner hard shell might be punctured. If you're looking for a versatile hardshell jacket for everyday use, resort skiing, mountaineering, and cross-country skiing, this jacket's weight is no problem. However, if you are a technical climber or die-hard backcountry skiing enthusiast, you can achieve significant weight savings with other options.

mobility and fit

OTripleit has a wide, boxy cut that gives the impression of a loose, straight cut. There's plenty of extra material to make layering easy on cold days in the ski resort. That said, the cut is generic and unsophisticated compared to other high-end jackets on the market.

Even so, the cut of this jacket isn't terrible. A more articulated fit will cost a lot more. This jacket is an incredible value and offers great mobility for most users. However, we notice that our gloved hands tend to come out of the cuffs of our sleeves when we hold our arms above our heads, as in ice climbing.

Ventilation and breathability

OPatagonian TrioletThe thick outer fabric and inner lining don't make it as breathable as most Gore-Tex Pro jackets. During aerobic hikes on warm winter days, this jacket sweats quickly and is usually taken off during a light snowfall while on the move rather than to store moisture inside the jacket.

Underarm vents help to dissipate heat and moisture from inside, and the length is 40 centimeters, which is enough. Zipper pulls can be difficult to pull as there is a fabric flap above the zipper to block water ingress. Sometimes we have difficulty pulling zippers with one hand and we often need a friend to help us zip or unzip all the way.

features and design

OTripleIt has four outside pockets, two on the chest and two for warming hands. The hand warmer pockets are positioned low enough to be covered with a climbing harness, but the two chest pockets are still accessible when using a harness. There is also an internal mesh pocket that is useful for storing furs or other backcountry accessories.

The hood is helmet-compatible and three drawcords allow it to be locked down during winter storms. The sleeves are equipped with Velcro straps to seal the cuffs over your hands or gloves, and there is a single drawstring on each side of the hem. In addition to these standard features,Tripleit's minimalist.

Should you buy the Patagonia Triolet?

We've used this jacket for years and can attest to its value. Offering the same weather resistance and durability as top-of-the-line hardshells, and a little less refined, theseTripleIt's a great deal for anyone who needs a strong, durable Gore-Tex shell but is on a budget. It is also very versatile, useful for activities from the ski resort to the city and the wild.

What other hardshell jackets are worth considering?

If you have more money to spend, you can buy a better jacket, but you'll mostly pay for a better fit and slightly more refined features. ONorrona Light Trollveggen Gore-Tex Proit's our favorite versatile hardshell, made with a lighter fabric, tighter fit and better breathability. ONorth Face Mammoth Advancedit's our recommendation for anyone venturing into the toughest weather conditions with a lightweight kit. OLhotse mountain equipmentis the best hardshell designed for climbingNorrona Falketind Gore-Texit's our top pick for a protective case for the three warmest seasons.