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The North Face Venture Jacket

Men's Clothing > Jackets & VestsRated: ***** by 155 reviews. Also available for: Women, Boys, Girls

Berg's Ski Shop

A lightweight, waterproof and breathable jacket for all around exploration and changing conditions. The North Face incorporates their own Hyvent™ DT process to provide exceptional performance at a super price!
Features
  • Standard fit
  • Waterproof, breathable, seam sealed
  • Attached, fully adjustable hood with hidden drawcord system
  • Center front zip and Velcro®  closure
  • Brushed chinguard lining
  • Pit-zip vents
  • Two hand pockets
  • Stowable in left hand pocket
  • Velcro®  adjustable cuff tabs
  • Hem cinchcord
  • Fabric 40D 2.7 oz/yd≤ nylon ripstop HyVent®  DT 2.5L
  • Length from Center Back 28 in.

Hyvent™ DT
Waterproof, breathable fabric with an interior tactile microdot print. Separates fabric from skin and channels moisture away.
WithHyVent™technology, The North Face can now deliver the best waterproof/breathable technology for consumers who don't want to pay a premium cost.
They incorporated this technology by utilizing a polyurethane (PU) coating that consists of a tri-component multi-layer formula for waterproof protection, moisture permeability, and durability. This technology was lab tested in The North Face quality assurance lab to ensure the best possible durability and function. The average breathability achieved using HyVent™ is 650g/m2/24 hours on the Moisture Vapor Transfer Rate (MVTR) scale*. To test the level of waterproofness we subjected HyVent™ garments to 20 wash cycles* where on average they retained over 60 PSI on the waterproofing Mullens Test*.
It's important to note they do not rely solely on these figures: the final stamp of approval comes from the field, the only place to get an honest evaluation of what lab-tested technology can really do. "This technology keeps me out in the storms catching the best snow long after most people have gone inside," says skier and mountaineer, Rick Armstrong. "It's just as good-if not better-than anything else on the market." HyVent™ garments have been heavily field tested for over three years with outstanding proof of long-term performance. The North Face guarantees you cannot find a more waterproof/breathable technology anywhere for this price.
* MVTR testing per ASTM E96B Upright Cup Water Method.
* Wash Cycle-Machine wash warm (105∞F) + detergent. Tumble dry low (145∞F) for 40 minutes.
* Mullens testing per ASTM D751. U.S. Federal Standard 191A-55 requires a minimum of 25psi.
* These averages are based on the results of all Fall 2002 HyVent™ fabrics. Individual results will vary depending on the weight and construction of each face fabric.

Mountain Gear

High stakes pursuits in the wet or snowy backcountry require that you stay dry, comfortable, and well-equipped at all times - so do so in The North Face's Venture Jacket. Bring on sleet and snow - HyVent 2-layer fabric is completely waterproof, especially when augmented by sealed seams, an adjustable hood with a brushed chinguard lining, and pit-zip vents to help you stay sweat free. Specification based on size Large.

Features:

  • If the sun comes out or you're skinning your way uphill, cool off by opening the pit-zip vents
  • Keep wind and rain out of your sleeves with the Velcro adjustable cuff tabs
  • Keep your greatest source of heat loss - you head - safe from the elements beneath the attached, fully adjustable hood with a built-in hidden drawcord system
  • Layer easily beneath the standard fit
  • Never chafe in this jacket - brushed chinguard lining is soft to the touch
  • Rain and sleet don't get past the sealed seams or the center-front zip with a Velcro closure while the hem cinchcord shuns chilly gusts
  • Stay dry in fall drizzles and winter snowstorms with 2-layer HyVent fabric that's waterproof and breathable to allow perspiration to evaporate - leaving you dry, not clammy
  • Warm your hands in the 2 hand pockets, and when you don't need your jacket, wrap it up and stow it in one of the hand pockets

Mountain Gear (Spring 2009)

High stakes pursuits in the wet or snowy backcountry require that you stay dry, comfortable, and well-equipped at all times - so do so in The North Face's Venture Jacket. Bring on sleet and snow - HyVent 2-layer fabric is completely waterproof, especially when augmented by sealed seams, an adjustable hood with a brushed chinguard lining, and pit-zip vents to help you stay sweat free. Specification based on size Medium.

Features:

  • If the sun comes out or you're skinning your way uphill, cool off by opening the pit-zip vents
  • Keep wind and rain out of your sleeves with the Velcro adjustable cuff tabs
  • Keep your greatest source of heat loss - you head - safe from the elements beneath the attached, fully adjustable hood with a built-in hidden drawcord system
  • Layer easily beneath the standard fit
  • Never chafe in this jacket - brushed chinguard lining is soft to the touch
  • Rain and sleet don't get past the sealed seams or the center-front zip with a Velcro closure while the hem cinchcord shuns chilly gusts
  • Stay dry in fall drizzles and winter snowstorms with 2-layer HyVent fabric that's waterproof and breathable to allow perspiration to evaporate - leaving you dry, not clammy
  • Warm your hands in the 2 hand pockets, and when you don't need your jacket, wrap it up and stow it in one of the hand pockets

Rocky Mountain Trail

Fully seam-sealed, water-proof, and highly breathable, you'll be ready for all Mother Nature throws your way The Men's North Face Venture Jacket was engineered to withstand severe rainstorms and styled for everyday use, this lightweight, waterproof rain jacket is a staple for every outdoor enthusiast. Featuring an attached, fully adjustable hood with visor, pit-zips, and a hem cinch-cord, you’ll stay dry hour after wet hour wearing this durable rain jacket. Extremely compressible for travel. HyVent DT: This waterproof fabric is lightweight, packable, and more breathable than other unlined treated fabrics. HyVent DT is created by applying a polyurethane (PU) coating with a DT print matrix which acts as a dry-touch, half-layer coating. The DT half layer adds durability and comfort by physically separating the HyVent DT PU coating from the skin. HyVent DT eliminates the need for a liner and is commonly referred to as a 2.5-layer fabric.

Features:

  • Adjustable hood
  • Brushed chinguard lining
  • Center front zip with Velcro closure
  • Hem cinchcord
  • Jacket stows in left pocket
  • Lightweight, waterproof, breathable jacket for all-around exploration in changing conditions.
  • Pit-zip vents
  • Standard fit
  • Two hand pockets
  • Velcro® adjustable cuffs
  • Waterproof, breathable, seam-sealed

USOutdoor.com

Venture out into the great unknown and discover the North Face Venture Jacket. With an average weight of 12.5 oz this lightweight, waterproof, and breathable jacket keeps you on the move and doesn’t weigh you down. With pit zip vents your body is able to stabilize body temperature while the waterproof HyVent DT fabric keeps any moisture channeling away from your body making this standard fit North Face Jacket the perfect fit for your mountaineering collection.

Venture into the great outdoors.

Features:

  • Adjustable hood
  • Average Weight: 12.5 oz (354 g)
  • Brushed chinguard lining
  • Fabric: 40D 2.7 oz/yd2 nylon ripstop HyVent DT
  • Hem cinchcord Pit zips: Pit zips allow body head to dissipate from your body's core and armpits allowing increased ventilation to keep you cooler and more comfortable.
  • Hood rolls to collar height
  • Hyvent™ DT: Waterproof, breathable fabric with an interior tactile microdot print. Separates fabric from skin and channels moisture away.
  • Jacket stows in left pocket
  • Lightweight, waterproof, breathable jacket for all-around exploration in changing conditions
  • Pit-zip vents
  • Standard fit
  • Two hand pockets
  • Velcro® adjustable cuffs
  • Waterproof, breathable, seam-sealed

Rock/Creek Outfitters

The Venture Jacket by The North Face is one of NF's best selling jackets used all over the country for trekking, backpacking or any sort of wet weather travel.  Easy to be outside in the Venture with its HyVent DT technology - a waterproof and breathable fabric that sports an interior tactile microdot print giving the fabric more room between your skin and the inner liner, channeling moisture away from the body keeping you dry and safe from the elements.  Seam sealed for absolute water protection, yet maintains a breathability that keeps you from overheating or creating an interior, clammy mess.

Features:

  • Attached, fully adjustable hood with hidden drawcord system
  • Brushed chinguard lining
  • Center front zip and Valcro closure
  • Hem cinchcord
  • Pit zip vents
  • Standard fit
  • Stowable in pocket
  • Two hand pockets
  • Velcro adjustable cuff tabs
  • Waterproof, breathable, seam sealed

Altrec

Don't let its lightweight design fool you, The Venture Jacket from The North Face is a full-on waterproof, breathable, seam-sealed jacket engineered to withstand wilderness storms, yet styled for every day use.

Features:

  • Asphalt Grey/ Asphalt Grey, Basin Blue, Bittersweet Brown, Black, Cardinal Red, English Green, Brownie Brown, Indian Clay Red, Filo Green
  • Attached, fully adjustable hood with hidden drawcord system
  • Brushed chinguard lining prevents chafing of your chin
  • Center front zip and Velcro closure
  • FABRIC: 40D 2.7 oz/yd2 nylon ripstop HyVent
  • Hem cinchcord
  • Pit-zip vents
  • Standard fit
  • Stowable in left hand pocketQ2 oz (340 g)
  • Two hand pockets
  • Velcro adjustable cuff tabs
  • Waterproof, breathable, seam sealed

Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)

Functional and stylish, The North Face® Venture Jacket is a highly technical rainwear piece engineered to withstand wilderness storms, it works just as well in the urban jungle.

"Great choice, highly recommend. Looks good, too." - Customer review

Features:

  • Attached, fully adjustable hood with hidden draw cord system
  • Brushed chinguard lining stops chafing
  • Center front zip with secure Velcro® closure
  • Hem cinchcord
  • Hyvent™ fabric with mutli-layer formula for waterproof protection, moisture permeability and durability
  • Jacket packs down into left hand pocket for stowaway
  • Pit-zip vents for extra ventilation during high aerobic activities
  • Regular fit
  • Two hand pockets
  • Velcro® adjustable cuff tabs

Al's Sports

The North Face Venture Jacket is an all-around exploration jacket for changing weather conditions. It's waterproof, breathable, seam-sealed, and great fit for everyday wear. The Venture Jacket from the North Face is a highly technical, best-selling rainwear piece, engineered to withstand wilderness storms and styled for everyday use.

Features:

  • Attached, fully adjustable hood with hidden drawcord system
  • Brushed chinguard lining
  • Center front zip and Velcro closure
  • Hem cinchcord
  • Pit-zip vents
  • Standard fit
  • Stowable in left hand pocket
  • Style number AR9R
  • Two hand pockets
  • Velcro adjustable cuff tabs
  • Waterproof, breathable, seam sealed

Ramsey Outdoor

The Venture Jacket is a highly technical, best-selling rainwear piece, engineered to withstand wilderness storms and styled for everyday use.

Features:

  • Attached, fully adjustable hood with hidden drawcord system.
  • Brushed chinguard lining.
  • Center back 28".T0D 2.7 oz/yd2 nylon ripstop HyVent™ DT 2.5L.
  • Center front zip and Velcro® closure.
  • Hem cinchcord.
  • Highly technical, best-selling rainwear piece, engineered to withstand wilderness storms and styled for everyday use.
  • Imported.
  • Pit-zip vents.
  • Stowable in left hand pocket.
  • Two hand pockets.
  • Velcro® adjustable cuff tabs.
  • Waterproof, breathable, seam sealed.

Backcountry.com

The North Face Men's Venture Jacket includes all the features you need, none that you don't, and it even stuffs into its own pocket for easy storage in your pack during nice weather. This 13.4oz jacket protects you from brutal downpours with a waterproof breathable HyVent DT shell and fully taped seams. The Venture Jacket now has a fully adjustable hood courtesy of The North Face's design department.


Zappos.com

Always be ready to get outside with the Venture, a lightweight, waterproof, breathable jacket for all-around exploration in changing conditions.
Standard Fit.
Waterproof, breathable, and seam-sealed.
Adjustable hood rolls to collar height.
Brushed chinguard lining.
Pit zip vents.
Two hand pockets.
Jacket stows in left pocket.
Hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs.
Hem cinchcord.
Fabric: 40D 2.5 oz/yd nylon ripstop HyVent DT.
Center Back measurement: 28.
Avg. Weight: 13oz (369g).


Oregon Mountain Community

The North Face Venture Jacket meets the need of all outdoor enthusiasts. Some athletes just need a jacket that's waterproof, breathable, and engineered to withstand severe wilderness storms.

Features:

  • Attached, fully adjustable hood with hidden drawcord system
  • Brushed chinguard lining
  • Center front zip and Velcro® closure
  • Hem cinch-cord
  • Pit-zip vents
  • Standard fit
  • Stowable in pocket
  • Two hand pockets
  • Velcro® adjustable cuff tabs
  • Waterproof, breathable, seam sealed

TetonVillageSports.com

Every outdoor enthusiast needs a jacket; Some athletes just need a jacket that's waterproof, breathable, and engineered to withstand severe wilderness storms.

Features:

  • Attached, fully adjustable hood with hidden drawcord system
  • Brushed chinguard lining
  • Center front zip and Velcro closure
  • Pit-zip vents; Two hand pockets
  • Standard fit; Waterproof, breathable, seam sealed
  • Stowable in pocket; Hem cinch cord
  • Velcro adjustable cuff tabs

This description was also provided by: Paragon Sports


Massey's Outfitters

Attached, fully adjustable hood with hidden drawcord system
Brushed chinguard lining
Center front zip and Velcro® closure
Fabric: 40D 2.7 oz/yd2 nylon ripstop HyVent DT 2.5L
Hem cinchcord
Highly technical, best-selling rainwear piece, engineered to withstand wilderness
storms and styled for everyday use
Length from Center Back: 28 in.
Pit-zip vents
Standard fit
Stowable in left hand pocket
Two hand pockets
Velcro® adjustable cuff tabs
Waterproof, breathable, seam sealed


Appalachain Outdoors

This men's jacket from The North Face is engineered to withstand severe rainstorms and styled for everyday use.


Moosejaw

No description provided.

Back Length:29 in.
Breathable Rating:625g / m
Center Back Length:28in [M]
Core Venting:Underarm zips
Country of Origin:Bangladesh
External Pockets:2
Fabric:40D 2.7 oz/yd2 nylon ripstop HyVent™ DT 2.5L
Hood:Fixed
Insulation:None
Length from center back:28"
Manufacturer Warranty:Lifetime
Material:[Shell] HyVent DT; [Lining] nylon
Pockets:2 Hand
Recommended Use:Hiking, backpacking
Seam Taped:Yes, fully
Shell fabric:nylon ripstop
Sizes:M, L, XL
Snow Skirt:No
Technology:40D HyVent™ DT 2.5 oz./yd layer with raised microdot
Ventilation:Pit zips
Warranty:Lifetime
Waterproof Material:Hyvent™
Waterproof Rating:25psi
Waterproofing:HyVent DT polyurethane coating
Weather Conditions:Rain
Weight:13.4 oz. (379 g)
Windproof:Yes

View other products from The North Face classified in Men's Clothing > Jackets & Vests.

View all products from The North Face.
View other products classified in Men's Clothing > Jackets & Vests.

Sometimes, we can't be sure that the product is the same across the stores that offer its, so you may find the same product listed more then once on GearBuyer.com, we these list highly similar products below.

The North Face Hooded Venture JacketThe North Face Hooded Venture Jacket$99.00
The North Face Venture PantThe North Face Venture Pant$59.99 - $69.00
The North Face Venture Rain JacketThe North Face Venture Rain Jacket$98.99 - $99.00
The North Face Venture ParkaThe North Face Venture Parka$103.18 - $129.00

Sometimes brands make complementary products for the opposite gender that coordinate with this product, we also try to show these products below.

The North Face Venture JacketThe North Face Venture Jacket - Boys$73.00 - $78.99
The North Face Venture JacketThe North Face Venture Jacket - Girl's$73.00 - $78.99
The North Face Venture JacketThe North Face Venture Jacket - Women's$69.27 - $99.00
The North Face Venture PantThe North Face Venture Pant - Women's$48.00 - $69.00

Option Availability:

Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.

ColorSize
SmallMediumLargeExtra LargeExtra Extra LargeExtra Extra Extra Large
Bittersweet Brown
Bittersweet Brown
98.9598.9598.95119.0098.95119.0098.9598.95  
Potlatch-Orange
Potlatch-Orange
99.0099.0098.9099.0099.0098.9099.0099.0099.00 
Brownie
Brownie
93.0098.9598.9598.9598.9599.0093.0098.952 More...93.0098.952 More...98.9598.95 
Yam Orange
Yam Orange
 78.9564.9864.98  
Yam-Orange
Yam-Orange
   79.12  
Classic Khaki
Classic Khaki
98.9593.0098.9599.0093.0098.9593.0098.9599.00 
Classic-Khaki-28P
Classic-Khaki-28P
   79.12  
New Taupe Green
New Taupe Green
84.9598.952 More...84.9593.004 More...84.9593.005 More...84.9593.005 More...84.9598.952 More... 
New-Taupe-Green-21L
New-Taupe-Green-21L
 98.9098.9098.90  
Ivy Green
Ivy Green
99.0099.0099.0078.9599.00  
Ivy-Green-36Z
Ivy-Green-36Z
   79.12  
Black / Graphite Grey
Black / Graphite Grey
   99.00  
Deep Water Blue
Deep Water Blue
84.9598.955 More...84.9598.957 More...84.9593.008 More...93.0098.956 More...98.9598.953 More...118.95
Basin Blue
Basin Blue
 99.0093.0099.0099.00  
Deep-Water-Blue
Deep-Water-Blue
 98.90 98.90  
Asphalt Grey
Asphalt Grey
99.0099.0099.0099.002 More...99.0099.002 More...99.0099.002 More...99.0099.0099.00 
Asphalt Grey / Asphalt Grey
Asphalt Grey / Asphalt Grey
84.9593.0098.9598.9593.0098.9593.0098.9593.0098.95 
Asphalt Grey/ Asphalt Grey
Asphalt Grey/ Asphalt Grey
98.9598.9598.9598.9598.95 
Asphalt-Grey-03B
Asphalt-Grey-03B
  98.9098.9098.90 
Black
Black
93.0098.957 More...93.0098.908 More...79.9584.9512 More...79.1679.9512 More...93.0098.906 More...119.00
Cardinal Red
Cardinal Red
 99.0093.0099.0093.0099.00  
Indian Clay Red
Indian Clay Red
 78.9564.9878.9564.9875.8964.98 
IndnRed   99.00  
New Taupe 98.95 98.95  
TNF Red
TNF Red
98.9599.0098.9598.9599.0093.0098.9598.9593.0098.952 More...98.9598.95 
Tnf Red
Tnf Red
 98.95    

Legend

  •     - Massey's Outfitters
  •     - Moosejaw
  •     - Altrec
  •     - Paragon Sports
  •     - Backcountry.com
  •     - Ramsey Outdoor
  •     - Mountain Gear
  •     - Oregon Mountain Community
  •     - USOutdoor.com
  •     - Zappos.com
  •     - Appalachain Outdoors
  •     - Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)
  •     - Rocky Mountain Trail
  •     - Mountain Gear (Spring 2009)
  •     - TetonVillageSports.com
  •     - Rock/Creek Outfitters
  •     - Berg's Ski Shop

Notes:

Al's Sports offers this product at $79.19, but does not provide any color/size information.

The North Face Venture Jacket Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
*****141
****11
***1
**1
*1
To see how this product compares to others view Men's Jacket Reviews.

Positive Reviews:

a very versitle jacket

Rating:*****

I've had mine over 2 years now,and while wearing it, have guided five ascents of Mexico's Pico de Orizaba, two expeditions climbing Iliniza Norte and Cotopaxi in Ecuador, a trip up Mt Hood and MT Adams, and many ascents in the Colorado Rockies in all four seasons and this jacket, working as an ultralight shell over my fleece and midweight tops has performed flawlessly. Yes, it breathes well enough to keep me dry, and is a welcome ounce saver for higher altitude trips while providing a wind layer in a vareity of climates from Orizaba's 18,403ft dry and mildly cold climate to Ecuador's more humid, colder air with wetter snow at 19,000'+ altitude. It's simple design takes up very little space in my pack and the pockets are large enough to stow my gloves when not in use. They allow me to stow my x-small bottle of sunscreen and a bit of food and still leave me enough room to slip my hands inside without worrying of pulling stuff out when I remove them. The jackets cut is not too constricting so climbing technical terrain hasn't been a problem and I like the short length as it gives me access to the gear racked on my harness.the pit zips are great but id recommend putting on a longer cord to make them easier to operate. It's nice to know you don't have to spend several hundred dollars to get a very adequately performing jacket for a variety of climates, altitudes and conditions. I've already decided that when I replace this jacket it will be with another Venture as I'm sold its the right jacket for all my alpine needs. If I were to redesign anything it would be to make the hood slightly larger to more easliy fit my helmet underneath.

frmg1017763 at Backcountry.com on 05/02/2009

Scotland, England, Ireland

Rating:*****
I bought this jacket at Macy's in New York (for considerably more than Altrec is charging for it) in the Filo Green, and since then have taken it on separate trips to Ireland, England, and Scotland. My father liked it so much he borrowed it on a recent trip to Australia for a month. It has served me fantastically on all three trips I took. It's extremely light and it packs nicely into the pocket (and the little bundle it makes can be squished even tighter). I have no complaints about it keeping me dry. When they say the hood is fully adjustable, they mean it; I have no trouble sizing it so that the hood keeps water out of my face, but does not restrict my vision. There is a built in semi-rigid "bill" along the top edge of the hood that really helps in this regard. The "pit vents" under the arms are fine. I've used them a few times when it was rainy yet quite warm, but most of the time I just don't notice they're there. One thing I love in particular about this jacket are the adjustable cuffs. I am very picky about my cuffs, and I don't like most elastic cuffs as they feel too restrictive for me. This jacket includes a long strip of velcro that lets you size the cuffs exactly to your comfort without any uncomfortable squeezing that you would get with elastic. The jacket is fitted so that you can easily layer up underneath it, but it won't be too loose and baggy if you're just wearing a t-shirt. All in all a terrific value, and recommended to anyone.
Isaac at Altrec on 03/28/2007

For Runners - Ventilation

Rating:****

I had a 4 year old Marmot Precip Jacket that breathed great on 5 mile runs in the rain, but it finally began to delaminate along the seams, so I first tried to buy the new version of the Precip. What a mistake! The new version has a different coating inside and shorter pit zips. I was wet inside badly from perspiration. They don't breathe well enough for me running, so, I tried this jacket based upon the good reviews here.

The price is great. The jacket breathes better than the new version Precip, almost as well as the old version Precip. It has long pit zips and mesh lined vertical pockets in front that give added ventilation. When I have the zipper in front all the way up, it is still not breathable enough, but I keep the zipper near throat level and it breathes pretty well. I do wish the hood was removable, because I use a wide brimmed hat. Tuck the hood under, if you don't wear it, because it will fill with rain. The fabric appears durable, something that the reviews of the new Gortex Paclite does not appear to have.

All in all, for the money, lightweight, durable, reasonably breathable. I'm very happy with this purchase; and, as usual, Backcountry's prices are great, and they get the gear right out to you.

Lau2505591 at Backcountry.com on 11/26/2008

Light, breathable and dry

Rating:****

So far I've found this jacket to be nearly perfect for my needs.
I've worn it on several day hikes in wet weather as well as around town and it's great. It's definitely waterproof and the water beads off of the fabric.
The fabric is also breathable and light so I never felt hot and clammy underneath.
Around the city, when you don't need it, it folds away into an internal pocket and my girlfriend found that it was small and light enough to stash it away in her handbag.
My only minor complaint was that in the beginning I found it difficult to adjust the hood, it takes a bit of practice but once you know how its not too bad. Basically, when you're wearing the jacket and flip the hood on, it invariably is too big. There is a small zip-pull to tighten the cord at the back of the hood, and I found myself fumbling around back there for ages.
Eventually I had to take the jacket off and see what I was doing wrong. But once I figured it out it wasn't too bad. And once it's adjusted the way you like it doesn't really matter anyway.

normie_cha2151306 at Backcountry.com on 05/02/2008

Good Value Jacket

Rating:*****
I just purchased this jacket from Altrec. I picked the closeout Alder Brown color. I don't normally purchase anything brown, but the pricing was too good to pass up. I was surprised at how well the color won me over. It would look good on the trail and around town. I immediately got to tryout its ability to keep me dry and it excelled. Water beaded up like drops off a ducks back. Pit zips were helpful in regulating heat and you can hardly notice them visually when engaged. While I haven't used it for hiking or camping yet, this seems like a perfect stuffable jacket for those purposes. Some posters have said they don't like the white lining, but I kind of like the white inside lining. I'm guessing the reflective nature of the material, could help in a rescue situation? Velcro on the wrist offers a custom feel and the hood is expremely adjustable. This jacket layers well with light fleece for a super warm and wicking combination. I may use this jacket to ski in the near future and I'm looking forward to stuffing it with my camping / kayak gear this summer.
Emanoh at Altrec on 02/17/2008

Great so far!

Rating:*****

I've only had this jacket for a couple of months, so my review is rather limited. With that being said, I would like to echo several of the positive reviews given here. I bought this to serve as a packable option for hiking in Hawaii (home), and for wherever else it rains and I'm outside. The first time I went hiking with it in my backpack, I got caught in a 30-minute downpour, and it kept the water out completely. My pack got soaked and the front of my legs got wet, but my core was rain-free. It does breathe reasonably well. It was about 80-81° when I was using it, and I never felt "hot", but my arms did get a little clammy. On the other hand I've worn it to work as a windbreaker and it really doesn't insulate very well, as it shouldn't. It should really excel in more temperate climates. The jacket is lightweight, fits well on my 6'1"-185 lb frame (size large), and the construction seems solid. Bottom line, take our advise and get this jacket! You won't be disappointed unless you deserve it for some reason.

Adam B. at Backcountry.com on 02/10/2009

What Everyone Needs: A knife, a good woman and this jacket!

Rating:*****

I got my first Venture jacket for my 21st birthday and it lasted until a few weeks before my 25th. It is still waterproof and I still use it for outdoor work, but the inner lining cracked some over time and I simply gave it hell before it started to do so. Had I not been so hard on it, I believe it would still be in factory condition to this day.

I did not hesitate to buy the second one or even stop to look at other brands because I wore the original what would amount to two straight years and it's still kicking.

This jacket is invaluable, light, watertight and the pit-zips make it perfect year round. i wear it as a rain-stopper in the spring and fall and wear it with a sweater or hoodie all winter as a wind-stop.

I can honestly say I couldn't ask for more in a jacket or a brand.

Michael Johnson at Backcountry.com on 05/07/2009

Excellent Rain Shell

Rating:*****

I chose this jacket because it fits well, is waterproof, stows small into it's own pocket, is relatively light, and has pit zips for cooling down during a warm downpour. Many light rain shells don't have pit zips, and are SO light and cheapie feeling, that they can't bridge the gap to an evening campside wind/warmth jacket which this does very well with layering. That is to say if you're hesitant to go for one of the ultralight, ultrathin rain shells, and you want something that bridges the gap towards the full-blown shell direction, then this is a great comprimise right between the two. Very light, but still substantial enough to be considered a "jacket".
I'm 6'1" and weigh 175 -the medium fits perfectly, and allows me to wear this over a tee, or with a thermal top, thick fleece and the shell over it all with adequate movement for hiking and climbing. Great jacket.

Gabe H. at Backcountry.com on 06/20/2009

Don't leave home without it

Rating:****

I've had my The North Face Venture for around 5 years. I take it practically every with me. If I'm not wearing it to block the wind or rain, I keep it in my pack just in case. I normally wear a medium, but got a large to fit as an outer shell over multiple layers. It has elastic drawstrings in all the right places, especially around the hood which has a terrific fit. I just recently washed it for the first time per the directions on the tag and it developed a small tear in the inner fabric. I'll tape it up and continue to use it as long as it sheds the elements. It has been a great shell that has served me well in all my travels. Rain, snow, wind - this will stop it. When it dies, I think I'll try out Patagonia's Rain Shadow shell.

Collin Smith at Backcountry.com on 12/29/2008

"LOVE THIS JACKET!!!! Perfect for that cool summer evening"

Rating:*****
I bought this jacket for myself -- even though it is a Men's jacket. I searched for the women's in the orange color and they don't carry it soooooo I purchased the men's. I first saw it in a store on vacation and searched the internet for it when I discovered Moosejaw -- Moosejaw was CHEAPER so I'm now addicted to this site!!! I purchased this jacket in a Med -- usually wear a Large in Women -- It fits great -- the sleeves are a little longer -- but I can tighten them up at the wrist -- I carry this with me everywhere I go -- Perfect weight for that cool summer evening -- I love it!!!!! And of course I only bought it to begin with because it was ORANGE -- but it is now my favorite
Theresa at Moosejaw on 06/20/2009

Negative Reviews:

Wanna get wet?

Rating:*

TNF website repeatedly refers to this garment as waterproof. That is a blatant lie. This garment is not even remotely water-resistant. A one-hour rain storm left me completely soaked:literally not a dry spot to be found.

Sent the jacket back to TNF. They promptly sent it back to me saying "After inspection & lab test, jacket is repeled moisture. Hyvent fabric which is different than gore-tex fabrictions & in terms of water-proofness.TNF" Uh, yeah, evidently with the incorrect spelling and "new" words (wtf is "fabrictions"?), the TNF has hired 2nd-graders to write responses to their customers.

Silly me, to think all this time I actually thought "Waterproof" actually meant that: waterproof. Not kinda waterproof, not sometimes waterproof, not waterproof only when it's not raining, not waterproof only in a light drizzle, not waterproof because we say it is waterproof. Just WaterProof: plain and simple.

This is my second TNF Hyvent product and they both have sucked.

bubba mcgum at Backcountry.com on 08/26/2009

jacket length

Rating:**

I looked at the pictured jacket and thought it would be perfect for me. I am long-waisted, and needed something that would be long enough to cover my butt! In the actual jacket I received, the jacket bottom was 4" (or more) ABOVE the ends of the sleeves rather than 2" or so below the sleeve-ends as pictured. The quality lives up to North Face standards, but the functionality (for me) left me cold -- literally!

Dus2960206 at Backcountry.com on 04/06/2009

Neutral Reviews:

OK coat

Rating:***

Arms are short - .. very common with north face equipment. Besides that the quality of the coat looks decent but the cost is rather high.

paintballi1234823 at Backcountry.com on 09/22/2008