There is inherent value in the three-in-one construction and design of the 3-in-1 Snowshot from Patagonia. 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.
The inner layer, in the case of the Snowshot 3-in-1, 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. These attributes are shared by all three-in-one jackets.
Performance Comparison
The Snowshot 3-in-1 in its full configuration: insulated and shelled for early-season winter weather.
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.
Jediah Porter and the Snowshot 3-in-1 prepping for a day on the slopes in Wyoming.
Weather Resistance
Patagonia's climbing background prompts excellent weather resistance. For their less expensive pieces like this competitor, they use their own proprietary "H2No" waterproof breathable membrane instead of the more expensive Gore-Tex of the higher-end products. Patagonia is the first to admit that Gore-Tex is better, but our experience with H2No indicates that it is more than adequate for all but the most gnarly conditions. Patagonia seam-seals the Snowshot 3-in-1, as well as applying a generous water repellent coating to the exterior.
Patagonia normally does excellent, full-coverage hoods. The Snowshot 3-in-1 hood is better than most in the test, but its not perfect.
Fit and Comfort
The Snowshot 3-in-1, by virtue of its construction, has many layers of fabric rubbing against each other. This produces friction and a more restrained range of motion the 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's ski jackets seem to be fitting larger and larger. Our main tester, Jed Porter shown here, is usually exactly a medium. The Snowshot 3-in-1 was just a little large for his frame.
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.
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.
The lining of the Patagonia Snowshot 3-in-1.
Most of the color options feature a two-tone look, one color above and another color below, separated horizontally. This 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.
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.
Value
In getting three jackets in one, the value of this style of jacket jumps up right away. Patagonia's construction will last a long time, while its warranty will take care of 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.
Conclusion
The three-in-one style of jacket is not for everyone, though we can't discount its versatility. The Patagonia 3-in-1 Snowshot is a quality modular jacket made from a very well respected manufacturer. If you're looking for one jacket for all occasions, then we think the Snowshot is a great option to consider.
