Patagonia Triolet Jacket & Pants Review: The latest PFC-free, GORE-TEX-based, authentic hardshell is the best choice for your first time walking into a snowy mountain
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
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The outdoors are said to be at a major turning point in history, facing the crisis of irreversible destruction of the global environment.
The current state of "mass production and mass consumption" has been forced to be reviewed in all processes from product development to production and sales, and the current situation has been accelerating rapidly in recent years to rebuild sustainable systems across the industry.
One of the major events that marks the big trend is the race to develop sustainable waterproof and breathable membranes, which began under the new rules of "PFC-free" using waterproof and breathable fabrics used in rainwear and hard shells for winter mountains. GORE-TEX, a leading manufacturer of waterproof and breathable materials, last season, announced GORE-TEX products made with a newly developed "stretched polyethylene (ePE) membrane" that does not use any organic fluorine compounds. I've written about this .
Patagonia, which has been working together with Gore to support this development, has finally adopted this membrane this winter with Triolet Jacket & Pants This means that even a hard shell for full-scale winter mountain climbing, designed to be used in harsh mountain environments, has opened the door to PFC-free.
So, on this site, we have been waiting for this long-awaited new product, and have now actually tried using it in harsh fields such as snowy mountain climbing and skiing in winter. What's the new GORE-TEX jacket different from before? Is the quality really good for practical use at this point? We would like to review Outdoor Gearzine, which has tried out a variety of waterproof and breathable hard shells, including the traditional GORE-TEX products.
table of contents
- Key Features of Patagonia Triolet Jackets & Pants
- A detailed review of how to wear it in winter mountain climbing and backcountry
- Comfort, Comfort, Easy to Move: Lighter and More supple GORE-TEX
- Weather resistance: It remains solid as ever against rain and wind. However, it is still durable and water repellent (DWR).
- Breathability and stuffiness: Not extremely high, but the ventilation is high when combined with the underarm pit zipper is high and there are no complaints.
- Functionality: Creating peace of mind with a focus on convenience rather than lightness
- Pants: Excellent versatility, ease of movement, practicality and highly versatile
- Summary: The overwhelming robustness and comfort that can be left to you in the harsh winter, and the functionality of the game is just a step away.
Key Features of Patagonia Triolet Jackets & Pants
A versatile hard shell designed to be useful in a variety of activities performed in the harsh winter mountain environments. This is one of the first technical jackets to be created with a new PFC-free 3-layer GORE-TEX waterproof membrane and DWR finish. The durable 75 denier 100% recycled polyester surface provides sturdy protection to withstand harsh conditions such as whiteout of heavy snowstorms, sleets and strong winds.
The jacket has a roomy regular fit that is easy to layer, and the calculated three-dimensional cutting provides ease of movement around the shoulders. The breathability of the fabric and the two-way pit zipper eliminate sweating. The adjustable hood fits over the helmet with a hard hood, preventing snow from entering and ensuring wide visibility. It features both high chest pockets and left and right hand pockets that are compatible with the harness, providing optimal storage for a variety of activities.
The pants have a three-dimensional cut that keeps you comfortable to wear even when you flex and stretch your large knees, and a slanted crotch for ease of movement. The waist is adjustable with Velcro, ensuring basic usability, with belt loops, snap button closures, zippered fly, and left and right hand pockets. The 2-way side zippers that can be completely open from both the top and bottom are convenient for removing boots and ventilating. It also has features that are compatible with snow sports such as edge guard at the hem and snow gaiters.
Favorite points
- Lighter and more flexible PFC-free waterproof and breathable membrane
- Excellent durability
- Natural fit and ease of movement due to three-dimensional cutting
- Helmet compatible, adjustable hood
- Lots of pockets
- Underarm pit zip for ease of ventilation
- Versatility and cost-effectiveness
Interesting points
- DWR (durable water repellent) is weak, so frequent washing and water repellent treatment is required
- The front waterproof zipper is a bit stiff. I wish it had a vislon and a double zipper.
Main Specifications and ratings
| item | Patagonia Men's Triolet Jacket | Patagonia Men's Triolet Pants |
|---|---|---|
| weight | 510g (Actual measurement of S size) | 520g (Actual measurement of S size) |
| color | Lagom Blue, Shrub Green, Black, Touring Red | Black, Nouveau Green |
| size | XS/S/M/L/XL | XS/S/M/L/XL |
| Ladies model | ◯ | ◯ |
| Outer material |
|
|
| lining | tricot | tricot |
|
| |
| Other features |
|
|
| Outdoor Gearzine Rating | ||
| Comfort and ease of movement | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Climate | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Breathability and less likely to get stuffy | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability (Strongerness) | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability (DWR) | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
A detailed review of how to wear it in winter mountain climbing and backcountry
The shell is designed to accommodate a wide range of snow activities, so it was worn on the slopes and backcountry in December, when snow was slower than usual. To check the quality of the membrane, the weather was as wide as possible, and I tried to wear it evenly, not only sunny and cloudy, but also drizzle, snow and strong winds. Basically, it's a base layer, or a base and mid layer, and a jacket over it.
Comfort, Comfort, Easy to Move: Lighter and More supple GORE-TEX
What you should check out about this jacket is how the new GORE-TEX membrane has changed. The difference came the moment I put it on. The 75 denier fabric has a moderate firmness, but is softer and more flexible than I expected (despite its thickness, not thin), and the tricot lining feels just as comfortable as before. It also weighs about 50 grams lighter than last year's model. My first impression is beyond my favourite.
She was 176cm and 64kg wearing size S.
The length is not as long as a ski jacket, but rather a more versatile standard length. The back is a little longer to hide your butt. Basically, it has a clean silhouette with little dubbing, typical of Patagonia, but it has a regular fit with plenty of room in the layering. The sleeves were not extremely short, and even though I had 176cm and 64kg, my arms were slightly longer, the S size made it just right and comfortable to wear.
I think there are individual differences, but I especially liked the collar area, which is exquisitely tall and wide (photo below). If this part is too small (too narrow), it will be too suffocating or cramped, and if it is too large, it will be cold or clunky, so it is a small but annoying part. Of course, the chin guard won't hit the metal of the zipper.
The supple fabric and skillful three-dimensional cutting make it easy to move around the shoulders, and you don't have to worry about the hem slipping up when you raise your arms up. I also liked the lack of stiffness in the ventilation pit zip under the armpits.
However, I felt that the front waterproof zipper was a little disappointing with a jacket like this. It's a general type, so it's probably an exaggeration to say that it's a dissatisfaction, but it's a shame that it's not smooth and difficult to flex, so it seems like the supple fabric is holding back. It would have been great if this was a double vislon zipper.
Weather resistance: It remains solid as ever against rain and wind. However, it is still durable and water repellent (DWR).
GORE-TEX's sense of security in the harsh environment is still alive and well!
Another checkpoint is of course the weather resistance of the fabric, which means its strength against harsh environments such as rain, snow, and wind. This is the most important point for hardshells, which is in anticipation of snowy seasons. As the manufacturer said, it has stable protection, and there was no need to worry about this at all.
It is obvious that they passed the Storm Test using the same standards as before, but the thick outer fabric was water resistant and windproof enough to withstand even in the harsh winter and winter mountains. Fully seam-sealed seams and a waterproof zipper ensure that water, snow and wind are intruded. Velcro-adjusted cuffs and hem have elastic drawstrings, and the hood can be adjusted three-dimensionally at three points, preventing entry through gaps.
DWR is still in development. Be careful of reduced water repellency!
This DWR (durable water repellent) part was clearly different from the previous model, which used conventional membranes. Basically, I have never thought that the water repellency of the fabric was bad with Patagonia's previous GORE-TEX jackets, and the water droplets that fell on the surface of the fabric became beads and slurp, and I think the effect was well-behaved for at least one season, just by using normal washing and drying. This time, it doesn't matter when you just wear it, and it repels water as shown in the photo below.
However, there is a need to be careful about sustainability. In mid-December, I was wearing it for half a day at a ski resort with a high temperature in drizzle, but the water repellent didn't hold up, and the fabric started to suck up water (photo below). At this time, I had to wash it for the second time after purchasing it, but I just washed it normally and dried it on a hanger, and it was not heat treated with an iron or dryer. However, it still seems that the water repellent decreases significantly faster than previous GORE-TEX.
By the way, this is a water-repellent problem, so even if water soaks into the outer fabric as shown in the photo below, it does not mean that water has penetrated the clothing. The membrane ensures that moisture from outside is removed. However, if the outer fabric absorbs moisture, the jacket becomes heavier and the moisture permeability will be impaired, which will never have a positive effect.
It is the same with any waterproof and breathable clothing that water repellent performance will decrease if you do not take proper care, but the new GORE-TEX membrane still seems to have a faster drop in water repellency than before.
This is likely due to the current performance issues of PFC-free DWR processing technology and the issue of "low oil repellency" of the new GORE-TEX membrane. The low oil repellency makes it more likely to cause oil and dirt to get around the fabric, making it more likely to attract moisture (it appears to have lost water repellency).
In any case, it was felt that the DWR water repellent durability of the current GORE-TEX products, which use ePE membranes, has been lower than before. However, as you can see from the "Water-repellent photo" above, this does not mean that there is always a lack of water-repellent properties. In the first place, the water-repellent properties of fabrics have been removed if used, and care is necessary to wash them properly to prevent them from falling off, and when they do, they are necessary to recover with a water-repellent agent, and the point is that in order to maintain the same performance as before, it is necessary to maintain a shorter span.
If you take good care of it by soaking it in a commercially available water-repellent agent, as you can see, the water-repellent power will recover.
In other words, from now on, it is necessary to make this a new habit to use outer jackets at the same time as shirts, wash them each time, and then use NIKWAX or other water-repellent treatment for about once every two sessions. There may be various opinions, but users cannot avoid this burden in the new world line that has shifted to zero current environmental impact.
Breathability and stuffiness: Not extremely high, but the ventilation is high when combined with the underarm pit zipper is high and there are no complaints.
The GORE-TEX used in the Triolet Furthermore, the fabric is thick at 75 denier, so in that sense it is fairly breathable and not quite as highly impressive. Even in winter mountains, if you start climbing on top of the base mid-layer, you will inevitably sweat and moisture will accumulate inside your clothes.
However, once you open the pit zip under your armpits, you can stay quite comfortable (I wore a wool base layer and a Polartech Alpha intermediate piece underneath). Considering this, it can be said that it has sufficient ventilation for a sturdy shell. When I hiked up on skis during a sunny winter day at around -10°C, I was able to barely remove the shell by opening the pit zipper and front zippers.
Functionality: Creating peace of mind with a focus on convenience rather than lightness
This jacket is a versatile model that can be used all year round, from trekking to snowy mountain climbing to ski touring, and is clearly prioritized convenience over lightness when it comes to storing pockets and other items, making it well-made so that beginners can use it comfortably regardless of the situation.
For example, the large hood, which can be worn over a helmet, can be adjusted three-dimensionally by the cord locks on the back of the head and the cheeks, allowing it to fit perfectly on your head with or without a helmet. As mentioned above, the height of the collar and the way it is created is also exquisite, and fits the mouth, making it comfortable and not suffocating (photo below).
Even when you shake your head, your vision is good and there is no slipping.
The cuffs are made to be wide enough to allow you to easily put on the sleeves even while wearing ski gloves, and the large Velcro closure is designed to make them easy to adjust even when wearing gloves. The instep is gently long, making it perfect for a perfect match with the gloves.
The waterproof zippered Napoleon pockets on the left and right chests are large enough to hold large smartphones and gloves, so there is no need to worry about anything being put in. Also, unusual for hard shells, there are two hand warmer pockets on the left and right side of the abdomen, and the inner mesh and pocket on the right side of the lining are enough to fit goggles, so no one would disagree with this high level of storage capacity in all directions.
Pants: Excellent versatility, ease of movement, practicality and highly versatile
the triolet pants are made from PFC-free, 100% recycled materials , and are versatile winter mountain overpants that can be used for a variety of activities and users.
She was 176cm and 64kg wearing size S.
In order to accommodate activities in winter mountains where there are many movements in the lower body more than you would imagine, the inseam is covered in a gusset crotch and the knees are clearly cut, making it a slim silhouette, but I like the lack of stress at the joints (photo below). However, compared to the loose silhouettes like pants for skiing and snowboarding, it is not as mobility as it is.
There are two pockets with zippers on the left and right. I would have liked it for the thighs if possible, but considering it as a snow hike, this is enough.
The inside of the hem is equipped with a snow gaiter that prevents snow from entering through deep snow. The Velcro closure makes it easy to wear on wide boots, and the edges have an anti-slip coating.
The inner hem has reinforced embroidery, providing the perfect protection needed for winter mountain climbing.
The sides have a full zipper that allows you to completely zip off and turn on from the top and bottom, making it easy to put on and take off while wearing crampons and boots, or ventilate while walking.
The waist with belt loops allows for a certain degree of fit with the velcro on the back.
For those like me who don't really like belts, Patagonia is launching new genuine suspenders this season. Even if I add an extra fee, I personally prefer this to use with winter mountain pants (photo below).
Summary: The overwhelming robustness and comfort that can be left to you in the harsh winter, and the functionality of the game is just a step away.
The triolet which uses the new PFC-free GORE-TEX membrane, is a very well-made hard shell as an all-rounder for winter mountains, with few weaknesses in all directions. Apart from the sustainability of DWR processing, it is surprising that the new, environmentally-free materials that have never been seen before have achieved almost the same performance as before, while still being lighter and more comfortable to wear. The quirkless design is one of the most versatile jackets I've encountered, making it suitable for a wide range of winter activities, such as hiking, mountain climbing, climbing, and skiing, except for warm weather.
In addition to the functionality that emphasizes balance, it is also important to note that it is conscientious about price (with the recent rise in product prices). If you're looking for a cutting-edge winter shell that's taking into consideration the environmental impact of your future, why not consider this jacket?
Disclosure: The author received the product in this review and the articles have been created with full independence in accordance with editorial policy.
