Patagonia 3-in-1 Snowshot Review

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.