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 Triolet

Triolet is suitable for even the most demanding outdoor enthusiast due to its durability and technical features.

Lightweight and packable, the Triolet shell pants are technical and multi-purpose outdoor pants with the Gore-Tex Performance Standard shell, which makes these pants very waterproof and breathable. On Weekendbee, Triolet shell pants are only available in women's model.

Main features to highlight:

• 3 L GORE-TEX Paclite® Plus shell, DWR finish
• 75-denier 100% recycled polyester fabric
• Full-length, waterproof, two-way zippers
• Two-snap closure and zip fly, belt loops and jacket-attachment loop, interior adjustable elastic tabs customize fit
• Double-cuff design has a durable scuff guard, a separating internal gaiter, gripper elastic and tie-down loops
• Hidden RECCO® reflector
• Fair Trade Certified™ and bluesign® approved fabric
• Price: 349.90 €
• Main benefits compared to other models: GORE-TEX shell, 75-denier fabric, the most versatile adjustment options and features for demanding use

Size Guide:

True to size. These shell pants have versatile adjustment options for a custom fit.  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.

Our assessment:

Excellent trousers with top features, that allow for versatile and easy use in different sports, in demanding conditions. Triolet shell pants are suitable for a year-round use. Built to thrive in cold, snowy conditions, so the pants do not rustle in the cold like many shell pants do. Full-length zippers make it easy to put on and take off, and to ventilate in demanding conditions.

Patagonia Calcite

Lightweight and durable four-season pants made of 100% recycled polyester.

Calcite pants are shaped, light and waterproof GORE-TEX shell pants, made of recycled polyester. Specially designed for hiking and climbing.

Main features to highlight:

• 2.5 L GORE-TEX Paclite® Plus shell, DWR finish
• 75-denier 100% recycled polyester fabric
• ¾-length, waterproof, two-way zippers
• Snap at the waist, snap-integrated buckle belt, shaped knee cuts
• Fair Trade Certified™
• Price: 200 €
• Main benefits compared to other models: GORE-TEX shell, 75-denier fabric, snap-integrated buckle belt

Size Guide:

True to size. The fit is slightly narrower. 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.

Our assessment:

Excellent and light pants for versatile outdoor activities in different weather conditions. The inside fabric is a skin-friendly texture, which makes the pants suitable to wear without layers.

See also the Calcite shell jacket for men and women.

Patagonia Rainshadow

Rainshadow pants are great value shell pants that fall between Calcite and Torrentshell in model and features. Made of 100% recycled nylon.

Rainshadow shell pants are waterproof, breathable and flexible thanks to the three-layer H2No ™ Performance Standard shell. Suitable for longer hikes as well as for daily outdoor use.

Main features to highlight:

• 3 L H2No® Performance Standard shell, DWR finish
• 30-denier 100% recycled nylon
• ¾-length, waterproof, two-way zippers
• Partially elasticized, separating waist secures with snap and zip fly; internal drawcord for a customized fit
• Fair Trade Certified™ and bluesign® approved fabric
• Price: 180 €
• Main benefits compared to other models: H2No ™ shell, 30-denier fabric, the lightest shell pants, one right-thigh pocket

Size Guide:

True to size. 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 assessment:

Rainshadow shell pants fall between Calcite and Torrentshell with the fit and the features. These highly functional and flexible pants are also the lightest shell pants in our Patagonia collection

See also the Rainshadow shell jacket for women.

Patagonia Torrentshell

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
• ¾-length, weatherproof, two-way zippers
• Elastic band and snap adjustment on the legs
• Fair Trade Certified™ and bluesign® approved fabric
• Price: 110 €
• Main benefits compared to other models: H2No® shell, 50-denier fabric, loose fit, storm flaps on zippers

Size Guide:

Short and Regular lengths available, see the Size Chart for exact measures. In the Regular fit model, the length of the inner seam is 5 cm longer than in the Short model. 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.

Our estimate:

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 jacketfor women and men.

Summary:

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