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On test: The North Face's Venture Jacket, £100 |
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Written by Bryn
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Wednesday, 14 December 2011 14:43 |
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 Marketed as a ‘classic all-rounder’ the Venture Jacket is designed to be used in a range of situations from casual use walking to the pub to hiking in the hills or mountains. It’s been coated with The North Face’s own waterproofing technology, HyVent, to keep the water out.
The Venture Jacket packs down into its own pocket to a size that’s slightly larger than a bag of crisps and twice as thick – great if you’re travelling abroad or going on multi-day hikes as it won’t be too much of a burden in your bag. Couple that with the light weight of 379g and you’ve got a pack friendly jacket.
The main zip is protected by a double storm flap which is always a plus on jackets without water resistant zips, and to make wearing more comfortable the chin has been lined with a soft micro-fleece.
The jacket features long pit zips which will allow you to ventilate the jacket if you’re getting too hot and these are protected by storm flaps. To further help with ventilation the pockets are mesh-lined; they’re also both rucksack hip-belt friendly and big enough to hold an OS map. Both the cuffs and hem are adjustable, with the cuffs being smooth to pull up if you’re overheating and the hem being easily adjusted with one hand.
The hood is fully adjustable which we like as it helps make the jacket fit smaller heads, and it turns with you and is helmet compatible. But while the fit of the hood is OK the peak isn’t stiffened and it’ll flop around in the wind and offer little protection from driving rain.
With its light weight and small pack size the Venture is great for multi-day hikes where you want a jacket that’ll sit lightly in your pack. It has good ventilation and as well as that it looks good enough to wear on the streets.
The North Face's Venture Jacket, £100, www.thenorthface.com
AT scores
Ventilation: 8
Hood: 7
Pack size and weight: 9
Value for money: 8
Overall: 8 |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 14 December 2011 14:51 |
Gear