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Patagonia 3-in-1 Snowshot Review

A versatile 3-in-1 jacket for the average ski resort user made with top quality
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Patagonia 3-in-1 Snowshot Review
Credit: Patagonia
Price:  $399 List
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Manufacturer:   Patagonia
By Jediah Porter ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Mar 6, 2022
64
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Warmth - 20% 8.0
  • Weather Resistance - 20% 9.0
  • Comfort and Fit - 20% 5.0
  • Ventilation - 15% 5.0
  • Style - 15% 5.0
  • Features - 10% 5.0

Our Verdict

In every review we conduct, there are relevant sub-comparisons between similar products. In this case, we tested multiple jackets designed as “3-in-1” options – a shell and an insulating layer designed to be worn as one. Most are similar in intention, and in actual execution, they add up remarkably similar, too. The Patagonia 3-in-1 Snowshot is a little more durable, better made, and offers a subtle yet nicer style. For general purpose skiing, we recommend a fully insulating all-in-one jacket. However, value hunters will like the appeal of the 3-in-1 style jackets. Those folks should closely examine this review and compare it to other 3-in-1 models we tested.
REASONS TO BUY
3-in-1 versatility
Patagonia quality
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky
Boxy fit
Editor's Note: We updated this review for the Patagonia 3-in-1 Snowshot on March 6, 2022, with a closer look at value and buying advice for other, similar products.

Our Analysis and Test Results

The color options on this jacket have changed since our testing period, but everything else remains the same. Updated: December 2019

There is inherent value in Patagonia's construction and design of the 3-in-1 Snowshot. A 3-in-1 jacket includes an outer shell jacket and an inner insulated jacket that can be snapped and zipped together to make a third warmer jacket.

In the case of the Snowshot 3-in-1, the inner layer is a synthetic insulated, full-zip front, hoodless sweater. The outer shell jacket is waterproof, with a separate hanging lining to manage moisture and protect the H2No membrane on the polyester face fabric. The two jackets together are fairly warm by virtue of the insulation and multiple layers of fabric. These numerous layers of fabric also confine the wearer's movement more than an all-in-one insulated jacket – this shortcoming is shared by all 3-in-1 jackets.

Performance Comparison


patagonia 3-in-1 snowshot - the snowshot 3-in-1 in its full configuration: insulated and shelled...
The Snowshot 3-in-1 in its full configuration: insulated and shelled for early-season winter weather.
Credit: Meagan Buck Porter

Warmth


The warmth of the Patagonia Snowshot 3-in-1 comes from 60 grams of synthetic insulation in the liner, the multiple layers of fabric in the entire package (we counted at least five layers of fabric and one layer of insulation throughout the entire combined product), and the air spaces between all these layers. As such, this is a very warm jacket.

Even when comparing the shell of the Snowshot 3-in-1 to the other shell-only contenders in our testing, this jacket is warmer. This additional but minimal warmth is provided by the separate hanging liner of the jacket. The other shell jackets we tested are "three-layer" style, in which the outer fabric, the waterproof membrane, and the lining fabric are laminated into a single piece. The Snowshot has a membrane and outer fabric laminated together, with a separate inner layer.

patagonia 3-in-1 snowshot - jediah porter and the snowshot 3-in-1 prepping for a day on the...
Jediah Porter and the Snowshot 3-in-1 prepping for a day on the slopes in Wyoming.
Credit: Meagan Buck Porter

Weather Resistance


Patagonia's climbing background prompts excellent weather resistance. They use their proprietary “H2No” waterproof breathable membrane for less expensive pieces instead of the more expensive Gore-Tex. Our experience with H2No indicates that it is adequate for all but the most gnarly conditions. Patagonia seam seals the Snowshot 3-in-1and applies a generous water repellent coating to the exterior.

patagonia 3-in-1 snowshot - patagonia normally does excellent, full-coverage hoods. the snowshot...
Patagonia normally does excellent, full-coverage hoods. The Snowshot 3-in-1 hood is better than most in the test, but its not perfect.
Credit: Meagan Buck Porter

Fit and Comfort


The Snowshot 3-in-1, by virtue of its construction, has many layers of fabric rubbing against each other. This setup produces friction and a more restrained range of motion than traditional single-piece ski jackets. There is no way to provide the versatility of the 3-in-1 jacket without this added friction, so there is a trade-off. However, when worn separately, the individual layers of this jacket are very comfortable. In the end, it comes out just about average.

Testers noted that the fit of this jacket was a bit larger than average, partially due to the boxy, untailored fit of the torso and hem sections of the jacket. Our main tester is usually a perfect men's medium, and this jacket was a little loose on him.

patagonia 3-in-1 snowshot - the modular 3-in-1 design of the patagonia snowshot offers...
The modular 3-in-1 design of the Patagonia Snowshot offers versatility, but at the price of some range of motion by virtue of the amount of extra fabric when the insulated layer is stacked inside the shell jacket.
Credit: Patagonia

Ventilation


The Snowshot 3-in-1 offers short pit zips without mesh across the opening. Furthermore, the vents are only part of the shell layer and not the insulated sweater underneath. The result is a jacket with average ventilation when worn in its full configuration. Single-piece insulated ski jackets offer better ventilation for the warmth in most cases.

Of course, this jacket, and other 3-in-1 jackets, allow the user to shed either component if the weather changes. That means that this jacket could be worn as a well-ventilated rain shell or a thin insulated sweater for cool days in the spring or fall. However, our score reflects the performance of this jacket in its full configuration.

patagonia 3-in-1 snowshot - worn all together, the bulk of this jacket lends itself more to...
Worn all together, the bulk of this jacket lends itself more to warmth than airiness. But the modular design offers the option to dump the insulated layer if temperatures heat up.
Credit: Meagan Buck Porter

Style


We gave average to high style marks to this ski jacket. It is entirely unobtrusive in any configuration. The shell alone hangs loosely and is the least visually appealing. The two parts together look like any other insulated ski jacket. The lining has a classic Patagonia puffy look.

Most color options feature a two-tone look, one color above and another color below, separated horizontally. This design adds a bit of excitement to the jacket's style, but it's not edgy enough to make it look any cooler than a single-color jacket. The Snowshot 3-in-1 comes out average in this category.

patagonia 3-in-1 snowshot - the lining of the patagonia snowshot 3-in-1, like other patagonia...
The lining of the Patagonia Snowshot 3-in-1, like other Patagonia puffies, is stylish enough to wear around town.
Credit: Meagan Buck Porter

Ski Features


This jacket doesn't compare highly to the competition for ski features. The most notable feature of this jacket is the 3-in-1 construction. Both layers of the Snowshot 3-in-1 have two handwarmer pockets and one external chest pocket. The shell's handwarmer pockets are fleece-lined. The snow skirt (which we normally review as part of the weather protection) is less usable than on other jackets due to the interference of the lining jacket. Still, it does attach to compatible Patagonia pants with a small tab of fabric that buttons through a loop on the pants.

patagonia 3-in-1 snowshot - patagonia snowshot pants, with a simple tab on the rear receiving a...
Patagonia SnowShot pants, with a simple tab on the rear receiving a snapped flap of the Patagonia SnowShot 3-in-1 jacket. This keeps the back of your jacket down for greater protection.
Credit: Meagan Buck Porter

Should You Buy the 3-in-1 Snowshot?


The Patagonia 3-in-1 Snowshot is a quality modular jacket made by a well-respected manufacturer. If you're looking for one jacket for every day out on the hill – regardless of conditions – then we think the Snowshot is a great option to consider. Patagonia's construction will last a long time, while its warranty will cover any issues you may have. There are cheaper options in the 3-in-1 market, but if you want a high-quality product backed up by an excellent warranty, look no further.

What Other Ski Jackets Should You Consider?


The modular style of the Patagonia 3-in-1 Snowshot jacket is not for everyone, though we can't discount its versatility. In terms of warmth and weather resistance, this jacket is only surpassed by the much more expensive Arc'teryx Macai and Arc'teryx Sabre AR jackets. But for an insulated option, the extra cost of the Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft is well worth the ventilation, comfort, and style improvements. Even the slightly more affordable The North Face ThermoBall ECO Snow Triclimate is an upgrade in terms of fit and features and offers a better overall value.

Jediah Porter