The Tres 3-in-1 Parka is an all-purpose winter jacket that can be disassembled to provide a down sweater and separate shell jacket. Or it is a comfortable, cozy down sweater and a well-made rain jacket that can be combined for cold and nasty weather. Wear just the inner on crisp fall and spring days. Wear just the shell when it's raining but not yet freezing. No matter how you look at it, the Tres is unique and useful. Other jackets are warmer and other jackets are more comfortable, but the Tres fills a niche for many users.
Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka Review
A unique product in a crowded field, the Tres stands out for great construction and modular versatility.
Price: $599 List | $389.35 at Backcountry
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Three jackets in one
Cons: Relatively confining fit in combined mode for the amount of warmth it provides
Manufacturer: Patagonia
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Three jackets in one
Cons: Relatively confining fit in combined mode for the amount of warmth it provides
Manufacturer: Patagonia
By Jediah Porter ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ Aug 19, 2019
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Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Tres is the only 3-in-1 down parka we tested in this review. We like it. It is well-constructed, protects in wet weather, and includes down insulation. The utility is nice, but it comes with some inherent tradeoffs.
Performance Comparison
The Tres in action at Grand Targhee, Wyoming.
Warmth
With down insulation and more-than-average layers of fabric, the Tres delivers a warm score in a svelte-looking package. The insulation is entirely concentrated in the inner, hoodless "down sweater." However, additional warmth is provided by the air space between sweater and shell, as well as the multiple layers of fabric in the shell piece. The top of the heap Editors' Choice Arc'teryx Camosun and Best Buy Marmot Fordham are both a little warmer. The main drawback in terms of warmth of the "three-in-one" design is that the hood ends up uninsulated. On the Tres, this is noticeable. The hood protects against wind and rain but lets the warmth slowly seep out.
Weather Resistance
The shell of the Tres is made of Patagonia's proprietary, waterproof/breathable laminated fabric they call H2No. The seams are all sealed and the zippers are waterproof. Only the Arc'teryx jacket and the Haglofs Torsang offer similar protection. For shelter from the gnarliest wind and precipitation, the Tres is immaculately equipped. The hood design complements the fabric with protective and sealing function.
The two parts of the Tres can be worn separately. Here, the shell is worn on its own. Notice the free-hanging drape of the loose shell.
Comfort
The inner part on its own is as comfortable as any jacket reviewed. It is essentially a down sweater hanging lightly and warmly on your frame. The shell of the Tres on its own is similarly loose and free, but made of stiffer materials. The catch, comfort-wise, when choosing a three-in-one style jacket, is that all the extra layers of fabric and zippers make for a more confining construction. For the warmth and protection provided by the Tres, other jackets are far more comfortable.
The North Face McMurdo is way warmer and feels similarly confining to the doubled-up Tres. Separate the layers, however, and you return to a comfy jacket providing freedom of motion.
The down sweater "liner" of the Tres worn on its own is light, airy, and warm.
Features
The three-in-one status of the Patagonia Tres is its most notable feature. The option to use just the shell, just the inner layer, or both together is a huge benefit. Beyond that, the hood is effective, the pocket set is useful, and the various hem and cuff seals are solid. The other highly weather protecting jackets in our review do not offer as many features as the Tres.
Like the best long coats in our review, the Tres unzips from the bottom up for range of motion.
Style
This is decidedly an urban coat. The lines are clean, and the hardware is metal. The cut is long and generous, sometimes confining motion but always looking great. We mentioned that there are drawbacks to the three-in-one style jacket, and style is one of them. When you separate the layers and wear just the outside, the shell hangs loosely and looks too big. In order to size the coat for comfortable "unified" wear, this baggy shell fit is inevitable.
Durability
In assessing durability, we look for tight seams, heavy fabrics, and long-lasting insulation. The down used in the Tres' inner jacket will last a long time if properly cared for. The shell is constructed of beefy fabrics and sewn together with careful Patagonia craftsmanship. We have no reservations about the durability of the Tres 3-in-1 Parka. We anticipate the Tres to be similar in durability to the Camosun or Marmot Fordham.
For cabin life, a warm jacket system is clutch. The Patagonia Tres can provide that system, all in one.
Value
Just like the name says, with three jackets in one the value quotient of the Tres is worth noting. Those that live in areas with four true seasons will find a use for all three versions of the Tres. For them, this is worth the relatively high cost of admission.
Conclusion
As a truly unique piece in this high-end field, it is easy for the Tres to stand out. Beyond the unique design, we laud the Tres its for excellent construction.
The Patagonia Tres is a casual coat, with technical features. Notably, borrowing from their ski and alpine climbing jackets, the fully protective, articulating hood is very much appreciated.
— Jediah Porter