Patagonia Triolet Jacket & Pants Review: This PFC-free, full-fledged hardshell jacket with the latest GORE-TEX technology is the best choice for those setting foot on the snow for the first time

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Facing the threat of irreversible destruction of the global environment, the outdoors is said to be at a major turning point in history

The current situation is that the traditional "mass production and mass consumption" approach is being forced to be reconsidered in every process, from product development to production and sales, and the movement to rebuild sustainable systems across the industry has rapidly accelerated in recent years

The race to develop sustainable waterproof and breathable membranes for waterproof and breathable fabrics used in rainwear and winter mountaineering hard shells, which began under the new "PFC-free" rule, is one symbolic event in this major trend. Last season, Gore, the leading manufacturer of waterproof and breathable materials, finally announced GORE-TEX products using a newly developed "expanded polyethylene (ePE) membrane" that does not contain any organic fluorine compounds. I previously wrote about this in an article here, so please take a look if you're interested .

Patagonia, which has been working closely with Gore to support this development, has finally adopted this membrane in its classic hard shell, the Triolet Jacket and Pants, opening the door to PFC-free hard shells for serious winter mountaineering intended for use in harsh mountain environments.

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.

Key Features of the Patagonia Triolet Jacket and Pants

This versatile hardshell is designed for a variety of activities in the harsh conditions of winter mountaineering. It's one of the first technical jackets made with the new PFC-free 3-layer GORE-TEX waterproof membrane and DWR finish. Its durable 75-denier 100% recycled polyester face provides rugged protection in the harshest conditions, including whiteouts, sleet, and high winds during heavy snowstorms

The jacket features a roomy regular fit for easy layering, and strategic articulation allows for freedom of movement around the shoulders. The breathable fabric and two-way pit zips eliminate stuffiness. The adjustable hood fits over a helmet and has a stiff brim to keep snow out while maintaining good visibility. A high, harness-compatible chest pocket and two hand pockets provide optimal storage for a variety of activities

The pants feature a three-dimensional cut and gusseted crotch that maintains a natural fit even with large knee bends, improving ease of movement. The waist is adjustable with Velcro, and basic features include belt loops, snap button closure, zippered fly, and left and right hand pockets. The two-way side zipper, which can be fully opened from both the top and bottom, is convenient for putting on and taking off boots and for ventilation. The pants also feature edge guards and snow gaiters for snow sports

Favorite points

• Lighter and more flexible PFC-free waterproof and breathable membrane
• Excellent durability
• Natural fit and 3D cut for ease of movement
• Helmet-compatible, adjustable hood
• Plenty of pockets
• Underarm pit zips for easy ventilation
• Versatility and cost-effectiveness

Points of concern

• DWR (durable water repellent) is weak, so frequent washing and water repellent treatment are required
• The waterproof front zipper is a bit stiff. I would have preferred a Vislon double zipper

Main specifications and evaluation

A detailed review of winter mountain climbing and backcountry skiing

This shell is designed for a wide range of snow activities, so I wore it on a hike to Mt. Tanigawa in December, when the snow was unusually slow to settle, and on slope skiing and backcountry skiing in Nagano from late December through January. To check the quality of the membrane, I tried it in as wide a range of weather conditions as possible, including sunny and cloudy skies, as well as drizzle, snow, and strong winds. The basic style is to wear a base layer, or a base and mid-layer, with a jacket on top

Comfort, ease of movement, and ease of wear: The new GORE-TEX is lighter and more flexible

The most important thing to check about this jacket is how it has changed with the new GORE-TEX membrane. The difference was apparent the moment I put it on. The 75 denier fabric has just the right amount of stiffness, but is softer and more supple than I expected (despite being far from thin), and the tricot lining feels just as comfortable against the skin as before. It's also about 50 grams lighter than last year's model. My first impression couldn't be more positive

I am 176cm tall and weigh 64kg and wear a size S

The length is not as long as a ski jacket, but a more versatile standard length. The back is slightly longer to cover the buttocks. It has a clean silhouette with little bulk, typical of Patagonia, but a regular fit with ample room for layering. The sleeves are not too short, and even though I'm 176cm tall, weigh 64kg, and have slightly long arms, the small size was just right and comfortable for me

While it may vary from person to person, I particularly liked the collar area, which has an exquisite height and width (see photo below). If it's too small (too narrow), it can be stuffy or uncomfortable, and if it's too big, it can be cold or look awkward, so it's a small detail, but one that I care about. Of course, the chin guard prevents the metal zipper from hitting anything

The supple fabric and clever three-dimensional cutting allow for excellent mobility around the shoulders, and the hem barely rides up when you swing your arms up. I also like how the ventilation pit zips under the arms are not bulky

However, I felt that the waterproof zipper on the front was a bit lacking for this type of jacket. It's a standard type, so it's probably an exaggeration to say I'm dissatisfied, but it's a bit lacking in smoothness and flexibility for today's standards, which is a shame as it seems to hold back the supple fabric. It would have been great if it had been a double Vislon zipper

Weather resistance: It's still rock-solid against wind and rain, but its durable water repellency (DWR) still needs some work

GORE-TEX still gives you peace of mind in harsh environments!

Another important thing to check is the weather resistance of the fabric, that is, its ability to withstand harsh environments such as rain, snow, and wind. This is the most important point for a hard shell designed for the snowy season. As the manufacturer says, this product provides the same reliable protection as before, so I had no worries at all

It passed the storm test to the same standards as before, so it's no surprise, but the thick outer fabric is water-resistant and windproof enough to withstand even the harshest winter conditions in the mountains. Fully seam-sealed seams and waterproof zippers effectively prevent water, snow, and wind from entering. The Velcro-adjustable cuffs and elastic drawcord at the hem, along with a three-point adjustable hood, also prevent water from entering through gaps

DWR is still in its infancy. Be careful of a decrease in water repellency!

The DWR (durable water repellent) treatment is a clear difference from the previous model, which used a conventional membrane. I've never felt that the water repellency of the fabric was poor with any of Patagonia's previous GORE-TEX jackets. Water droplets that land on the surface of the fabric bead up and fall off, and the effect seems to last for at least a season with just regular washing and drying. This time, too, there were no issues when I first put it on, and it repelled water, as shown in the photo below

However, you need to be a little careful about its durability. In mid-December, I wore it for half a day at a ski resort in a drizzly, high-temperature climate, and the water-repellent properties wore off and the fabric began to absorb water (see photo below). This happened just after I'd washed it twice since I bought it, and I'd only washed it normally and hung it up to dry; I hadn't used any heat treatments like an iron or a dryer. Even so, the water-repellent properties seemed to wear off much faster than with previous GORE-TEX jackets

By the way, this is a water-repellent issue, so even if water has soaked into the outer fabric as shown in the photo below, it does not mean that the water has penetrated into the garment. The membrane effectively blocks out moisture from the outside. However, if the outer fabric absorbs water, the jacket will become heavier and its breathability will be reduced, which is not a good thing

The water-repellent properties of any waterproof and breathable clothing will deteriorate if not properly cared for, but the new GORE-TEX membrane still seems to lose its water-repellent properties more quickly than previous models

This is likely due to performance issues with the current PFC-free DWR technology and the issue of the new GORE-TEX membrane's "low oil repellency," which makes the fabric more susceptible to oil and dirt around it and more likely to attract moisture (making it appear less water-repellent)

In any case, it seems that the durability of the DWR water repellency of GORE-TEX products using the current ePE membrane has become less than before. However, as you can see from the "sufficiently water-repellent fabric" photo above, this does not mean that the water repellency is always insufficient. The water repellency of fabrics has always worn off with use, and care has been necessary, such as washing properly to prevent this from wearing off and applying a water repellent agent to restore it when it does. The point is that to maintain the same performance as before, care must be taken more frequently

As you can see, if you take proper care of it, such as by soaking it in a commercially available water repellent, the water repellency will be restored

In other words, from now on, it will be necessary to make it a habit to wash outer jackets after each use, just like shirts, and to treat them with a water-repellent treatment such as NIKWAX about once every two uses. There may be various opinions, but in this new world line where we have shifted to zero environmental impact, users cannot avoid this burden

Breathability and stuffiness: Not exceptionally high, but combined with the underarm pit zips, ventilation is excellent and I have no complaints

The GORE-TEX used in the Triolet

However, once I opened the pit zips under the armpits, I was able to stay quite comfortable (I was wearing a wool base layer and a Polartec Alpha midlayer underneath). All things considered, I'd say it offers ample ventilation for a durable shell. When I hiked up a mountain on my skis on a sunny winter day at around -10°C, I was able to make it all the way to the ridge without removing my shell by fully opening the pit zips and front zipper

Functionality: A safe design that prioritizes convenience over lightness

This jacket is a versatile model suitable for all seasons, from trekking to snow mountain climbing and ski touring. The specifications of each part and storage such as pockets clearly prioritize convenience over lightness, and it is well-made so that even beginners can use it comfortably in any situation

For example, the large hood, which can be worn over a helmet, can be adjusted three-dimensionally using the cord locks on the back of the head and on both sides of the cheeks, allowing you to get a perfect fit with or without a helmet. As mentioned above, the collar height and space are exquisitely designed to fit snugly around the mouth, making it comfortable and not stuffy (see photo below)

The field of view is good and it doesn't shift even when you turn your head

The cuffs are wide enough to slip on smoothly even while wearing ski gloves, and the large Velcro fasteners make it easy to adjust even when wearing gloves. The instep is gently elongated, making it a perfect match for gloves

The waterproof zippered Napoleon pockets on both sides of the chest are large enough to fit a large smartphone or gloves, so you won't have to worry about not being able to fit anything inside. Unusually for a hard shell, there are also two hand warmer pockets on both sides of the abdomen, plus an inner mesh pocket on the right side of the lining that's just big enough to fit goggles. No one will argue with this all-round consideration for storage

Pants: Durable, easy to move in, practical and versatile

Like the jacket, the Triolet Pants also feature the new ePE membrane and are made from PFC-free, 100% recycled materials, making them versatile winter mountain overpants suitable for a variety of activities and users of all levels.

I am 176cm tall and weigh 64kg and wear a size S

To accommodate winter mountain activities, which require a lot more movement of the lower body than you might expect, the pants feature a gusseted crotch and clear three-dimensional cuts at the knees, and I like how they don't put stress on the joints despite the slim silhouette (see photo below). However, compared to the roomier silhouette of pants for skiing or snowboarding, they don't offer as much mobility

There are two zippered pockets on the left and right. I would have liked to have one on the thigh, but considering it's for snow hiking, this is enough

The inside of the hem is equipped with snow gaiters to prevent snow from getting in in deep snow. The velcro closure makes it easy to attach to wide boots, and the edges are non-slip

The inner hem is reinforced with crampon guards, providing the complete protection needed for winter mountain climbing

The side has a full zipper, so it can be completely zipped on and off from the top and bottom, making it easy to put on and take off while wearing crampons or boots, and to ventilate while walking

The waist has belt loops and Velcro on the back for an adjustable fit

For people like me who don't really like belts, Patagonia has released a new set of genuine suspenders this season. Even though they cost extra, I personally prefer to use them with my winter mountain pants (see photo below)

Summary: Overwhelming durability and comfort that can be trusted to endure harsh winters, with just the right amount of functionality

The Triolet, featuring the new PFC-free GORE-TEX membrane, is an all-around winter mountaineering hard shell with few weaknesses. Aside from the durability of the DWR treatment, what's surprising is that it's made with a completely new, environmentally friendly material that achieves almost the same performance as before, while being even lighter and more comfortable. Its straightforward design makes it one of the most versatile jackets I've encountered, suitable for a wide range of winter activities, including hiking, mountaineering, climbing, and skiing, except in warm weather.

Not only is it functionally balanced, but the price is also reasonable (in a time when product prices have been rising one after another). If you're looking to get started in winter mountaineering and are looking for a cutting-edge winter shell that takes into account the environmental impact of the future, then this jacket is definitely worth considering

Patagonia Men's Triolet Jacket

created by Rinker

• Patagonia Official Site Men's Triolet Jacket

Patagonia Men's Triolet Pants

created by Rinker

• Patagonia Official Site Men's Triolet Pants

Disclosure: The author was provided with the product for this review and has maintained complete independence in accordance with our editorial policy

   

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