Patagonia Torrentshell 3L vs. Montbell Goretex gear

[Supeingo]

Hi everyone,

I have decided to invest in some decent rain gear that I can use all-year round and I seek some advice.
I am hesitating among these four jackets:

- https://en.montbell.jp/products/goods/disp.php?product_id=1128615
- https://en.montbell.jp/products/goods/disp.php?product_id=1128618
- https://en.montbell.jp/products/goods/disp.php?product_id=1128633
- https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-torrentshell-3l-rain-jacket/85240.html

As far as price goes, they are all more or less in the same range, although the Rain Dancer jacket is cheaper. Also, note that I live in Japan, where Patagonia garments are around 10-15% pricier than in the States.

About Montbell, I keep hearing that the cost/performance of their jackets is great, but I must say that the Torrentshell felt more pleasant to the touch, which makes me hesitate. I am aware that Gore-tex is supposed to be rather "stiff", but I am not sure the H2No fabric that Patagonia offers is that resistant or is it just an extremely overpriced jacket. Overall, I am concerned about durability and transpirability. I want something that protects me from the weather but that doesn't feel like I'm in a sauna. The Torrentshell has zippers in the armpit, whilst two out of the three Montbell jackets don't. The one that does (Torrent Flier) seems to have good transpirability, but the fabric felt thin as paper, so I don't know.

Has anyone had experience with either of the jackets or can guide me a little bit? Is any Patagonia jacket really worth the money these days? It goes without saying, but please feel free to suggest any other jacket (in the same range of price).

TL;DR: I intend to go hiking and use the jacket for my daily commute (which I do with my bike), so I really want something that doesn't make me sweat tons.

Thank you for your help,

 

[breakaway01]

My two cents: Patagonia quality is very good and they stand by their lifetime warranty.
That being said, there is a fundamental tradeoff between durability, breathability, and price. The Torrentshell is a good compromise among all three at a very reasonable price for a W/B jacket. That being said, if you really prioritize breathability, you will find Gore-Tex to be more breathable than H2No but likely at a higher price. eVent has high breathability but it's getting hard to find nowadays.

 

[Supeingo]

Thanks for the advice.

At the moment, I found the Montbell Goretex Rain Dancer jacket at 140$, which is about the same than the Patagonia one. That is mostly what makes me hesitate.