Should you buy it??
Trust it — mostly
based on 3 of 5 signals
Quick take
In short: what each side says
AI · critics · buyers · brand claims — each opened up in full further down ↓
Reviewers agree the Venture 2 is a compact, waterproof jacket that excels for packability and weather protection but runs very large and provides no insulation.
Owners praise the jacket's lightweight packability, breathability, and comfortable fit, but are divided on waterproofing effectiveness and durability, with several reporting water penetration and lini
All sides land high — a confident buy, with the caveats below.
The verdict
What the panel makes of it.
The North Face makes the Venture 2 jacket. It is a shell for rain and wind. The company released it years ago in the United States. The jacket weighs less than a pound. Its fabric sheds water without bulk or weight. Hikers and runners buy it. They need protection that doesn't slow them down. AI systems rank it first for lightweight jackets.
Act one
What the machines think.
Several AI models read the category and place this product — model by model, list by list, over time.
Rank trajectory?
Weeks of movement.
Act two · ★ new
What the people say.
The same product, judged by the owners who bought and filmed it — what they praise, what they knock, who it's for.
Video reviews?
What reviewers actually say.
AI summary of 5 reviews · as of Jun 2026
Reviewers agree the Venture 2 is a compact, waterproof jacket that excels for packability and weather protection but runs very large and provides no insulation.
Where reviewers disagree: One reviewer found the relaxed fit looked better and preferred it loose, while another had to size down twice for an acceptable fit; Opinions differ on whether the armpit vents are a valuable feature or a design inconvenience
Mixed reviewsWhat they praise
- Very compact and packable into its own pocket, making it travel-friendly and easy to carry
- DryVent shell provides reliable waterproof and windproof protection in rain and light snow
- Underarm ventilation zippers allow airflow and temperature control during activity
- Lightweight material with no lining makes it breathable for hiking and outdoor activities
- Deep hand pockets and adjustable velcro cuffs provide functional everyday features
What they knock
- Sizing runs extremely large—reviewers consistently recommend sizing down one or two sizes from normal
- Provides no warmth or insulation; requires layering in temperatures below 55°F
- Underarm zippers are difficult to close while wearing the jacket
- Hood lacks a brim and cannot be stowed or hidden inside the collar
Who reviewers think this product is — and isn’t — for
For you if
Look elsewhere if
Synthesised from: kickitwithdang · Is It Worth It? · Cotswold Outdoor · Peter Glenn Ski & Sports · WTI
BEST Packable Rain Jacket? North Face Venture 2 Jacket - Review, Sizing, Pros and Cons
kickitwithdang
The North Face Waterproof Venture Jacket Review! Worth it?
Is It Worth It?
The North Face Antora Waterproof Jacket Review 2024
Cotswold Outdoor
2018 The North Face Venture 2 Rain Jacket Review By Peter Glenn
Peter Glenn Ski & Sports
Our Point of View on The North Face Men's Venture Jackets From Amazon
WTI
What buyers say?
What Google knows about it.
Beyond the video critics, Google pools 3,497 buyer ratings of the Venture 2 Jacket from across retailers — a far wider, if blunter, jury. Here’s the shape of that opinion.
3,497 ratings · 7 written
across 2 retailers
What owners single out
Buyers' weakest aspect—waterproofing—aligns with video reviewers' finding that the jacket provides no warmth and requires layering, suggesting it functions as a shell rather than a standalone rain jacket.
In their words
“Great fit, extremely comfortable and super breathable with the vents open. Keeps water off well, super lightweight and packable as well.”
Nicholas · verified purchase · thenorthface.com
“This jacket is not waterproof, I have attempted to wear it in the rain numerous times, even in a slight drizzle the water soaks through and wets your clothes/skin underneath. The internal waterproofing tape along the seams of the jacket began to peel off after light use, this would be a major problem if the jacket was waterproof, but as it’s not waterproof the manufacturing floor with the tape is ”
OdayJj · verified purchase · anacondastores.com
as of June 5 · 3497 buyer ratings?
Frequently asked
What buyers want to know.
Is The North Face Venture 2 jacket waterproof?
Yes. Reviewers confirm the DryVent shell provides reliable waterproof and windproof protection in rain and light snow. The fabric sheds water without adding bulk or weight.
What is a venture jacket?
The Venture 2 is a lightweight rain shell designed for hikers and runners who need weather protection without added weight or bulk. It packs down into its own pocket and works best when layered with other pieces in cold conditions.
Does the Venture 2 provide warmth?
No. Reviewers note the jacket provides no insulation and requires layering underneath in temperatures below 55°F. It is a shell for rain and wind protection, not warmth.
What should I know about sizing?
Reviewers consistently report the jacket runs extremely large. Most recommend sizing down one or two sizes from your normal fit. Trying it on before buying is advised.
Who is this jacket for?
Travelers and day hikers who need a lightweight, packable rain shell for variable weather and plan to layer underneath in cold conditions. It is not suitable for anyone seeking a warm jacket or expecting a true-to-size fit.
What are the key features?
The jacket is very compact and packable, weighs less than a pound, has underarm ventilation zippers for airflow, deep hand pockets, and adjustable velcro cuffs. Reviewers note the underarm zippers are difficult to close while wearing the jacket, and the hood cannot be stowed.
The recap
Where it stands today.
- Reviewer verdict★Trust it — 4.0 / 5 across 5 videos, positive sentiment. Reviewers confirm the AI placement.
- MakerBy The North Face — see how it ranks across other intents on its brand profile.