The North Face Venture 2 Review

The Venture 2 vs. the Original Venture

The new Venture 2 jacket is not a major variation from the original Venture. While there are updates to the hood adjustment, new taffeta pockets, and the internal print of the jacket, we don't expect these to have a large impact on performance. We do like the move of the secondary draft flap from the outside to the inside of the zipper. This makes for one less layer to fiddle through to get to the zipper without sacrificing wind protection. The Venture 2 is also available in 14 different colors. For what it's worth, we like the new color options. Check out the photo comparison of the new Venture 2 on the left, and the original Venture on the right.


Here's the scoop on the key updates incorporated into the Venture 2:

• Tafetta Pockets --The former mesh pockets now consist of taffeta fabric.

• Hood Adjustment --Minor changes to the hood include a slimmer plastic hood adjustment piece and a completely internal hood cord tunnel.

• Draft Flap Positioning — The North Face moves the secondary draft flap in the Venture 2. Previously on the outside of the zipper, the secondary draft flap is now located on the inside of the zipper.

• Inner Backer Print --The print on the inside of the jacket is more subtle and modern, according to the North Face.

• Colors --The Venture 2 is offered in 14 colors, many of which are on the bolder side of hues.

We researched the newest model thoroughly, including reaching out to The North Face. We are convinced that this latest edition of the Venture will perform similarly to its predecessor, if not better. Since we have yet to test the Venture 2 in our hands, the analysis below reflects the original Venture model.

Hands-On Review of the Venture

The Venture Jacket was an average performer in most of our metrics. It's a functional and reasonably priced entry-level 2.5 layer jacket that offers good ventilation options and stuffs into its hand pocket.

Performance Comparison

Water Resistance

The North Face uses their own 2.5 layer propitiatory Dryvent fabric for weather resistance. This face fabric's DWR held up decently well after several weeks of field use and several more days of rainy around-town action. However, long term, we didn't think its DWR held up quite as well as that of the Patagonia Torrentshell.


Overall, this rain jacket performed well at the task of keeping us dry, especially considering its $100 price tag. There's nothing particularly special about its' hood; it doesn't have a stiffened brim, but the elastic around the face and at the back of the hood allow for a decent amount of of adjustment. It also helps keep a respectable amount of peripheral vision, even when cinched down.

This is one of the very few jackets in which we got a little wet in the shower while wearing it, as a bit of water seeped into the hand pockets. However, the DWR treatment on the fabric beaded water well and kept up during our tests. Overall, we thought the Venture jacket performed very comparably to the Marmot PreCip Jacket.

Breathability & Ventilation

We found that the proprietary DryVent 2.5 layer coating used for this rain jacket was not as breathable as other fabrics; it was slightly below average among coated waterproof-breathable options. While the Venture didn't breathe quite as well as the Marmot PreCip, it performed better than the Columbia Watertight II.


What the Venture does bring to the table is a good set of ventilation features for a budget-friendly rain jacket. The Venture features larger-than-average pit zips that provide good air exchange, while the hand pockets are lined with mesh, making for two more vents when open. The pit zips are moved slightly forward when compared to most contenders we tested; our testers found this placement not only created more effective ventilation, but was also more comfortable across the board.

Comfort & Mobility

This model is something of a mixed bag here. The hood fits reasonably well, and a micro-fleece patch on the chin is quite comfortable. The zipper pulls are easy enough to use, but the cord locks for hood and hem adjustment are small. Overall, while these features are not the easiest to operate with gloves on, they weren't terrible, either. This jacket moves with you pretty well, but its waist hem is shorter than most and can leave you exposed with arms overhead.


Mobility
The Venture's overall mobility is slightly below average; its not that we felt it was restrictive, but when compared side-by-side to other models like the Marmot PreCip or Patagonia Torrentshell, the Venture bunched up or exposed our wrists slightly more at the maximum ranges of mobility.


Hood Design
The North Face has improved the Venture's hood and we now we think it's among the nicest in its price range. We like it slightly better than the Marmot PreCip, primarily because of a cinching elastic drawstring at the back of the hood. This allows the hood to move with us more effectively when we turned side to side. That said, the Venture's hood is NOT an over the top helmet design and climbers may want to look elsewhere. It fits great over a beanie or a baseball cap, but it will have to be worn under a helmet unlike the Torrentshell or the Outdoor Research Helium II, which both fit respectably well over a climbing or big helmet.

Weight

Our size medium test model weighed in at 14 ounces, slightly heavier than its closest $100-range competition the PreCip (13 ounces), Torrentshell (12 ounces), and Columbia Watertight II (13 ounces). We think the 1-2 once weight increase likely comes from the Venture's longer than average pit zips. When comparing these three jackets, the weight is close enough that it shouldn't be a major factor. If you are really looking for a lighter and more packable jacket, we recommend you take a look at the 6.5 ounce Outdoor Research Helium II.

Durability

This jacket's 40D ripstop nylon should stand up to some wear and tear, and it earned a middle of the pack durability score. We feel the Patagonia Torrentshell is the most durable of the similar models we tested, but these jackets are quite as tough as the Marmot Minimalist, Outdoor Research Foray, or Arc'teryx Beta SL.

Packed Size

This model compresses slightly smaller than average among comparable jackets on the market. A nice, though increasing common feature is that the Venture stuffs into its left hand pocket and features a clip-in loop when stuffed. Its packed size is smaller than the Patagonia Torrentshell, but not as small as the Marmot PreCip or Outdoor Research Helium II.

Features

This rain jacket has a nice hood with a medium-sized brim, as well as two elastic cinch cords. The cord locks are external on the sides and at the rear of the hood. The cord that runs across the brow goes through a unique sleeve, which creates a little comfy air space above it. There's a comfy micro-fleece chin flap and a hang loop at the back of the collar. This jacket has pit zips with strings on the zipper pull tabs and storm flaps cover the zippers. It also has large mesh-lined hand pockets that add even more ventilation. The jacket stuffs into the left front pocket. The wrist cuffs tighten down with a Velcro tab and the elastic hem cinch has cord locks on both hips.

Best Applications

This is an entry-level 2.5 layer shell. It will keep you dry around town, and even though the breathability isn't quite there, the ventilation features extend its usefulness to light hiking and backpacking. Its lightweight and durable enough that we'd also recommend it for some climbing and mountaineering or even the occasional downhill ski day. That said, for $50-$100 more, you can find something that offers lighter weight, as well as better packability, durability, and breathability.

Value

At $99, this is one of the least expensive 2.5 layer rain jackets we tested. For the truly budget conscious, it will get the job done. But the added performance and small details of the award winning Marmot PreCip and the climbing-specific Patagonia Torrentshell are a better value for most.

Conclusion and The Bottom Line

As one of the most affordable 2.5 layer shell we tested, the Venture is a good entry-level shell for the budget sensitive or occasional hiker or backpacker that will impress more urban focused users.

Other Versions

North Face Venture 2 - Women's

• Women's version of the Venture series

• Eco-conscious material

• Ideal for around town and backpacking

• $99 - A great price for a good rain jacket