North Face Venture Jacket - Outdoor Gear Review

The Venture Jacket is North Face’s most affordable water proof shell. The Venture is a relatively thin and light weight jacket that is well suited as a multi season jacket. The jacket is made from HyVent DT, a waterproof yet breathable fabric with raised microdots that lift the fabric off of the skin in order to channel moisture away. Other features include a fully adjustable, attached hood, brushed chinguard lining, pit-zip vents, two hand pockets, adjustable Velcro cuffs, and a cinch cord at the waist. One almost seemingly hidden feature is the left pocket stow. Stuff the jacket in the left hand packet, zip and the jacket quickly transformed into a small bundle ready for a backpack or suitcase.

Our tests included cycling and day hikes in the Pacific Northwest. The Venture has excellent waterproofing while providing breathability. Some wind pasted through the jacket during cycling, so it lost points in the area of wind proofing. That said, the jacket was windproof enough off of the bike and is more than adequate enough for hiking, camping, or climbing.