There’s no shortage of rain jackets to choose from, but Patagonia’s mid-range Granite Crest stands out with its sustainably built design. Made from recycled fishing nets and featuring a perfluorocarbon (PFC)-free durable water repellent (DWR) finish, this jacket reflects the industry’s push towards higher levels of environmental consciousness. And as we’ve come to expect from Patagonia, the jacket is a top-notch performer, too, with waterproof/breathable protection alongside a great fit and finish. Below we break down how the Patagonia Granite Crest performed in testing. To see how it stacks up to the competition, check out our articles on the best rain jackets and the best women’s rain jackets.
Editor’s note: We updated this article on July 15, 2024, to ensure all information was current at the time of publishing. This involved swapping several references and comparisons to Patagonia’s Storm10 and Slate Sky jackets (both recently discontinued) to current styles, including their minimalist Storm Racer and streamlined Boulder Fork.
Table of Contents
Sustainability
Patagonia has a stacked lineup of rain jackets, from the all-rounder Torrentshell 3L to the streamlined Boulder Fork. So, when we heard about the release of the Granite Crest in 2022, our first question was, “Why another rain jacket?” The answer: The Granite Crest represents a few of Patagonia’s most cutting-edge advancements in sustainable design. It features a 100% recycled nylon NetPlus shell—made from recycled fishing nets—and a PFC-free DWR finish, which is produced without the use of harmful chemicals (the company has been working on this for years). And like most of Patagonia’s products, the Granite Crest is also Fair Trade Certified sewn, which ensures that factory workers are treated ethically and fairly. Added up, it’s a pretty impressive feat in terms of sustainable outerwear and hopefully a sign of where the market is headed.
Patagonia’s Granite Crest is a benchmark in sustainable design and materials | Credit: Brian McCurdy
Performance
Weather Protection
Known for having some of the world’s worst weather, southern Patagonia was a great testing ground for the Granite Crest rain jacket. I wore it on multiple day hikes and during rainy days around town, where it provided top-notch protection against both wind and moisture. To keep water out, Patagonia uses their time-tested H2No Performance Standard membrane—we’ve tested this technology several times throughout the years and have found it to be on par with premium Gore-Tex designs. The Granite Crest also features Patagonia’s PFC-free DWR finish, which effectively pooled water on the surface of the jacket, allowing it to roll off rather than soak through. One of the primary concerns with sustainable materials is that they might underperform compared to more standard fare, but the Granite Crest proved to offer uncompromised protection in trying conditions.
The Granite Crest proved to be a reliable companion in challenging conditions | Credit: Brian McCurdy
In addition to high-quality waterproofing, the Granite Crest has a few other features that provide a solid defense against the elements. I particularly liked the hood, which has one-handed adjustments at each side and at the rear, along with a generous laminated visor. It’s large enough to fit over a climbing helmet or bike helmet but effectively tightens securely over my bare head. You also get an adjustable hem drawcord that cinches at the right hip and routes the extra cord cleanly through the hand pocket. I prefer waist cinches at each side for a more balanced look, but with a little persuasion, I’m able to spread out the gather that forms at the right hip to the rest of the hem.
The jacket comes well equipped for battening down the hatches in inclement weather | Credit: Brian McCurdy
Breathability
No rain jacket will be completely breathable due to the impenetrable nature of the waterproof membrane, but the Granite Crest has a few features that help keep air flowing. First, it uses 3-layer construction, which means that the waterproof membrane is covered on the inside with a thin “jersey” fabric. This backer is nicely soft and supple, wicking the body’s moisture rather than trapping it next to the skin. Many rain jackets use 2 or 2.5-layer constructions instead, which can result in a really clammy feel (for more on the differences, see our article on Rain Jacket Construction: 2L vs. 2.5L vs. 3L). And second, Patagonia designed the Granite Crest with pit zips so you can dump heat in a hurry—with two-way zippers and rain flaps, they’re easy to open and close and don’t compromise the jacket’s weather protection.
The Granite Crest’s two-way pit zips make it easy to dump excess heat | Credit: Brian McCurdy
Comfort
As far as rain jackets go, the Granite Crest is a very comfortable design. The jersey backer is soft next to skin, and the supple and relatively thin (30D) fabric lends both comfort and freedom of movement. Compared to a thicker and more rigid shell like Patagonia’s own Torrentshell 3L, the Granite Crest is lightweight and easy-wearing, and it helps that the relaxed fit leaves a good bit of room for moving around. Finally, Patagonia added a soft patch of fleece at the back of the neck, which is a nice touch when you’re wearing the jacket with a hoodless baselayer or midlayer.
The jacket’s jersey backer and supple face fabric add a nice dose of comfort | Credit: Brian McCurdy
Weight and Packability
At 12.6 ounces for the women’s model, the Granite Crest falls about midpack among rain jackets in terms of weight. Looking at Patagonia’s other designs, it’s around the same weight as the venerable Torrentshell 3L (12.4 oz.) while checking in noticeably heavier than their minimalist Storm Racer (6.3 oz.). Most hikers and backpackers will have no need for a lighter jacket, but if you do choose to streamline your load, expect trade-offs in terms of durability and performance (the Storm Racer, for example, forgoes pit zips and features a more delicate 20D shell). Finally, the Granite Crest stuffs into its chest pocket, which includes a small tab for attaching to a carabiner.
Build Quality and Durability
Patagonia’s offerings consistently impress us with their quality of materials and craftsmanship, and the Granite Crest is no exception. From top to bottom, the jacket is well constructed: The cords are cleanly routed, the zippers run smoothly, and each seam is sealed on the inside. The 30-denier (D) nylon is relatively thin for a rain jacket (the Torrentshell 3L has a 50D shell), but the added stretch lends a good bit of abrasion resistance, and I have yet to see any signs of wear. Finally, initial impressions of Patagonia’s NetPlus technology are great, although I am curious to see how the recycled fishing net material fares over time (we’ll update this review with any relevant information that might arise).
The Granite Crest met our high expectations in terms of build quality and abrasion resistance | Credit: Brian McCurdy
Features: Hood and Pockets
The Granite Crest has a fairly standard feature set, making it a versatile jacket for everything from around-town use to hiking, climbing, and bike commuting. The hood is generously sized to fit a helmet, yet effectively cinches down with adjustments at both the rear and the sides. (A small gripe: While the side adjustments are easy to tighten with one hand, it’s taken me a lot of practice—and two hands—to loosen them.) It also features a laminated visor to protect your face from drips. I’ve donned this hood many times in rainy and windy conditions and have been impressed with its snug fit (even Patagonian winds couldn’t blow it off my head) that still offers great visibility and protection.
The Granite Crest’s hood is generously sized but stays put when cinched down | Credit: Brian McCurdy
In terms of pockets, the Granite Crest features two hand pockets and an external chest pocket, which also doubles as a stuff sack. The chest pocket uses a water-tight zipper, while the two hand pockets are nicely seated inside a covered flap for ample protection against moisture. The hand pockets aren’t as high as I often see on more performance-oriented hardshells, but I’m nevertheless able to access them while wearing a climbing harness or backpack. Finally, the Granite Crest’s cuffs use fabric cuff-and-loop closures (I used these a lot as I found the arms to be quite long), and you get a one-handed cinch at the right hip to adjust the hem.
The jacket features a single drawcord at the right side to adjust the hem | Credit: Brian McCurdy
Fit and Sizing
I consistently wear a women’s size small in jackets, and the small Granite Crest fits true to size with a relaxed fit that allows ample room for layering. Compared to a trim hardshell or slim-fitting designs like Patagonia’s Storm Racer, the Granite Crest has a very roomy, casual feel. As I mentioned above, the arms are a bit long, but the cuff cinches are easy to use and the extra length is helpful for activities like climbing. Further, with thoughtful patterning and great mobility, the jacket stays relatively in place when I raise my arms over my head and when bending over. For comparison, the Granite Crest’s center back length (for the women’s medium) is 29 inches, which is just slightly shorter than the Torrentshell 3L (29.5 in.).
The Granite Crest boasts a “regular” fit that makes it easy to layer underneath | Credit: Brian McCurdy
Other Versions of the Patagonia Granite Crest
I tested the women’s Granite Crest for this review, and the rain jacket also comes in a men’s version for the same price. In parsing out the differences, the men’s Granite Crest features a largely identical design and materials but comes in different colorways and features a men’s-specific fit. To complete your kit, Patagonia also offers Granite Crest Pants for men and women with the same H2No Performance Standard waterproofing and eco-friendly NetPlus shell.
The Granite Crest line includes rain jackets and pants available in both men’s and women’s styles | Credit: Brian McCurdy
What We Like
A cutting-edge sustainable design, featuring 100% recycled ripstop nylon made out of recycled fishing nets and a PFC-free DWR finish.
Patagonia’s H2No Performance Standard waterproof membrane is well executed and competitive with premium technologies like Gore-Tex.
Soft and supple jersey backer lends breathability, comfort, and a bit of extra mobility.
Versatile feature set and fit, great for everything from around-town use to hiking, climbing, bike commuting, and more.
What We Don’t
Quite pricey due to the extra cost of creating fabric from recycled fishing nets.
Hood adjustments are difficult to loosen once tight.
Compared to rain jackets of similar weight, the Granite Crest’s shell is relatively thin at just 30D.
Those who prefer a trim fit may want to size down or opt for a more performance-focused piece like Patagonia’s own Storm Racer.
The Granite Crest is a strong all-around performer in a sustainably minded package | Credit: Brian McCurdy
Comparison Table
The Competition
In terms of sustainable design, the Granite Crest is without rival. It’s true that many other rain jackets are built with recycled materials—and PFC-free DWR coatings are becoming more common—but we’ve yet to see another company turn ocean plastic into a high-performance garment. It’s an exciting moment in outdoor apparel, but it’s also worth celebrating other designs that are making efforts toward the same ends. Marmot’s Minimalist is one such competitor. For a reasonable $220, the Minimalist features a 2.5-layer Gore-Tex Paclite construction, 100% recycled polyester, and a PFC-free DWR finish. Unlike the all-around Granite Crest, it’s decidedly casual—featuring a flap over the front zip, a relatively boxy fit, and hand pockets that sit low on the hip—but is nevertheless a great choice for those looking for an everyday rain jacket with a nice sustainability slant.
Another longtime favorite of ours is Outdoor Research’s Aspire II, which gets the edge over the Granite Crest in a few areas. In addition to being lighter by about an ounce and cheaper by around $50, the Aspire uses a thicker 50D fabric that’s more confidence-inspiring around sharp equipment. We also love Outdoor Research’s TorsoFlo vents that extend from bicep to hem, allowing you to open the jacket at the hem like a poncho or use the upper zipper to create a standard pit zip. However, this is partially offset by the Aspire’s 2-layer Gore-Tex construction, which is more prone to trapping warmth and growing clammy than the Granite Crest’s 3-layer build. The Aspire also doesn’t employ recycled fabrics or a PFC-free DWR coating, although these may not be dealbreakers depending on your priorities. In our opinion, the Granite Crest is worth the extra cash, but the Aspire offers better durability in a lighter package.
Expect to pay a bit of a premium for sustainable fabrics and design practices | Credit: Brian McCurdy
Next, we turn to Patagonia’s lineup of rain shells, headlined by the Torrentshell 3L. At just $179, the Torrentshell our favorite rain jacket of the year thanks to its versatile design, great performance, fun colorways, and low price point. It has a very similar feature set compared to the Granite Crest (including an H2No Performance Standard waterproof membrane), but the main difference comes in terms of face fabrics: The Torrentshell’s 50D nylon is markedly stiffer than the Granite Crest’s supple 30D NetPlus despite the two jackets clocking in at virtually the same weight. With the latest update, the Torrrentshell also now stacks up well in terms of sustainability with a 100%-recycled face fabric, a PFC-free DWR finish, and certification to the Fair Trade standard. Added up, for $100 less than the Granite Crest, the Torrentshell 3L is an attractive all-rounder from a company that’s taking great strides to care for our planet.
The Granite Crest lands between the Torrentshell and Storm Racer in terms of price and performance | Credit: Brian McCurdy
A more recent addition to Patagonia’s collection, their Boulder Fork Jacket is another sustainably built design that stacks up very well to the Granite Crest. Both jackets boast the brand’s 3-layer H2No Performance Standard membrane, have a relatively thin 30D construction, weigh around the same, and feature a PFC-free DWR coating. But there are some trade-offs to be aware of: The Boulder Fork’s hood only has one drawcord for dialing in fit, there are no pit zips for dumping heat, and you don’t get a dedicated stuff pocket for storage. Plus, the Granite Crest is the more sustainably built design with its NetPlus shell. In the end, the Boulder Fork will save you a considerable $50 while offering similar wet-weather performance (for more, see our Boulder Fork review), but the Granite Crest strikes us as the more refined and eco-friendly design.
Rounding out Patagonia’s rain jacket lineup is the Storm Racer Jacket, an ultralight shell built for fast-and-light mountain endeavors. At a scant 6.3 ounces for the women’s jacket, the Storm Racer shaves weight with a thin 20D nylon shell (100% recycled) and a minimalist design that features just one rear hood adjustment and no pit zips. Similar to the Granite Crest, the Storm Racer uses Patagonia’s H2No Performance Standard membrane, along with a soft and supple backer that adds a bit of give to the jacket. At $299, the price is steep for such a streamlined design, but the Storm Racer is the better option for weight-conscious pursuits like mountain running or climbing. For everyday wear and more casual hiking and backpacking, we’d stick with the Granite Crest.
