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An all conditions, bombproof, “mothership’ jacket that not only suits all mountain environments but sets the benchmark in PFC Free standards for hardshell jackets.
PROS
- Totally bombproof with a generous fit.
- Good chest pockets.
- Impeccable sustainability credentials.
CONS
- The main zip could be two way.
- Could do with some reflective flashings on the back.
Things are changing in the hardshell world, in 2024/25 the EU is looking to ban the use of PFA chemicals. We are all very used to seeing outdoor wear having PFC Free labelling and plenty of kit we have featured that is labelled as PFC Free. Hardshell membranes however have been more tricky and when you look closely it is usually the DWR on outerwear that it is labelled for.
Patagonia have been working with Gore to produce a PFC free Gore-Tex membrane that will conform to the new standards and further reduce the ‘forever chemicals’ that are often found in the kit we use – because let’s face it unless we are going totally plastic free with Millerain waxed cotton packs, tweed jackets, breeches and Ventile anoraks then we must rely on plastics to keep us warm, dry and safe in hostile conditions.
So, enter ePE membranes and a new 3 layer Gore-Tex designed in collaboration with Patagonia. As you would expect from a trailblazer company such as Patagonia the 3 layer Gore-Tex fabric is PFC free throughout and should set the benchmark for others to follow. On another note the proprietary H2No membrane (used for the Torrentshell jackets and others) with also be PFC free so we should start to see other brands following suit throughout 2023 as it will eventually become the new norm for fabrics and treatments. But let’s be in no doubt – all brands will have to conform to the new standard eventually.
The new ePE membrane worked as well as any Gore-Tex Pro, trying to pysche myself up for a very wet scramble!
The ePE stands for expanded Polyethylene, Gore are keeping the tech side of the material pretty close to thier chest – fair enough I say. In test, it has performed as well as any other Gore-Tex I have used such as Gore-Tex Active or Gore-Tex Pro being as breathable as a membraned layer can be but with the advanced that your carbon footprint will be lower as the material has an average 35% lower CO2 footprint than the current 3 layer Gore-Tex material. The entire jacket is PFC free – which is no mean feat and really sets the new standard.
OK, that’s the tech behind the material explained – what about the performance? That’s what we’re interested in right? Well, the Patagonia Triolet Jacket didn’t disappoint. Way back in 2017 I reviewed an Arc’teryx Alpha SV jacket – I would put the Triolet in the same category. An all- conditions ‘mothership’ style jacket that I’m heading out into foul weather and want to remain comfortable. It has all the features you’ll need for gnarly conditions: 3 layer Gore-Tex which feels tough and abrasion resistant; two, zipped hand warmer pockets with storm guards for the hike in; 2 large chest pockets, easily big enough to swallow gloves, maps, gloves and route descriptions (they’re not big enough to hold a laminated OS 1:25k map but plenty big enough for a BMC XT40 Mountain Map).
The generous chest pockets easily swallowed belay gloves with room for more.
Front pocket zips are YKK Aquaguard including the main front zipper and the hand warmer and pit zips are YKK Coil zips. All zips worked well and are easy to use with gloves on. The pit zips are two-way so no need to remember or fumble about with them.
It’s good to note that Patagonia offer a full and free repair service including zips in their Amsterdam rapier centre. You will need to pay for postage but other than that the repair is free, there are plans in the pipeline for a UK repair centre so keep your eyes peeled.
There is also a stretchy drop in pocket on the right hand inside which is very useful for keeping gloves dry and warm (I’ve found it useful for keeping a spare, dry pair of gloves handy on very wet days) and which will be great for popping gloves into while you are faffing around at belays (OK, maybe you’re not like me and are super smooth and pro at the belay!). Interior patches are laser cut and welded and the seams are micro sealed. It’s early days yet to see how robust the seams seals are, but they have held up so far. There is a chin guard and a laminated patch to help comfort at the back of the neck. So there are plenty of quality refinements, which is what you would expect from a premium Patagonia hardshell.
The fit is generous, the size Medium on test will be plenty big enough to layer up with whatever you want, including an insulated midlayer, such as a Nano Air or Nano Puff jacket. The shape fitted well with a climbing harness and doesn’t ruck or rise when moving and the arms have a hook and loop cuff adjuster. There is some further adjustment at the hem with dual sided cord closure. The hood is very generous and easily big enough for a climbing/skiing helmet. There is three-way adjustment with dual , easily accessible front cords and a rear adjuster with a covered garage. There is a stiffened peak with a wired brim and a RECCO reflector which is neatly concealed in the peak.
The generous fit and hood allows the Triolet jacket to layer up with fleeces and insulated jackets.
Final refinements include bar tacking in high stress areas and embroidered Patagonia logo and it supple and lightweight (514g) for a full Alpine jacket.
So, the Patagonia Triolet Jacket will be perfect for all your mountaineering adventures from winter hiking to ice climbing. The new collaboration with Gore-Tex has produced a material that performs as well as previous Gore-Tex materials with a much lower carbon footprint and fewer chemicals in the manufacture. As you would expect from Patagonia the responsibility credentials are second to none and you can wear and keep this jacket for as long as you can knowing that it’s Fair Trade certified and if it can be repaired, it will be in the new London Repair Centre which is yet another excellent collaboration with social impact companies United Repair Centre and Fashion-Enter. The website has a new product repair portal that can be accessed here.
If I have any suggestions for improvement it would be a two-way main zip and some reflective flashing for those dark morning starts.
The Patagonia Triolet Jacket comes in 5 colour options and sizes XS – XXL. There is a women’s versions in 4 colour ways and sizes XS – XXL.
The SRP is £390 and it can be purchased directly from Patagonia EU and specialist retailers.
Disclaimer – CGR reviewers and writers are never paid to provide a review and the website does not take advertising or link to affiliate sales. We are a bunch of keen climbers and travellers that accept sample products and offer an honest and independent review of the item.
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