The North Face  Venture 2 Jacket - Women's

I wanted so badly to love this jacket, or even like it. Sadly, I gave up and returned it today. It looks great - very trim and neat if you're in town but streamlined and well-equipped for hiking (I thought). But the little problems started to show with a few wears. The first time I poached myself in it, it was a weird, warmish rainy day so I just assumed it was the weather. Yesterday, I took an easy, 2-mile hike on a sunny, brisk day. The pictures show the top of my lightweight Primaloft vest and the jacket.The vest is soaked through and there are water/sweat droplets still on the inside of the jacket. I gave up. Other notes:The jacket is cut slim and unfortunately the zip doesn't open from the bottom up, so no love for curvy folks or people who sit down. Nice big pockets at the hips, but one at the chest would be very helpful. Finally, the stiff material means it doesn't pack into the pocket easily.

This jacket is excellent for heavy rainstorms. I took it on a two week trip through Colombia and was caught in several downpours. The jacket kept me completely dry and is very lightweight, so it packs down easily into a backpack. I would add that the medium is a little large for me (I'm 5'4", about 130 lbs), but since it's light I would just be able to wear a sweater or several light layers underneath in colder weather. The hood is also very large and frequently blocked my peripheral vision, but i'd still recommend the jacket to anyone.

I have had this jacket for 9 months and have worn it hiking in the rain several times. For an hour of light rain it is very waterproof but after several hours of hiking in the rain or after being in heavy rain I found that the jacket was damp inside around the shoulders and also along the cuffs and hand pockets. I think after enough rain the water seeps in through the seams. It is also not very warm as it is not lined, however a base layer helps in cool weather. The fit and comfort are good but I don't recommend it for extended or heavy rain.

I bought this jacket because I wanted a lightweight packable rain jacket to have in the city and for my FL trip during the summer. Well I get to FL and the rain pours but it really stormed during those afternoon showers. So I threw on this rain coat put on the hoodie and sealed the storm strap. I add a digital camera to the inside pocket walked out into the heavy downpour and stood there feeling cozy and dry (yes I had a sweater underneath) all while heavy rain was pouring on me. I waited a few minutes before walking under a building side shelter and confirmed not a drop entered. Fantastic product so far. I would love to review more gear like this.

When I shopped for this jacket, I debated between this one and another one that looked sturdier, but this one was lighter, and therefore would pack to a smaller volume. I just came back from a trip and It rained 2/4 days. This jacket kept me dry. Lastly since I am a full figure, this is just the shape for me and during this trip I wore another jacket under it. The fit was just fine.

I bought this and had to return it. The top and sleeves fit fine, but the bottom was snug on my hips (which are not particularly wide). It I tried to bike or even walk in the jacket, it would ride up to my waist. I went to the store and tried on seven other jackets and they all had the same issue. The store clerk said he thought they all have this style. I hope REI will bring back a more straight design.

As a larger person and shopping last minute. I was able to find a light weight, cute, waterproof jacket that actually fits well. As a larger person it is already hard to find clothes that fit. especially when you are short on time. Fits perfectly, not too short or tight, can zip jacket and still be comfortable. At 5'3" at 250 lbs I fit the xxl.

This jacket held up good during a hike that had a light consistent rain all day. At the end of the day my shirt was mostly dry. However, a few days later we encountered a huge rainstorm and hiked for about five hours in a cold torrential downpour. My shirt was soaked completely through and I was left shivering, cold and wet. Thank goodness it was our last day on the trail. I will use this jacket for day hikes that call for light rain. Will have to find something more dependable for multi day hikes. Can’t take the risk of a heavy rain leaving me drenched.

For YEARS I’ve had a marmot rain jacket (a brand I thought was pretty fantastic), and for YEARS, every time I’ve been caught in a rainstorm (which is more often than you’d think in Texas), I’ve accepted that it would keep me dry for about 30 minutes, or if it was raining more than a drizzle, I’d stay dry for about 10, then I’d go to damp. Well, after a hike where we got rained on (don’t hike after 3 in Colorado), and I spent half the hike wet and cold, despite a rain jacket, the last straw had broken. I was tired of always putting on a rain jacket and getting wet anyways. I found this beauty on clearance sale at my local REI, read a couple good reviews online, and bit the bullet...AND I AM SO GLAD I DID. I climbed in the shower with this thing (since it doesn’t really rain in Texas in the summer) and OH MY GOSH, the water literally just SLIDES RIGHT OFF. On my marmot, you can watch the rain jacket absorb the water — this one?! Not a DROP gets through. This puppy will not let you get wet. I would’ve even paid full price for it. Cannot recommend it enough. It does run slightly large (I’m usually a S-M, and the XS fits me with room enough for a very light fleece under)

Versatile, nice looking and comfortable--love it because it is so light weight but yet sturdy. It is wonderful as a wind breaker, as a rain coat and to keep the chill off in the morning and evening when they come. The inside pocket makes it so easy to store my phone and listen to audible as I walk and/or hike. My three other lightweight jackets will be going to Goodwill!