Two big names in the world of outdoor clothing are Patagonia and North Face.
Both brands make some awesome outdoor gear that can handle pretty much any outdoor adventure you can think of.
There are actually quite a few similarities between the brands and their products. Two of these products are the Patagonia Torrentshell 3l and the North Face Venture 2 jackets.
You could easily find yourself stuck between which one of these jackets to choose. That’s where this article comes in.
We have taken a good look at both the Torrentshell and the Venture 2 and put all of our findings together to help you make the choice as to which one of these waterproof jackets is best for you.
Patagonia Torrentshell vs North Face Venture: Specifications
Materials
Patagonia is very well-known for its commitment to sustainability.
That makes it unsurprising that the Torrentshell has been made from recycled nylon to ensure it is as environmentally friendly as possible.
That being said, Patagonia is very honest in that they still coat their products with a durable water repellent which isn’t as sustainable as they would like it to be.
While they are working on this for the future, the fact that they are honest about it is a very positive thing from our point of view.
The Venture 2 is made from 40 denier nylon ripstop. This is a bit thinner than the Patagonia Torrentshell’s 50 denier nylon.
As far as rain jackets go, the Venture 2 is lightweight but still tough enough to handle some time in the wild.
Water Resistance
When it comes to water resistance, layering plays a key role.
Most waterproof jackets that you’ll find in the mid-range market will have 2.5 layers of protection. The Totrrentshell has 3 making it highly water-resistant.
Even in heavy rain, the durable water-repellent coating does a good job of wicking moisture away so you can stay dry until you’re able to find shelter.
The Venture 2 from North Face is one of the rain jackets that utilizes a 2.5 layer build. While this does help keep the cost and weight of the rain jacket down, it does have an impact on performance in wet conditions.
Like the Torrenshell, the Venture 2 has a coating of durable water repellent which does offer decent protection from the rain.
However, it might not be able to offer you quite as much protection as the more expensive and slightly heavier Torrentshell rain jacket.
Zippers
Patagonia has done a good job at ensuring the Torrentshell keeps out water as much as possible.
That’s why the zipper has fabric flaps (storm guard) covering it to make sure water has no chance of making it through the jacket and onto your layers underneath.
The North Face has used a similar setup with the zippers on the Venture 2.
Both zippers on these rain jackets provide a good level of waterproofing and protection to keep you dry, warm, and comfortable while you’re enjoying your time in the wild.
Pockets
Both of these waterproof jackets have stuck to the basics when it comes to pockets.
They have two zippered side pockets and that’s it!
While a chest pocket can be useful for carrying extra outdoor gear, these rain jackets are all about keeping you dry in wet conditions.
The pockets on the Torrentshell are deeper and can comfortably fit your cold hands inside and have a layer of protection in the form of fabric flaps that prevent water from getting inside.
North Face has gone for smaller pockets on the Venture 2 so it can be a bit awkward to store much in them, but they are also protected with nylon flaps to keep the rain at bay.
Hood
The hood design on the Torrentshell is practical, convenient, and comfortable.
It has a drawcord at the front and back which can be adjusted to help find the right fit for you and it can fit snugly around your head so it won’t blow off in windy conditions.
The bill of the hood is large which helps prevent water from running off it and onto your face.
If you like the hood on your rain jacket to be large enough to fit over a hat or a beanie, then the Torrentshell’s hood could be a good match for you. One thing to keep in mind though is that this is not a helmet-compatible hood.
If this is something you require – the Torrentshell might not be the best choice.
The hood design on the Venture 2 is very similar to that of the Torrentshell. The only issue it has, that Patagonia’s rain jacket didn’t have, is that the bill of the hood isn’t quite as large.
This can increase the amount of water that drips down your face.
Apart from that small issue though, both hoods fit nicely, stay in place during blustery conditions, and are highly adjustable.
Neither is a helmet-compatible hood but both are very effective when it comes to meeting the requirements of high-performing rain jackets.
Weight
As Patagonia has put a strong focus on layering and making sure you stay completely dry while wearing the Torrentshell, it is a heavier rain jacket compared to the Venture 2.
The Torrentshell weighs in at around 14.6 oz and the Venture 2 weighs around 11 oz.
Just over 3 oz probably makes no difference to your experience while wearing the rain jackets but it could be important if weight is a key consideration for you.
Colors
Both rain jackets come in a range of color options.
While the look of your jacket may not be your main priority, it can add to its practicality if you’re able to wear it in your everyday life and not look like you’re heading into the wilderness at a moment’s notice.
Stylish color choices can certainly help with that.
Other Features
When it comes to rain jackets, a common issue is breathability.
Top rain jackets are usually made from thicker fabrics and tend to have a durable water-repellent coating.
To help ensure your rain jacket is comfortable to wear as well as highly waterproof, Patagonia and North Face have used pit zips on their jackets.
These are zippers underneath your armpits that can be undone to help increase airflow and comfort while wearing them.
Features like this might sound a bit odd but they can make a huge difference while you’re out in the wild.
Environmental Performance
Both brands are known for being environmentally conscious.
The Patagonia Torrentshell and the North Face Venture 2 are both made using similar processes.
Patagonia uses more recycled materials in their design but both brands play their part in protecting our planet’s future – and that’s a very good thing!
Patagonia Torrentshell Full Review
The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L uses 3-layer H2No technology (Patagonia's version of Gore-Tex) making it a very effective waterproof jacket.
It is a packable jacket that can fold down into its own pockets to form a compact bundle for easy storage and carrying.
The pit zips enable you to increase breathability if required and the hood is fully adjustable to help you find the best fit.
Made from recycled nylon, it is kind to the environment as well as being great at keeping you dry.
- Fairtrade certified
- Adjustable hood and wrist cuffs
- Durable water-repellent finish forms a waterproof shell on the outer layer of your rain jacket
North Face Venture Full Review
North Face has created a lightweight, simple, yet effective waterproof jacket with the Venture 2.
It has a durable water-repellent finish which acts as a waterproof membrane on the outer layer of your rain jacket.
Pit zips increase the jacket's ability to circulate air and dump heat, while the adjustable hood stays comfortably on your head even in windy conditions.
Adjustable cuffs also help with comfort and the fact that the Venture 2 can fold into its own pocket makes it a very convenient piece of outdoor gear.
- A very lightweight waterproof jacket making it ideal for warmer weather when there's still a chance of rain
- Adjustable hood and pit zips help create a comfortable yet breathable shell
- Available in multiple colors to suit your preference
North Face Venture vs Patagonia Torrentshell: Our Verdict
Both the Torrentshell and the Venture 2 could easily fit into any list of the best rain jackets.
They both come from brands known for creating awesome outdoor gear that stands up to hands-on testing with very little issue.
Ultimately, if you can only pick one rain jacket, then it will come down to your personal preferences and what you plan on doing in your rain jacket.
The lighter weight of the North Face Venture 2 along with the pit zips and waterproof fabrics make it a great choice if you are heading out in mild weather.
If you are looking for a rain jacket that can keep you dry, warm, and comfortable even in heavier rain showers, the Torrentshell is the one for you.
While both jackets have similar features such as pit zips, a water-resistant zipper, the ability to pack down into its own pocket, made from soft fabric, and a DWR coating – the Torrenstshell does hold its own a little more than the Venture 2.
When it comes to being water-resistant, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3l really is one of the best rain jackets out there and can comfortably compete with (and even outperform) other waterproof jackets such as the Venture 2, the Columbia Watertight II, and any other waterproof jacket.
