Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka - Women's Review

The Patagonia Tres is two coats that zip together to create one winter parka. Each layer can handle an array of weather. The lightweight outer shell is somewhat of a windbreaker and rainjacket combo, constructed with Patagonia's H2No waterproof, breathable and windproof stretch-twill. It's 100% polyester, 50% of which is recycled.

The inner layer has about 150 grams (depending on your size) of 700 fill recycled down and wrapped in recycled polyester. When zipped together, this jacket is ready for winter. Weighing 2.9 lbs, it isn't super lightweight but never feels bulky or heavy.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

While the outer shell has two layers and is substantial for a rain jacket, it's not insulated. It does do an exceptional job of protecting from wind, rain, and snow, though. That protective bubble keeps the weather out, so the inner 700-fill down jacket can capture your body's heat. The high-quality is effective while keeping the layer compact and easy to compress. The down coat alone keeps you warm to around freezing point on a dry day. The jackets are very toasty when zipped together.

Since the down layer is lighter than other options we tested, the Tres doesn't top the warmth ratings. The outer pockets and hood are also uninsulated, and our hands get chilly in the front pockets. For freezing days, you'll need a toque and gloves to stay comfortable. The shell's hood is adjustable and has a cinch to snug up around your face. It's also is large enough to fit a beanie underneath. We'd love to see a hood included on the inner down jacket to improve warmth overall.

Many of the jackets we tested include wrist cuffs to keep drafts out. The Tres does not, and we often felt the cold creep in around our forearms. While the mid-thigh cut provides excellent mobility, it also leaves more of your legs exposed to the elements. Consider a longer parka if your thighs are often freezing in the winter months. Despite these chinks in the Tres' cold-weather armor, it keeps us smiling in storms from cold and snowy to wet and sloppy.

Weather Resistance

The Tres is one of the best waterproof winter jackets we tested. The sporty outer shell is Patagonia's H2No two-layer waterproof stretch-twill with a DWR finish. The polyester fabric is also windproof, stretchy, and breathable. A storm flap snaps over the zipper ensures that driving snow or rain doesn't work its way in.

We wore this jacket in the shower for four minutes, and only a few splashes made it in at the chin. That might not sound impressive, but water snuck into the other jackets in a lot of unexpected ways, giving us a deep appreciation for the Tres.

While not waterproof, the down layer has a DWR coating. Water beads up and rolls off the polyester fabric, but not for long. It's not the jacket you want in a downpour, especially since down loses its loft and insulating properties when wet. When we wore both layers together, we had no qualms about hanging out in wet and windy weather. And there are few things we like better than a jacket that gives us enough confidence to head out in a storm.

Comfort

The Tres is comfortable, no small feat for a 3-in-1 jacket weighing 2.9 pounds. Its comfort exists on a spectrum, however. The light and warm down layer earned the highest marks, followed by the roomy shell. While the Tres isn't heavy or bulky when zipped together, it is a step down from either layer on its own.

The outer shell is smooth and soft. We like the looser fit and appreciate the fleece lining on the collar and pockets. It's not enough to keep our hands warm, but it is enough to feel soft and inviting. The unlined hood is highly adjustable, making it easy to keep it snug in a storm and out of our line of sight. The hood requires some futzing to feel comfortable with a beanie underneath. Turning your head makes the whole situation feel tight. All told, the shell is more of a workhorse than a cuddly puffy and is quite functional.

On the other hand, the down layer is so cozy and featherlight that we wear about half of our waking hours. We get home, pull off the shell, and putz around the house. It's not stuffed with down, and what is there is distributed evenly. Form-fitting and flattering, this layer is soft and stylish. It has fleece-lined pockets too.

The biggest comfort killers are the tight shoulders and lack of insulation in the hood. The jacket works in our regular size with a thin sweater or fleece on. If you wear bulky layers often, consider sizing up.

It's also annoying to sit down with much of anything in your front pockets. Objects can dig into your belly or thighs. We recommend carrying necessities in the internal chest pocket and leaving the outer two for your hands. Sadly, the inner pocket doesn't fit many standard-sized phones.

Style

The sporty yet sophisticated Tres is the perfect blend of function and fashion, and it earned an impressive score for style. The outer shell's polyester twill rests mid-thigh and gives the jacket a smooth, clean appearance. The streamlined profile of both layers keeps the combination from looking bulky, and princess seams on the front and back of the shell add a subtle touch of style.

The form-fitting down layer is eye-catching on its own. The satin matte finish and flattering slim cut are beautiful. Chevron baffling adds visual interest. It's a perfect layer for quick errands around town. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a two-way zipper. You have less room to lunge around town, but the jacket stretches enough that it never bothered us.

The outer layer is looser without the down shell attached, but it drapes nicely and never looks frumpy. If you are on the fence between a puffy women's down jacket or a clean and straightforward style, this model may be perfect because it offers both. We don't love the pockets on either layer when we sit down. They bunch a bit, but it's not a deal-breaker.

Durability

No branches are going to snag the impenetrable two-layer shell. And we have no reason to doubt the longevity of Patagonia's signature H2No waterproof, windproof and breathable membrane. The down layer's polyester fabric isn't as bombproof, though we don't have any rips to report. It does shed some down, though never an alarming amount during our months of testing.

The zipper that connects the two jackets is sturdy and easy to use. We often skipped the step of snapping the cuffs and collars together, though. It's an annoying task because the loops on the down layer are so small. We could see them ripping out over time, though they aren't essential. The attachment points on the shell are more substantial.

Features

The main feature that this award winner has to offer is its versatility. It's a waterproof raincoat, a down layer, and a winter jacket. Putting the layers together takes about a minute.

Patagonia's H2No two-layer waterproof fabric is the force behind this extremely waterproof outer shell. It has a fleece-lined collar and two exterior pockets secured by zippers. The outer shell lacks an interior media pocket. The sleeves on the rain layer have zips that let you adjust your cuff size.

The down layer has two exterior fleece-lined pockets with zippers. There's also an interior pocket, but it doesn't fit a smartphone. Since sitting down with your phone in the hand pockets is uncomfortable, this jacket doesn't give you a great place to carry one.

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

The Tres is a pretty great deal for what you are getting — three highly functional and flattering jackets. It is an investment, but considering how much these layers cost separately, this jacket is an excellent investment for someone in need of all three.

If supporting people and the environment are some of your values, this jacket supports those too. It is Fair Trade Certified. One hundred percent recycled down keeps you warm, and 100% recycled polyester holds it all together. The shell is made with 50% recycled polyester.

What Other Winter Jackets Should You Consider?

The Tres provides three excellent, high-performing jackets with quality construction. The outer shell blocks wind, rain, and snow, and the down layer keeps you warm. Zip them together, and you've got a winter jacket built for severe winter weather. However, it is not the warmest option available. If you are going to be in some truly frigid temperatures, the Marmot Montreaux is a cozy option, but you lose the weatherproofing. If you want a jacket that is both warm and weatherproof, the Fjallraven Nuuk is one of your best options. However, it does not have the same versatility as the Patagonia.