$20 Frogg Toggs Rain Jacket vs. $200 Patagonia Rain Jacket!
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- čas přidán 5. 06. 2024
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Can my cheapest rain jacket compete with my most expensive? In this video I pitted the insanely cheap and extremely popular Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Rain Jacket against the highly regarded (and very expensive) $200 Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket! I took both jackets out on a cold, wet, rainy day hike to find out why there is such a HUGE price difference between these two beloved rain layers. Can the $20 Frogg Toggs outperform the $200 Patagonia? Which rain jacket is right for you? Watch the video to see… 😉
Intro: 00:00
Why compare these rain jackets: 0:16
Hiking in the Patagonia Torrentshell: 0:45
Why I love LMNT electrolyte drink mix: 3:19
Hiking in the Patagonia Torrentshell (con't): 4:09
Hiking in the Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite: 4:40
Which rain jacket is best for you: 9:23
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Gear in this video -
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L: bit.ly/3AoWV44
Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket:
Women’s: bit.ly/41uMRT3
Women’s Plus: bit.ly/3mYOUjo
Men’s: bit.ly/3mUcNZr
The North Face Venture Jacket:
Women’s: bit.ly/3At1xWR
Men’s: bit.ly/3AkqEuW
REI Rainier Rain Jacket:
Women’s:
Women’s Plus: bit.ly/3ozVEVt
Men’s: bit.ly/3H93XxL
Frogg Toggs Ultra-lite2 Rain Jacket*
amzn.to/3NoSG0r
*currently, only the men’s ultra-lite2 is available. I guess neon pink is popular?!
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The Miranda Goes Outside crew:
Director and Producer: Rainer Golden
Videographer and Editor: Abby Hagan
Videographer and Editor: Chelsea Newton
Videographer and Editor: Kyle Roof
Dog: Tucker
This video was edited by Doug Linstedt and filmed by Rainer Golden!
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#rainjacket #rain #patagonia #froggtoggs #backpacking #hiking #camping #naturelovers #mirandagoesoutside #mirandainthewild
One thing we didn’t touch on in this video: the environmental impact of each jacket. For many years, companies have used long-chain fluorocarbon-based treatments for DWR. While super effective and highly durable, the by-product of this type of DWR is toxic and persists in the environment. Companies like Patagonia have been searching for alternatives, but as of yet the best bet is a slightly altered version of this treatment that’s more environmentally friendly, though far from perfect.
The alternative to DWR would be a non-woven jacket like the Frogg Toggs - but non-woven materials are WAY less durable than woven, and so the entire jacket winds up in the landfill far sooner. Also not environmentally friendly.
If this has you feeling bummed out, don’t be. Outdoor companies are investing heavily in research into better DWR treatments. In the meantime, just care for your gear and patch it as needed - regardless of which jacket you buy.
Fjallraven leads the pack in this regard.
Wouldn't another reason for the price difference be Patagonia's commitment to fair trade labor practices causing a significant increase off the price to manufacture? A major plus, in my opinion!
please do not buy new waterproof clothing from patagonia, if anything, look for a used one or get stuff from companies that do not use 'forever chemicals' (PFCs) which are cancerogenic
I have an old Frogg Toggs ultralite with lots of duct tape on it. It's still usable.
@@elizabethdodson8691 That might be a factor, but I think the brand name is really the issue... If Patagonia sold air there'd be a least a 40% markup over other _air sellers._
I prefer the Frogg Toggs because I like to say “frogg toggs”.
You’re fired.
@@MirandaGoesOutside Alright, well... guess I gotta go beg MrBeast for a job now.
😂 I love that!! Frogg Toggs Frogg Toggs Frogg Toggs!😀 You're right, it IS fun!!
🐸 Toggs !!!!!!
I think it is worth mentioning the Patagonia warranty. I had a 10yr old Patagonia rain coat that started to delaminate after very light use - I live in San Diego. That jacket lost its ability to repel water so I ordered an on sale Columbia jacket for around $20. The Columbia jacket kept the rain off but it felt like wearing a trash bag. Fabric was not breathable and it did not have the pit zips - it did have wrist velcros and pockets... so maybe a better choice than the Frogg Toggs. But then, on a whim, I reached out to Patagonia, who gave me a $200ish credit for my old jacket. They apologized for the failure of their product (even though it was over 10 years old), and I got an new Patagonia rain jacket. Put that thing to good use over the 2022/2023 San Diego record wet winter and I can absolutely say that it is worth the money! This falls into the buy it for life category for me and it is infinitely more comfortable doing things like taking the pup for a walk on those rainy days! Environmental impact aside, a breathable rain jacket is a real quality of life improvement. Here's to hoping the future leads to more environmentally conscious breathable waterproof fabrics.
Nice I’m from inland empire and was finally going to cough up spending on a jacket especially now that we in June jackets go on sale
Own the Patagonia. Buy once, cry once, absolutely applies. It’s expensive; but, it’s good, so far best I’ve owned. I’m 67 yo.
I was gonna call BS on the "light use" until I saw you copped that you went through the Amazonian rainforest conditions of San Diego this year. Seattle has NOTHIN on us. I just argued above that this was a great company and not like the NIKE's out there. You just put the nail in the coffin on that one. That makes you a customer for life...good on them.
I had a similar, but negative experience with Patagonia warranty on their toreent shell H2No jacket that delaminated.
After the fabric wouldn't hold the water and weird stains appeared on the inside, I contacted Patagonia and they've acknowledged the known delamination issue. Instead of offering me a new jacket, they asked for the copy of original receipt. That was unexpected, and after I couldn't find it, they offered me a gift certificate in the lowest amount that this jacket was ever sold (probably at the end of the season) - $68.
That certificate was only goid at their stores. The only decent thing I was able to buy with that amount, after adding $10 of my own money is a himing shirt(which I love btw).
Needless to say, I never bought another Patagonia item and switched to Arc'teryx whose warranty and support has been awesome.
I just got a brand new Slate Sky in Wavy blue in a medium.. I had a five year old Rainshadow I got in large and was always to big. They actually send me a label to return my Rainshadow. Upon receipt they were like pick any other rain jacket $200 or less and we got you.
I seriously paid nothing. $200 for two professional jackets. The customer service was amazing, better than Apple. Just buy Patagonia with one caveat. They make clothing for lanky people like the girl here in the video (she’s not exactly lanky) I am however. Amy cousin who’s kinda bigger seems to not dig Patagonia and I think it’s the slimmer/trimmer fit.
Columbia makes great cheaper rain year if you’re a big dude. The watertight II is great for light rain. Anyways.
Pit zips are so underrated! Idaho is beautiful. We miss the Miranda bloopers at the end of your videos! I love my basic Marmot Precip. Maybe a follow-up video on how to care for your rain jacket (or waterproof gear)? Specific washes to use, causes for delamination, etc. Nothing worse than pulling your rain jacket out of the closet and have it literally be falling apart and flaking. Great video Miranda and Team!
I love my Marmot which was $90.
Thirding the excellence of the Precip. I'm fat and my Precip Eco is a 2X, but it only weighs 8.7oz, so the difference between that and the Frogg Toggs is ridiculously minimal.
Marmot precip is a great middle ground. It’s packable (light), has full features (hood stuffs into collar, pit zips, adjustable sleeves and hood, etc), waterproof, and inexpensive. You can usually find these of clearance somewhere for about $60.
none of these jackets breath well enough to prevent condensation. i run a 800$ gortex arcterx jacket and that struggles to keep up for all our clients, not just myself. it's a fact of life that if you're blocking water in, you're blocking it out. if it doesn't happen soon then you're slacking too much, or the temp differential isn't great, etc etc. Not to mention the obvious, that if a jacket is 50% covered by beading/running water at any point in time (which it tends to be if it's raining!), did you think your sweat vapour was gonna pass through that 50% layer of water? Like bubbles going up? Maybe some small fish in there? lol. Nope, it backs up and you're equivalent to a plastic bag. Pit zips are good why? because they understand perfectly well the "water no in = water no out" fact of life. They say "We Need to exist.... but where shall we go so that we cause the least of trouble?". Every jacket should have them. It is kind of hilarious that in 2024 you have to look around for them in $100 jackets. It's kind of like a spoon still not having figured out that it needs to curve inward a bit, not just be flat. Next: there is a secret that not many know, and it is the ultimate way to achieve breath-ability AND complete bone-dryness, endlessly. It's counter intuitive but standard procedure on all our expeditions in northern Canada. Buy 2 jackets. First, the lightest, slimmest, Most breath-able possible that exists, while still being a rainjacket. We're talking climbing jackets here folks. We're talking kleenex light jackets. Like Marmot minimalist and others. We're talking the ULTRA breathers, which naturally corresponds with lightness and thin-ness. And you buy any proper bulky jacket by PAT, NF, MARMOT, REI, whoever. Just get the proper rain jacket you probably have already, and OVER size it. my friends, you ain't seen NOTHING for breathability and dryness, till you rig up that system. Gortex is Gorgone. But most people don't do it because 1, money and 2, its counter intuitive. Oh and, if you want breathability that is SO extreme you can't believe this is reality, even when you're working the hardest in the coldest soaking wet conditions, you simply put a thin fleece or mid-weight baselayer OVER the inner jacket. What you have done there is created an air space between jackets uniformly everywhere. This air space PREVENTS the jackets from touching in ANY place = you don't lose the fact that there are places where your first layer is ULTRA breathable. and stay warm on top of it. The same concept is used in tents, with fly separate from body (not 1 piece body). And there is no weight issue from this system because the inner jacket is nothing for weight. Also, you might even save weight, because a windbreaker need not be taken, since the inner layer VERY closely serves as one (not exactly, but very closely). As for delamination, it happens with sweat/body odours clogging up pores and typicaly happens where skin is touching material, rubbing into it, like back of neck (sometimes elbows). part of reality my friend. There is a fix but these joke companies like PAT never include it because they want you coming back for replacement. You fasten a very thin sheet of soft material, like an thin fleece patch. Fasten that patch of that area of the jacket. You see, the problem is caused by RAPID injection of water vapour into material, and oils (which happens when your skin is pushing into it) and that fleece patch slows (essentially terminates) that effect. Also, dirt (essentially tiny abrasive rocks... think sand.. but think smaller than sand, still abrasive) literally tears the stuff during rubbing skin against it. Also, bug spray and such obliterates the jacket, so fast you can see results before finishing lunch. And bug spray often is placed at back of neck etc. We go through one of those jackets every 2 month period per client in our outdoor ed program (non expedition). We see them as disposables. Almost like plastic bags. Yes I am talking about Marmot precip, Pat, NF, Rab, all these jokesters cooking up the same jacket. This is precisely why we needed to think up our own ways to stay dry (and breath-able), instead of relying on these joke companies to do it for us with 1 single jacket, a jacket rigged up so that customers ave to return to buy again. Only when you pay $500 and upward do you get to jackets that rig down (subtract features/designs causing future spends, or add them to prevent such spends), but again, even they fail on trip. Oh and by the way, it still remains true that the most ultimate waterproof breather is a poncho for the simple fact that you can Flip it up and release all the vapour in 1 second. Ultra lite hikers discovered this because they're set on the lightest by nature of what they do. The trouble is, though, that ponchos are not durable, don't have features like pockets, or stiff hoods. They're supreme for the breathability aspect (in conjunction with flips) but they fail in every other regard. And that makes them a deal breaker. Finally, if all you're doing is casually paddling or sitting around or walking on a flat trail at chill pace, ANYTHING will do. Might as well get the ultimate in waterproofness (solid, no pores, nothing), because your evap-rate is too slow to backfire. On top of this you'll stay warm and toasty due to your heat literally bubble-suspended around your body. All these jackets what they are doing is trying to deal with the back-fire issue. Think about what you really need. What your case really involves.
@@LisaBlooper Bro! Take a breather!😂😂
A couple things I use in addition to a nice rain jacket is unlined non-insulating rain mitts (if it's cold and my gloves are in danger of soaking through), with or without insulating gloves under them, and a billed cap for keeping rain off my glasses. When it's warmer, I find the hood acts like a sweat box, and I get much better ventilation if I keep the hood down and put on a rain hat instead. Yes, that is extra pieces of gear but they do make the rain hiking experience far less miserable for me, and I recommend everyone give them a shot if they can.
Plus one for using a hat in the rain! I pretty much always hike with a hat anyway, so it’s not any extra weight for me anyway. Even with it being a goretex hat, I’ve never had any times where it’s been too hot to wear.
(if) you can get them, the salomon bonatti flip mitts are amazing.
Thanks for the deal on LMNT. I’ve been wanting to try it but didn’t want a full box of an untried flavor. This is perfect!
Great video (as usual)! Many thanks to Miranda and all the crew!
Thanks for the great video with your honest feed back on both jackets. I came across this video at the exact right time as my wife and I have been trying to upgrade or hiking gear and we have had a VERY wet spring and summer this year. We don't let rain stop us from enjoying the beauty of the outdoors, but we would like to be as comfortable as possible when we are out hiking.
'Some of the worst hiking weather that you can possibly experience'- Cuts to literally every hike I've had the UK xD . If you wanna test out your rain gear, get yourself to Wales, rain is almost as garunteed as daylight!
I bought the Torrentshell last year after doing a ton of research, wanting to get a good, durable rain jacket that would work for daily life and outdoor adventures. It was only around $150 when I bought it so a bit less expensive and so far I have loved it! A great feature that Miranda didn’t mention is it zips into its own pocket for easy storage!
The Rainshadow was a slightly better version that stretched and looked better but for some reason they quit making them. They were only like $20 more.
I was fortunate enough to get a Patagonia Torrent Shell Jacket at a Seattle Goodwill for $30. I love this comparison.
Great review! I have the Columbia Women's Arcadia II and I love it. I have two (having bought a too large size but still use it for rainy dog walks and guests in need). Works so well, I tried a few others that did not work nearly as well. Looking forward to more gear reviews.
I’ve been using frog togs for 5 years in Colorado summer camping. I just bought my third set a couple of weeks ago, I’m getting two seasons out of them. I’ll buy 8 of them before I get to the Patagonia price.. couple tips: get the larger size, yes they do rip easily. Get a set for your kids and keep them on even after rain stops, they inevitably will sit on wet ground and soak their pants even once the rain stops. The pants are invaluable, they’re well worth it!
I have used the Frogg Togg poncho for years. Also I survived a hurricane with it and used it as a slight extra insulation during a snow storm. It does require some gentle care. As a side I also had a high end rain jacket. So my conclusion is to get both. The light weight for ul backpacking and the other one for no worries backpacking.
Always entertaining. Thanks for the fun, educational video.
Thanks for the video, Miranda! So happy Tammy and I got to meet you Thursday at Halcyon, best of luck in the future!
I have both a Frog Toggs and a high end rain jacket; love them both. Which one goes depends on forecast. Frog Toggs biggest shortcoming is lack of ventilation. However, don't sell the water proofing short as I have tested mine in shower and stayed totally dry.
I've known Frogg Togg to run large because it was to be more accommodating to more bulkier clothing, under the shell. This worked well for me when riding a motor cycle with thicker, more-protective clothing.
Love this kind of review. You can own this platform. Keep it up! Thanks
I love the torrentshell! I’ve worn it skiing and stayed super warm, I’ve worn it during downpours and stayed totally dry, and I’ve worn it rowing out in the rain and the pit zips helped me keep from overheating! It’s definitely expensive, but my parents got it for me as a Christmas gift which was awesome
I have the Torrentshell and that thing kept me completely dry while walking around a few waterfalls in Iceland! It’s a great jacket!
The newer 3-layer model of the Torrentshell is one of the most durable and by far the best under $200 rain gear around for men women and children
I actually just got the Torrentshell in November! I haven't spent a long time out in it but I have been out fairly briefly in very heavy rain and I stayed nice and dry without the sweaty dampness I get from my Gore-Tex jacket. My family and I have also had Frogg Togg rain suits for many years! They mostly live in our camping kit so they're always handy, but we also take them on hikes because they're lightweight and wonderfully effective. We've had the same suits for multiple years and its true they do have some small tears, but they're ungodly ugly anyway so that doesn't matter much - most of our holes are in spots where the rain doesnt cause much issue. We have like XL or 2XL and they're massively oversized so I haven't had the shallow hood issue; if anything the hood is always falling over your face. We cut the bottoms off of the pants too. All that is to say, Frogg Toggs aren't pretty, but they're fantastic for what they are - cheap, effective, and truly waterproof - but of course there are downsides to anything so cheap!
I recently bought the torrent shell after hiking with a cheaper rain jacket for years. My first hike with the torrent shell I discovered what it feels like to be dry. 😂 I'm also in the PNW with its 6 months of rain.
Awesome video! Would have loved to see a middle of the road jacket tested along with these. Although I'm glad you mentioned some in the video as that's really helpful. I ended up going with a small cottage company for my rain jacket. I wanted something lightweight and didn't want a DWR coating to maintain. Plus I didn't want to spend $200. I landed on a LightHeart Gear rain jacket. It's got a nice hood with cinch, Velcro wrist closures, huge pit zips and pockets. Plus it only weighs about 6oz and and cost me $125. Without being breathable it can get warm in hot weather, but those huge pit zips really help. As for durability... I've been unfortunate enough to crash my bicycle in the rain and slid more than a few feet down the sidewalk and to my surprise, the jacket only ended up with a very small hole literally burned through it from the friction of being between my body and the pavement. I'd say that's pretty darn good.
These gear testing videos are awesome! Not going to lie, I have the Arc'terix rain jacket and it's amazing! But I also really like the old REI eVent jacket (which they don't have anymore).
Always love to see a Miranda video!
Worth checking out the frogg toggs Xtreme lite jacket. More durable, better featured like pockets and peaked hood and better fitting as well as lighter than the usual one but with all the same benefits. If it had pit zips it would be pretty much perfect.
Thanks for this review. Very helpful!
I love my Eddie Bauer Cloud Cap. Packs into it's own pocket, lightweight, and great in rain.
I'm still wearing my Early Winters GoreTex shell from 198X. I just touch it up with DWR every Fall. Wear it skiing, climbing, hiking, winter backpacking. Summertime rainwear is a poncho, also used as a tarp to sleep under, it's more effective in PNW non-winter weather.
You should do more of these educational comparisons that highlight important gear differences; I dig it.
Its not an educational comparison, its a commercial for Patagonia. She didnt even order the right size Frogg then complained it was too small...
I thought I was subbed to you already, so happy this came up on my homepage
i've had several frogg toggs. the build quality is highly inconsistent but, i've found the heavier ones tend toward better . i had an ultra light set that came apart at the seams coming out of the package
Miranda .. you are a breath of fresh air for your generation. I am impressed you have found your niche in the world which shares your love for the outdoors. The positively joyous presentation of your material is endearing. People in so many different ways can be a voice of their generation .. and you are someone not only who I follow, but also my daughter and granddaughter.
I have the frogg togg xtreme lite and I find it to be a pretty good middle road for a budget rain jacket. It usually costs around $50, but you get something more durable and light weight, and it has pockets which one of them acts as a stuff pocket. Mine hasn't gone through a full season of hiking/backpacking, but I am finding it to be a nice addition to my layering system, despite there being the same issue with breathability as the cheaper model.
I just made a similar change from Frogg Toggs to a Stio Ender PACLITE jacket with similar features and price (on sale). I look forward to a successful trial run soon in the Spring Idaho weather. Thanks for this video. Patagonia has become my go-to source because of their environmental awareness.
I have a AUD$600 Macpac rain jacket. I put it through its paces in New Zealand in February and it did not disappoint. I LOVE IT and truly believe it was worth every cent. It rained on and off the whole 2 weeks we were there but were still able to do all of the hikes we had planned. It even held out -4degC winds!
As you say, I always carry the Frogg Toggs rain jacket at the bottom if my packs as emergency gear when rain is unlikely or insignificant. It’s light, compacts well, and is cheap. I save my higher quality jackets - heavier and bulkier - for hikes and backpacks where rain and snow are likely to be serious.
That has worked well for my 50 years of hiking and backpacking, although years ago I carried a cheap poncho for situations where my Frogg Toggs now suffices.
In terms of lasting for years: I bought my Torrentshell in 2016, and worn it lots. I've washed and renewed the DWR a handful of times, but otherwise no issues whatsoever. it's great.
How do you renew the DWR? Because I have a rain jacket from The North Face that used to be really great, but now it isn't waterproof at all anymore.
@@peaksandpaws wash the jacket with soap flakes (or Nikwax Tech Wash), rinse, then wash it again with Nikwax TX Direct.
I'll say to mind your expectations though. It'll never be as good as it was from the factory now. Say what you like about PFCs (they're really bad, no doubt), but modern DWRs just aren't as good.
@@Jedwoods Great! Thank you so much. I'll look into that stuff.
I've been looking at the patagonia for years but couldn't decide if it was worth it... this video is super helpful! I've loved my REI Rainier jacket for the past 5 or so years - it's a similar shape and features of the patagonia. I'll probably upgrade to the patagonia one after my REI one lived its' life.
I got the torrent shell and love it!
I got my marmot jacket a few years ago for a trip to Costa Rica and have gotten tons of use out of it and will wear it for years. Just used it for a 5k run in iffy weather.Highly recommend.
The regular Frogg Toggs is the way to go in my opinion. I have the OR Helium that I always take backpacking and will always take until it fails one day. I just spent so much on the OR I'm taking it. It does pack down a lot smaller than the Toggs but I keep it on the outside of the pack anyway so size doesn't matter. If you don't have the money to blow just buy the Frogg Toggs. Many through hikers have backpacked an entire through hikes with it, with a few patch jobs but still.
I’ve had my OR Helium for seven years now and it’s the best I’ve had hands down. When it fails I’ll probably try to buy another of the same one 😅
OR Helium (and Outdoor Research products in general) beats Patagonia in all ways. But one thing that is especially important for me - it's quiet. Torentshell and Precip were both driving me crazy because of how squicky and loud are they
Thanks for the middle ground suggestion at the end :)
Awesome vid. Clearly shows benefits of hard shells over rain jackets
I have both the REI Rainier and the Marmot Precip. They work great for western Oregon weather and pack down small enough to toss in any bag, including my fishing kit, and I spent less than $75 for each.
Headed to Alaska, researching outerwear for rain. Frogg Toggs are on my list but this video makes me rethink it, I definitely love me some pockets!! May have time to add some in, as I’m a pretty good seamstress.
If I could find warmth plus rainproof with pockets, even better for evening when not hiking.
I bought the Frogg Togg jacket as my first purchase of rain gear a few years ago. I quickly found out I didn't like it for any sort of outdoor activities where I'm actually moving around or doing stuff. I think its more suited for very short term use or maybe like at a ballgame or something.
This is super helpful!! Thanks for taking one for the team and being so specific!! Looked like a very fun hike. I'm gonna come up with the budget for the more expensive option! Cause that's too many cons for Frog Togg.🌿Now I'm wishing you'd review other raincoats too. Been looking for best ultralight or reasonably light ones. But some of them I hear good things then see they no longer sell them. Sounds like there is a good one by a North Carolina company called I forget I think Lightheart or Lightfoot.
This was a great video Miranda et al. Love this type of field comparison and such. Also I like how you went in depth into everything.
Very similar to Tolarian college testing of materials!
I miss the Miranda bloopers at the end too! I have a frog toggs jacket and pants that I’ve had for a few years and they work pretty well. It’s a men’s jacket that’s a bit oversized so the hood and sleeves cover everything. The thing I don’t love about frogg toggs is the massive amount of space they take up in your pack. They do not pack down small but they have kept me dry so far. And I like that you don’t get sweat underneath the jacket like you do in other rain jackets.
I'm seeing a number of requests in the comments for the bloopers at the end to return! Okay - we can make that happen. 😊
Thanks for the honest review. I've seen so many testimonials concentrating on the weight, over comfort and utility.
For a humble suggestion, try a Buffalo-Systems Mountain Shirt next to skin. No underlayers. Made in Sheffield England, its a windshirt and pile fleece combined and essentially acts as a wetsuit in wet weather.
"They're hiking in underwear with half a toothbrush"
LMAO!
Good review. You hit on the key point - which is application. In AZ where I live and spend a lot of time outdoors, I just have no use for something like the Patagonia. The rain is typ[ically short and sporadic with the exception of the monsoon. Then warmth is not really an issue - it's plenty hot, but keeping dry through the storm until the evening when it all stops until the next afternoon. WHen it gets cold, then you need different gear altogether.
I think a better comparison of the two would be to use the Frogg Togg most comparable to the Patagonia. I'd venture to guess you'd still see a big difference in price and yet regardless of the outcome the information may be more valuable to the more budget minded consumers.
yeah they have a few different lines of jackets. I forget which one I got, but it had pockets, and it lasted for years before it wore out. It proved itself more waterproof and longer lasting than gore-tex jackets I've owned. They are loud, stiff and uncomfortable, those are the main downsides.
My go to waterproof jacket is the Paramo Alta. Its warmer and heavier, but if you have to rely on something working its always the one I go for.
Torrentshell is a jacket that I could recommend if you only want one that works in most occasions and holds up for years.
I really like my torrentshell for downpours, icy rain and wet snowfall. It is my go-to for worst weather. And pit zips are awesome.
But, if the weather is milder and not much chance of hours of rain or snowstorms, a lighter jacket like frogg togs would be nicer to carry around "just in case".
I keep a Storm Racer in my pack, it’s very light, very trustworthy. It’s my usual very cold & rainy/snowy running shell, but it stays with me for emergencies. If I’m leaving home on a rainy day it’s my 3L Rainshadow, which still looks & performs like new after a few years. The bit of stretch & aqua guard zips add comfort and value. Upgrading all shells to 3L w PFC free DWR & 100% recycled shell fabric was a great move Patagonia made. A 3L shell lasts so much longer & feels less sticky/plasticy on bare skin in warmer temps. Pit zips are a must, if you’re wet inside from sweat it defeats the purpose. The Storm Racer has a whole chest ventilation panel w the double zip config, so it’s my usual “fast n feather light” hiking & scrambling shell as well. If either takes significant damage I’ll just send them back for repair. If you send something back several times staying true to keeping it out of the landfill they’ll likely offer a replacement for the current version or it’s equal, & recycle the old one. The performance, durability & warranty justify the price. The SR was sent to me as a tester, but if I had paid the $270 MSRP it would’ve been worth the investment, especially since I don’t just run in it.
The Torrentshell’s 3L upgrade made it more of a legit shell, not just a rain jacket, so it can take quite a bit more than many will take it for. The overall durability & versatility’s been enhanced. And again, if you get a bit overzealous with it they’ll happily repair or replace & recycle.
the pato is the best purchase ever, not only for hiking but everyday. Here in melbourne we have four seasons in one day and it just works. I've have mine for 3 years and it looks brand new still. Highly highly recommend
Had to hit like as soon that "This is my show gosh darn" came up 😂
Thanks for the detailed video though. helpful
Nice. I have both. I love the Patagonia. Love the pit zips and fit is great on me. The Torrentshell 3L goes on sale often and I was able to pick one up for $104 at REI. The Frogg Toggs was a great first rain kit. Really light and effective but poofy and no pockets.
you put me on to the black diamond stormline strech in a previous video! its a fantastic rain jacket so far! taken it out in a real downpour and i stayed super dry (well at least my top half because my pants werent waterproof)
the barbie pink color is my favorite and I need more outdoor companies to make more stuff in pink.
Love my Marmot Precip. Pit zips are a dealbreaker in warmer weather. I will stick my arms out of them creating like a waterproof vest. It looks silly but it's cooling. Also internal and external pockets, adjustable hood and cuffs, packs into its own pocket. Fantastic for the price, especially during a marmot sale.
Ya i took mines to Taiwan, which can be hot, and rain all sudden, and or if you go hike the mountains.😃 It's also decently light and packable
I'm not a hiker or backpacker, but I do ride an ebike to get around all year round in every kind of weather in western NY. Having used some very nice membrane-based rain shells, these days I've mostly gone old-school: Waxed cotton. My experience with membrane-based shells is that after a few years the DWR has worn off and the membrane has degraded and no matter what you do to them they never work as well after that point. Plus I've had wet backpack straps force water back through the membrane.
A decent waxed cotton jacket, though, you can reproof over and over and over, and each time it will protect you just as well as new, and you can keep doing it until the fabric disintegrates. The down sides are that it is on the heavier side, it's warm for summer wear, and it doesn't breath super well (though a light fabric lining does a decent job preventing condensation).
I have both! I absolutely love my Patagonia Torrentshell but also have a couple of Frogg Toggs for emergency inclement weather but honestly I really don't care for the feel of the FT's.
Frog toggs isn’t bad. I used mine for a few months and used it as a splash top in April last year while kayaking on the rogue river for four days-it did keep me almost completely dry. You do have to re-treat it VERY often though-I pretty much had to re-treat the DWR after every use. I invested in a goretex jacket by Rapha and I’ve had it for about seven months now and it hasn’t wet out yet even in the PNW rainforests. Invest in goretex while it’s on sale. I wish it had pit zips though since I get very sweaty.
I have the Torrentshell and l’m verry happy with it!
Great video! The Patagonia also has a lifetime warranty, big value add!
That Patagonia jacket is awesome I have a marmont jacket Gore-Tex pretty much just like that
I think both answers are correct.... within obvious limits..... I have a set of Frogg Toggs in the saddle bag of my motorcycle just in case i get caught out in the rain, It's cheap, folds up small, lightweight and effective, but investing in something more substantial like the Patagonia is better in the long run for durability. I guess it depends on your circumstances (cheap and light, short term vs expensive, better protection and long term). Good video Miranda!
I'm really liking the Mountain Hardwear Goretex Paclite shell, it's ridiculously light and disappears in my pack until I need it. The fact that it packs down so small means I don't really have to worry about it taking up a lot of space in my small motorcycle bag, and can easily go on top of my protective jacket when rain inevitably comes on one of my Oregon country rides.
I use this one too for riding a bicycle to and from work. I think it is the “Exposure 2” by MHW but is also the GoreTex PacLite material. Super easy to bring with you every day everywhere.
Scottish weather means we walk in a lot of rain, and sometimes in sleet (that soft, sticky, drenching near-snow). My favourite waterproof for horrible weather is a child size black, mesh-lined, 4000 hydrostatic head thing I bought second hand. It is not very breathable or lightweight but it is reliable. I've found a more expensive, more breathable version soaked through in heavy rain in our lovely British weather. I've just invested in a lined, heavy OEX raincoat which is more breathable but seems to stay waterproof and which has pit zips.
First thing: Love this video! I own the a Patagonia Torrent Shell and even though it is expensive, I live in the PNW and use it all the time. I don't think I could do a rain jacket without pit zips moving forward.
Second thing: Miranda, if you have or are vomiting that color of pink without eating something that pink, please seek medical attention! lol
Bought my Torrentshell last Spring ... I love it all the time
I have a black diamond liquid point shell that I got on sale last year ($150) to replace the one I got as a birthday present in middle school (10+ years ago😂). I still wear the old one but replaced because the permanent mud and dinge looked kind of gross and it wetted out after 2 hours in heavy rain.
Goretex but has enormous vents in the armpits for the sweaty people out there.
Love finding things that work great for less $$!
Would have loved to see you compare patagonia or frogg toggs to a zpacks or lightheart gear rain jacket, which are more cottage ultralight companies to compare durability because they would have been a similar price point to patagonia.
Frogged tog is good for most folks, unless you're going through heavy briars it will hold up fine, packs well too. Not really windproof, keep that in mind.
I love my Mammut Wenaha, but I don't think they are sold any longer! The stiff visor is a MUST. I hiked two days of the Camino in a crappy rain jacket with no visor and had to look down most of the time, which hurt my neck. Huge must for me with a rain jacket!
Love my torrentshell and matching rain pants that come in a short length! I much prefer to buy quality once, and it feels like it's gonna keep my dry for a lot of years :)
I’ve never tried Frog Toggs, but I had a Patagonia rain jacket and it was great for standing around in the bad weather for about three years. First it was always too hot for me, so I’d pretty much always have the pit zips open, and I’d get pretty sweaty, then the DWR wore off and it would wet through quickly, (I reapplied it, with Nikwax, but that didn’t last a ton of time) then the layers came delaminated and started flaking off and the inner laminated layers also wore off in high-friction zones, like my neck line and the cuffs. I felt like I could never wear it accept for standing around in foul weather because it was so hot. It was a fine jacket but I didn’t replace it with another Patagonia.
I have an REI rain jacket that is 24 years old and still works great. The middle layer of extruded Teflon (Gortex) breathes water vapor out and keeps liquid water out. I live in Arizona, so we don't get rain every day, but torrential downpours are the occasional possibility. This jacket predates DWR, of which I'm glad, and don't understand the need for DWR if the middle layer is already waterproof. Also, DWR breaks down over a number of years and becomes a disgusting sticky surface. You can scrub it off with a detergent solution, but I'd rather not have it in the first place. So I'm happy with my old Gortex jacket which comes down to just above the knees and has extra long sleeves, hood, chin guard, vent holes with velcro to open or close, and several pockets inside and out. That being said, I ALWAYS have a $3 rain poncho in my hiking pack, and will use that for the lighter rains.
My raingear is a poncho! Its a €45ish from decathlon, i like that it sits over my pack and is longer for my legs as well, and flappy enough for ventilation + I use it as a groundsheet under my tarp :) the hood is definitely not perfect, but i pair it with my sun cap. Wearing a suncap in the rain is a trick i picked up as a delivery driver, can definitely recommend it! Most people already carry or have one anyways, and its also awesome to drape a bugnet over in more 'buggy' areas
Great video! Just as the point you made at the end of the video with the Frogg Toggs being meant more as an emergency rain shell and the Patagonia being the more reliable rain jacket, it's why I have two rain jackets. I got something more durable than the Frogg Toggs and use the Outdoor Research Helium as my ultralight rain shell for backpacking and day hikes, and use my Patagonia Calcite, very similar in features to the Torrentshell, as my everyday rain jacket.
What do you like better about the Rainshadow than the torrent shell reviewed here?
I just edited my comment as realized it's actually the Patagonia Calcite Jacket, which is a GORE-TEX shell, that I have. not the Rainshadow. I recall part of the reason I went with it over the Torrentshell was because it also had a chest pocket which is really nice to have on a everyday jacket. I'm also in the PNW and it's held up really well to the frequent rain here.
@@rockjays7926 sweet! I’ll likely buy one of those. I’m in San Diego but have friends in PNW and wanted to buy one that’d be good for PNW. Which is the most breathable of the ones you own for jogging in rain?
I still have my Helly Hanson bought 15 years ago and it is still going good..... just 😊
I live in Scotland...so rain 🌧️
My only complaint about my Torrentshell is that after I wore it for several weeks while working on a boat (in saltwater) the zipper has some surface corrosion. It still works fine, but it looks and feels a bit gritty. Apart from that I love it. Probably time for me to give it a gentle cleanse and renewal, though.
I love my rei Rainier! Maybe one day I’ll spring for the Pada-Gucci price point, but for now, I’m happy with my rain layer 😊
I just tried the Frogg Xtreme Lite (mens). I has more feature like zip pockets, but the one thing I can't get over is that it smells like a tent. It also has a fire melt warning, and an "oils will damage this" warning. idk, if you were looking for an occasional use thing to wear to a concert, or leave in your camper for emergencies or something, maybe. I can't imagine running errands in it, or why I would want it just for camping if it's not fire-pit safe. I don't like my Eddie Bauer version, but at least I can duck into a grocery store without smelling like a coleman tent.
I bought a rain jacket at primark out of emergency, and it got the little visor and pockets on it. I am definitely sure it’s not as breathable as Patagonia.
Perhaps in the future I will buy my dream Patagonia rain jacket;)
Thanks for the review ! Safe travels
$200 is not really that expensive for a good rain jacket. $500+ now that's expensive! But Patagonia do make some nice gear. And the $100 price range just doesn't keep me dry for long, an hour maybe at most.
I have a Froggy Toggs rain coat l bought at least 15 years ago and it has pockets and a slightly extended hood . I guess they're cutting cost these days but it's still in fine condition. As infrequently as l need it I think it's the better deal .
I didn’t know you had your own channel. Very good yes. Very nice.
I look at the Frogg Toggs as something to use when going ultra light. When I want to keep my base weight under 10 lbs. you don't get better until you get some of those experimental materials that cost over $300 for the jacket. Mine has done well in the rain and does pretty good as a wind breaker. I wouldn't use it for a rugged hike, or a survival situation.
MontBell Versalite...best rain jacket I have ever used. I find the 3 layer jackets to be far too warm and heavy in all but the coldest of conditions.
I waited until Miranda finally sharing an affiliate link for LMNT to order lol. Yay!
I have a Frogg Toggs poncho I have for just short trips with chances for rain. It is waterproof, but it is thin and weak in strength. It is totally not breathable as they claim. I do love it for the cost however and the pack size.
For real rain days, I have a Snugpak enhanced partol poncho. This poncho kicks most others. It cost what seven of the FTs cost but comes with sleeves and hand holds. It also has a big front pocket. No water gets through it, but it is a little hot on humid hot days in my area. If you are in cold weather, the Snugpak even has an insulated liner you can purchase and it will keep you very warm.
The true pluses for both is they cover your pack and your legs some. No more putting on a wet pack after the rain stops. (I wear drover coats for city shopping time rain events.)
Just something for others to think about for ponchos than the conventional rain wear. Try/test a few, Miranda. I loved this vid and it taught me that if I buy a rain jacket, it will be a buy once cry once event. Thanks for all the great content Miranda and crew!
I'm so glad i got my new/replacement Marmot rain coat. While not $200, the Marmot is defiantly better than the Fogg I was tempted with
Great work and thank you for your videos. I'm primarily a cyclist and have found that Showers Pass jackets, gloves and socks do a great job. Showers Pass is out of Portland Oregon where rain is abundant. I love Patagonia 'Better Sweater' stuff, but wish they used two way zippers for pants pocket access and ventilation. I haven't found anything (Gore-Tex, E-Vent, Artex, etc) that doesn't cause some inside dampness. Your thoughts on what's best to reduce or eliminate condensation please.
Highly recommend a shemagh or scarf because that wind chill is real. I keep the lighter layer and forget a 'bout it! Keep it dry though but glad you tell people about them digits. I can kinda pull my hands in but my fleece gloves are less than ideal. I will upgrade gloves or jacket soon. Staying parched(:
My Frog Toggs has pockets but it is several years old. I use as something to throw in my pack and also in my car if needed. The Patagonia looks like a good choice though for a thru-hike or longer hike.
Great comparison and not knocking either for their attributes for certain situations. I have a Marmot…whatever you said…I’ve only used it a couple of times because a. I try to avoid backpacking in the rain, b. If there is a chance, I have an emergency poncho. That said, I first time snowshoe backpacked and brought my North Face shell as I was certain the day out was going to be snow/rain and I didn’t completely trust the Marmot. It was and am so glad I had absolute water proof protection and many of the Patagonia features. My only fail were my REI waterproof gloves. Not waterproof. Also want to shout out about my ULA Circuit pack, not an affiliate, just like it so far. No protection for it and though they won’t say waterPROOF, everything stayed dry in my pack. That was with about 5 hours of slush pounding down on it.
I bought the very first frog togs back before they even put a zipper on the front wore them out over a decade. Bought another set and am still using them 18 years later. I do use them for three seasons only though.