This guide is for outdoor enthusiasts and urban commuters seeking a reliable, lightweight outer layer for wet weather. The North Face Sangro DryVent™ Jacket offers excellent waterproof and breathable protection, making it ideal for managing drizzles and splashes during hill walking or daily use. While highly effective in wet conditions, it is designed as a shell and provides limited insulation, requiring appropriate layering in colder temperatures.
The Sangro DryVent™ Jacket is engineered with several key features to keep you dry and comfortable:
DryVent™ 2-Layer Technology: Provides complete waterproof protection while allowing perspiration to escape, keeping you dry from both the elements and your own activity.
Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) Finish: An additional treatment on the fabric's surface encourages water to bead up and roll off, enhancing the jacket's waterproof performance.
Fully Taped Seams: Critical seams are sealed to prevent water ingress, ensuring no weak points in its waterproof integrity.
Adjustable and Packable Hood: The hood can be easily adjusted for a custom fit and conveniently packed away into the collar when not needed, offering versatility for changing weather.
Zipped Hand Pockets: Two secure, zipped pockets provide safe storage for small essentials like keys, a phone, or wallet, protecting them from the weather.
Adjustable Hem and Velcro® Cuffs: Allows you to cinch the jacket around your waist and wrists, preventing wind and rain from entering, and helping to trap warmth when needed.
Lightweight Polyester Fabric: Constructed from a durable polyester plain weave, the jacket is lightweight, comfortable for extended wear, and offers a smart, stylish finish.
Excellent waterproof and breathable performance for various activities.
Lightweight and comfortable, suitable for all-day wear.
Versatile adjustable features (hood, hem, cuffs) for a custom fit.
Packable hood adds convenience for unpredictable weather.
Secure zipped pockets protect valuables from the elements.
Minimal insulation, not ideal as a standalone jacket in cold climates.
Only two pockets, which might be limiting for some users.
DWR finish may require periodic reapplication over time to maintain effectiveness.
Polyester fabric may not offer the same stretch or feel as some other materials.
Info needed: May not be suitable for extreme, prolonged downpours as a primary layer.
Excellent waterproof and breathable performance for various activities.
Lightweight and comfortable, suitable for all-day wear.
Versatile adjustable features (hood, hem, cuffs) for a custom fit.
Packable hood adds convenience for unpredictable weather.
Secure zipped pockets protect valuables from the elements.
Minimal insulation, not ideal as a standalone jacket in cold climates.
Only two pockets, which might be limiting for some users.
DWR finish may require periodic reapplication over time to maintain effectiveness.
Polyester fabric may not offer the same stretch or feel as some other materials.
Info needed: May not be suitable for extreme, prolonged downpours as a primary layer.
The North Face Sangro DryVent™ Jacket excels as a reliable outer shell for unpredictable weather conditions. Its 2-layer DryVent™ technology makes it highly effective against rain, while its breathability prevents clamminess during active use. For example, during a brisk hill walk, the jacket will repel light to moderate rain and wind, allowing you to maintain a comfortable body temperature without overheating. The DWR finish ensures water beads up and rolls off, keeping the jacket's surface from becoming saturated.
For everyday wear or commuting, its lightweight design and stylish polyester plain weave fabric make it a practical choice. The adjustable and packable hood is particularly useful; you can quickly deploy it during sudden downpours on your commute and then neatly store it away when the rain stops, maintaining a sleek look. The zipped hand pockets are perfectly sized for securing your phone, wallet, or keys, protecting them from moisture and preventing loss during movement. Adjustments like the hem cord and Velcro® cuffs allow you to seal out drafts and retain warmth, proving valuable on windy days or when temperatures drop slightly.
Your Sangro DryVent™ Jacket requires minimal 'setup' to optimize its performance:
Hood Adjustment: To deploy the hood, unroll it from the collar. Use the drawcords to tighten or loosen it for a snug fit around your head, ensuring it doesn't obstruct your vision. To pack it away, roll it neatly and secure it back into the collar.
Hem Adjustment: Locate the drawcord at the hem of the jacket. Pull to tighten for a closer fit, which helps to trap warmth and prevent drafts. Release to loosen as desired.
Cuff Adjustment: Use the Velcro® tabs on each cuff to tighten or loosen around your wrists. This helps seal out cold air and moisture, and can be adjusted to accommodate gloves.
This jacket is designed as an outer shell. For optimal comfort and warmth, consider layering:
Base Layer: Wear moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool base layers for temperature regulation during activity.
Mid-Layer: For colder conditions, add a fleece jacket or insulated vest underneath for warmth. The jacket's lightweight design allows for comfortable layering without feeling bulky.
Proper care will maintain your jacket's performance and longevity:
Washing: Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle with a mild liquid detergent. Avoid powder detergents, fabric softeners, and bleach, as these can impair the DWR finish and breathability.
Drying: Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry. If tumble drying, you can periodically run it on a low heat cycle (or iron on a low, no-steam setting) to reactivate the DWR finish. Ensure the jacket is completely dry before storing.
DWR Reapplication: Over time, the DWR finish may wear off. If water no longer beads on the fabric surface, you can reapply a DWR treatment spray or wash-in product specifically designed for technical outerwear. Follow the product instructions carefully.
Storage: Store the jacket clean and dry in a cool, well-ventilated area.