Gear Review
The North Face Varius Guide Jacket - Men's
Decent. It works for winter
By Blaine Shillington
Ranked #205 - Men's Technical Shells
February 18, 2010
Good Jacket. I owned this jacket for a couple years after getting a super deal on it at REI. The hyVent fabric is decent. A little heavy and thick, but this jacket won't let wind through at all. Being at the top of a mountain in blowing snow, it held up great and was warm. The hood is decent although the quality is nothing like a more technical shell. The cinches were good but felt weak because of the heavy feel of the jacket. The HyVent won't keep out rain for very long, so this isn't a good summer/ shoulder season jacket. I'd recommend this for winter and for around town. It works great but once things get slushy or rainy, watch out. You'll eventually get wetted out. I've snowmobiled in this also and going 80 mph the wind couldn't make it through. Very warm, but only with some insulation underneath. I recommend a 200 weight fleece at least.
It's a decent jacket at the lower end of the spectrum. Will be reliable but doesn't stand up to OR, MH, Patagonia, or Marmot quality. HyVent is like the baby to Gore fabrics. I wouldn't recommend HyVent over any Gore, Cloudburst, eVent, etc. fabrics.
View Details: The North Face Varius Guide Jacket - Men's
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- [membrane/laminate] HyVent 2L; [body] nylon ripstop (70D); [abrasion patches] nylon, mechanical stretch polyester
- Insulation:
- none
- Fabric Waterproof Rating:
- 25 PSI
- Fabric Breathability Rating:
- 625 g/mē
- Hood:
- yes, removable
- Fit:
- standard
- Center Back Length:
- 30 in
- Venting:
- underarm vents
- Powder Skirt:
- yes
- Pockets:
- (external) 2 hand, 1 chest Napoleon, (internal) 1 security
- Seams:
- fully taped
- Wrist Gaiters:
- no
- Liner-Compatible:
- yes
- Weight:
- 25.75 oz
- Recommended Use:
- skiing, alpine climbing, mountaineering
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- lifetime
Change me.