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Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka Review

Great versatility and style in a protective jacket
patagonia tres 3-in-1 parka winter jacket review
Credit: Backcountry
Price:  $649 List
Manufacturer:   Patagonia
By Jeff Dobronyi ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Feb 23, 2022
75
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#3 of 16
  • Warmth - 25% 7.0
  • Weather Resistance - 20% 8.0
  • Comfort - 20% 6.0
  • Style - 20% 8.0
  • Features - 10% 9.0
  • Durability - 5% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka is a modular winter jacket with great styling and weather protection. It is comprised of a down sweater jacket that zips into a waterproof shell, allowing the user to wear the components in three configurations. On chilly fall and spring days, the down sweater provides stylish warmth. The shell makes a great raincoat on rainy days in the shoulder seasons. Use both layers together to create a solid and protective winter jacket in the winter. Other jackets are warmer, and the modular system is less comfortable than single-piece options on the market, but out of all the jackets on the market none provides the same versatility and value of the Tres 3-in-1.
REASONS TO BUY
3-in-1 versatility
Weather resistant
Stylish
REASONS TO AVOID
Not super comfortable or warm
Editor's Note: The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka review was updated on February 23, 2022, with more info on competing products and tips on what we would buy.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Best Buy Award Best Buy Award Best Buy Award 
Price $649 List
$389.40 at Backcountry
$749 List$227.71 at Amazon
Compare at 3 sellers
$300 List
$118.83 at REI
$80 List
$78.07 at Amazon
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Pros 3-in-1 versatility, weather resistant, stylishFashionable, warm, weatherproofWarm, long hem, comfortable hood, great featuresWarm, weather resistant, durableInexpensive, warm enough, comfortable, stylish
Cons Not super comfortable or warmExpensive, controversial hoodBulky, faux fur hood is polarizingNot very breathable, limited color optionsNot weather resistant, few features
Bottom Line Great versatility and style in a protective jacketThe best choice for a fashion-forward and high-performance winter jacket, with a high price tagA warm, stylish, and budget-conscious jacket for those in the coldest regionsA versatile and high-performance winter jacket with plenty of warmth and weather protection, at a great priceWarm, stylish, and inexpensive, this jacket gets the job done at a low price
Rating Categories Patagonia Tres 3-in... Patagonia Frozen Range The North Face McMu... REI Co-op Stormheng... Tommy Hilfiger Men'...
Warmth (25%)
7.0
8.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
Weather Resistance (20%)
8.0
8.0
6.0
8.0
4.0
Comfort (20%)
6.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
8.0
Style (20%)
8.0
9.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
Features (10%)
9.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
3.0
Durability (5%)
8.0
9.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
Specs Patagonia Tres 3-in... Patagonia Frozen Range The North Face McMu... REI Co-op Stormheng... Tommy Hilfiger Men'...
Down Fill Power 700 700 550 850 Synthetic
Total Weight 3.40 lbs 2.76 lbs 3.55 lbs 1.94 lbs 1.84 lbs
Baffle Type Sewn-through innner layer Interior baffles Sewn-through under an outer shell fabric Sewn-through under an outer shell fabric Sewn through
Main Fabric H2No Performance: 2-layer, 6.7-oz 100% polyester stretch twill Shell: 4 oz 75-denier 100% recycled polyester Gore-Tex 2L
Lining: 100% recycled polyester ripstop with DWR finish
DryVent 2L 100% nylon HydroWall 2L 100% Nylon
Hood Yes (removable, uninsulated) Yes Yes (removable) Yes Yes
Hood Adjustments 3 adjustable drawcords One rear drawcord Rear drawcord 3-way adjustable 2 side drawcords
Pockets 5 (Outer Shell: 2 zippered hand-warmer, one external chest. Inner: 2 hand w/zip, 1 interior w/zip) 2 zippered handwarmer, 1 external zippered chest, 1 interior drop-in 2 chest height, zippered handwarmers, 2 exterior top-entry Velcro flap pockets, 1 sleeve, 1 interior media pocket, and 2 side-entry waist handwarmers 5 (2 zippered hand, 1 zippered chest, 2 internal) 2 external hand, 1 zippered interior

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Tres is highly versatile, thanks to its modular construction. It also boasts powerful weather resistance and great styling.

Performance Comparison


patagonia tres 3-in-1 parka winter jacket review - the tres 3-in-1 looks good, and performs well too.
The Tres 3-in-1 looks good, and performs well too.
Credit: sam willits

Warmth


Although not the most insulated, the Tres 3-in-1 is warm enough for most winter use. The down sweater provides insulation in the form of 700-fill power down. The shell layer also has a hanging nylon layer, which provides even more space for air to be trapped. Unfortunately, the handwarmer pockets in the shell jacket don't have any insulation, which can lead to cold hands on chilly days, and there is no insulation in the hood. Overall, this jacket is warm enough for most winter use, but if you are looking for a coat for the harshest winter conditions, you might need something a bit warmer.

patagonia tres 3-in-1 parka winter jacket review - the down sweater component provides most of the jacket's warmth.
The down sweater component provides most of the jacket's warmth.
Credit: sam willits

Weather Resistance


The Tres 3-in-1 features Patagonia's proprietary waterproof, breathable membrane called H2No. The jacket effectively blocks all moisture from rain, snow, and sleet, almost on par with a traditional rain jacket. However, the zippers are not waterproof, and the horizontal openings to the handwarmer pockets allow precipitation to enter when users put their hands in their pockets on stormy days. Patagonia could have avoided this issue by using a vertical opening. Furthermore, the 3-way adjustable hood doesn't cover the face as much as other jackets on the market, but we still found room for a hat underneath. Patagonia's DWR treatment lasts a long time and effectively beads water, preventing liquid from soaking the shell's outer layer of fabric.

patagonia tres 3-in-1 parka winter jacket review - patagonia's h2no waterproof/breathable fabric and high-quality dwr...
Patagonia's H2No waterproof/breathable fabric and high-quality DWR finish easily repel liquid water.
Credit: sam willits

Comfort


The down sweater component, on its own, is very comfortable. But when the outer shell is zipped onto the exterior, and the jacket is used as a combined piece, the garment feels bulky and slightly restrictive as the modular layers rub against each other. However, it can be a cumbersome garment when combined, taking away from the jacket's comfort. The outer shell fabric is relatively comfortable against the skin.

patagonia tres 3-in-1 parka winter jacket review - the tres 3-in-1 is on the heavier side and feels bulky due to its...
The Tres 3-in-1 is on the heavier side and feels bulky due to its multiple components.
Credit: sam willits

Style


We like the style of the Tres 3-in-1. It is decidedly urban, with long, straight lines and angular accents, including two large flaps covering each handwarmer pocket. The classic Patagonia label is prominently displayed across the chest, which some testers like, and some don't. Other than the label, the jacket is elegantly designed and looks high-end.

patagonia tres 3-in-1 parka winter jacket review - the tres 3-in-1 is stylish and looks great in any situation.
The Tres 3-in-1 is stylish and looks great in any situation.
Credit: sam willits

Features


This jacket is loaded with features. The 3-in-1 design sets this jacket apart from the competition, allowing for tremendous versatility and the ability to be worn in fall, winter, and spring. It can be used in the form of lightweight puffy, windbreaker, or rain jacket. Furthermore, the Tres 3-in-1 has two large fleece-lined handwarmer pockets and two external chest pockets. The down sweater has two external handwarmer pockets, one exterior chest pocket, and one interior chest pocket. The hood has three adjustable pull cords to create a snug fit. The front zipper flap can be securely closed with buttons down the entire front of the jacket.

patagonia tres 3-in-1 parka winter jacket review - the tres 3-in-1 is comprised of two layers that can be worn...
The Tres 3-in-1 is comprised of two layers that can be worn independently, or together.
Credit: sam willits

Durability


The Tres 3-in-1 features durable, tight seams and burly outer shell fabric. The nylon exterior of the down sweater is less durable, but this component will be tucked safely inside the shell layer in many cases. The zippers are large and feel strong, and a large interior front flap prevents any fabric from getting caught in the front zipper. Down insulation lasts a long time, and we trust that this jacket will provide warmth for many winters to come.

patagonia tres 3-in-1 parka winter jacket review - the tres 3-in-1 is constructed from a burly and tough external shell...
The Tres 3-in-1 is constructed from a burly and tough external shell fabric, which is very durable.
Credit: sam willits

Should You Buy the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka?


Uniquely designed in the field of winter jackets, the Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 provides excellent versatility, good warmth and weather protection, and classic urban styling for a reasonable price. It lacks the warmth and comfort that other high-end winter jackets provide, but those competitors can't offer nearly as much versatility as the Tres. If the 3-in-1 concept appeals to you, look no further.

patagonia tres 3-in-1 parka winter jacket review - the patagonia tres 3-in-1 is well-styled and functional.
The Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 is well-styled and functional.
Credit: sam willits

What Other Winter Jackets Should You Consider?


A 3-in-1 design makes the Tres an inherently good investment, as this jacket will be much more versatile than any other winter jacket. It can be used as a winter parka, a shoulder season sweater, and a raincoat. But if you already have a jacket for all these scenarios, and you want a true winter parka, then you may want to look at the The North Face McMurdo Down Parka. Although not as weather-resistant, it is warmer and has more specific features that are good for intense winter temps, like a roomy hood and a more comfortable fit.

Jeff Dobronyi
 
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