The North Face is a top-tier outdoor apparel brand that has garnered quite the loyal following since its founding in 1968.
The North Face, or TNF as they’re often referred to, sprouted up in San Francisco, but is now a worldwide brand favored by outdoor adventurers of all types.
TNF is known for being more on the “luxury” end of the outdoor apparel brand spectrum. But don’t let that fool you into thinking that it’s all for the show. TNF gear is truly well-made, designed to last, and can look just as beautiful as casual wear as it is up in the mountains.
For many people, TNF is worth every penny for your backpacking adventures, despite their clothing being priced on the higher end of the scale.
Bottom Line Up Front (Skip the Chatter): I strongly lean towards the Venture jacket available here. It’s a bit lighter and more “packable” for a marginal increase in price.
Better lightweight design and an easier to pack for in incremental price increase. This is why I ended up choosing the Venture 2 here.
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Main Differences Between North Face Venture 2 vs Resolve 2 Jacket
The main differences between North Face Venture 2 vs Resolve 2 are:
- North Face Venture 2 is great for intensive backpacking or hiking, whereas Resolve 2 is better for casual activities.
- North Face Venture 2 is lighter and more packable, whereas Resolve 2 is cheaper.
- North Face Venture 2 comes in 12 color options, whereas Resolve 2 comes in 7.
- North Face Venture 2 has Zippered hand pockets, whereas Resolve 2 has Velcro storm flap over the zipper.
When it comes to jackets, The North Face has one for every hiking occasion. Perhaps one of the most useful styles of jackets for the average outdoor enthusiast is the classic rain jacket.
Whether you’re scaling up the side of a mountain, strolling along a groomed path, or stalking through the woods on the outer after a prize buck the last thing you want to experience is a rainstorm that leaves you soaked in water.
Not only are soaked clothes uncomfortable, but it can quickly turn into a dangerous situation in cooler weather, so you better keep yourself dry and warm while backpacking.
The North Face has plenty of rain jackets or rain shells available – in fact, they have an entire category on their website dedicated to them so you can find the best fit for you. Out of their 26 different rain-appropriate jackets, there are two that are at the top of the list – the Venture 2 and the Resolve 2. As the name suggests, both are upgraded models from the originals (which will no longer be produced).
If you’re searching for a reasonably priced rain jacket from TNF that looks great and keeps you protected against rain and water, performs impeccably, and has a few creature comforts, chances are you’ll end up having to decide between these two models.
| Brands | Styles and Sizes | Shell Fabric | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Available in Men’s Sizes XS to 3XL with 12 different color choices | DryVent 2.5L | 4.5 on TNF Website | Around $99 (Check out the latest prices here!) |
 | Available in Men’s Sizes XS to 3XL with 7 color options | DryVent 2L fabric | 5 star on TNF Website | Around $90 (Check out the latest prices here!) |
Design and Features of the TNF Venture 2
The TNF Venture 2 is a lightweight, breathable rain jacket that protects from moisture and water as well as wind. This particular model is highly durable in design, provides great comfort thanks to the ripstop nylon exterior. With a relaxed fit and an adjustable hood, you can use the Venture 2 for numerous activities like hiking and backpacking.
On the TNF website, you’ll find that Venture 2 has over 250 reviews and maintains a solid 4.5/5 star rating. Based on ratings, this jacket comes with an impressive 94% recommendation rate from customers.
Some of the features you should know about Venture 2 include –
- Available in Men’s Sizes XS to 3XL
- 12 different color choices
- Unlined jacket with space for under layers
- Designed for year-round use
- DryVent 2.5L sealed seam shell
- 100% windproof
- Adjustable hood with room for the helmet
- Velcro storm flap over the zipper
- Velcro cuff tabs
- Armpit vents for cooling
- Cinch cord in bottom hem
- Zippered hand pocket
- Stows into own pocket
This midweight rain jacket is highly compressible and packable, perfect for the outer. It is unlined and has a relaxed fit, allowing you to layer up under it if the weather is cool to keep you warm. TNF rates this jacket as being resistant to water and wind.
The exterior material is a DryVent coating, which is a TNF technology designed for their rain jacket (lightweight rain jacket). DryVent consists of a waterproof PU coating to offer water protection, moisture permeability, and to improve durability. It has a waterproof rating of 25 PSI after 20 washes.
Exact weights vary, but you can expect an average of 11.6oz. The center back length is 29″ which is long enough to ensure you stay covered while bending over during hiking. The North Face Venture Jacket is more on the no-frills side of things when it comes to jackets, but it still manages to maintain small features that really come in handy compared to basic water repellent raincoat shells.
Better lightweight design and an easier to pack for in incremental price increase. This is why I ended up choosing the Venture 2 here.
Design and Features of the TNF Resolve 2
The TNF Resolve 2 is a comfortable waterproof rain jacket with an airy ventilation mesh lining (for breathability) and stowable hood. When it comes to popularity the Resolve 2 is clearly a favorite, having 725 reviews on the TNF website and a 5-star rating. Customers have given this model an impressive 98% recommendation rating.
Like Venture 2, the Resolve 2 also checks off all the boxes of features you’d like to have a rain jacket for backpacking. It’s against wind and water or moisture, plus it’s breathable and with great fit and comfort to wear. Some other details you should know about Resolve 2 include:
- Available in Men’s Sizes XS to 3XL
- Comes in 7 color options
- Designed with an adjustable and collar-stowable hood
- Relaxed fit perfect for layering
- Made of 100% windproof fabrics
- Shell is sealed seam DryVent 2L fabric
- Lined with mesh
- Velcro storm flap over the zipper
- Zippered hand pockets
- Elastic cuffs keep out drafts and rain
- Hem cinch-cord to trap in body heat
The Resolve 2 is a little bit heavier than a rain jacket, averaging at about 17.3oz. The shell is also DryVent nylon fabric for good ventilation, though 2L rather than the Venture’s 2.5L. The lining is 40D polyester mesh which really helps with breathability and comfort when it’s a little warmer or humid out. The interior lining in the sleeves and hood is soft 75D polyester taffeta and feels great against the skin even during cooler weather.
This lightly lined waterproof rain jacket is a great choice for those that want just a little bit of added warmth from their jacket, rather than being purely a waterproof shell coating to layer. It has a little more versatility with the stowable hood, plus the hood is still adjustable like the Venture.
Customers clearly love this waterproof jacket. It’s priced perfectly and is great for most types of wet weather uses where a heavier jacket wouldn’t be considered a burden (i.e. camping or short hikes).
When you see a chance of rain in the forecast ahead of a weekend camping trip, it doesn't bother you. In the rain, in the snow, or in howling winds, you'd still rather be out on the trail than stuck indoors. If weight matters less to you than staying fully dry when you're pitching a tent in the rain, stash The North Face Resolve 2 Hooded Men's Jacket in your pack ahead of day trips and longer adventures to stay prepared. 
Other Options to Consider
While these two are great rain jackets to compare, I always like to look at the competitive landscape.
- Columbia Watertight II: This is another option worth checking out for a very waterproof but also super soft, durable, and comfortable mesh lining.
Columbia Watertight II Jacket - Men's | Backcountry.comCheck PriceThunderstorms in the forecast? No worries—just put on the Columbia Men's Watertight II Jacket and you'll be right as rain. The Omni-Tech two-layer nylon shell is fully seam sealed, so not only does it keep moisture out, but its air-permeable design allows unwanted perspiration to escape.
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. - Marmot Minimalist: The Minimalist features a more relaxed fit and – as the name suggests – features just the basics.
Marmot Minimalist Jacket - Men's | BackcountryCheck Price Buy directly at Marmot.comThe Minimalist Jacket is one of Marmot's most popular and universal jackets. Weighing in at under one pound with Paclite technology, this jacket is designed for storing in your day pack, backpacking pack, and carry-on so that you are always prepared for high-elevation rain clouds, scattered showers at the crag, and all-day thunderstorms in the city.
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. - Patagonia Torrentshell: The Torrentshell is one of Patagonia’s more popular jackets with the key selling point being VERSATILITY. You can wear this alone or as an outerwear shell jacket. These jackets also last forever (excellent durability). Also, read Marmot Precip vs Patagonia Torrentshell.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket - Men's | Backcountry.comCheck PriceThis Jacket is a dependable rain shell that you can pack in its own pocket for compact storage while backpacking, day-hiking, or simply making it through a wet day. Unlike most ultralight, hyper-packable rain shells, the Torrentshell offers rugged waterproofing in the form of Patagonia's Performance Standard H2No membrane—the very same membrane used in Patagonia ski jackets.
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. - Arc’teryx Thorium AR: Another similar hoody jacket, but a bit higher-end features (and price point).
Thorium AR Hoody Men’s | Arc’teryxCheck Price Buy at Amazon.comExceptionally versatile, hardwearing and warm, the Thorium AR Hoody performs as a cold weather midlayer and as a standalone. The Thorium’s regular fit is streamlined and layers easily under a hardshell in cold conditions. Lofty 750 fill European grey goose down give incredible warmth for little weight, is durably resilient, and packs easily.
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
So Which Jacket Should You Buy? Resolve 2 or Venture 2?
Better lightweight design and an easier to pack for in incremental price increase. This is why I ended up choosing the Venture 2 here.
Although you’ll probably be quite happy with either jacket, there are a couple of key differences to keep in mind when stuck between Venture 2 and Resolve 2. The two main factors to consider while making your decision in rain jackets are comfort versus functionality.
If you tend to do more casual activities outdoor and aren’t planning on doing intensive backpacking or hiking, then you’ll probably find the Resolve 2 to be the better jacket. It is just a little cozier feeling, thanks to the fleece collar.
The elastic cuffs and stowable hood add a nice finishing touch to this model. The Resolve 2 is also priced just a tad lower at $90 to $110. Overall the Resolve 2 is an excellent all-around durable rain jacket that is great for hiking and more laidback outdoor activities.
The difference between the Resolve 2 and Venture 2 is the layering. The Resolve 2 has a 2-layer model to keep you dry externally but is not as breathable.
The Venture 2 has a 2.5 layer model, which allows more ventilation. The Venture 2 is a more breathable rain jacket.
Now, if you’re specifically looking for a technical rain jacket or rain shell the Venture 2 is going to be right up your alley. It’s priced just a little higher at $99 to $119, which is not much of a difference.
However, with the $9 increase in price, you’ll be getting a lighter-weight, more packable rain jacket. Backpackers and hikers needing a lightweight jacket/rain shell to keep stowed in their bag as a precaution will find the Venture 2 to be a much better choice.
As an added bonus, the Venture 2 also comes in more color options – including some bright shades (i.e. citronelle green) which could be useful for backcountry adventurers who need added visual safety.
Bottom Line: I strongly lean towards the Venture jacket available here. It’s a bit lighter and more “packable” for a marginal increase in price.
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Further Reading: Best North Face Jackets specifically designed for women.
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