What are the differences between Patagonia shell pants?

What are the differences between Patagonia shell pants?

Patagonia shell pants in close review

This is a follow-up article for the comparison of Patagonia shell jackets. This time we focus on comparing Patagonia shell pants. Shell pants are your choice for outdoor activities in different weather conditions. For summer use, you should choose light and breathable pants. For winter use, on the other hand, you should be able to fit a second layer under your shell pants.

After reading the shell jacket and the shell pants comparisons, we guarantee you will be able to choose the best Patagonia shell clothing for your use and needs.

Patagonia is a popular designer of sustainable outdoor clothing and gear for the silent sports such as climbing, skiing and trail running. All Patagonia FairTrade™ certified shell pants are made from 100% recycled materials.

Our selection includes Patagonia shell pants with different shells, features and details. What are the differences between Patagonia shell pants? Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Patagonia Torrentshell

Patagonia Torrentshell shell pants

Torrentshell shell pants are popular shell pants for their simplicity, affordable price and suitability for year-round outdoor activities. Made of 100% recycled nylon.

Torrentshell shell pants have a loose and comfortable fit, which makes them easy to put on and take off.

Main features to highlight:

  • 3 L H2No® Performance Standard shell
  • 50-denier 100% recycled nylon
  • weatherproof, two-way zippers
  • Elastic band and snap adjustment on the legs
  • Fair Trade Certified™
  • Main benefits compared to other models: H2No® shell, 50-denier fabric, loose fit, storm flaps on zippers

Size Guide:

When choosing the right size, pay attention to whether you want to use another layer under and what kind of fit are you looking for. Note that the pants are intentionally loose.

In the pictures below @zzonya wears Torrentshell pants in size S, @pauliinamaki size M and @iidanmatkassa size XL.

Our review:

The loose fit and the elastic waistband allow these pants to be worn easily when the weather conditions are unexpected. The pockets are more spacious than in women’s pants in general (in the w' model). The nylon shell is more abrasion resistant than the polyester shell. The zippers are protected with two layers, but the zipper itself is not waterproof. Good outdoor trousers for basic use.

See also the Torrentshell shell jacket for women and men.

Patagonia Dirt Roamer

Lightweight and waterproof MTB-specific pants with narrow leg.

Dirt Roamer pants are
packable and fully waterproof MTB-specific riding pants repel rain, snow, wet underbrush and frigid temps, while also breathing and stretching enough to keep you pedaling through the next storm.

Main features to highlight:

  • 3 L H2No® Performance Standard shell
  • 40-denier 100% recycled nylon
  • Heftier, abrasion-resistant nylon material reinforces key contact areas at the knees, seat and crotch
  • Zippered leg openings allow for pants to be pulled over shoes and pads
  • Two waterproof, zippered thigh pockets
  • Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
  • Main benefits compared to other models: H2No™ shell, 40-denier fabric, narrow legs, MTB-specific model, Abrasion-Resistant Reinforcement

Size Guide:

True to size and narrow legs. If you fall between two sizes, we recommend to take the bigger size, to be able to add extra layers under the pants for cooler weather conditions.

Our review:

The adjustable waist allows for easy wear in unexpected weather conditions. The zipper is protected, but the zipper itself is not waterproof. The zips on the pockets and legs are watertight. Good outdoor pants for cycling and basic use.

Patagonia Granite Crest rain pants

The 3-layer and fully PFC-free Granite Crest Rain Pants are ideal for all-day movement on the trail in wet conditions.

They're designed to be both high performance and responsibly made with NetPlus® 100% postconsumer recycled nylon ripstop with a PFC-free DWR finish. And, they meet Patagonia's H2No™ Performance Standard for waterproof/breathable protection.

Main features to highlight:

  • 3 L PFC-free H2No™ Performance Standard shell
  • 30-denier 100% postconsumer recycled nylon ripstop
  • Articulated knees for unrestricted mobility, and secure right-thigh pocket for easy access
  • Coated, watertight side zips extend from cuff to hip for easy pull-on over boots
  • Designed with a clean cuff and tie-down loops to enhance mobility and packability
  • Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
  • Main benefits compared to other models: PFC-free H2No™ Performance Standard shell, 30-denier fabric, watertight side zips

Size Guide:

True to size and more narrow legs than in Torrentshell. If you fall between two sizes, we recommend to take the bigger size, to be able to add extra layers under the pants for cooler weather conditions.

Our review:

The adjustable waist allows for easy wear in unexpected weather conditions. The side zippers are also waterproof.

Summary:

Patagonia Torrentshell Patagonia Dirtroamer Patagonia Granite Crest
Layers 3 L 3 L 3L
Material

H2No™ Performance Standard,
50 denier,
100% recycled nylon

H2No™ Performance Standard,
40 denier,
100% recycled nylon
PFC-free H2No™ Performance Standard shell, 30 denier, 100% postconsumer recycled nylon
Zippers External & internal strom flaps, ¾ length, two-way External Storm flap, watertight at the leg openings Coated, watertight side zips
Pockets Two side pockets
Two side zip pockets
Right-thigh pocket
Weight 301 g
295 g
244 g
Sustainability Fair Trade Certified™
bluesign® approved fabric
Fair Trade Certified™
Fair Trade Certified™
Price 150 € 290 € 220€


When choosing a suitable shell pants, we recommend considering the purpose of your use: whether you want a loose or a shaping fit, a wide range of adjustment options, pants for a year-round use or for a specific season.

We want to make it easy for you to find responsibly produced clothing so that you can choose high-quality, durable and environmentally friendly clothing. We will be happy to help you find the right product and the right size for your needs. If you have any questions, you can easily contact us in the chat or on social media. We will get back to you soon.

See all the shell pants available on Weekendbee